Recent News
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Jobless rate falls among all Bay Area regions
Over nearly the last two years, unemployment has fallen in the seven urban regions of the Bay Area, according to the latest data released Friday (May 17) by the California Employment Development Department.
Tuesday, 8:48 AM | No comments yetMonday, May 20, 2019
Rob Lindner steps up to top job in Woodside fire district
Rob Lindner, who was among the first paramedics hired by the Woodside Fire Protection District, officially took over as the district's fire chief on April 25.
Monday, 4:26 PM | No comments yetCommunity role model: Rita Williams conquered 'barriers to success,' and now helps others who face them
Star journalist Rita Williams of Portola Valley retired from her job at KTVU television in 2013, but after a 35-year career in Bay Area TV she was not about to sit still.
Monday, 11:44 AM | 1 commentPortola Valley may update its 1964-vintage general plan
Portola Valley is considering an update to its current general plan, which was adopted in 1964. The plan would take a long-term perspective into the future and would be a road map for future development.
Monday, 9:30 AM | No comments yetSunday, May 19, 2019
Home sales
A complete list of home sales on the Midpeninsula, where Menlo Park recorded the highest home sale at $6.8 million for a 5,196-square-foot home with six bedrooms and six bathrooms on Bay Laurel Drive.
Sunday, 8:49 AM | 2 commentsSaturday, May 18, 2019
National Merit Scholarship winners announced
Five high school students who attend schools in The Almanac's coverage area have been named winners of National Merit Scholarships of $2,500.
Saturday, 8:35 AM | 1 commentFriday, May 17, 2019
Cal Fire plans work along Kings Mountain Road next month
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is planning to begin its major fire suppression project along Kings Mountain Road in and near San Mateo County's Huddart Park early in June.
Friday, 4:02 PM |
2 comments
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is planning to begin its major fire suppression project along Kings Mountain Road in and near San Mateo County's Huddart Park early in June.
Friday, 4:02 PM |
2 comments
Menlo Park fire board meeting gets contentious
The Menlo Park Fire Protection District board moved forward with a plan for an emergency notification system and agreed to ratify a Joint Powers Authority agreement May 14, but there was disagreement behind both those decisions.
Friday, 11:42 AM | 6 commentsTalking trash
Local garbage-processing centers face new challenges because of a change in China's policy on accepting recycling, which severely restricts the type and purity level of material that can be shipped there for processing.
Friday, 8:14 AM | 1 commentThursday, May 16, 2019
Contentious state housing bill punted to 2020
Senate Bill 50, a contentious bill that aimed to encourage more housing near transit, suffered a setback Thursday when the state Senate Appropriation Committee chair announced that the bill will not be brought for a hearing until 2020.
Thursday, 3:07 PM | 4 commentsArrest in 1970s cold-case murder points to serial killer
Nearly six months after a Hayward man was charged in another murder that had gone unsolved for decades, DNA evidence has led investigators to accuse him of the 1974 killing of a 21-year-old woman near the Stanford University campus.
Thursday, 12:22 PM | No comments yetArrest in 1970s cold-case murder points to serial killer
Nearly six months after a Hayward man was charged in another murder that had gone unsolved for decades, DNA evidence has led investigators to accuse him of the 1974 killing of a 21-year-old woman near the Stanford University campus.
Thursday, 12:20 PM | No comments yetArrest in 1970s cold-case murder points to serial killer
Nearly six months after a Hayward man was charged in another murder that had gone unsolved for decades, DNA evidence has led investigators to accuse him of the 1974 killing of a 21-year-old woman near the Stanford University campus.
Thursday, 12:03 PM | No comments yetArrest in 1970s cold-case murder points to serial killer
Nearly six months after a Hayward man was charged in another murder that had gone unsolved for decades, DNA evidence has led investigators to accuse him of the 1974 killing of a 21-year-old woman near the Stanford University campus.
Thursday, 11:57 AM | No comments yetArrest in 1970s cold-case murder points to serial killer
Nearly six months after a Hayward man was charged in another murder that had gone unsolved for decades, DNA evidence has led investigators to accuse him of the 1974 killing of a 21-year-old woman near the Stanford University campus.
Thursday, 11:18 AM | 2 commentsWoodside: SB 50 may enable conversion of single-family homes to multi-family
One of Woodside's long-term goals has been to protect the "rural character" of the community, but a new provision of the proposed state Senate Bill 50 could work to create more housing density than currently exists.
Thursday, 11:14 AM | No comments yetSpurred by loss, Palo Alto teacher organizes suicide awareness walk in Woodside
Jaclyn Petty, a fourth-grade teacher in Palo Alto whose brother died by suicide in 2016, is organizing the Peninsula's first-ever Hike for Hope on May 19 in Woodside to raise money for suicide awareness.
