@almanacnews.com
Community news for four California towns: Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola Valley and Woodside.
After scientists at Menlo Park’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory spent over two decades developing and constructing a car-sized camera, it has now been installed at the new, nearly complete Vera C. Rubin Observatory in the Coquimbo Region of Chile.
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory installs giant camera in Chile
After scientists at Menlo Park’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory spent over two decades developing and constructing a car-sized camera, it has now been installed at the new, nearly complete Vera ...
bit.ly
March 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
After scientists at Menlo Park’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory spent over two decades developing and constructing a car-sized camera, it has now been installed at the new, nearly complete Vera C. Rubin Observatory in the Coquimbo Region of Chile.
A report detailing Menlo Park’s housing construction progress in 2024 reveals that the city is mostly meeting the production targets outlined in its state-certified housing element for the 2023-2031 housing cycle.
Progress report shows Menlo Park is on track with housing construction
A report detailing Menlo Park’s housing construction progress in 2024 reveals that the city is mostly meeting the production targets.
www.almanacnews.com
March 7, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A report detailing Menlo Park’s housing construction progress in 2024 reveals that the city is mostly meeting the production targets outlined in its state-certified housing element for the 2023-2031 housing cycle.
Portola Valley Town Council members were relieved to hear about the town’s balanced budget after Finance Director Tony McFarlane gave a presentation on mid-year budget updates during a council meeting on Feb. 26.
Portola Valley finances appear stable months after adoption of revised budget
Portola Valley Town Council members were relieved to hear about the town’s balanced budget after Finance Director Tony McFarlane gave a presentation on mid-year budget updates.
www.almanacnews.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Portola Valley Town Council members were relieved to hear about the town’s balanced budget after Finance Director Tony McFarlane gave a presentation on mid-year budget updates during a council meeting on Feb. 26.
Early voting results show that San Mateo County’s Measure A, the ballot measure that would amend the county charter to give the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors the power to remove embattled San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, appears likely to pass.
Early results show ballot measure to oust sheriff appears headed to landslide victory
Early voting results show that San Mateo County's Measure A, the ballot measure that would amend the county charter to give the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors the power to remove embattled San ...
www.almanacnews.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Early voting results show that San Mateo County’s Measure A, the ballot measure that would amend the county charter to give the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors the power to remove embattled San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, appears likely to pass.
For now, Menlo Park will stay the course on the plan to build affordable housing on city-owned parking lots downtown. The decision comes in the face of strong grassroots opposition that has built up over recent months.
Menlo Park stands on downtown housing plan, awaits developer proposals
For now, Menlo Park will stay the course on the plan to build affordable housing on city-owned parking lots downtown.
www.almanacnews.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:51 PM
For now, Menlo Park will stay the course on the plan to build affordable housing on city-owned parking lots downtown. The decision comes in the face of strong grassroots opposition that has built up over recent months.
The Woodside Town Council voted to approve a resolution to endorse Measure A, a San Mateo County ballot initiative that would allow the Board of Supervisors to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from office.
Woodside Town Council endorses Measure A
The Woodside Town Council voted to approve a resolution to endorse Measure A, a San Mateo County ballot initiative that would allow the Board of Supervisors to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from off...
www.almanacnews.com
February 28, 2025 at 12:13 AM
The Woodside Town Council voted to approve a resolution to endorse Measure A, a San Mateo County ballot initiative that would allow the Board of Supervisors to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from office.
Dozens of local leaders, funders and developers of the project gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction for Oak Gardens, a 62-unit housing complex on Chapel Lane at the Veterans Affairs campus.
Veteran housing project breaks ground
An affordable housing development for veterans that has been a few years in the making officially broke ground in Menlo Park on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
bit.ly
February 28, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Dozens of local leaders, funders and developers of the project gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction for Oak Gardens, a 62-unit housing complex on Chapel Lane at the Veterans Affairs campus.
The California Fair Political Practices Commission has launched an investigation into Sequoia Union High School District Area B Trustee Mary Beth Thompson, according to documents obtained by this news organization. She represents parts of Redwood City, San Carlos and Belmont.
Sequoia Trustee Thompson under investigation for alleged campaign finance issues
The California Fair Political Practices Commission has launched an investigation into Sequoia Union High School District Area B Trustee Mary Beth Thompson.
www.almanacnews.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:16 PM
The California Fair Political Practices Commission has launched an investigation into Sequoia Union High School District Area B Trustee Mary Beth Thompson, according to documents obtained by this news organization. She represents parts of Redwood City, San Carlos and Belmont.
An informational report showed that fewer people are taking advantage of a community electrification program funded by the California Energy Commission after the program’s launch in August 2024. The city is trying to find ways to expand the program and increase uptake before grant money expires.
