AlmanacNews

11/22/2025

Atherton approves $617K contract for children’s garden

The Atherton City Council has approved a $617,000 construction contract to build a new children’s garden next to the Atherton Library, advancing the project after earlier bids came in higher than expected. Selway Construction of San Jose submitted the lowest responsive bid and was awarded the work...

11/22/2025

Firefighters respond to residential fire in Portola Valley

Firefighters responded to a single-alarm house fire in Portola Valley on the corner of Corte Madera and Campo Road on Nov. 21. Fire officials received an initial call at 1:42 p.m. for a smoke investigation but upon inspection firefighters quickly spotted flames.

11/21/2025

We’re grateful for you.

Your readership and support make independent local journalism possible, helping neighbors stay informed and engaged.

As the year ends, help us continue this vital work by making a donation today: https://bit.ly/3Jz7V7v

11/20/2025

Menlo Park council wants contemporary furniture for closed section of downtown

The Menlo Park City Council has chosen a set of temporary furniture upgrades for the closed portion of the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue, the area slated to become a long-term public plaza and community gathering space. The decision marks the first step in a multi-phase effort to transform the bloc...

11/19/2025

Woodside family struggles to build affordable housing for over 6 years

A Woodside family’s hopes to build a multi-generational home with affordable housing next to the Skywood Acres neighborhood has been postponed by the town for almost six years. Christin New and David Mittleman shared with The Almanac the struggles they have faced with building affordable housing i...

11/19/2025

Sunset Magazine project deemed ineligible for streamlined approval, builder’s remedy

The city of Menlo Park has determined that a controversial proposal to redevelop the historic Sunset Magazine campus at 80 Willow Road does not qualify for streamlined approval under AB 2011 and may also fall short of the requirements needed to invoke the state’s builder’s remedy.

11/17/2025

Local News. Lasting Impact.

Our 2025 Year-End Campaign kicks off today, celebrating the journalism that keeps our communities informed, connected, and inspired.

Join us in sustaining trusted local news in your community. Make a gift today: https://bit.ly/3Jz7V7v

11/16/2025

A fire broke out at a North Fair Oaks hat and boot boutique on Middlefield Road Saturday morning. The business sustained damage, but there were no reported injuries.

A fire broke out at a North Fair Oaks hat and boot boutique on Middlefield Road Saturday morning. The business sustained damage, but there were no reported injuries.

11/14/2025

TIDE Academy in Menlo Park is at risk of closing, with the Sequoia Union High School District's board planning to make a decision by the end of February.

TIDE Academy in Menlo Park is at risk of closing, with the Sequoia Union High School District's board planning to make a decision by the end of February.

11/14/2025

A neighborhood disagreement over a family's application to install six, 15-foot-tall tennis court lights in their backyard came to an end last week after a split Pleasanton City Council voted not to uphold the Planning Commission's previous approval of the project.

A neighborhood disagreement over a family's application to install six, 15-foot-tall tennis court lights in their backyard came to an end last week after a split Pleasanton City Council voted not to uphold the Planning Commission's previous approval of the project.

11/12/2025

Sequoia High addresses use of racial slur in schoolwide campaign

On Thursdays, Sequoia High School staff members can be spotted wearing the same black T-shirts across campus. On the front it says, “Never Say the N-word,” but as they turn around a bold red message faces the students: “This word is not acceptable at our school. This word will not be used at S...

11/11/2025

The Menlo Park Fire Protection District is advancing plans to turn its main fire station and training grounds into a $120 million campus slated to be the city’s largest public safety developments in decades.

The Menlo Park Fire Protection District is advancing plans to turn its main fire station and training grounds into a $120 million campus slated to be the city’s largest public safety developments in decades.