Good morning, Palo Alto (and our nearby neighbors)!
On this day in 1929: Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, GA.
In today’s edition of Palo Alto Insider:
County explores a women-only safe parking program 🚐
New all-you-can-eat kebabs in downtown 🍢
Live music dominates the event schedule 🎵
Let’s dive in!
– Matt Cunningham
📰 LOCAL NEWS
Santa Clara County considers safe parking site for women 🚐
County officials are evaluating a women-only safe parking program, designed to provide a secure overnight option and services for those living in vehicles. If approved, it would join a small number of gender-specific programs in the region.
Council to keep turf at El Camino Park; grass coming to other fields ⚽️
Palo Alto will keep synthetic turf at El Camino Park, citing year-round usability and maintenance benefits, while exploring the return of natural grass at other sites to better balance playability with community preferences.
🍴 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Meze Kebab 🥙
Following a soft launch last week, the team behind Meyhouse has brought an all-you-can-eat kebab concept to downtown Palo Alto: charcoal-kissed skewers, fresh salads, lavash, and mezze flowing at a set price. Casual vibe, shareable plates, and a fun way to try the whole spread with friends.
📍 632 Emerson St, Palo Alto
🕰️ Mon-Thu & Sun: 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-10:30pm
View their full menu here.
🐾 PET OF THE WEEK
in support of Pets In Need
Pet of the Week: Roscoe 🐶
Roscoe is an 11 month old handsome, adoptable pup at the Palo Alto shelter who’s equal parts cuddle buddy and adventure pal. If you’ve been waiting for a loyal sidekick for park strolls and Netflix nights, Roscoe might just be your guy.
Learn more about Roscoe and how to adopt him or another pet in need here.
📆 EVENTS
👥 Community
Free Tai Chi Basics / Review Class | Thu, Jan 15
Beginner-friendly session focused on balance and gentle movement.
📍 Cubberly Community Center, Palo Alto
🕰️ 6:30pm–7:30pm
👉 Details
LEGO Fridays! | Fri, Jan 16
Drop-in build time. Great for creative kids (and parents!).
📍 College Terrace Library, Palo Alto
🕰️ 4:00pm–5:00pm
👉 Details
🎵 Live Music
Mustache Harbor | Fri, Jan 16
Yacht-rock sing-along heaven.
📍 Guild Theatre, Menlo Park
🕰️ Starts at 8:00pm
👉 Tickets
Sasha Berliner | Sat, Jan 17
Acclaimed vibraphonist brings a modern jazz set.
📍 Bing Concert Hall, Stanford
🕰️ Starts at 7:00pm
👉 Details
Stella Heath Quartet: The Billie Holiday Project | Sat, Jan 17
A tribute to Lady Day’s timeless songbook with free admission.
📍 CSMA, Mountain View
🕰️ Starts at 7:30pm
👉 Details
Muse Theory | Sat, Jan 17
Electro-art-pop showcase.
📍 Guild Theatre, Menlo Park
🕰️ Starts at 8:00pm
👉 Tickets
Stella Cole | Sun, Jan 18
Vintage-pop star on the rise with a golden-age sound.
📍 Bing Concert Hall, Stanford
🕰️ Starts at 4:00pm
👉 Details
🎭 Live Shows
The Adventures of Pinocchio | Fri & Sat
Youth theater take on the classic tale.
📍 Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
🕰️ 9:30am–10:30am
👉 Details
Palo Alto Players: The Da Vinci Code | Fri–Sun
Thriller adapted for the stage.
📍 Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto
🕰️ Fri & Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 2pm
👉 Details
“Shells crack. Time speaks.” — Guillermo Galindo | Sat, Jan 17
Experimental sound performance by the renowned composer/artist.
📍 Qualia Contemporary Art, Palo Alto
🕰️ 4:00pm–6:00pm
👉 Details
TheatreWorks: Hershey Felder — The Piano and Me | Sat & Sun
Pianist-storyteller blends music and memoir.
📍 Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
🕰️ 2pm & 8pm Sat, 2pm & 7pm Sun
👉 Details
🏟 Sports
Stanford Wrestling vs. NC State 🤼♂️ | Fri, Jan 16
Men’s & Women’s mat action at Maples.
📍 Maples Pavilion, Stanford
🕰️ Starts at 7:00pm
👉 Tickets
Stanford Men’s Basketball vs. Duke 🏀 | Sat, Jan 17
Blue-blood matchup on the Farm.
📍 Maples Pavilion, Stanford
🕰️ Starts at 3:00pm
👉 Tickets
🏛 City Meetings
City Council Meeting | Thu, Jan 15
🕰️ Starts at 5:30pm
👉 Agenda & Details
Public Art Commission Meeting | Thu, Jan 15
🕰️ 7:00pm–9:00pm
👉 Agenda & Details
🧠 TRIVIA TIME
1️⃣ Which rail service opened earlier?
A) Caltrain
B) BART
2️⃣ Which open space features Arastradero Lake?
A) Foothills Nature Preserve
B) Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
C) Windy Hill
D) Rancho San Antonio
3️⃣ What’s the name of Palo Alto’s municipal golf course?
Wait until the end of the newsletter to see how many you got right!
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🌦️ WEATHER REPORT
Thursday: 🌤 | High 66°F / Low 39°F
Friday: ☀️ | High 66°F / Low 46°F
Saturday: 🌥 | High 64°F / Low 46°F
Sunday: 🌥 | High 65°F / Low 48°F
📝 TRIVIA ANSWERS
1️⃣ A – Caltrain (as a rail corridor)
2️⃣ B) Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
3️⃣ Baylands Golf Course
How many did you get correct this week?
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Insider!
Til next time friends,