Menlo Park may expand home electrification program
The city is trying to find ways to expand its electrification program and increase uptake before its grant money expires in 2026.
bit.ly
February 26, 2025 at 7:14 PM
An informational report showed that fewer people are taking advantage of a community electrification program funded by the California Energy Commission after the program’s launch in August 2024. The city is trying to find ways to expand the program and increase uptake before grant money expires.
California Water Service has completed its upgrades to infrastructure in the northeastern area of Portola Valley. Beginning in August 2024, Cal Water has been working on enhancing water supply reliability and fire protection to the Ladera community. The work was done as of Feb. 21.
Cal Water completes water infrastructure upgrade in Ladera
California Water Service has completed its upgrades to infrastructure in the northeastern area of Portola Valley. Beginning in August 2024, Cal Water has been working on enhancing water supply reliabi...
www.almanacnews.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:12 PM
California Water Service has completed its upgrades to infrastructure in the northeastern area of Portola Valley. Beginning in August 2024, Cal Water has been working on enhancing water supply reliability and fire protection to the Ladera community. The work was done as of Feb. 21.
The Menlo Park city council "reluctantly" voted at its Feb. 25 meeting to pass an ordinance restricting oversized vehicles and RVs from parking overnight on all public streets in the city. The vote was 4-1, with Council member Jeff Schmidt dissenting.
Menlo Park City Council 'reluctantly' approves overnight RV parking ban
The Menlo Park City Council passed an ordinance restricting RVs from parking overnight on all public streets in the city.
bit.ly
February 26, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The Menlo Park city council "reluctantly" voted at its Feb. 25 meeting to pass an ordinance restricting oversized vehicles and RVs from parking overnight on all public streets in the city. The vote was 4-1, with Council member Jeff Schmidt dissenting.
Reposted
Celebrate #EarthDay2025 with us at the Love Our Earth Festival 🌱
Enjoy 50+ local vendors, interactive climate exhibits, plant-based food, & more!
📅 Sat, April 26, 2025
📍 Belle Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park
Register here: tinyurl.com/LOEF2025
@planetacterra.bsky.social @menlospark.bsky.social
Enjoy 50+ local vendors, interactive climate exhibits, plant-based food, & more!
📅 Sat, April 26, 2025
📍 Belle Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park
Register here: tinyurl.com/LOEF2025
@planetacterra.bsky.social @menlospark.bsky.social
February 22, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Celebrate #EarthDay2025 with us at the Love Our Earth Festival 🌱
Enjoy 50+ local vendors, interactive climate exhibits, plant-based food, & more!
📅 Sat, April 26, 2025
📍 Belle Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park
Register here: tinyurl.com/LOEF2025
@planetacterra.bsky.social @menlospark.bsky.social
Enjoy 50+ local vendors, interactive climate exhibits, plant-based food, & more!
📅 Sat, April 26, 2025
📍 Belle Haven Community Campus, Menlo Park
Register here: tinyurl.com/LOEF2025
@planetacterra.bsky.social @menlospark.bsky.social
San Mateo County has named Amy Davidson head of its Center on Homelessness, which coordinates homeless services throughout the county. The county also announced that the center was elevated to a division of the county’s Human Services Agency at the time of Davidson’s appointment.
Amy Davidson appointed new head of county’s Center on Homelessness
San Mateo County has named Amy Davidson head of its Center on Homelessness, which coordinates homeless services throughout the county.
www.almanacnews.com
February 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
San Mateo County has named Amy Davidson head of its Center on Homelessness, which coordinates homeless services throughout the county. The county also announced that the center was elevated to a division of the county’s Human Services Agency at the time of Davidson’s appointment.
State Sen. Josh Becker hosted a virtual wildfire town hall with Woodside Fire Protection District Fire Marshal Kimberly Giuliacci and Santa Clara County FireSafe Council Chief Executive Officer Seth Schalet on Feb 18 to educate communities on how they can protect themselves and their neighbors.
Becker hosts wildfire safety town hall with local agencies
After thousands of homes were destroyed by the Los Angeles fires in January, local jurisdictions are on high alert for wildfire. State Sen. Josh Becker hosted a virtual wildfire town hall with Woodsid...
www.almanacnews.com
February 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
State Sen. Josh Becker hosted a virtual wildfire town hall with Woodside Fire Protection District Fire Marshal Kimberly Giuliacci and Santa Clara County FireSafe Council Chief Executive Officer Seth Schalet on Feb 18 to educate communities on how they can protect themselves and their neighbors.
At its last meeting, the Atherton City Council took the next step toward resubmitting the town’s housing element to the state, adopting a resolution approving changes to the housing element recommended by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Atherton City Council approves changes to housing element
At its last meeting, the Atherton City Council took the next step toward resubmitting the town’s housing element to the state, adopting a resolution approving changes to the housing element recommende...
www.almanacnews.com
February 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
At its last meeting, the Atherton City Council took the next step toward resubmitting the town’s housing element to the state, adopting a resolution approving changes to the housing element recommended by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
More than 20 Portola Valley residents attended a protest in San Jose on Feb. 17 as part of a nationwide movement called “Not My President’s Day.”
