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📚 New Safety Building, Bike Tunnels, and a Romance Novel Cafe

📚 New Safety Building, Bike Tunnels, and a Romance Novel Cafe

Plus restaurants to try out, a local artist highlight Palo Alto, and a new coffee shop in Redwood City

Greg Kemper
November 20, 2025

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Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!

In this week’s newsletter, learn more about new arrivals to Palo Alto: a safety building, bike tunnels, a concert series, and a romance book cafe.

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

🔥 New Safety Building: Find out what to expect and how it will serve the community

📚 New Book Cafe: The romance cafe and bar in Los Altos

🍁 Weekend fun: Your November lineup of events and upcoming holidays events, fairs, and more!

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🚴🏼‍♀️ Palo Alto Eyes Bike Tunnel Under El Dorado Avenue

City planners are considering building a new bicycle tunnel under El Dorado Avenue to improve bike connectivity and safety. The proposal aims to link existing bike paths and reduce surface-street conflicts, especially for commuters. If advanced, it could become one of the city’s most ambitious cycling infrastructure projects, reflecting Palo Alto’s long-term push for more active-transportation options. The idea is still under study, with feasibility, cost, and environmental impact assessments to come. Supporters hope it will make cycling a more viable alternative for daily travel across the city. Read more here.

🏢 Palo Alto Opens New Public Safety Building

Palo Alto officially marked the opening of its new $123.5 million Public Safety Building, which now houses its Police Department, 911 dispatch, Emergency Operations Center, and Fire Department administration. The ceremony drew over 200 community members who toured the facility, which features a public plaza, training spaces, and dedicated parking for public safety vehicles.

City leaders say the building strengthens resilience – it’s built to operate independently after a major disaster and withstand higher-than-normal seismic forces. By co-locating these critical services, the city also expects greater operational synergy and faster emergency response. It’s part of a decade-long infrastructure plan to boost equity, safety, and sustainability in Palo Alto. Read more here.

🚴🏼‍♀️ Panel Reimagines Downtown Transit Center With High Rises, Bike Lanes, & Snacks

A recent community panel in Palo Alto laid out a bold vision to transform the downtown transit center by adding high-rise housing, better bike lanes, and more amenities like snack shops. The participants hope to turn the area into a more vibrant, mixed-use hub where public transport, residential life, and retail intersect.

Their ideas reflect growing demand for sustainable transit-oriented development in the heart of the city. While the vision is long-term, the discussion signals serious momentum around densifying central Palo Alto in a way that prioritizes walkability and active travel. City officials are now reviewing the community’s proposals to assess what can be included in future planning efforts. Read more here.

🤖 Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service Across Peninsula and On to Freeways

Waymo announced a major expansion of its robotaxi service across the San Francisco Peninsula, now covering a 260-square-mile area and including freeway segments on routes like US-101 and I-280. The company is also offering curbside pickup and drop-off at San Jose Mineta International Airport, making autonomous rides more convenient for travelers.

Waymo says the freeway rollout is backed by rigorous testing, including simulations and millions of miles of driving, with safety protocols in place for highway driving. The expanded area underscores Waymo’s growing ambition to make robotaxi travel more seamless and useful for commuters, not just local trips. Read more here.

🎸Cal Ave Merchants Launch New Concert Series

Downtown Palo Alto’s California Avenue business community is planning its own summer concert series. Merchants say the new independent series will help bring fresh energy to the neighborhood while giving local shops more control over programming. The concerts aim to support small businesses, drive foot traffic, and reinforce Cal Ave as a cultural destination. Organizers are exploring local sponsorships, tighter community involvement, and a schedule tailored to the character of the district. This effort underscores a growing push by merchants to strengthen downtown as both a commercial and social hub. Read more here.

Artist Courtney Beyers Pays Tribute to Local Landmarks in Her Designs

Menlo Park artist Courtney Beyers is gaining attention for her imaginative works that draw inspiration from iconic Bay Area landmarks like the “Flintstone House” and the Stanford Dish. Using playful forms and bold colors, her art captures both whimsy and a deep appreciation for the region’s architectural history. Beyers says her designs are a way to celebrate her community and make local heritage feel more present. Her work has been showcased in public installations and galleries, and she’s increasingly becoming a local favorite for collectors and art lovers. Read more here.

A Novel Affair: Romance Book Cafe and Bar in Los Altos

The Bay Area is getting it’s first romance book store: A Novel Affair. Their pop-up kicks off November 29-30th with author signings, vendor booths, & wine and book tastings. Featuring a cafe and wine bar, A Novel Affair will be your go-to destination to browse books or spend a cozy afternoon reading. Whether you’re grabbing a quick brew or lingering with friends, A Novel Affair will offer a wide selection of America’s #1 book genre and an inviting place for book lovers to gather.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

Bar Loretta in Menlo Park

639 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park
Photo: Bar Loretta

Bar Loretta is a stylish restaurant, bar, and market known for its contemporary menu, inviting atmosphere, and creative cocktails. Guests can enjoy a wide range of dishes including wood-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal small plates, all prepared with attention to flavor and presentation. The bar features inventive cocktails, local wines, and craft beers, making it an ideal spot for happy hour or a relaxed evening out. The warm, modern interior and attentive service create a welcoming environment for both casual dinners and special celebrations. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the dining room and bar are particularly lively. Check them out here!

Macarena in Palo Alto

420 Ramona St, Palo Alto

Macarena offers a warm and intimate dining experience rooted in traditional Spanish flavors and family recipes. The menu includes tapas, paellas, and desserts that highlight the richness and comfort of home-style Spanish cooking. Guests value the cozy, living room feel of the space, which encourages slow meals and shared plates. The restaurant’s personal touches and heartfelt service create an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and memorable. It is a popular choice for relaxed dinners, making reservations a smart idea on weekends. Check them out here!