🥪 Saying Goodbye to Lutticken's Deli

Also learn more about a Pub Crawl and the RWC-backed transit tax

Author

Greg Kemper
October 08, 2026

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week's Palo Alto Scoop! This week, we celebrate Lutticken’s Deli’s years of delicious sandwiches while highlighting information about the transit tax that has Redwood City’s stamp of approval. Plus, we’ve got a solid week of events, including an upscale pub crawl and Friday night at the Art Center.

Let's get to it!

In this week’s edition:

  • Business Updates: Lutticken’s Deli Closes

  • Local Updates: RWC backs transit tax

  • Events: Upscale Pub Crawl & Friday Night at the Art Center

Redwood City Council Backs Regional Transit Tax

Redwood City's council voted 4-1 to endorse Connect Bay Area, a regional transit sales tax headed to the November 2026 ballot. Supporters pitched it as a safety net for Caltrain, SamTrans and other agencies still facing post-pandemic deficits. City staff said the money would return to San Mateo County, with 24% earmarked for Caltrain, 27% for BART, 7% for Muni and 37% for SamTrans' local plan. Councilmember Isabella Chu warned that weaker transit would push more commuters into cars and worsen traffic for everyone. Councilmember Marcella Padilla cast the lone no vote, citing the burden on working families and urging agencies to look at developing their own property first. Look for the measure on your fall ballot, since voters across the Bay Area will make the final call. Read more here.

Share Your Ideas for the Reimagine Dumbarton Path and Busway

SamTrans wants your feedback on "Reimagine Dumbarton," a plan for a paved walking and biking path and a zero-emission busway. It would run along a five-mile stretch of former freight rail line between Redwood City and East Palo Alto. The current proposal would connect the Redwood City Transit Center and Caltrain, with new pedestrian and bike crossings, bus stations, landscaping and gathering spaces. SamTrans teams will be out in the community collecting input on the overall design through Oct. 30, and a survey is available at samtrans.com/projects/reimagine-dumbarton. A second round of feedback will focus on amenities like miniparks and playgrounds, and a feasibility study is due to wrap up in the spring. Read more here.

Lutticken’s Deli Closes

Lutticken’s Deli has served the Menlo Park community for 45 years, building a following with classic deli fare including its Super Sub, Hot Polish Sandwich, salads, burritos and other casual favorites. Founded by Bob Lutticken in 1981, the family-owned business grew from its original grocery-store concept into a neighborhood deli and catering business, eventually expanding to include locations at Stanford and on Sand Hill Road. Beyond food, Lutticken’s became known as a community gathering place, supporting local youth sports, veterans, people experiencing homelessness and hunger, as well as local musicians through its After 5 program, which offered dinner, drinks, live music, karaoke and open mic nights. The Menlo Park location closed Sept. 30, with longtime employees and regulars hoping that someone may eventually revive the business and continue its community legacy. Read more here.

Mr Pan Bistro in Redwood City

Mr. Pan Bistro has opened in the former Redwood Bistro space, bringing Taiwanese comfort food to Redwood City after first launching in Cupertino in 2023. Chef and owner Jimmy Pan has about 20 years of experience cooking Taiwanese food, and the menu includes lunch boxes, individual hot pots and tea-based drinks. Popular dishes include braised pork rice, featuring pork belly simmered in a savory-sweet soy sauce; sizzling black pepper beef or chicken served on a hot cast-iron plate; and crispy popcorn chicken over rice. The hot pots come with choices such as beef or pork, meatballs, fish balls, crab sticks, rice cakes and fried fish cakes, while the drink menu includes milk tea, tea lattes, iced teas and slushies. Mr. Pan Bistro is located at 711 El Camino Real and began serving customers in Redwood City on Sept. 17.

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We do our best to verify dates/locations of events, but please independently verify before attending as details are subject to change

🌱 Second Saturday | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 10/10 | more
Spend a morning at the garden with a soil-themed program that honors Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, including a hands-on "soil by feel" activity.

🦋 BUG Initiative Workshop | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 10/10 | more
Become a citizen scientist and help collect data on native plants and animals alongside the California Native Plant Society.

🎃 Scare Faire and Costume Swap | Palo Alto | Museum of American Heritage (351 Homer Ave) | 10/10 | more
Donate or swap last year's costumes, kids' and adults' alike, to give them a second life before Halloween (free, 1-3 p.m.).

🪨 Palo Alto Rocks! | Palo Alto | Heritage Park | 10/10 | more
Head to Heritage Park for a community celebration with a rockin' good time for the whole town.

🪺 Build a Bird Nest Wreath | Redwood City | Downtown Maker Space | 10/10 | more
Get crafty building a cozy nest wreath that also supports your local feathered friends.

🥟 Dumpling Folding Class | Palo Alto | Mamahuhu | 10/10 | more
Learn to pleat and fold dumplings like a pro, then enjoy the delicious results.

🤼 Lucha Libro | Redwood City | Redwood City Library | 10/10 | more
Get ready for a lucha libre-inspired library event full of high-energy fun.

🚗 Cars and Coffee | Redwood City | Woodside Plaza Shopping Center | 10/11 | more
Sip a cup of coffee and check out an eye-catching lineup of cars on display.

🧙‍♀️ Practical Magic: Witches Hat Bar | Redwood City | Alhambra Irish House | 10/11 | more
Channel your inner witch with a Practical Magic-inspired afternoon of spooky-season fun.

🐴 Family Fun Horse Fair | Woodside | 2955 Woodside Rd. | 10/11 | more
Bring the family out for a day of horses and old-fashioned fun in Woodside.

🐾 AMR Hearts and Paws Story Time | Redwood City | Downtown Library | 10/14 | more
Cuddle up for a story time celebrating our four-legged friends.

📌 Button Making Pop Up for Teens | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Library | 10/14 | more
Design and make your own custom buttons at this drop-in teen craft session.