Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop! This week we’re recognizing Stanford Health Care and El Camino Health Hospital’s national recognition, updating you on a proposed sales tax, and highlighting great restaurants and businesses to check out.

We also have a packed weekend calendar with outdoor movies, dancing, comedy shows, and other family fun. Let’s dive in! 👇

🏥 Stanford, El Camino Recognized Among Best U.S. Hospitals

Stanford Health Care and El Camino Health were recognized as two of the best in the U.S. Stanford tied for 1st in California and El Camino was ranked 16th in California, best in San Jose.

The U.S. News Report recognizes hospitals for their excellence in clinical outcomes, nursing care, and patient safety practices. Both hospitals earned high performance ratings in numerous adult specialties including oncology, orthopedics, cardiovascular conditions, maternity care, and more. Read more here. 

🏢 128,000 sq ft Mixed Use Building Proposed in Redwood City

Redwood City is considering a new mixed-use development at 1201 Main Street, proposing a six-story building featuring approximately 107,212 square feet of Class A office space alongside 32 residential units.

The building would include separate access for office and residential tenants, and offer two levels of dedicated parking with 89 stalls, including EV charging spaces. Located in the heart of downtown, the project aims to leverage its proximity to Caltrain and a growing network of amenities, aligning with the city's broader Downtown Precise Plan to revitalize underutilized land for economic vitality. Read more here.

💵 Sales Tax Increase Proposal 

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to place a general sales tax measure on the November ballot to address the $1 billion loss in revenue due to federal budget cuts. If it passed, the measure would temporarily increase sales tax in Santa Clara County by ⅝ of one cent for five years, which would generate an additional $330 million annually in revenue. 

The budget deficit, caused by H.R. 1, signed into federal law in July, caused nearly $2.3 billion in funding cuts to Medicaid. This impacts Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, including four public hospitals, fifteen health clinics, and two of three trauma centers in Santa Clara County. Due to limitations on how the county can raise revenue, the County proposed the sales tax as the only feasible option to quickly increase funding to mitigate the cuts. Read more here.

🍷 Polymath Set To Bring Coffee, Wine, and Spices to Los Altos

Polymath, a new specialty store dedicated to food, wine, and coffee, is set to open along State Street in Los Altos next month. Founded by Los Altos residents, the shop will offer a curated selection of fresh, globally sourced herbs, spices, and coffee, as well as wines from a boutique label, Calligraphy.

The couple, inspired by their family’s farming roots, aims to combine a love of quality ingredients with an appreciation for wine’s artistry and variation. Polymath will be the only location to purchase Calligraphy wines and the brand’s upcoming canned wine line, Manuscript, designed for wine lovers on the go.

🎬 Movie on the Square | Courthouse Square | Redwood City | 8/14 | More
Catch an outdoor movie under the stars in the heart of downtown Redwood City.

🎷 Village Vibes Live Music | Town & Country Village | Palo Alto | 8/14 | More
Free Thursday evening concerts—live bands, good eats, and summer vibes, 5–7pm.

🎶 Music on the Square | Courthouse Square | Redwood City | 8/15 | More
Live music fills the downtown square for a lively summer evening.

🍿 Summer Movie Night: The Proposal | Springline Plaza | Menlo Park | 8/15 | More
Watch a rom-com favorite in an outdoor summer movie setting.

🛍️ CCF Neighborhood Flea Market | Celebration Christian Fellowship | Redwood City | 8/16 | More
Treasure-hunting with friends. Vintage finds, household goods, and bargains.

🧘‍♀️ Yoga in the Garden | Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden | Palo Alto | 8/16 | More
All-levels outdoor yoga in a serene historic garden.

🐾 DOGust Pawty | Mercedes-Benz of Palo Alto | Palo Alto | 8/16 | More
Complimentary pet photos, treats, and pup-friendly fun.

🎶 Music & Puppets with Mr. Elephant | Children’s Library | Palo Alto | 8/16 | More
High-energy kids’ music and silly puppets—fun for all ages.

🎸 Dennis Jones Band | Dala’s Nest House Concerts | Menlo Park | 8/17 | More
Enjoy an intimate live blues performance from the Dennis Jones Band.

🧘 Tai Chi with Nelson Ng | Rinconada Library | Palo Alto | 8/17 | More
Gentle, guided tai chi for balance and flexibility—weekly Sunday sessions.

🔔 Sound Bath with The DEN Meditation | Hotel Nia | Menlo Park | 8/17 | More
Unwind in an immersive sound-healing session—deep relaxation to close the weekend.

🚨 Palo Alto Block Preparedness Coordinator Course | Mitchell Park Library | Palo Alto | 8/19 | More
Learn how to help your neighborhood prepare for emergencies.

🎥 Movie on the Square | Courthouse Square | Redwood City | 8/21 | More
Bring a blanket and enjoy a free movie in downtown Redwood City.

🍽️ Foodie Walk | California Ave | Palo Alto | 8/21 | More
Sample bites from local restaurants while exploring the downtown area and supporting a good cause.