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- ⚽ Memorial Day Plans and World Cup Entertainment Zone in RWC
⚽ Memorial Day Plans and World Cup Entertainment Zone in RWC
Plus, Bryant Community Center Opens , Housing Updates, and Cannery Site Reimagined
Greg Kemper
May 21, 2026
In this week’s edition:
Local Updates: Redwood City eyeing entertainment zone for World Cup, Bryant Community Center Opens
Business Updates: Disused office space becoming housing in Palo Alto
Events: Crafting, memorial day plans, markets, and delicious pop ups
Controversial Housing Project
Palo Alto is moving forward with a controversial 16-unit housing project in the Esther Clark Park neighborhood, despite pushback from residents worried about wildfire evacuation and traffic on narrow Old Trace Road. City leaders said they shared many of the concerns but ultimately approved the subdivision because state housing laws leave little room to deny projects unless there’s clear evidence of an unavoidable safety risk. The developer says the project will actually improve safety by adding sidewalks and a second egress lane onto Arastradero Road. Read more here.
Bryant Community Center Opens in Palo Alto
The Bryant Community Center in downtown Palo Alto is gearing up for its grand opening celebration on Wednesday, June 3, offering a refreshed space for residents of all ages. The center features a new Teen Center, community classes, and programming like the La Comida senior lunch program right at Bryant Street, near University Ave., walkable for many downtown residents. Officials hope the center will become a neighborhood hub where families, teens, and older adults can connect, learn, and relax. With scheduled activities already underway and more rolling out this spring and summer, it’s shaping up to be a great local resource. Expect more events and programs to help bring the community together. Read more here.
Redwood City Eyes Entertainment Zone
Redwood City is considering a new downtown “entertainment zone” along the 2000 block of Broadway between Jefferson Ave. and Main St. that would let people enjoy beer and wine outdoors during special events, especially from June onward around activities like the FIFA World Cup. The city council voted to introduce an ordinance that would allow alcohol purchased from participating businesses to be consumed in this area in controlled, designated times and spaces. It’s part of a strategy to boost foot traffic, support local restaurants and bars, and make events more festive while balancing safety requirements. For locals, this could mean more playful, community-oriented downtown experiences, especially on warm weekends, while also drawing visitors to support nearby shops. Read more here.
Palo Alto Cannery Site Reimagined
In Palo Alto’s Railroad Square, the historic former cannery building at 340 Portage Ave. is being celebrated as it opens a new chapter blending its industrial past with future uses. The project preserved key architectural elements while introducing updated spaces that could house commercial, retail, or community-oriented uses, a thoughtful nod to local history and modern needs. Residents and city planners alike are highlighting how adaptive reuse can respect heritage while making space lively and relevant for today’s downtown. This transformation brings more foot traffic and potential business opportunities to the area near University Ave. and California Ave., strengthening the city’s hubs. For locals, it’s a reminder of how preservation and growth can go hand in hand. Read more here.
Harry’s Hofbrau in Redwood City
Harry's Hofbrau has been a longtime Bay Area institution known for its cafeteria-style carving stations and classic comfort food. The restaurant specializes in slow-roasted meats like turkey, roast beef, corned beef, and ham carved to order, alongside traditional sides including mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, stuffing, and macaroni salad. While rooted in old-school American hofbrau dining traditions with German influences, the menu has become especially known for hearty carvery plates and house-roasted turkey dinners. The Redwood City location continues to draw regulars for its large dining hall, beer selection, and nostalgic atmosphere that has remained part of the community for decades. Guests can also find deli sandwiches, soups, salads, and rotating comfort-food specials throughout the week. Read more here.
Lavender n Cream in Redwood City
3716 Florence St, Redwood City
Lavender ’n Cream is known for its beautifully curated pastries that blend classic technique with modern flavors. The menu leans into seasonal ingredients and artisanal presentation, featuring sweet pastries alongside savory brunch plates that elevate traditional breakfast concepts. They are most known for their fruit tarts, cakes, and pastries. Lavender ’n Cream’s focus on detailed, high-quality ingredients gives each item a distinctive touch. It’s a spot that highlights careful culinary craft in every bite.
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🐾 Paws & Pearls | Los Altos | Teen Center | 5/21 | more
Enjoy an evening of furry friends, sparkle, and community fun during this playful event benefiting local teens and animal lovers alike.
🛍️ Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale | Los Altos | Town and Country Village | 5/21 | more
Spend the holiday weekend shopping in the sunshine while browsing seasonal deals, local boutiques, and special promotions throughout Town and Country Village.
🧀 Kitchen Table Co. Cheese Sale | Redwood City | Fireside Books | 5/22 | more
Pick up artisan cheeses and specialty treats during this delicious pop-up event hosted inside the cozy community atmosphere of Fireside Books.
🎶 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 5/23 | more
Enjoy live waterfront music, food, drinks, and a lively outdoor atmosphere during this popular community concert series along the Redwood City marina.
🛍️ Village Market | Redwood City | Broadway Street | 5/23 | more
Stroll through downtown while shopping local makers, enjoying street food, and soaking up the festive weekend atmosphere.
🎤 Perry Sings Sinatra Dinner Show | Redwood City | Alhambra Irish House | 5/23 | more
Enjoy an evening of classic Sinatra hits, dinner, and live entertainment in an intimate supper-club style setting.
📚 Children's Story time | Redwood City | Fireside Books | 5/23 | more
Bring little readers for a fun and engaging story time filled with books, imagination, and community connection.
🎨 HEAD WEST | Los Altos | State St. at 3rd Str. | 5/24 | more
Shop handcrafted goods, vintage finds, art, clothing, and small-business creations at this curated outdoor makers market.
🖼️ Youth Art and Creative Connections Exhibitions | Palo Alto | Palo Alto Art Center | 5/24 | more
Annual showcase of youth creativity features artwork by students of all ages in Palo Alto Unified School District
🎷 Stanford Jazz Workshop | Stanford | CoHo | 5/25 | more
Listen to talented musicians and rising jazz performers during this lively evening jam session hosted at Stanford’s CoHo.
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