Good morning, Palo Alto (and our nearby neighbors)!
Being originally from Ireland, I felt like I was greeting an old friend when the rain dropped by this week—but I’ve admittedly gone soft in California, and unlike an old friend, I’m happy it only visited for one day. Back to our regular programming: pants in the morning, shorts in the afternoon!
On this day in 1867: Marie Curie was born. The two-time Nobel laureate discovered polonium and radium; proof that curiosity can really glow.
In today’s edition of Palo Alto Insider:
Quieter rail crossings ahead? 🛤️
A café/wine store hybrid landed on Santa Cruz Ave 🍷
Youth theaters dominate the events schedule 🎭
Let’s dive in!
– Matt Cunningham
P.S. I acknowledge this weeks newsletter is slightly later than our usual Wednesday send. It’s been a hectic week in my full-time role, coupled with preparing for a 50 mile ultramarathon on Saturday, so I’ve had my hands full – thank you for your patience!
📰 LOCAL NEWS
Palo Alto aims to add gates and reduce noise near rail crossings 🚆
City staff are advancing plans to install additional gates and pursue noise-reduction measures at rail crossings, with the goal of improving safety and cutting horn/rail noise for nearby neighborhoods.
Mark Zuckerberg’s illegal school has neighbors revolting 🏫
Wired published a records-heavy story on an alleged unpermitted private school at Mark Zuckerberg’s family compound on Crescent Park, describing neighbor complaints and city enforcement steps that culminated in the school’s shutdown or relocation in 2025, per the report.
🍴 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Café Vivant (Menlo Park)
Having opened last month, the new Café Vivant and Somm Cellars combo has debuted in Menlo Park—think European café vibes by day (pastries, light bites, coffee) with serious wine chops built in thanks to Somm Cellars’ pedigree. A polished addition for breakfast meetings, low-key lunches, or a cozy afternoon glass.
📍 720 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park
🕰️ Dinner served Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm-close, Somm Cellars open daily from 11am–6pm.
Reservations now available on OpenTable
🐾 PET OF THE WEEK
in support of Pets In Need
Pet of the Week: Bridget 🐶
Meet Bridget, a 6-month-old ball of joy with a tail that hasn’t stopped wagging since she arrived at Pets in Need in Palo Alto! She’s curious, social, and always ready for her next adventure — whether that’s learning a new trick, making dog friends, or curling up next to you for a nap. At 25 lbs now, she’ll grow into a 50–70 lb bundle of love.
Best part? She’s ready to go home today!
Learn more about Bridget and how to adopt her or another pet in need here.
📆 EVENTS
👥 Community
SJSU Autos & Airplanes Show | Sat, Nov 8
Classic cars meet aircraft for a very photogenic Saturday.
📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
🕰️ 10am–2pm
👉 Learn More
Palo Alto Preschool Fair | Sat, Nov 8
Meet local preschool programs, ask questions, and compare options in one stop.
📍 Grace Lutheran Church, Palo Alto
🕰️ 10am–1pm
👉 Learn More
Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden | Sat, Nov 8
Hands-on nature activities and garden fun for families.
📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
🕰️ 10am–2pm
👉 Learn More
🎵 Live Music
R50 — The Premier Rush Tribute | Fri, Nov 7
📍 Club Fox, Redwood City
🕰️ Starts at 8pm
👉 Get Tickets
TAINTED LOVE (’80s tribute) | Sat, Nov 8
📍 Guild Theatre, Menlo Park
🕰️ Starts at 8pm
👉 Get Tickets
ZZ Top | Sun, Nov 9
📍 Guild Theatre, Menlo Park
🕰️ Starts at 8pm
👉 Get Tickets
🎭 Live Shows
Zoppé Italian Family Circus 2025 | Fri–Sun, Nov 7–9 (season runs all month)
📍 Main Library Lot, Redwood City (1044 Middlefield Rd)
🕰️ Check schedule for your preferred time
👉 Schedule & Tickets
Gunn Theatre presents Describe the Night | Fri & Sat, Nov 7–8
📍 Gunn High School (Little Theater), Palo Alto
🕰️ 6:30pm–10pm Fri, 7pm–9:30pm Sat
👉 Tickets & Info
Sequoia Drama presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical | Fri–Sun, Nov 7–9
📍 Sequoia High School (Carrington Hall), Redwood City
🕰️ 7pm–9pm Fri & Sat, 3pm–5pm Sun
👉 Learn More
Murder in the Knife Room | Fri–Sun, Nov 7–9
📍 McKinley Auditorium, Redwood City
🕰️ 7pm Fri, 2pm & 7pm Sat, 1pm Sun
👉 Learn More
ANNIE — Palo Alto Players | Fri–Sun, Nov 7–9
📍 Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto
🕰️ 7:30pm–10pm Fri & Sat, 2pm–4:30pm Sun
👉 Learn More
Shrek the Musical | Sat & Sun, Nov 8 & 9
📍 500 Castro St, Mountain View
🕰️ 2pm–4:15pm Sat, 1pm–3:15pm Sun
👉 Learn More
Want to avoid “staying in” for the umpteenth weekend and get out of the house instead? Give one of these a try this week! (perfect for a date or hanging with a friend)
For the nature lovers
Bedwell Bayfront Park (Menlo Park)
An easy loop with 360° bay views and windswept hills. Go near golden hour for big skies; bring layers (it gets breezy). Dogs on leash welcome.
For the artsy folks
Allied Arts Guild (Menlo Park)
Courtyards, artisan studios, and a little café tucked into a Spanish-style complex. Stroll the gardens, peek into galleries, and pick up a gift.
🧠 TRIVIA TIME
1️⃣ Which is older?
(A) Town & Country Village
(B) Stanford Shopping Center
2️⃣ Which Caltrain station is closest to the Guild Theatre?
A) Palo Alto (University Ave)
B) Menlo Park
C) Redwood City
D) San Antonio
3️⃣ What’s the name of Stanford’s free campus shuttle connecting Caltrain, campus, and downtown?
Wait until the end of the newsletter to see how many you got right!
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🌦️ WEATHER REPORT
Friday: 🌤️ | High 68°F / Low 52°F
Saturday: ☀️ | High 71°F / Low 54°F
Sunday: ☀️ | High 74°F / Low 54°F
📝 TRIVIA ANSWERS
1️⃣ A (Town & Country, 1953; Stanford Shopping Center, 1955)
2️⃣ B — Menlo Park
3️⃣ Marguerite
How many did you get correct this week?
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Insider!
Til next time friends,
