Good afternoon, Palo Alto (and our nearby neighbors)! Welcome to the first edition of 2026! Just want to take a second to thank you all for being here and reading the newsletter every week – it means a lot that you take value in the short moment we get together in your inbox.
On this day in 1935: Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, meaning today is the King’s birthday. 🎸
In today’s edition of Palo Alto Insider:
A new Mayor & Vice Mayor for 2026, plus a milestone year in East Palo Alto 🏛️
A brand-new breakfast spot from the Roost & Roast team 🍳
Live shows, community picks, and Cardinal sports to plug into this week 📅
Let’s dive in!
– Matt Cunningham
Please forgive the late send this week, the return to office rush has been real 😅
📰 LOCAL NEWS
Palo Alto Council selects 2026 Mayor & Vice Mayor 🏛️
Vicki Veenker is sworn in as Palo Alto mayor in front of her husband and daughters at City Hall in Palo Alto on Jan. 5, 2026.
Photo by Seeger Gray.
The City Council voted to set this year’s leadership slate, outlining priorities for 2026 and beyond (housing, mobility, public safety, and fiscal sustainability among them), landing on Vicki Veenker being appointed Mayor and Greer Stone as Vice Mayor.
East Palo Alto marks zero homicides in 2025 📉
A landmark statistic for a city that has worked for years on prevention, services, and community partnership - EPA recorded no homicides last year, reflecting a major step forward for what was formerly referred to as ‘Murder Capital’ in the 90s.
🍴 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Hatched 🐣
Opening their doors this Monday, from the owners of Roost & Roast, this new fast-casual breakfast spot cracks open sunny-side vibes with egg sandwiches, crispy hashbrowns, coffee, and more - quick counter service for morning fuel right here in town.
📍 Town & Country
🕰️ Mon–Thu: 7am–4pm | Fri–Sun: 7am–4:30pm
View their full menu here.
🐾 PET OF THE WEEK
in support of Pets In Need
Pet of the Week: Rocky 🐶
Weighing in at 48 lbs at 9 months old, Rocky is a handsome, ready-to-love pup who is all about walks, wags, and winning you over. If you are looking for a loyal sidekick to kick off the year, Rocky might be your guy.
Learn more about Rocky and how to adopt him or another pet in need here.
📆 EVENTS
👥 Community
Free Tai Chi Basics/Review Class | Thu, Jan 8
Gentle movement, balance, and breath - open community class.
📍 Cubberly Community Center, Palo Alto
🕰️ 6:30–7:30pm
👉 Details
Fun Friday: PJ Library Story Time | Fri, Jan 9
Stories and songs for little ones - cozy Friday afternoon plan.
📍 OFJCC, Palo Alto
🕰️ 4:15pm–5:15pm
👉 Details
FOPAL Book Sale | Sat, Jan 10
Bargain books galore - go early for the best selection.
📍 Cubberley Pavilion, Palo Alto
🕰️ 9:30am–4:00pm
👉 Details
BayLUG LEGO Holiday Show - The Great American Road Trip | Sat, Jan 10
Massive LEGO displays from the Bay Area LEGO Users Group - fun for kids and grown-ups.
📍 Museum of American Heritage, Palo Alto
🕰️ 11:00am–3:00pm
👉 Details
Cars & Coffee Peninsula | Sun, Jan 11
Laid-back morning meet - classics to exotics and plenty in between.
📍 Breakers Cafe, Redwood City
🕰️ 7:00–10:00am
👉 Details
Bay Area Quiz Club | Sun, Jan 11
A friendly trivia meetup - bring a team or join one there.
📍 Mitchell Park Library, Palo Alto
🕰️ 2:00–6:00pm
👉 Details
🎵 Live Music
RAGE ON PARADE w/ NÜ-METAL JACKET | Sat, Jan 10
Rage Against the Machine energy plus a nu-metal tribute - loud, fun, cathartic.
📍 Club Fox, Redwood City
🕰️ Starts at 8:00pm
👉 Event
Close Enemies feat. Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) | Fri, Jan 9
Aerosmith’s bassist joins a special gig - expect classic rock muscle.
📍 Guild Theatre, Menlo Park
🕰️ Starts at 8:00pm
👉 Tickets
Effie Zilch & Friends | Sat, Jan 10
Bay Area rock outfit with a rotating cast of friends at the Guild.
📍 Guild Theatre, Menlo Park
🕰️ Starts at 8:00pm
👉 Tickets
🎭 Live Shows
Comedy Show: ROGER THAT! | Thu, Jan 8
Stand-up night to kick off the weekend early.
📍 Roger Bar & Restaurant, Mountain View
🕰️ 6:00pm–7:30pm
👉 Details
Nathalie Joachim & Decoda: Fanm d'Ayiti | Fri, Jan 9
A luminous song cycle honoring Haitian women in music, performed with chamber ensemble Decoda.
📍 The Knoll, CCRMA Stage, Stanford
🕰️ 7:30pm–9:00pm
👉 Details
The 48-Hour Musical | Sun, Jan 11
An original musical created in just two days - organized chaos, big fun.
📍 Pigott Theater, Stanford
🕰️ 6:00pm–7:00pm
👉 Details
🏛️ City Meetings
Human Relations Commission | Thu, Jan 8
Community programs and services discussion.
📍 City Hall or Zoom
🕰️ Starts at 6pm
👉 Meeting info
Climate Action & Sustainability Committee | Fri, Jan 9
📍 City Hall or Zoom
🕰️ 2:00pm–4:00pm
👉 Meeting info
🏟️ Live Sports
Stanford vs. Wake Forest (Women’s Basketball 🏀)
Maples mid-week matchup - Cardinal at home.
👉 Tickets / details
Stanford vs. Duke (Wrestling 🤼♂️)
Dual meet on The Farm.
👉 Tickets / details
Stanford vs. Duke (Women’s Basketball 🏀)
Blue Devils visit Maples - circle this one.
👉 Tickets / details
🧠 TRIVIA TIME
1️⃣ Which opened first in Palo Alto?
A) Stanford Theatre
B) Stanford Shopping Center?
2️⃣ Which Baylands spot is a favorite for winter bird-watching?
A) Byxbee Park
B) Cooley Landing
C) Bedwell Bayfront
D) Windy Hill
3️⃣ What is the southernmost bridge crossing of the San Francisco Bay, used by many Peninsula commuters?
Wait until the end of the newsletter to see how many you got right!
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🌦️ WEATHER REPORT
Thursday: 🌤 | High 56°F / Low 42°F
Friday: ☀️ | High 55°F / Low 39°F
Saturday: 🌥 | High 55°F / Low 38°F
Sunday: 🌥 | High 57°F / Low 40°F
📝 TRIVIA ANSWERS
1️⃣ A) Stanford Theatre (1925). Shopping Center opened in 1955.
2️⃣ A) Byxbee Park.
3️⃣ Dumbarton Bridge.
How many did you get correct this week?
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Insider!
Til next time friends,
