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☃️ Holiday Events, Robot Coffee, and the Circus
The new and proposed taxes, a tech startup revolutionizing coffee, and your lineup of events through November.
Greg Kemper
November 13, 2025
In partnership with
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!
In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the new and proposed taxes and their benefits, the race for county assessor, a tech startup coffee company, and upcoming events in the area!
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
💰 Tax Updates You Need to Know About: The new tax funding health care and a weather alert system, plus a proposed tax renewal
☕️ Robot Coffee Coming Soon: The start up looking to standardize products while improving service and community.
🎪 Your Event Lineup: Holiday events, local theater shows, and the Zoppe circus.
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💰 School board considering another parcel tax
The Palo Alto Unified School District is weighing whether to renew or modify its existing $905 parcel tax, which generates about $16.5 million annually and supports roughly 5% of its budget. The tax is set to expire at the end of the next school year, prompting early discussions about placing a measure on the June 2026 ballot. Some trustees are questioning whether the full amount remains necessary, given declining enrollment and rising property tax revenues. Community members and parent groups are expected to provide input before a formal proposal is drafted. Read more here.
✈️ County voters approve health care tax
Santa Clara County voters have passed a sales tax measure aimed at bolstering funding for hospitals and clinics that serve low-income residents. The approval will provide long-term revenue to support essential health programs and reduce budget shortfalls among the county’s 4 hospitals. This tax goes into effect in April 2026 and continues for 5 years. Read more here.
🏛️ Fligor and Kumar advance to runoff for county assessor
Los Altos councilmember Neysa Fligor and former Saratoga councilmember Rishi Kumar are headed to a runoff election to determine the next Santa Clara County assessor. Neither candidate secured a majority in the initial vote, with Fligor leading at about 40% and Kumar at 24%. The runoff is scheduled for December 30 and will decide who replaces long-time assessor Larry Stone. Both candidates have emphasized transparency, modernization, and improving customer service within the assessor’s office. Read more here.
Coming Soon to Palo Alto: Yummy Future - Robot Coffee
Yummy Future is an innovative startup that designs and deploys robotic cafés and modular beverage machines to enable fast, consistent drink service in venues such as offices, campuses and transit hubs. Their technology features a robotic barista arm, automated syrup and keg stations, remote operations and telemetry, and a footprint-light “Coffee-in-a-Box” unit that fits in small spaces. The company positions itself as serving both customers and operators by delivering high-quality beverages with lower overhead and enabling human staff to focus on hospitality and community rather than repetitive tasks. Yummy Future is poised to scale its robotics-driven model and explore franchise or white-label partnerships. Their first California Location will be on University Ave in Palo Alto.
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Roja in Los Altos
242 State St, Los Altos
Roja Los Altos brings a modern California dining experience to the heart of downtown with dishes that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and artful presentation. The menu draws on both local produce and European influences, offering a creative blend of flavors. Guests enjoy the elegant yet comfortable interior, along with attentive service and a thoughtful wine list. It’s a popular choice for date nights and celebrations thanks to its refined ambiance and inventive plates. From small bites to main courses, Roja’s menu balances creativity with approachability.
Los Altos Grill
233 3rd St, Los Altos
Los Altos Grill is a downtown favorite known for its classic American comfort food, cozy lighting, and polished yet welcoming service. The menu highlights staples like rotisserie chicken, fresh salads, and flavorful entrées cooked over a wood fire. Regulars often praise the consistent quality and inviting ambiance that make it ideal for family dinners or nights out with friends. The restaurant’s open kitchen adds a lively touch while maintaining a relaxed dining experience. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings when the dining room fills quickly.
🎪 Zoppe Italian Family Circus | Parking Lot next to Downtown RWC Library | Redwood City | November 12-30 | More
Join the Zoppe Family circus for a night of acrobatics, clowns, & more
🎭 Annie | Lucie Stern Community Center | Palo Alto | November 12-23 | More
Palo Alto Players continues its 95th season with the Broadway classic Annie!
🛍️ Holiday Stroll | Downtown | Los Altos | 11/14 | More
Celebrate the season with festive shopping, live music, and holiday cheer in the heart of downtown.
📚 Menlo Park Library Book Sale | Main Library | Menlo Park | 11/14-11/15 | More
Browse the library’s book sale- including collectibles, CDs, DVDs, and games
🎄 Highlands Community Holiday Market | Highlands Community Club | Redwood City| 11/15-11/16 | More
A festive weekend of shopping fun! Handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday treats
🍷Menlo Park Wine Walk| Santa Cruz Ave | Menlo Park | 11/15 | More
A festive weekend of shopping fun! Handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday treats
🛍️ Shop and Stroll | Town and Country Village | Palo Alto | 11/20 | More
Kick off your holiday shopping with exclusive deals, treats, and festive entertainment at Town & Country Village.
✨ Merry & Bright Preview Night | Filoli | Woodside | 11/21 | More
Experience Filoli’s gardens lit up for the holidays before the general public, with enchanting displays and festive ambiance.
🚂 Gilded, Thistlewyck, and Holiday Lights | Filoli | Woodside | 11/22 -1/11| More
Tiny trains, big cheer, and endless wonder await at Filoli’s holiday light display, running through Jan 11.
🍂 Thanksgiving Centerpieces | Filoli | Woodside | 11/24 & 25 | More
Create beautiful seasonal centerpieces in this hands-on workshop just in time for Thanksgiving.
🎆 Festival of Lights Parade | Downtown | Los Altos | 11/30 | More
Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade, holiday floats, and family-friendly celebration.
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