Portola Valley residents rally in San Jose over Trump policies
More than 20 Portola Valley residents attended a protest in San Jose on Feb. 17 as part of a nationwide movement called Not My President’s Day.
www.almanacnews.com
February 19, 2025 at 12:14 AM
More than 20 Portola Valley residents attended a protest in San Jose on Feb. 17 as part of a nationwide movement called “Not My President’s Day.”
The Tesla dealership in Palo Alto became a scene of protest on Sunday afternoon as over 400 demonstrators lined two sides of the block to wave signs and chant slogans directed at company CEO Elon Musk, who is playing a leading role in the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash federal programs.
Protest draws hundreds to Tesla dealership
The Tesla dealership in Palo Alto became a scene of protest on Sunday afternoon as more than 400 demonstrators lined two sides of the block to wave signs and chant slogans directed at company CEO Elon...
www.almanacnews.com
February 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
The Tesla dealership in Palo Alto became a scene of protest on Sunday afternoon as over 400 demonstrators lined two sides of the block to wave signs and chant slogans directed at company CEO Elon Musk, who is playing a leading role in the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash federal programs.
Are you wondering why San Mateo County is holding a special election on March 4? Do you need more information to decide how to vote? Read The Almanac's voter guide for the upcoming election on a ballot measure to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus:
Measure A lets voters decide if supervisors can remove sheriff on March 4
Meanwhile, if Measure A doesn’t pass, a recall effort against Corpus could move forward. “We’re on standby,” Jim Hartnett, an organizer for a recall committee and former Redwood City mayor.
bit.ly
February 18, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Are you wondering why San Mateo County is holding a special election on March 4? Do you need more information to decide how to vote? Read The Almanac's voter guide for the upcoming election on a ballot measure to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus:
Community members gathered at the Belle Haven Community Campus in Menlo Park on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8, to celebrate local business owners and community members, and to listen to music and spoken word poetry performances as part of the city’s annual Black Liberation Month celebrations.
Black Liberation Month honored at Belle Haven Community Campus
Community members gathered at the Belle Haven Community Campus in Menlo Park on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8, to celebrate local business owners and community members, and to listen to music and spoken ...
www.almanacnews.com
February 13, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Community members gathered at the Belle Haven Community Campus in Menlo Park on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8, to celebrate local business owners and community members, and to listen to music and spoken word poetry performances as part of the city’s annual Black Liberation Month celebrations.
Sequoia Union High School District Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Todd Beal is resigning from his position effective June 30. Beal has been with the district since 2022 and says he is resigning due to the impacts his long daily commute is having on his health and time with family.
Sequoia Union High School District HR administrator resigns
Sequoia Union High School District Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources is resigning from his position effective June 30. Beal has been with the district since 2022 and says he is resigning due...
www.almanacnews.com
February 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Sequoia Union High School District Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Todd Beal is resigning from his position effective June 30. Beal has been with the district since 2022 and says he is resigning due to the impacts his long daily commute is having on his health and time with family.
Do you need sandbags? Here's where you can find them in San Mateo County: www.almanacnews.com/weather/2025...
San Mateo County offers sandbags, resources ahead of atmospheric river
As San Mateo County braces for an atmospheric river set to hit the Bay Area, local officials are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding and hazardous conditions. The county and city govern...
www.almanacnews.com
February 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Do you need sandbags? Here's where you can find them in San Mateo County: www.almanacnews.com/weather/2025...
Local police authorities said they had little or no interaction with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and police would not inquire about the immigration status of a victim, witness or perpetrator.
Local police reaffirm commitment to community safety, distance themselves from ICE
Law enforcement emphasizes they do not enforce immigration laws and will not question immigration status
www.almanacnews.com
February 12, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Local police authorities said they had little or no interaction with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and police would not inquire about the immigration status of a victim, witness or perpetrator.
The Atherton City Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance to once more regulate backyard chickens after a section of the town’s municipal code relating to chicken husbandry was inadvertently deleted in 2023.
Atherton reinstates chicken regulations
The Atherton City Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance to once more regulate backyard chickens after inadvertently removing the rules in 2023.
www.almanacnews.com
February 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The Atherton City Council unanimously passed an urgency ordinance to once more regulate backyard chickens after a section of the town’s municipal code relating to chicken husbandry was inadvertently deleted in 2023.
Fern, one of three mountain lion cubs rescued from Portola Valley in late January, has tested positive for giardia. She is currently being treated, according to the Oakland Zoo.
Rescued Portola Valley mountain lion cub recovering from giardia
Fern, one of three mountain lion cubs rescued from Portola Valley in late January, has tested positive for giardia. She is currently being treated, according to the Oakland Zoo.
www.almanacnews.com
February 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Fern, one of three mountain lion cubs rescued from Portola Valley in late January, has tested positive for giardia. She is currently being treated, according to the Oakland Zoo.