AlmanacNews

11/08/2025

A Menlo Park man who allegedly carved the letter “R” into several downtown Redwood City business windows, causing more than $60,000 in damage, has been declared incompetent to stand trial and committed to a state mental hospital.

A Menlo Park man who allegedly carved the letter “R” into several downtown Redwood City business windows, causing more than $60,000 in damage, has been declared incompetent to stand trial and committed to a state mental hospital.

11/05/2025

Stanford mechanical engineer Renee Zhao is developing new devices to treat disease – like a tiny robot that can travel through the vascular system to shrink blood clots in the brain. (From our partner, Stanford University)

Meet the tiny robots that can swim through the vascular system to shrink blood clots in the brain.

11/05/2025

A new state law will require Menlo Park and parts of Atherton to allow much taller housing developments near the Menlo Park Caltrain station — up to 75 feet within a quarter-mile and 95 feet immediately adjacent to the station.

A new state law will require Menlo Park and parts of Atherton to allow much taller housing developments near the Menlo Park Caltrain station — up to 75 feet within a quarter-mile and 95 feet immediately adjacent to the station.

10/30/2025

Bat with rabies found at Portola Valley Town Center

A bat found near Little People’s Park playground at the Portola Valley Town Center on Oct. 24 has tested positive for rabies, according to San Mateo County Health. As of Thursday afternoon, there had been no reports of people or other animals exposed to the fatal disease.

10/29/2025

Supervisors narrowly decide on long-term appointment of sheriff

In a split decision, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors moved forward with the option to make a long-term appointment for the next sheriff during a special meeting on Tuesday.

10/29/2025

Trial of former college chancellor accused of steering contracts, taking gifts set to begin

Former San Mateo Community College District Chancellor Ron Galatolo’s trial on 23 felony counts alleging he steered construction contracts to favored vendors in exchange for valuable gifts and then failed to disclose them is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Oct. 29.

10/28/2025

Portola Valley plans new Ford Field restroom and snack shack

The home field for the Alpine Little League team in Portola Valley has three portable toilets lined up at the edge of the Dorothy Ford Field parking lot, located in front of its decades-old snack shack. The Parks and Recreation Committee is spearheading the project to improve on that.

10/27/2025

Two Atherton homes burglarized within an hour, police say

Atherton police are investigating two home burglaries that occurred about an hour apart on Saturday night, Oct. 25. One burglary occurred between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Faxon Road. An unknown number of suspects entered by smashing a side door, according to the Atherton Police Department. The depar...

10/26/2025

CalFresh recipients, food banks gird for coming pain

About 550 people received help with groceries at the regular food distribution at St. Athanasius Church in Mountain View on Saturday. U.S. Rep. Sam Liccardo was on hand to warn things could get worse before they get better.

10/24/2025

“I’m hopeful about local journalism because I consistently hear words of encouragement from readers, community members, and sources.”

“As I’ve gotten more experience, I enjoy talking to everyday people even more than those with power: committed community members who go unrecognized for the cool things they do every day.” — Hannah Bensen

Meet Hannah Bensen, reporter for The Almanac!

Your membership powers the work of reporters like Hannah and keeps trusted local news alive. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/3VTLOet

10/23/2025

“Since starting at The Almanac as an intern, the entire company has welcomed me with open arms. They pushed me to write the hard stories and ask the important questions.” — Arden Margulis

Meet Arden Margulis, reporter for The Almanac!

“Local journalism is more important today than ever. While state and federal governments may affect more people, local governments can affect residents much more. Not everyone has the time to pay attention to six hour council meetings but they want the information. We keep people informed and engaged.” — Arden Margulis

We can’t foster the future of local journalism without you. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/3VTLOet

10/23/2025

Family of Kyle Harrison files $10 million wrongful death claim against San Mateo County

The family of Kyle Harrison, a 35-year-old man who died earlier this year at the Maple Street Correctional Facility after being sentenced for a fatal crash, filed a claim against San Mateo County alleging negligence and wrongful death. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors denied the claim, whic...