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- 🚒 Halloween Events, New Fire Chief, Bike Lanes, and Sushi Spots
🚒 Halloween Events, New Fire Chief, Bike Lanes, and Sushi Spots
Plus updates on RV enforcements, tenant protections, and two elevated comfort food restaurants to check out.
Greg Kemper
October 23, 2025
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!
In this week’s newsletter, learn more about updates to enforcement on RV policies, new tenant protections, the newly-elected fire chief, and planned bike paths. Plus, we have elevated comfort food, a newly re-opened sushi restaurant, and all the Halloween events you could want!
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
🚴🏼♀️ New Bike Paths Planned: Learn where and how you can provide input
🍣 Sushi Restaurant Re-Opens Under New Name: Learn more about what they’re now offering.
🎃 Family-friendly Halloween fun: Dress ups, parades, crafts, and more!
🚐 Updates to Palo Alto’s RV Policy
Palo Alto is rolling out a multi-phase plan to tackle the growing number of RVs parked on public streets by combining new restrictions with expanded supportive services. The first phase directs the city manager to propose bans on renting public parking spaces for RVs (“van-lording”) and on long-term parking of inoperable vehicles, while also beginning to reach out to businesses and faith-based organizations about safe parking options.
Critics caution that without resources for outreach and safe parking, enforcement alone may shift the problem rather than solve it. The policy is poised to reshape how the city balances public health, neighborhood quality and the housing needs of unhoused residents. Read more here.
🚒 Palo Alto Selects New Fire Chief
Stephen Lindsey has been named by City Manager Ed Shikada as the recommended new Fire Chief for Palo Alto, pending City Council approval. With a longtime tenure in the department, including service as deputy chief since 2022. Lindsey will succeed Geo Blackshire, who is retiring after 28 years. The move underscores an internal promotion during a period when public safety leadership remains front of mind for the city. If confirmed, Lindsey will lead the fire department into its next chapter of emergency response and community safety. Read more here.
🚴🏼♀️ New Bikeways Planned on South Palo Alto Thoroughfares
South Palo Alto residents may soon ride safer and smoother as the city moves ahead with plans to install separated bike lanes along key thoroughfares. The upcoming improvements are part of the city’s broader Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan update, aimed at creating more connected and low-stress routes for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages.
Public input is currently open as the city refines designs and funding before construction begins. These changes reflect a growing focus on active-transportation infrastructure and aim to reduce vehicle-dependent commuting in the area. Read more here.
🏢 Redwood City Passes New Tenant Protection Ordinance
The Redwood City Council has approved a new tenant protection ordinance that introduces a “right to return” after major renovations, expands relocation benefits for displaced renters, and updates lease-term rules to better align with local needs. Passed by a 4-2 vote, the ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2026, and reflects strong local momentum to strengthen renter safeguards amid high housing costs.
Some landlords voiced concerns about the ordinance’s potential impact on investment in rental housing, but supporters say it helps preserve stable homes for vulnerable tenants. The policy signals a deeper commitment to anti-displacement efforts and housing equity in the region. Read more here.
Nagai Edomae Sushi Re-Opens with New Management as Sushi Kinsen
2074 Broadway Street
After years of serving expertly crafted Edomae-style sushi, Nagai Edomae Sushi permanently closed its doors in August. However, they have just reopened under new ownership, a new name, and a new chef.
Sushi Kinsen opened in downtown Redwood City, offering a new chapter of high-end omakase under Jason Sen Li. The menu is a focused progression of carefully sourced fish delivered from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market and prepared using traditional Edomae techniques (such as aging and curing) paired with the chef’s contemporary sensibility. With seating limited and reservations through an online system, Sushi Kinsen emphasizes a refined dining experience rather than casual drop-ins. Learn more here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
Ethel’s Fancy
550 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Ethel’s Fancy combines a playful, globally inspired approach with the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant. The menu leans New American with Japanese and Hawaiian influences. For example, a katsu-style swordfish cutlet with spiced kumquats and dijonnaise has been featured. Signature dishes include the house-grilled milk bread flat-breads served with sweet potato purée and brown butter, as well as miso-caramel pork belly atop burrata.
