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🏈 New Field of Dreams, Valentine's Events, and Retail Zones on El Camino

🏈 New Field of Dreams, Valentine's Events, and Retail Zones on El Camino

The new football/soccer field bringing opportunities to young people, plus retails zones to improve the experience on El Camino.

Greg Kemper
February 12, 2026

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the new field in East Palo Alto and updates to El Camino to bring more retail, plus Valentine’s events for everyone and tasty new restuarants to try!

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

Business Updates: A new retail zone on El Camino, plus new restaurants opening
Local Updates: A new sports facility is giving youth more opportunities
Events: Valentine’s Day, book talks, Lunar New Year Celebrations, and spring flower classes

🛍️ Palo Alto Plans Retail Zones Along El Camino

Palo Alto leaders are looking at ways to create distinct retail zones along El Camino Real to better support shopping and local businesses amid housing growth. As more residents are expected from new housing developments near El Camino and surrounding transit areas, planners hope designated retail areas will help maintain vibrant commercial corridors. The idea is to balance residential density with places to eat, shop, and gather, making daily errands easier and enhancing the street’s appeal. For residents and business owners, this could mean clearer rules for future storefronts and a more walkable, lively El Camino. Read more here.

⚽ New Sports Field Opens in East Palo Alto

A field once known for potholes and geese, the upgraded Los Robles–Ronald McNair sports field in East Palo Alto is now a place local youth can truly play, thanks to a multi-million-dollar project supported by community fundraising and grants. The new turf field, a regulation size for football and usable for soccer and other activities, was celebrated with students, local leaders, and even NFL alumni. It’s poised to become an important local hub for school teams and community events, giving kids safer, high-quality space for sports. For families and youth programs, this means more opportunities for organized play and community pride. Read more here.

🍵 Matcha Cafe Coming to Downtown Palo Alto

Downtown Palo Alto is about to get a new cozy stop for matcha lovers! The team behind Hiroshi, an acclaimed omakase restaurant in Los Altos, is launching Rikyu, a casual matcha-focused café expected to open this month on Lytton Avenue. The minimalist café will serve culinary-grade matcha drinks, including lattes and dessert panna cotta, alongside Japanese-style sandos and chirashi bowls, blending traditional tea culture with approachable eats. It’s shaping up to be a great spot for morning matcha, quick lunches, and a relaxing work or meetup location. Read more here.

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Madera in Menlo Park

Located inside the Rosewood Sand Hill hotel, Madera offers an upscale yet welcoming dining experience centered on refined, seasonal cuisine. The restaurant is known for beautifully prepared dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients, with menus often featuring wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, and creative California-inspired flavors. The setting feels polished but not overly formal, perfect for special occasions or an elevated night out. Warm design elements and scenic views enhance the atmosphere, reinforcing its reputation as a destination restaurant on the Peninsula. While it leans toward fine dining, the hospitality keeps it approachable.

The Pro in Palo Alto

A Palo Alto staple sports bar has returned as The Pro (formerly The Old Pro). After closing due to rising costs & declining business, the team from Zola & BarZola have revitalized The Pro, aiming to keep the community vibe and “Stanford Spirit” alive. Backed by a team of investors, including Stanford Alum Andrew Luck, The Pro opened their doors last week featuring a new menu, a new mascot, and a new look. The menu has elevated bar food such as braised short rib poutine, flatbreads, a banh mi french dip, and signature cocktails & a rotating selection of draft beers. This will surely be a hot spot for game days! Read more here.

See more here!

💐 Galentine’s Night Sip and Stems | Redwood City | Angelica’s | 2/12 | more
Grab your friends for a festive Galentine’s celebration featuring sips, floral fun, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out together.

🌷 Spring Flowering Bulbs | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 2/12 | more
Get inspired for the season ahead with this garden-focused event highlighting beautiful spring bulbs and expert tips to help your garden bloom.

🌵 Valentine’s Heart Succulent Planting | Redwood City | Little Green Plant Bar | 2/12 | more
Create a charming heart-themed succulent arrangement while enjoying a hands-on activity that makes a thoughtful gift or keepsake.

📚 Literary Trivia with Ashley and Kyra: Romance Edition | Menlo Park | Kepler’s Books | 2/12 | more
Put your knowledge of love stories to the test at this romance-themed trivia night—ideal for book lovers looking for a lively, social evening.

🖊️ Graphic Novel Author Panel | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 2/12 | more
Hear directly from graphic novel creators as they discuss their work, creative process, and the evolving world of visual storytelling.

💘 Hearts and Harmony Dance | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Community Center | 2/13 | more
Celebrate Valentine’s season with an upbeat community dance featuring music, connection, and plenty of fun for attendees ready to hit the floor.

🐾 Make Valentines for Your Favorite Animal! | Palo Alto | Junior Zoo and Museum | 2/13 of & 2/14 | more
Families can craft adorable Valentine cards inspired by their favorite animals, combining creativity with a love for wildlife.

🎨 Teen Arts Council Presents Valentine’s Day DIY Dance | Palo Alto | 445 Bryant St | 2/13 | more
Teens are invited to enjoy a creative, high-energy evening with music, dancing, and DIY elements designed just for their age group.

⛵ Valentine’s Dance | Redwood City | Veterans Memorial Senior Center | 2/13 | more
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Aurora Mandolin Orchestra while savoring light bites, sweet treats, and refreshments.

🎻 Vitamin String Quartet | Menlo Park | Guild Theatre | 2/14 | more
Experience popular hits reimagined through lush string arrangements in an intimate concert setting that blends classical style with modern favorites.

💃 Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Party | Redwood City | Alhambra Irish House | 2/14 | more
Enjoy a romantic night out featuring dinner, dancing, and live music, an excellent choice for couples looking to celebrate with great food and entertainment.