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- 📸 Traffic Cameras Causing a Stir and a Taiwanese Restaurant Getting Recognized
📸 Traffic Cameras Causing a Stir and a Taiwanese Restaurant Getting Recognized
Privacy discussions around traffic cameras, fire prevention, and local restaurants getting recognition plus block parties, chili cook offs, and Valentine’s events.
Greg Kemper
February 05, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!
In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the privacy leak that is leading to changes in traffic cameras in the area, a Taiwanese restaurant getting recognized, plus tons of events to get you out of the house!
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
Traffic Camera Updates: The privacy leak that has led to the scrapping of camera use
Business Updates: The Taiwanese restaurant getting recognized
Events To Get You Out and About: Lunar New Year Celebrations, Super Bowl Chili Cook offs, First Friday in Los Altos, Redwood City’s Block Party, and Valentine’s Events
📸 Los Altos Hills Security Cameras Scrapped After Privacy Concerns
Federal law enforcement agencies improperly accessed data from Mountain View’s automated license plate reader system without the police department’s permission or knowledge, according to a recent city statement. The Flock cameras capture hundreds of images per second and can reveal detailed travel patterns, including those of people not suspected of any crime, raising renewed privacy concerns. Officials said the unauthorized access occurred between August and November 2024 due to an incorrect equipment setting, though Flock maintains agencies control their own configurations. Mountain View and Los Altos Hills have shut off all systems while officials review the system.
Santa Clara County officials are weighing whether to cut ties with a camera vendor after privacy concerns were raised about how data could potentially be accessed or shared. The cameras were originally installed to enhance security at county facilities, but critics worry about surveillance risks and transparency. County leaders are now reviewing policies and considering alternative providers to ensure stronger safeguards for residents. Read more here.
🎭 Cubberley Community Center Rebuild
Plans for a major rebuild of Palo Alto’s Cubberley Community Center could include a new home for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, potentially featuring two performance spaces. Supporters say the partnership would create a vibrant arts hub while modernizing aging facilities on the campus. Early concepts focus on renovating the existing theater and pavilion rather than starting entirely from scratch. The proposal is still in exploratory stages, with city leaders expected to weigh costs, design options, and community feedback before moving forward. Read more here.
🌱 Vegetation Reduction Efforts
Regional partners are preparing vegetation reduction work near the Page Mill Road and Interstate 280 interchange to help lower wildfire risk and protect evacuation routes. The project brings together the Palo Alto Fire Department, Los Altos Hills County Fire District, and the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council. Crews will focus on clearing hazardous plant growth to improve safety and reduce the impact of severe weather events. Work is scheduled for weekdays and may cause minor traffic delays during active hours. Read more here.
Yeobo, Darling Named to SF Chronicle’s Now List
827 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park
Yeobo, Darling is a warm and intimate 50-seat restaurant in Menlo Park, was named to SF Chronicle’s “Now List.” The restaurant is crafted by a chef couple who previously earned a Michelin star at Palo Alto’s Maum. This elegant spot weaves together Korean and Taiwanese influences through inventive dishes like perilla “somyun” noodles with aerated pine-nut milk, and a reimagined lu rou fan lasagna featuring chrysanthemum-spinach pasta and bechamel.
The menu also includes delightful creations such as thin-crust soy-garlic chicken wings, creative desserts, and scallion-inspired croissants made with a local bakery.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
Hatched in Palo Alto
855 El Camino Real #161, Palo Alto
Hatched is a laid-back breakfast and brunch spot built around one simple idea: eggs done right. The menu features creative twists on morning favorites, including hearty egg sandwiches, loaded hash dishes, and flavorful scrambles designed to satisfy both classic and adventurous palates. Expect comforting, indulgent options alongside lighter bites, making it a great choice whether you’re craving a full brunch spread or a quick breakfast. The vibe is casual and welcoming, perfect for meeting friends or easing into the day with good coffee and a satisfying meal. Their grand opening in the Town & Country Center was January 5th- stop by and say hi!
Café Vivant in Menlo Park
720 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park
Café Vivant is a distinctive restaurant devoted to heritage-breed poultry, aiming to elevate chicken into a fine-dining centerpiece. The menu showcases creative dishes such as caviar-topped nuggets, whole roasted birds, savory Dungeness crab cannoli, and coal-grilled octopus bites layered with bold flavors and textures. Influences from Europe and Japan help shape the approach, while an extensive wine list adds to the experience. Despite its refined cooking, the team strives for a lively, unpretentious atmosphere rather than a stuffy one. This is a more upscale option, perfect for a special night out or for anyone curious about a restaurant rethinking American cuisine through premium poultry. Check out their Valentine’s Dinner menu here.
🏕️ Summer Camp Registration | Palo Alto | Online | 2/05 | more
Registration opens for Palo Alto’s summer camps, including sports, arts, and enrichment programs.
🎉 First Friday | Los Altos | Downtown | 2/06 | more
An evening downtown event with shopping, dining, and community fun.
🌶️ Chili Tasting and Football Celebration | Redwood City | Chan Zuckerberg Community Space | 2/06 | more
Sample chili, enjoy football-themed fun, and connect with neighbors.
📚Family Storytime- Celebrate Black History Month | Redwood City | Downtown Library | 2/06 | more
Enjoy weekly storytime with Librarian Heidi
🍫 Valentine’s Choco-“Super” Stroll | Los Altos | Downtown | 2/07 | more
Stroll downtown and sample chocolate treats while shopping local.
🍸 Gin Tasting | Redwood City | Timber & Salt | 2/07 | more
Gin Tasting & Snacks, led by the Bar Curator
💃 Sweetheart Dance | Redwood City | Veterans Memorial Senior Center | 2/07 | more
A festive dance event designed especially for seniors.
🎉 El Maiz Block Party | Redwood City | Winklebleck St. | 2/07 | more
A lively neighborhood block party featuring food, music, and community vibes.
🧧 Lunar New Year Market | East Palo Alto | Bloomhouse EPA | 2/07 | more
Shop local vendors and celebrate Lunar New Year with cultural flair.
✨ Spirit Fest 5.0 | Los Altos | Community Center | 2/08 | more
A full-day wellness and mindfulness festival with workshops, vendors, and activities.
⛵ Free Boating Safety Course | Redwood City | Sequoia Yacht Club | 2/07 | more
Learn essential boating skills and safety tips in this informative course ideal for both new and experienced boaters.
⛵ 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.
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