Its menu features inventive small plates and modern comfort dishes, complemented by creative cocktails and a lively, mid-century-inspired interior. The restaurant’s open kitchen and casual yet elevated atmosphere have made it a popular gathering spot for downtown Palo Alto diners looking for something refined but approachable.
Reposado
236 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto
Reposado presents a modern, elevated take on Mexican cuisine. The menu features a blend of coastal and regional Mexican flavors, with strong vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly marked. Small plates include dishes like ceviche de huachinango (red snapper with mango and cucumber) and house-made guacamole served with freshly made tortilla chips. For mains, standout offerings include the cochinta pibil (achiote-marinated pork braised in banana leaves), carne a la parrilla (grilled hanger steak with chili relleno and macha salsa), and a vegetarian-friendly tofu crujiente with tricolor quinoa salad.
🎃 Jack O’ Jaunt | Lytton Plaza | Palo Alto | 10/24 | more
Bring your best-carved pumpkin for a festive downtown stroll and family-friendly Halloween fun.
👻 Pal-O-Ween Block Party | PAL Center | Redwood City | 10/24 | more
Enjoy games, costumes, music, and community spirit at Redwood City’s annual PAL Halloween bash.
🦇 Family Fun Day: Halloween Hoopla | Los Altos Community Center | 10/25 | more
Celebrate the season with crafts, games, and spooky surprises for kids and families.
🥞 Annual Pancake Breakfast | Menlo Park Fire District HQ | 10/25 | more
Fuel up with pancakes and meet local firefighters at this beloved community breakfast.
🌿 Gamble Garden Halloween | Palo Alto | 10/25 | more
Dress up and explore the gardens with trick-or-treating, crafts, and live entertainment.
🎃 Halloween Spooktacular | Red Morton Community Center | Redwood City | 10/25 | more
Costumes, games, and spooky fun for the whole family at this annual city favorite.
🌳 Family Nature Day | Huddart Park |Woodside | 10/25 | more
Explore the great outdoors with guided nature walks, wildlife activities, and family fun.
🌙 Redwood City Night Market | Broadway Ave | 10/25 & 10/26 | more
Enjoy local artisans, food, and live entertainment as the streets light up after dark.
🚗 Frunk or Treat: EV & E-Bike Show | Mitchell Park | Palo Alto | 10/25 | more
Celebrate sustainable mobility with electric cars, e-bikes, and Halloween fun.
🛍️ Head West Marketplace | State Street | Los Altos | 10/26 | more
Shop handmade goods, vintage finds, and local art at this open-air market.
🎭 Boo Bash | Firelight Shadow Theatre | Redwood City | 10/28 | more
An immersive Halloween performance with music, movement, and shadow storytelling.
💀 Día de los Muertos Concert Film | Belle Haven Library | Menlo Park | 10/28 | more
A cultural evening featuring film and music celebrating Día de los Muertos traditions.
🧵 Halloween FrankenBag Workshop | Cubberley Community Center | Palo Alto | 10/30 | more
Create a spooky upcycled tote just in time for trick-or-treating.
🦓 Halloween Zoo Night | Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo | 10/30 | more
Meet nocturnal animals, enjoy games, and explore the zoo after dark.
🎭 Halloween Costume Party | The Armory |Redwood City | 10/30 | more
Dress up and dance the night away at this festive downtown celebration.
🧙 Boo-tiful Downtown Halloween | Los Altos | 10/31 | more
Trick-or-treat through downtown Los Altos with family-friendly entertainment and activities.
💀 Día de los Muertos Halloween Party | Angelica’s | Redwood City | 10/31 | more
Live music, themed cocktails, and vibrant décor for a night that blends two beloved traditions.
👻 Halloween at Ghostwood | Redwood City | 10/31 | more
Enjoy spine-tingling cocktails and haunted vibes at Ghostwood’s annual Halloween party.
🍸 Halloween Spook-Easy | Alhambra Irish House | Redwood City | 10/31 | more
Step back in time for a Prohibition-style night of magic, music, and mystery.
🎉 Halloween at The Hub | Redwood City | 10/31 | more
Dance, mingle, and celebrate Halloween with live DJs and costumes galore.
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