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Top-Ranked Schools Announced and Local Fall Events
What the new turf study unearthed, plus local schools and cities earning top rankings and your weekly lineup of events.

Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!
In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the new study contributing to the discussion on turf v. grass, the local schools and cities earning recognition for their hard work, and all the local events to fill your week!
P.S. Keep an eye out our upcoming special Fall Edition - featuring can’t miss events, pumpkin patches, and more!
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
🎓 Two Palo Alto High Schools & Three Cities Named as Top-Rated in California: Find out who and what the rankings were based on.
🍸 Dive Bar from Michelin Star?: What the Protege team has created in Palo Alto.
🍻 Family-friendly fun: Biking, science fests, art, fall festivals, and more!


🎓 Bay Area High Schools Named as Top-Rated in California
The latest rankings from Niche have highlighted several local schools among the best public and private high schools in California. For private schools, the Nueva School ranked No. 1 nationally for STEM and Castilleja School ranked No. 1 in California for All-girls high schools. Public schools Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto earned the No. 9 spot and Palo Alto High School ranked No. 10, reflecting their reputation for rigorous academics, highly qualified faculty, and strong community support.
These rankings are based on Niche’s comprehensive methodology, which incorporates both quantitative and qualitative measures. Data from the U.S. Department of Education, such as test scores, graduation rates, and teacher statistics, form part of the assessment, while feedback from students, parents, and alumni also plays a significant role. Additional factors such as resources, facilities, and the overall learning environment are considered, providing a broad picture of school quality that extends beyond test performance alone. Read more here.
🎾 Palo Alto To Prioritize Residents For Tennis Court Reservations
Palo Alto recently announced it will give reservation priority for its public tennis courts to local residents, aiming to balance access among community members. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure recreational facilities serve the needs of city dwellers first.
Non-residents may still book courts but may face limited availability or different rules. City staff note that demand often outpaces supply during peak times, making prioritization necessary. Officials will monitor how the change affects usage patterns and revisit the policy if needed. Read more here.
⚽️ New Study Update on the Palo Alto Turf Debate
A new city-commissioned report on Palo Alto’s athletic fields has reignited debate rather than resolved it: despite months of study, the turf vs. natural grass question remains unresolved. The report, intended to guide future decisions, highlights competing concerns about health impacts, maintenance costs, and usage demands.
Some stakeholders press for synthetic turf’s durability and lower upkeep while others worry about chemical exposure, injury risk, and environmental effects. According to city sources, the study did not produce a clear “winner,” instead recommending further review and stakeholder input. The result: local advocates and officials must return to the drawing board to craft a balanced field-management policy. Read more here.
🌇 Three Local Cities Top “Best Small Cities” List
WalletHub has released its 2025 ranking of the “Best Small Cities in America,” evaluating over 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 using 45 key livability indicators, providing a score out of 100 based on these metrics. Palo Alto (94), Los Altos (94), and Menlo Park (90) all topped the list.
These indicators include housing affordability, school quality, economic health, safety, and number of restaurants per capita. In California, 54 small cities scored in the 70th percentile or higher in this evaluation. The results highlight a trend toward California suburbs offering high-quality public amenities and desirable living conditions, even when affordability remains a challenge. Read more here.


The Michelin-starred team behind Bar Underdog

299 California Ave, Palo Alto
Photo: Palo Alto Online
The team behind Michelin-starred Protégé has opened Bar Underdog on California Avenue in Palo Alto, branding it as a “dive bar without the grit.” They’re offering cocktails made with house-made mixers and running happy hours to attract nightly crowds.
They opened their doors in September, and early impressions highlight a cozy yet lively atmosphere. This move strengthens their presence in the local hospitality scene and gives them a new platform to experiment with creative drinks. You’ll want to keep an eye on upcoming events and drink specials: this could become a favorite hangout fast. Read more here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!


🌿 Eylan – A Fresh Take on Indian Cuisine in Menlo Park

500 El Camino Real, Menlo Park Photo: Eylan
Eylan offers a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes by incorporating California-grown produce and wood-fired cooking techniques. Standout items include the smoked eggplant, oysters, and the Cornish hen. The restaurant also boasts a selection of cocktails and mocktails, including a no-ABV menu for those seeking lighter options. With its contemporary ambiance and innovative menu, Eylan provides a refreshing dining experience that reimagines Indian cuisine.
🍽️ Flea Street Café – A Menlo Park Institution

3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park
Established over 40 years ago, Flea Street Café has been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, offering a menu that changes frequently to highlight seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include the scallop crudo, which is brightened by garden herbs, and the Monterey Bay crispy sardines, served with black garlic sea salt. The restaurant's outdoor dining area exudes a celebratory backyard atmosphere, complemented by a selection of cocktails crafted by long-time bartender Eloy Martinez. Whether you're dining indoors or al fresco, Flea Street Café continues to deliver a memorable culinary experience rooted in sustainability and local sourcing.




🎨 Teen Paint Night | Red Morton Community Center | Redwood City | 10/3 | more
An evening of creativity where teens can paint, socialize, and take home their own artwork.

Photo: Filoli Estate
🌙 Nightfall at Filoli | Filoli | Woodside | 10/3- 11/4 | more
Stroll the historic gardens after dark and experience Filoli’s seasonal magic by moonlight. Several dates still available!
🏃 Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run and Walk | Palo Alto Baylands | Palo Alto | 10/3 | more
A community night run and walk through the Baylands, supporting local nonprofits.
🔬 Science Fun Fest | Sandpiper Community Center | Redwood City | 10/4 | more
Hands-on STEM activities and interactive experiments for curious young scientists.

🚒 Fire Station 6 Open House | Fire Station 6 | Stanford | 10/5 | more
Meet local firefighters, tour the station, and learn fire safety tips with the family.
🀄 Mahjong, Munchies, and Lanterns | Lucie Stern Community Center | Palo Alto | 10/5 | more
Celebrate the Moon Festival with lantern crafts, snacks, and friendly games of mahjong.
🚲 Bike Palo Alto | Fairmeadow Elementary School | Palo Alto | 10/5 | more
A family biking event promoting safe cycling and sustainable transportation.
🎨 Palo Alto Art Center Family Day | Palo Alto Art Center | Palo Alto | 10/5 | more
Enjoy free hands-on art activities and exhibitions for all ages.
🥗 Garden Fresh Luncheons | Gamble Garden | Palo Alto | 10/8 | more
Savor a seasonal lunch surrounded by Gamble Garden’s historic home and gardens.

🍻 Up Scale Pub Crawl | Redwood City Public Library | Redwood City | 10/8 | more
Sample drinks at local spots while raising funds for the library foundation.
⚽ Teen Indoor Soccer Night | Red Morton Community Center | Redwood City | 10/10 | more
Teens can drop in for a night of fast-paced soccer and fun with friends.

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