Good afternoon, Palo Alto (and our nearby neighbors)! We’re rolling into mid-October, which means one thing: we’ve entered that perfect Bay Area weather sweet spot — sweater in the morning, t-shirt by lunch, jacket at dinner. As much as I love the simplicity of a t-shirt and shorts everyday, it feels good to need another lay again.
On this day in 1986: The musical Phantom of the Opera made its debut in London’s West End, a true must-see if you’re ever in The Big Smoke.
In today’s edition of Palo Alto Insider:
A Michelin-starred chef brings fast-casual flair to Town & Country 🍜
Classic cars, family art days, and live music fill your weekend calendar 🎶
The East Palo Alto minimum wage is on the rise 💰
Let’s dive in!
– Matt Cunningham
📰 LOCAL NEWS
East Palo Alto minimum wage going up in 2026 💰
The city council has approved a bump for 2026 to align with regional cost-of-living trends, giving local workers a well-deserved raise.
Bay Area airports receiving millions for upgrades ✈️
Made possible by awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, Palo Alto Airport is set to receive $1.4 million for weather reporting equipment and for installation of a runway visual guidance system. A further $60+ million will collectively be awarded to our neighboring airports here in the Bay Area from the FAA for projects to improve their runways, taxiways, and more.
🍴 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Mamahuhu — Town & Country Village
Alongside his co-founders Ben Moore and Anmao Sun, Michelin-starred chef Brandon Jew has brought his fast-casual Chinese-American concept to Palo Alto. Having opened their first location in 2020 in San Francisco, they now have four spots and locals are already buzzing here in PA.
Insider Tip: The Pineapple Bun Chicken Sandwiches are to die for, and Honey Hawthorn is my personal go-to (pictured above).
📍 855 El Camino Real, Suite 75 (Town & Country)
🕰️ Monday-Sunday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
View their full menu here.
🐾 PET OF THE WEEK
in support of Pets In Need
Pet of the Week: Francis
Meet Francis – a pint-sized spitfire with a heart full of curiosity and courage! This scrappy little guy might take a moment to warm up, but once he does, he’s all in with his signature spark and sass. Francis has a big personality packed into a small frame, and he’s always ready to zoom, explore, and make his people laugh. If you're looking for a quirky companion with a fierce little spirit, Francis is your guy!
Learn more about Francis and how to adopt him or another local pet in need here.
📆 EVENTS THIS WEEK
👥 Community Events:
Social Ballroom Dancing on Friday Nights | Friday, Oct. 10
If you’ve ever wanted to glide, twirl, or at least step on rhythm, here’s your chance. A friendly, casual night of social ballroom dancing for all skill levels — partners optional, smiles guaranteed.📍Cubberley Pavilion — Palo Alto
🕰️ Starts at 8pm
Cars and Coffee Peninsula | Sunday, Oct. 12
Caffeine and chrome — the perfect Sunday morning pairing. Bring your ride or just admire everyone else’s at this relaxed community meetup for car enthusiasts of all stripes.📍Breakers Cafe — Redwood City
🕰️ 7am — 10am
🎵 Live Music:
Sediq Shabab | Friday, Oct. 10
A night of Afghan pop with Sediq Shabab — energetic, uplifting, and perfect for a night out with friends.
📍 Fox Theater — Redwood City
🕰️ Starts at 7pm
Rebelution: Good Vibes Cali Tour 2025 | Saturday, Oct. 11
If the name didn’t give it away, this show is pure good vibes. Reggae rhythms, outdoor energy, and a crowd that knows how to groove.
📍 Shoreline Amphitheater — Mountain View
🕰️ Starts at 6pm
The Zebras Spring Quartet | Saturday, Oct. 11
If the name didn’t give it away, this show is pure good vibes. Reggae rhythms, outdoor energy, and a crowd that knows how to groove.
📍 Secret Garden — Palo Alto Children’s Library
🕰️ 4pm — 6pm
👨👨👧👦 For The Kids:
Pet Palooza Parade! | Saturday, Oct. 11
Bring your furry friend (or just come to watch) as the cutest parade in town takes over the streets. Costumes encouraged, tail wags guaranteed.
📍 Cal Ave 457 — Palo Alto
🕰️ 10am — 12pm
Art for All: Family Day | Sunday, Oct. 12
A creative day out for the whole family. Hands-on art projects, interactive exhibits, and enough paint to keep everyone busy (and slightly messy).
📍 Cantor Arts Center — Palo Alto
🕰️ 10am — 3pm
🏞️ Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
A serene 5-mile trail just minutes from downtown, where golden hills meet oak-dotted paths and the occasional friendly deer.
🍳 Sur La Table Cooking Classes
Skip the dinner reservation and become the chef. Classes rotate weekly — think handmade pasta, sushi nights, or French pastries.
🧠 WEEKLY TRIVIA
1️⃣ Which company was founded first?
A. HP
B. Apple
2️⃣ Which of these famous people attended Palo Alto High School?
A. James Franco
B. Jeremy Lin
C. Reese Witherspoon
D. Both A and B
3️⃣ What’s the name of the redwood tree Palo Alto is named after?
Wait until the end of the newsletter to see if you got them right! 👇
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🌦️ WEATHER FORECAST
Thursday: ⛅ High 74°F / Low 57°F
Friday: ☀️ High 70°F / Low 54°F
Saturday: ☀️ High 67°F / Low 55°F
Sunday: ☀️ High 69°F / Low 53°F
📝 TRIVIA ANSWERS
1️⃣ A — HP was founded in 1939, Apple in 1976.
2️⃣ D — Both James Franco and Jeremy Lin attended Paly.
3️⃣ El Palo Alto, the redwood tree near the Caltrain tracks.
How many did you get correct?
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Insider! Get outside and enjoy the weekend sun while it is still here, next week is looking like a wet one.
Til next time friends,
