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- 🍕 Los Altos Pizza Chef Top Ten at Pizza Championships in Italy
🍕 Los Altos Pizza Chef Top Ten at Pizza Championships in Italy
HEAD WEST Marketplace, Filoli Art Walk, Art on the Square, summer concerts, and movies on the square PLUS - Nightfall at Filoli returns this fall!
Greg Kemper
July 23, 2026
In this week’s edition:
Local Updates: Los Altos Pizza Chef earns top 10 finish at pizza championship in Italy
Business Updates: New Zoning Changes in Redwood City plus taller housing near Caltrain stations
Events: HEAD WEST Market, Filoli Art Walk, Art on the Square, summer concerts, and movies on the square PLUS - Nightfall at Filoli returns this fall!
Redwood City approves more than 20 zoning changes to encourage housing and development
Redwood City has approved more than 20 amendments to its zoning code aimed at making it easier to build new housing and commercial projects while streamlining the development process. Many of the changes update outdated regulations, simplify permit requirements, and align local rules with recent state housing laws designed to increase housing production. The amendments affect development citywide, including mixed-use corridors and areas planned for future growth, with officials saying they will provide greater clarity for developers while maintaining design standards. For residents, the updates could help accelerate new housing projects, businesses, and redevelopment proposals over the coming years while reducing approval delays. Read more here.
New state law opens the door for taller housing near Caltrain stations
A new California law is set to reshape development around Caltrain stations by allowing significantly taller residential buildings near major transit stops, overriding some local zoning restrictions. Communities including Redwood City will need to comply with the legislation, which is intended to increase housing supply close to public transportation and reduce dependence on cars. The law could affect areas surrounding the Downtown Redwood City Caltrain Station and other qualifying transit hubs as developers pursue higher-density housing proposals. For locals, the change may bring more housing options and support transit ridership, though residents can also expect ongoing discussions about neighborhood character, infrastructure, and growth. Read more here.
Buzz and Brew opens next to Redwood Grill
The team behind Redwood Grill has expanded with the opening of Buzz and Brew, a new café located right next door. The coffee shop serves handcrafted espresso drinks, specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and a selection of fresh pastries and light bites, creating a convenient spot for breakfast, a midday break, or an afternoon pick-me-up. With neighboring businesses under the same ownership, visitors can easily stop by for coffee before or after a meal at Redwood Grill. The new café adds another locally owned option to the neighborhood's growing dining scene.
Los Altos chef places among the world's best pizza makers
A Los Altos chef has earned international recognition after finishing in the top 10 at the World Pizza Championship in Naples, Italy, one of the most prestigious pizza competitions in the industry. Lars Smith of State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria in Los Altos placed within the top 10 in three separate categories. Competing against hundreds of pizza makers from around the world, the chef impressed judges with technical skill, creativity, and craftsmanship. The achievement shines a spotlight on the Peninsula's culinary scene and highlights the caliber of talent found in local restaurants. For pizza lovers, it's another reminder that world-class dining experiences can be found close to home. Read more here.
Demiya in Palo Alto
Demiya brings together contemporary Japanese and French influences in a stylish, intimate setting in downtown Palo Alto. The menu features beautifully presented dishes such as premium sushi and sashimi, A5 Japanese wagyu, fresh oysters, caviar service, and creative small plates alongside handcrafted cocktails. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and refined techniques, creating a menu that blends traditional Japanese flavors with modern European inspiration. In addition to à la carte dining, guests can also enjoy tasting experiences that showcase the kitchen's signature approach to fine dining.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
Nightfall at Filoli is back!
As darkness falls, Nightfall transforms Filoli into an unforgettable world of harvest celebrations, haunted history, and enchanted forests. Wander a mansion frozen in time, follow thousands of glowing pumpkins into a hidden witches' village, and discover new this year, a spectacular miniature train display featuring 1,000 feet of track and eight looping trains. This is Halloween unlike anywhere else.
Tickets are on sale now and are sure to sell out! Buy them here. Nightfall runs from September 26 – November 1
🐎 Soak Up the Summer Vibes: Petty Theft | Los Altos | Hillview Soccer Field | 7/23 | more
Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening of classic Tom Petty hits performed live under the summer sky.
🎬 Movie on the Square: Independent Short Film and Superman | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 7/23 | more
Enjoy a free outdoor double feature in the heart of downtown, beginning with an independent short film followed by Superman on the big screen.
🎶 Summer Concert Series | Palo Alto | Village Eats | 7/23 | more
Enjoy live music while dining outdoors as Town & Country Village's summer concert series fills the evening with great local performances.
🎨 Free Make and Take Projects | Redwood City | Eureka Gallery & Studio @ Center for Creativity | 7/23 | more
Drop in for a free, hands-on art activity where all ages can create a fun project to take home.
🖼️ Art on the Square | Redwood City | Courthouse Square on Hamilton Ave | 7/24 | more
Browse artwork from talented local and regional artists while enjoying live entertainment, food, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere.
🎵 Magical Series: Summer Concert Series | Palo Alto | Magical Bridge | 7/24 | more
Bring the family for an evening of live music at Magical Bridge Playground featuring Lori & RJ in an inclusive outdoor setting.
🌿 Art Walk | Woodside | Filoli | 7/25 - 26 | more
Explore Filoli's beautiful gardens while discovering unique art installations inspired by nature and the historic estate.
🎶 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 7/25 | more
Kick off the weekend with live waterfront music, food, drinks, and dancing along Redwood City's scenic harbor.
🎨 Magical Art Projects with Casa Circulo Cultural | Redwood City | Magical Bridge Playground | 7/25 | more
Create colorful, hands-on art inspired by Latin American culture in this family-friendly outdoor workshop.
📚 Seaside Story Hour | Redwood City | Redwood Shores Library | 7/25 | more
Little ones can enjoy ocean-themed stories, songs, and early literacy activities designed for young readers and their caregivers.
🛍️ HEAD WEST Marketplace | Los Altos | State St. at 3rd St. | 7/26 | more
Shop local makers, artists, vintage vendors, and designers while enjoying live music and a lively community market.
🎲 Board Games for Grown Ups | Redwood City | Redwood Shores Branch Library | 7/27 | more
Meet new people and enjoy an evening of classic and modern board games in a relaxed, adults-only setting.
📖 Stories in the Park | Redwood City | Magical Bridge Playground | 7/28 | more
Gather outdoors for interactive stories, songs, and fun activities perfect for young children and their families.
🎷 Summer Concert Series: Soul / R&B | Menlo Park | Fremont Park | 7/29 | more
Relax in the park with an evening of soulful live music featuring smooth R&B favorites in a family-friendly setting.
🤹 Rock Steady Juggling | Redwood City | Redwood Shores Library | 7/29 | more
Try your hand at juggling during this entertaining, hands-on workshop designed to get everyone tossing and catching.
🎤 Soak Up the Summer Vibes: Mustache Harbor | Los Altos | Hillview Soccer Field | 7/30 | more
Bring a blanket and picnic for a fun-filled evening as Mustache Harbor performs crowd-favorite yacht rock classics.
🎬 Movie on the Square: Zootopia 2 and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 7/30 | more
Enjoy a free outdoor double feature with family-friendly fun followed by an action-packed blockbuster under the stars.
🎶 Summer Concert Series | Palo Alto | Wildseed | 7/30 | more
Enjoy live music on the patio while dining at Wildseed as part of Town & Country Village's summer concert series.
🎨 Free Make and Take Projects | Redwood City | Eureka Gallery & Studio @ Center for Creativity | 7/30 | more
Get creative with a free drop-in art project and leave with a handmade creation the whole family can enjoy.