Thursday, 9:31 AM | No comments yetEster Bugna, historian, library commissioner and lifelong Menlo Park resident, dies at 84
Ester Bugna, a dedicated member of the Menlo Park Historical Association and Library Commission until her last days, died May 6 at the age of 84.
Thursday, 7:36 AM | 6 commentsWednesday, May 15, 2019
Ravenswood board approves contract for interim superintendent
Gina Sudaria will stay on as the Ravenswood City School District's interim superintendent through next year or until a new superintendent is hired under a contract the school board approved for her last week.
Wednesday, 4:43 PM | No comments yetMenlo Park: Ravenswood redwoods to face ax after council's final ruling
Following a months-long appeal process led by a group of residents seeking to preserve seven redwood trees at the corner of El Camino Real at Ravenswood Avenue, the Menlo Park City Council voted 4-0 to let the trees come down.
Wednesday, 11:56 AM | 4 commentsMenlo Park unveils three conceptual plans for Middle Ave bike/ped crossing
Menlo Park transportation engineers and consultants unveiled three conceptual designs for a bike and pedestrian crossing beneath the Caltrain tracks at Middle Avenue on Monday.
Wednesday, 11:16 AM | 15 commentsForecast: Unseasonable weather could last all week
A stretch of unseasonable weather is back in the Bay Area, starting last night and continuing through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday, 10:30 AM | No comments yetLocal photographer illuminates the many faces of immigration
Menlo Park resident Mark Tuschman has earned accolades for his international photography. Now, he has turned his photographic lens closer to home to explore a topic that resonates with him on a deep personal level: immigration.
Wednesday, 8:29 AM | No comments yetPolito to head Las Lomitas district
Woodside Elementary School District Superintendent Beth Polito will head the neighboring Las Lomitas School District beginning July 1.
Wednesday, 8:24 AM | 1 commentTuesday, May 14, 2019
Construction on Portola Valley schools to start this summer
The Portola Valley School District will launch construction projects this summer funded by Measure Z, a $49.5 million bond to pay for repairs and renovations on its two campuses.
Tuesday, 7:19 PM | 2 commentsTonight: Final decision expected on Ravenswood redwoods
An appeal months in the making over the proposed felling of seven prominent redwood trees at the corner of El Camino Real and Ravenswood Avenue is scheduled to come to the Menlo Park City Council tonight for a final decision.
Tuesday, 11:41 AM | 2 commentsTuesday: Woodside council to consider solar panel study
The Woodside Town Council will discuss a feasibility study on installing solar panels to power town facilities at its meeting tonight (May 14) -- a plan that has generated some controversy.
Tuesday, 10:26 AM | No comments yetForecast: Back-to-back storms to hit Bay Area this week
A pair of back-to-back storms will move through the Bay Area this week, with the first coming through on Tuesday through Thursday and the second on Friday through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday, 8:45 AM |
No comments yet
A pair of back-to-back storms will move through the Bay Area this week, with the first coming through on Tuesday through Thursday and the second on Friday through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday, 8:45 AM |
No comments yet
Monday, May 13, 2019
The Blitz aims to wipe out sudden oak death
The Peninsula version of "The SOD Blitz," which will take place in Portola Valley on May 18, aims to identify evidence of sudden oak death.
Monday, 4:56 PM | No comments yetHelping neighbors in need
More than 1,500 volunteers spent a Saturday late last month repairing homes and community centers on the Peninsula as part of National Rebuilding Day.
Monday, 1:36 PM | No comments yetTonight: Open house to discuss bike/pedestrian rail crossing in Menlo Park
The city of Menlo Park is moving forward with plans to build a grade-separated bike and pedestrian rail crossing at Middle Avenue. It's hosting a meeting tonight (May 13) to get community feedback on early project designs.
Monday, 10:45 AM | 3 commentsHome sales
A complete list of home sales on the Midpeninsula, where Atherton recorded the highest home sale at $24 million for a contemporary 13,014-square-foot home with seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms on Faxon Road.
Monday, 9:14 AM | No comments yetSunday, May 12, 2019
Radioactive material found in late SLAC scientist's home identified
Radioactive material that was removed from a shed behind a vacant San Carlos home and partially catalogued on May 3 has been identified, city officials said.
Sunday, 9:01 AM | No comments yetSaturday, May 11, 2019
For stressed-out families, local doctors are prescribing a new fix: public parks
It's no secret that getting outdoors is good for people. Bay Area health officials have been at the heart of a growing movement that encourages families and individuals to enjoy time in nature.
Saturday, 1:44 PM | 15 commentsMenlo Park man heads to trial on attempted murder charge
A Menlo Park resident accused of attempted murder will get a jury trial beginning on June 17 following his May 10 arraignment in Superior Court, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
Saturday, 8:52 AM | No comments yetFriday, May 10, 2019
San Mateo County coalition demands major contributions from Stanford
Stanford has long been trying to win support from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for its big growth plans. Now a coalition of San Mateo County leaders is saying: "What about us?"
