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- ๐ข New Palo Alto Development Proposals and Business Updates
๐ข New Palo Alto Development Proposals and Business Updates
Plus National Night Out, Live on Cal Ave, and Los Altos Little Leaguers District Championship
Greg Kemper
July 31, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week's Palo Alto Scoop! We have news on new development proposals in Palo Alto, plus National Night Out, Live on Cal Ave, and a full slate of summer concerts to round out the week.
Let's get to it!
In this weekโs edition:
Local Updates: New development proposal in Palo Alto and Los Altos Little League Updates
Business Updates: Bookstore closure
Events: Summer concerts, national night out, and Live on Cal Ave
Developers pitch 98 units of housing on Park Boulevard
A development team is proposing to replace three office buildings on Park Boulevard with a seven-story, 98-unit residential building, taking advantage of a state law that boosts allowable height and density near transit. The project at 2151, 2181, and 2211 Park Blvd. sits within a quarter mile of the California Avenue Caltrain station, which the applicants say qualifies it for the full development standards under Senate Bill 79.
The timing is notable: the application is dated July 16, the same day Palo Alto's local rules capping SB 79 projects at half strength took effect, setting up a likely dispute over which standards apply. The plan would set aside 13 of the 98 units for low-income tenants. It's one of a wave of housing proposals totaling nearly 400 units that developers filed across the downtown and Cal Ave corridors during a brief window when the state law held full sway. Read more here.
East Palo Alto councilwoman won't seek re-election
East Palo Alto Councilwoman Martha Barragan announced on July 30 that she will not seek re-election, citing health issues. Barragan, 48, was elected in 2022 and served as mayor last year; she also teaches at Encinal Elementary School in Atherton. In her announcement, she said serving on the council over the past four years had been one of the greatest honors of her life and pledged to stay involved in the community. Two council seats are up for grabs this November. Vice Mayor Ruben Abrica, who was on the city's first council back in 1983, has told the Post he's running again, though no candidates had officially qualified for the ballot as of this week. Read more here.
Los Altos Little League All-Stars capture District 44 title
The Los Altos Little League All-Stars, competing in the 10-12 age bracket, are District 44 champions after beating Campbell 9-7 in the championship game on July 11. Los Altos won its final four games to take the Future Stars Tournament, battling through five bracket games in five days and closing it out with back-to-back wins over Campbell. The title sent the team to the Section 5 playoffs, where they opened with a commanding 16-1 win over Aptos before falling to Los Gatos in the final. It was a standout run for the program and a memorable summer for the players, coaches, and families who followed them. Read more here.
Redwood City bookstore closure marks another change for the Peninsula
The closure of Redwood City's Barnes & Noble comes just months after the company's San Bruno location announced it would also shut down, continuing changes to the Peninsula's bookstore landscape. While Barnes & Noble says it is shifting toward newer store formats and opening additional locations elsewhere, the loss of the Sequoia Station store leaves many longtime customers nostalgic for one of the area's largest bookstores. Local independent bookstores may see increased interest as readers look for alternatives closer to home. The change also reflects the ongoing redevelopment and evolving retail landscape across the Peninsula. Read more here.
Urfa Bistro in Los Altos
Urfa Bistro showcases Turkish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine inspired by the rich culinary traditions of southeastern Turkey. Signature dishes include Urfa kebab, chicken shish wraps, falafel wraps, grilled lamb, mezes and house-made dips such as roasted eggplant with tahini and yogurt. The menu also features fresh salads, seafood options and a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Named after the historic city of ลanlฤฑurfa, the restaurant highlights authentic spices, grilled meats and traditional Mediterranean ingredients. Its menu reflects a blend of Turkish hospitality and regional flavors from across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Post in Los Altos
The Post is a neighborhood restaurant and bar in downtown Los Altos serving contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce. The menu features dishes ranging from fresh salads and shareable starters to wood-fired pizzas, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and house-made pastas, complemented by craft cocktails, local beers, and California wines. Brunch is also a popular offering, with classic breakfast dishes alongside lunch favorites. Its spacious indoor dining room and outdoor patio make it a gathering place for everything from casual lunches to evening dinners and weekend brunches.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
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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 โ November 1
๐ Tickets on Sale: Fleurs de Villes: Gilded Age (September 9โ18) | Woodside | Filoli | more
Reserve your tickets now for Filoli's stunning floral exhibition, where fresh flower installations inspired by the elegance of the Gilded Age transform the historic estate and gardens.
๐ Summer Concert Series: Latin Fusion | Menlo Park | Karl E. Clark Park | 7/31 | more
Dance along to energetic Latin fusion music during this free community concert in the park.
๐ Magical Bridge Summer Concert Series | Palo Alto | Magical Bridge Playground | 7/31 | more
Enjoy an inclusive outdoor concert featuring James Henry's House of Samba Kids, with interactive music that's fun for all ages.
๐ฌ Family Movie Night | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park | 7/31 | more
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a fun-filled family night featuring Hoppers.
โ Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 8/1 | more
Spend a summer afternoon on the waterfront with free live music, dancing, and scenic bay views during Redwood City's popular concert series.
๐บ Pub in the Park | Redwood City | Red Morton Park | 8/1 | more
Enjoy beer and cider from breweries, along with music, food trucks, and fun!
๐ค Community Partner Day | Palo Alto | Magical Bridge Playground | 8/2 | more
Meet local organizations, enjoy family-friendly activities, and discover community resources during this welcoming event at Magical Bridge Playground.
๐ฎ National Night Out | Palo Alto | Bol Park | 8/4 | more
Connect with neighbors, meet first responders, and enjoy an evening of community-building activities celebrating neighborhood safety.
๐ National Night Out | Redwood City | Various locations | 8/4 | more
Celebrate community spirit with neighbors, local police, and city staff through games, activities, and opportunities to build stronger neighborhood connections.
๐ง Tai Chi | Redwood City | Redwood Shores Branch Library | 8/5 | more
Improve your balance, flexibility, and mindfulness during a free, gentle Tai Chi session suitable for beginners and experienced participants alike.
๐ธ Summer Concert Series: Cosmic Pop, Rock & Soul | Menlo Park | Fremont Park | 8/5 | more
Enjoy an evening of high-energy pop, rock, and soul music at this free outdoor summer concert.
๐ฌ Movie on the Square: The Naked Gun | Redwood City | Courthouse Square | 8/6 | more
Grab a lawn chair and enjoy a free outdoor screening of the comedy classic beneath the stars in downtown Redwood City.
๐ต Summer Concert Series | Palo Alto | Howie's Artisan Pizza | 8/6 | more
Relax with live music while enjoying dinner or drinks on the patio during Town & Country Village's summer concert series.
๐จ Free Make and Take Projects | Redwood City | Eureka Gallery & Studio at Center for Creativity | 8/6 | more
Create a fun art project with provided materials during this free drop-in activity that's great for kids, families, and adults alike.