Good afternoon, Palo Alto (and our nearby neighbors)! I’ll admit I enjoyed Monday’s rain (even getting caught in it on the way to Trader Joe’s), but I’m glad the forecast is back to sunshine and blue skies for the foreseeable future. Welcoming the Fall, but still clinging onto the summer!
On this day in 1993: South Africans Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk were named the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.
In today’s edition of Palo Alto Insider:
A Spanish-inspired restaurant brings Mediterranean flair to downtown 🍽️
Fall events fill the calendar — from wine strolls to Matt Rife at Shoreline 🍷
A shake-up in San Mateo County leadership 🏙️
Let’s jump in!
– Matt Cunningham
📰 LOCAL NEWS
🚨 San Mateo County Supervisors fire Sheriff Corpus
Photo credit: Adriana Hernandez
In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors removed Sheriff Christina Corpus from office.She is the first sitting sheriff to face removal in the county's history. By state law, Undersheriff Dan Perea will take on the duties of sheriff until an interim is appointed by the board.
🏗️ Housing bill jolts Palo Alto’s development plans
Rendering by Studio Current/courtesy city of Palo Alto
A new state housing law could force major changes to the city’s downtown and San Antonio road projects, potentially accelerating mixed-use construction and reducing local zoning control.
🍴 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Macarena 🥘 🇪🇸
A fresh taste of Spain landed in Palo Alto earlier this year, and it is truly a must-try. Inspired by their grandmothers’ recipes, the folks at Macarena serve elevated Mediterranean dishes inspired by Andalusian flavors — think fresh seafood paella, jamón Iberico, and tapas built for sharing.
The ambiance is warm and intimate without trying too hard — perfect for a date night or slow catchup with friends over dinner.
📍 420 Ramona St – Palo Alto
🕰️ Mon-Thu: 11:30am-9:30pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-10:30pm | Sun: 11am-9:30pm
View their full menu here
🐶 PET OF THE WEEK
in support of Pets In Need
Pet of the Week: NATASHA
Meet Natasha, a 3-year-old pup from Pets in Need in Redwood City. She’s a petite 28 pounds of gentle curiosity, still finding her footing in her new surroundings after arriving from a partner shelter.
Right now, she’s taking her time to settle in — but early signs say she’s a sweetheart waiting to bloom. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a soft heart (and small paws), Natasha might just be your match.
Learn more about Natasha and how to adopt her or another pet in need here.
📆 EVENT PICKS
👥 Community Events:
Downtown Los Altos Witches & Warlocks Wine Stroll | Friday, Oct 17
Sip, shop, and summon your inner witch (or wizard). Local wineries take over Los Altos for an evening of wine tasting, live music, and fall-festive vibes.
📍 Downtown Los Altos
🕰️ 6pm – 9pm
👉 Get TicketsKara’s 20th Annual Walk’n’Run to Remember | Saturday, Oct 18
A heartfelt community tradition honoring loved ones and raising funds for Kara’s bereavement services. Walk, run, remember, and connect.
📍 Mitchell Park – Palo Alto
🕰️ Starts at 10am
👉 RegisterStanford DiwaliFest 2025 | Saturday, Oct 18
A joyful celebration of light and culture — with dance, music, delicious free Indian food, and family activities.
📍 Memorial Church – Stanford
🕰️ 6:30pm – 9pm
👉 Learn More →
🎵 Live Music:
The B-52s & DEVO: Cosmic De-Evolution Tour | Thursday, Oct 16
A double dose of new-wave legends — high hair, synth hits, and nostalgia guaranteed.
📍 Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View
🕰️ 7pm
👉 TicketsThe Graduates: The Sound of Simon & Garfunkel | Friday, Oct 17
A faithful tribute capturing the harmony and nostalgia of two timeless voices.
📍 Fox Theatre, Redwood City
🕰️ Starts at 7:30pm
👉 TicketsTuck & Patti LIVE | Friday, Oct 17
The iconic jazz duo returns for an evening of timeless vocals and smooth guitar at its finest.
📍 Sunnyvale Theatre
🕰️ Starts at 7pm
👉 TicketsSara Evans LIVE | Saturday, Oct 18
Country star Sara Evans brings her powerhouse voice and fan-favorite hits to the Peninsula.
📍 Fox Theatre – Redwood City
🕰️ Starts at 7pm
👉 TicketsJunior H — $AD BOYZ LIVE & BROKEN Tour | Saturday, Oct 18
Regional Mexican superstar Junior H hits Shoreline for a night of corridos, heartbreak, and big-crowd energy.
📍 Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View
🕰️ Starts at 8pm
👉 Tickets
🎭 Live Shows:
Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour | Sunday, Oct 19
The viral comedian brings his sharp wit and relatable humor to Mountain View. Expect laughs, selfies, and lots of crowd interaction.
📍 Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View
🕰️ Starts at 7pm
👉 Tickets
👨👨👧👦 For The Kids:
Spooky Storytime at The Foster Museum | Sunday, Oct 19
A cozy morning of Halloween stories, creative crafts, and giggles for little ones.
📍 The Foster Museum – Palo Alto
🕰️ 10:30am - 12pm
👉 Details
🎃 Halloween Events:
Halloween Haunted Hangar | Oct 18 – 27
Aviation meets Halloween at this family-friendly event packed with crafts, costumes, and candy.
📍 Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos
🕰️ 10am – 5pm
👉 DetailsNightfall at Filoli | Oct 15 – 28
Filoli Gardens transforms after dark with glowing art installations, music, and autumn treats — a stunning, not-too-spooky evening stroll.
📍 Filoli Gardens – Woodside
🕰️ 5:30pm – 10pm
👉 Details
🧠 TRIVIA TIME
1️⃣ Which came first — the Golden Gate Bridge or the Bay Bridge?
(A) Golden Gate Bridge
(B) Bay Bridge
2️⃣ Which famous tech product was first demoed at Stanford University in 1968?
A. The computer mouse
B. The iPod
C. The first Macintosh
D. The floppy disk
3️⃣ What’s the name of the bridge connecting San Mateo County and the East Bay that many locals cross on Highway 84?
Wait until the end of the newsletter to see if you got it right!
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🌦️ WEEKLY WEATHER
Despite a horrid start to the week with parts of the peninsula getting flooded, we have nothing but sun and blue skies back on the horizon!
Wednesday: ☀️ SUNNY, High 65°F / Low 54°F
Thursday: ☀️ SUNNY, High 67°F / Low 51°F
Friday: ☀️ SUNNY, High 71°F / Low 51°F
Saturday: ☀️ SUNNY, High 74°F / Low 53°F
Sunday: ☀️ SUNNY, High 72°F / Low 54°F
📝 TRIVIA ANSWERS
1️⃣ B — The Bay Bridge. It opened in 1936, nearly six months before the Golden Gate.
2️⃣ A — The computer mouse. It was unveiled by Douglas Engelbart during “The Mother of All Demos” at Stanford.
3️⃣ The Dumbarton Bridge. The southernmost bridge across the San Francisco Bay.
How many did you get correct this week?
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Insider!
Til next time friends,
