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Levees, Drones, Holiday Events, and New Restaurants to Try

Levees, Drones, Holiday Events, and New Restaurants to Try

A levee in Palo Alto, Los Altos PD drones, plus restaurants to try in Palo Alto!

Greg Kemper
December 18, 2025

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the Los Altos police’s new drones, living levee in Palo Alto, and restaurants to try before the holidays! Plus, check out the last of our holiday events!

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

🍴Tasty Bites to Try: New Orleans cuisine, fresh new food, and a ramen restaurant coming to Palo Alto.

🦺 Construction Updates: Bay Area’s first “living levee” takes shape in Palo Alto

🎄 Winter holiday fun: The last of out holiday events

🌊 Bay Area’s first “living levee” takes shape in Palo Alto

Construction is underway on Palo Alto’s innovative “horizontal living levee,” the first of its kind in the Bay Area. Unlike traditional flood walls, the levee uses gently sloped land and native plants to help absorb flooding and protect against sea-level rise. The project is designed to reduce flood risk while also restoring habitat along the bay. Residents will also see improved shoreline access once construction is complete. City leaders say this nature-based approach blends protection with environmental benefits. The project could serve as a model for other coastal communities facing climate challenges. Read more here.

🛸 Los Altos Police Department prepares to use drones

Los Altos police are planning to add drones to help with public safety and emergency response. The devices could be used for search and rescue, traffic collision documentation, and other situations where an aerial view improves safety. Police officials say the program will include clear rules around privacy and limited use. Community members have asked thoughtful questions about how the drones will be deployed. In response, the department plans to share more information before the program fully launches. Officials say the goal is better service with transparency. Read more here.

Tacolicious Closes Another Location

Tacolicious shutters its doors on two locations, including the Palo Alto location, which had been open for 13 years. The owners noted that this was largely due to rising costs for ingredients and supplies. This follows the closure of three other locations across the last five years, including in Noe Valley, San Jose on Santana Row, and North Beach. Read more here.

Marufuku Ramen coming to downtown Palo Alto

Marufuku Ramen is coming to downtown Palo Alto, with the opening expected for early next year. Marufuku Ramen will offer Hakata-style and Tonkotsu ramen, among other Japanese dishes, like Chicken Paitan and Tantanmen.

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Nola in Palo Alto

Nola is located in the historic Pedro de Lemos building (built in 1908) in the Ramona Corridor. As part of the Avenir Restaurant Group, the restaurant offers Southern-inspired cuisine with a fusion twist, drawing on the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans and its mix of cultures.

The menu includes brunch on weekends, craft cocktails, and cuisine reflecting New Orleans’ flavors: think vibrant spices, seafood, southern staples, etc. Nola tends to attract people both for casual dining and special evenings out. The bar hours are extended late on weekends.

535 Ramona St, Palo Alto

Son & Garden

Son & Garden’s menu centers on vibrant, plant-forward dishes that highlight seasonal fruits and vegetables in creative combinations. Breakfast and brunch items are crafted to be as visually colorful as they are flavorful, with plates often featuring fresh produce and thoughtfully paired ingredients. The restaurant has become known for its attention to the way dishes look as well as how they taste. The setting reflects the garden-inspired concept, with a welcoming atmosphere that complements the fresh ingredients. Whether enjoyed early in the day or into the afternoon, the menu emphasizes thoughtful combinations over heavy, traditional fare.

1195 Merrill St, Menlo Park

Read more here.

🥂 Après Village | East Palo Alto | Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley | 12/17 - 1/4 | more
Sip festive drinks and enjoy seasonal bites in a chic hotel pop-up setting.

🚂 Gilded, Thistlewyck, and Holiday Lights | Woodside | Filoli | through 1/12 | more
Kick off the season at Filoli with tiny trains, twinkling lights, and festive wonder.

📬 Santa Letters | Palo Alto | All Fire Stations | 12/18 | more
Send letters to Santa by the deadline to receive a personalized response.

🎭 Holiday Shows | Palo Alto | Palo Alto Children’s Theater | 12/18- 22 | more
Rotating schedule of “Madeline’s Christmas” and “Gingerbread Man”

🎬 Sensory Friendly Screening: Moana | Menlo Park | Library | 12/19 | more
A relaxed, inclusive movie screening designed for sensory-sensitive audiences.

🎶 Charlie Brown Christmas Tribute | Menlo Park | Guild Theatre | 12/20 | more
Experience a live musical performance celebrating the classic holiday score.

🎬 Sensory Friendly Screening: Raya and the Last Dragon | Menlo Park | Library | 12/26 | more
Enjoy an inclusive, low-sensory screening of this animated adventure.