Friday, 5:53 PM | 3 commentsSaturday in Portola Valley: Big Barn Bash celebrates 10 years of therapeutic animal programs
The nonprofit Jasper Ridge Farm, which offers animal-based therapy for special-needs and sick children as well as veterans and other adults, is holding its annual fundraiser on May 11.
Friday, 1:44 PM | No comments yetViews from the Trail
Menlo Park photographer Frances Freyberg Blackburn is exhibiting her work in a show called "Views from the Trail" at Portola Art Gallery in Menlo Park through May, with an artist's reception set for Saturday, May 11.
Friday, 11:55 AM | No comments yetPortola Valley keeping pace with affordable housing target
Portola Valley has met its target for total number of affordable housing units under California state rules three years early, but the quest is continuing to develop more.
Friday, 8:40 AM |
No comments yet
Portola Valley has met its target for total number of affordable housing units under California state rules three years early, but the quest is continuing to develop more.
Friday, 8:40 AM |
No comments yet
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Menlo Park: Suspect pleads not guilty to murder charge
Francis Wolke, the man accused of killing Menlo Park resident and former Atherton town arborist Kathy Hughes Anderson in her home on Dec. 12, pleaded not guilty of murder in court today.
Thursday, 5:15 PM | No comments yetFree Horse Fair in Portola Valley on May 11
Horse lovers are in luck on Saturday, May 11, when the sixth annual Horse Fair comes to Portola Valley Town Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, 4:34 PM | No comments yet'Women/Mujeres' art show this Saturday in downtown Menlo Park
Marcela's Village Gallery at 883 Santa Cruz Ave. in downtown Menlo Park, is hosting an exhibit called "Women/Mujeres," which is curated to celebrate women of all types -- women who have kids and women who don't.
Thursday, 4:25 PM | No comments yetMenlo Park: Council takes step toward possible minimum wage ordinance
Menlo Park is surrounded by cities that have adopted minimum wage ordinances, and now, the City Council is considering passing such an ordinance here.
Thursday, 11:53 AM | 1 commentMenlo Park: Two suspects arrested in Willows neighborhood market burglary
Menlo Park police arrested two men on May 7 who allegedly tried to flee after burglarizing La Hacienda Market at 1933 Menalto Ave. in the Willows neighborhood.
Thursday, 11:33 AM | No comments yetHate crime charge dropped in Menlo Park vandalism case
Prosecutors have dropped two initial counts against a San Diego man after a court hearing for an April 24 incident in Menlo Park in which he is accused of vandalizing cars and making threats, according to San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney Al Serrato.
Thursday, 10:11 AM | 2 commentsFriday: Woodside's Walk for Water
The Woodside Elementary School community will host the 10th annual Walk for Water in Woodside on Friday, May 10. The goal is to raise $15,000 for clean water in Samburu, Kenya, according to a press release.
Thursday, 8:08 AM | No comments yetWednesday, May 8, 2019
Portola Valley: Community meetings on Stanford Wedge project begin Thursday
The town of Portola Valley is working with Stanford University to build housing on the Stanford Wedge property, a 75-acre site along Alpine Road between Westridge and Golden Oak drives, and two community meetings to discuss the plan have been scheduled.
Wednesday, 4:08 PM | No comments yetAtherton: Road rage leads to robbery
A road rage incident on Monday (May 6) afternoon led to an assault and robbery in Atherton, according to police.
Wednesday, 1:16 PM | 5 commentsMenlo Park: 'Willow Village' should have more affordable housing, better jobs-housing balance, locals say
In the second formal study session the City Council has held to discuss Facebook's enormous development proposal in Menlo Park, its "Willow Village," it was clear that residents are going to be asking for more than a grocery store and pharmacy, and specifically, more housing.
Wednesday, 11:57 AM | 1 commentWith new plan, Caltrain prepares for ridership surge
Facing persistent funding challenges, a growing ridership base and a patchwork of plans from Peninsula cities for redesigning rail crossings, Caltrain is advancing a new business plan to help it navigate the competing pressures.
Wednesday, 8:56 AM | No comments yetWoodside school district names choice for new superintendent
The Woodside Elementary School District has chosen its middle school principal to fill the post of outgoing Superintendent Beth Polito, pending a vote in an open-session meeting.
Wednesday, 8:26 AM | 2 comments
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The Almanac Readers' Choice ballot is here
It's time to decide what local business is worthy of the title "The Almanac Readers' Choice" — and you get to decide!
Cast your ballot online. Voting ends May 27th. Stay tuned for the results in the July 17th issue of The Almanac.
