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- 🚍 Transit Refresh, Tower Development, and Award-Winning Dining
🚍 Transit Refresh, Tower Development, and Award-Winning Dining
Development updates, restaurants to try, and your weekend event lineup!
Greg Kemper
August 21, 2025
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop! We’ve got neighborhood shake-ups, fresh eats and sips, and a packed lineup of can’t-miss events to fill your calendar.
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
🏢 17-Story building seeks to expedite review: The debate unfolding
🏆 Selby’s in Atherton garners elite wine spectator award: Read about their 20,000 bottle inventory
🎃 New pumpkin delivery business just in time for fall
🎥 Family-friendly fun: outdoor movies, dancing, fun classes, summer concerts, and more
Harvest & Holly: Your Local Pumpkin Concierge
Luxury holiday porch decor, styled and installed by a local Peninsula mom.
Turn your house into the envy of the block with heirloom pumpkins and specialty gourds in the fall, then with custom holiday lights in the winter. Delivered and professionally styled at your door, completely hassle-free.
🎃 Custom packages: Curated pumpkin packages of 30 to 130+ pumpkins!
🎃 White-glove service: Setup & design now, post-Thanksgiving pickup later
🎃 Local & convenient: Serving Daly City → San Jose, delivered by our local team!
Delivery windows book up fast—reserve your package with Harvest & Holly today!
🏢 Massive 17-Story Tower Near Cal Ave Station Seeks to Skip Environmental Review
A developer wants to fast-track their giant 382-unit project next to the California Avenue Caltrain station by skipping the usual environmental review process – and they're threatening to sue the city if denied. The ambitious development includes three mixed-use buildings, with the tallest reaching 17 stories, making it one of the tallest in Palo Alto.
The project is using the "builder's remedy" provision that lets developers bypass local zoning restrictions, and they are seeking to dodge or expedite environmental review. City officials push back, saying the developer hasn't provided crucial safety information, including whether there's enough water pressure to fight fires in a building this tall. Read more here.
🚍 Transit Agencies Plot Refresh for Palo Alto’s Downtown Station
Small upgrades are in motion at Palo Alto’s busiest transit hub as Caltrain and the VTA seek to improve commuter experience amid budget limits and declining ridership. At the heart of the efforts: “smart restrooms”, solar-powered units activated via QR code, as practical, cost-effective enhancements to station amenities. Plans also include hopes to revive the historic Streamline Moderne depot with a café, history exhibits, better lighting, and enhanced bike/pedestrian access.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission has greenlit $250,000 to advance the long-planned Quarry Road extension, a project that promises safer, faster bus and pedestrian access between University Avenue and El Camino Real. Taken together, transit leaders are opting for impactful near-term updates rather than grand vision plans. Read more here.
🚒 Demolition Underway at Midtown Plaza Two Years After Fire
Downtown Palo Alto is beginning to see a rebuild of the old Midtown shopping center at Middlefield Road and Loma Verde Avenue. Crews have cleared the fire-damaged shell of what used to house Philz Coffee, Bill’s Café, and other local staples, following permitting earlier this summer.
Despite its complete teardown, the site is now listed for sale, leaving open questions about what will replace it. Neighbors recall fond memories of the green, vine-covered gathering place and are already dreaming up ideas, from housing to a new mixed-use retail space. Read more here.
Selby’s in Atherton Garners Elite Wine Spectator Grand Award
3001 El Camino Real, Atherton
Selby’s, the elegant New American restaurant located on El Camino Real in Atherton, has just been honored with one of Wine Spectator’s coveted 2025 Grand Awards, recognizing its world-class wine list among the very best globally.
Opened in 2019 by the experienced Bacchus Management Group (also behind celebrated wine-focused venues like Spruce and the Village Pub), Selby’s wine program was meticulously built for over two years before the restaurant ever debuted. With a staggering 20,000-bottle inventory, its collection spans Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa, Italy, and includes rare library vintages from Domaine Leflaive, Château Cheval Blanc, and Harlan Estate, even vertical and horizontal offerings from Diamond Creek and notable Barolo riservas.
Selby’s joins an elite group of just 97 honorees worldwide with a Grand Award. It’s a compelling destination for wine lovers and a source of local pride for Peninsula foodies seeking both incomparable cuisine and exceptional wine experiences. Read more about the Grand Award given to Selby’s here, or learn more about Selby’s here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
Estrellitas in Los Altos: Family Owned Mexican Restaurant
971 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Estrellita Restaurant is a beloved family-owned gem that’s been serving authentic flavors from Mexico and Latin America to the Peninsula community since 1958. Located in the heart of Los Altos, this charming spot offers a character-rich atmosphere, equally suited for an intimate dinner, gathering with friends, or a business lunch. Their menu highlights unique, carefully crafted dishes that move beyond the usual fare. Expect creative takes and regional specialties you won’t easily find elsewhere. Whether you're craving something familiar or eager to explore new flavors, Estrellita delivers with consistency and comfort.
Casual, welcoming, and steeped in decades of history, Estrellita exemplifies the culinary heart of the Peninsula: good food, good atmosphere, and a deep connection to its community. Learn more here.
🎬 Movie on the Square | Courthouse Square | Redwood City | 08/21 & 08/28 | More
Enjoy family-friendly films outdoors under the stars in Redwood City’s Courthouse Square.
🍴 Foodie Walk | Downtown Palo Alto | Palo Alto | 08/21 | More
Sample bites from local restaurants while supporting Vista Center at this tasty evening stroll.
🥾 Filoli Sunset Hike | Filoli Gardens | Woodside | 08/21, 08/22 & 08/28 | More
Take in golden hour views of Filoli’s gardens and woodlands on this guided sunset hike.
🎶 Music on the Square | Courthouse Square | Redwood City | 08/22 | More
Kick off the weekend with live music in the heart of Redwood City.
🎯 Cornhole Tournament | Mitchell Park | Palo Alto | 08/22 | More
Compete in a friendly cornhole tournament for all ages and skill levels.
🎨 Palo Alto Festival of the Arts | University Avenue | Palo Alto | 08/23–08/24 | More
Stroll University Avenue and enjoy fine art, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and food vendors.
🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Festival | Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave | Palo Alto | 08/23 | More
Celebrate America’s favorite cookie with tastings, activities, and family fun.
🎶 Music in the Park 2025 | Oak Meadow Park | Los Gatos | 08/24 | More
Bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of live music in a beautiful park setting.
🛍️ Head West Marketplace | Downtown Los Altos | Los Altos | 08/24 | More
Discover local makers, artists, and vintage treasures at this curated outdoor market.
⚽ Footy Fit Organized Soccer for All | Shoreline Athletics Field | Mountain View | 08/24 | More
Join a casual, all-inclusive soccer event for people of all ski levels, courtesy of Mechi.
⚽ St. Mary’s Gaels at Stanford Cardinal (Women’s Soccer) | Cagan Stadium | Stanford | 08/24 | More
Catch Stanford Women’s Soccer in action against St. Mary’s.
🎤 Filoli Summer Stage Concert Series | Filoli Gardens | Woodside | 08/26 | More
Enjoy live music in Filoli’s outdoor setting surrounded by historic gardens.
Looking Ahead:
🌙 Nightfall at Filoli | Filoli | Woodside | 10/3–11/10 | More
A sell out event every year! After-dark takeover with pumpkin meadows, moonlit trails & Trolls by night; tickets $45–$49 adults / $35–$39 kids. Get your tickets before they’re gone!
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