Recall effort fails against Mountain View school board member Devon Conley
A recall effort against Mountain View Whisman school board member Devon Conley has failed, with organizers not submitting the required signatures by the Dec. 16 legal deadline.
More Local news
County supervisors show support for funding allcove Palo Alto
Despite federal funding cuts, Santa Clara County supervisors are expressing ongoing support for a Palo Alto teen wellness center.
4 things to know about end-of-year charitable giving tax benefits
There are a number of strategic tax opportunities individuals and families must take advantage of before Dec. 31 to maximize contributions to charity and minimize tax liabilities. Here’s four of them.
Principal resigns mid-year at Graham Middle School in Mountain View
Graham Middle School Principal Sebastian Benavidez is set to resign at the end of this month, after taking a leave of absence that began in mid-November.
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Food
‘Everything you need and nothing you don’t’: Here’s why many new Peninsula restaurants are going minimalist
A string of new eateries have opened on the Peninsula boasting minimalist-inspired design in addition to compelling cuisine.
Hibari brings kappo-style dining to Portola Valley
A new Japanese restaurant in Portola Valley is offering multi-course prix fixe omakase, and it’s a lot more than just nigiri.
Take a sneak peek inside the Peninsula’s newest Japanese grocery store, Osaka Marketplace
Durian-flavored Pocky, housemade Japanese sandwiches and fresh uni from Hokkaido are just some of the items you’ll find at Foster City’s newest Japanese grocery store.
Arts & Culture
Cantor delves into the art of magic
The Cantor Arts Center’s “Cunning Folk” exhibition explores how our modern concept of witches is conjured from centuries-old historic roots.
Peninsula Lively Arts goes ahead with classic, hip-hop Nutcrackers
The Sugar Plum Fairy will pirouette — and pop, lock and drop — once more as Peninsula Lively Arts will stage its traditional and hip-hop Nutcrackers Dec. 20 and 21.
What’s up this weekend: Two takes on ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ a gospel choir tradition and more
Catch different interpretations of jazz legend Vince Guaraldi’s iconic holiday tunes at concerts in Redwood City and Menlo Park, enjoy an annual favorite gospel concert, see a new show featuring paintings, photos and sculptures of early community members and more.
Spotlight
Changing diet to generate a healthier microbiome and a healthy individual
Stanford microbiologists Justin and Erica Sonnenburg are working to understand the complex microbial community that resides within the human gut and its potential for helping people live healthier, longer lives.
Ivy League mentorship for college applications and career foundations through meaningful projects
Path Mentors was born out of dissatisfaction with the toxic high-pressure environment that college admissions has created. Founded in 2019 by Columbia graduates, the Path Mentors’ team of nearly 100 mentors from a wide range of professions including technology, finance,…
Community Calendar
Did you miss
Rents reduced up to 24% in Mountain View teacher housing project
After months of struggling to find enough tenants to fill its subsidized staff housing complex, the Mountain View Whisman School District is lowering rents by up to $700 per month starting in the new year.
Castro Street transit project will end vehicle traffic at Caltrain tracks in Mountain View
Mountain View’s north entrance to downtown Castro Street is finally getting a makeover after years of lingering half-measures, temporary traffic signs and roadway cones, with proposed changes that will finally eliminate all vehicle traffic crossing the Caltrain tracks.
Real Estate
Contemporary home on 3 acres fetches $9.6M in Woodside
Each week, Embarcadero Media takes a look at home sales activity along the Midpeninsula in the communities of Atherton, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley and Woodside.
Midpeninsula luxury market sees record-breaking year in 2025
In 2025, luxury home sales defined the Midpeninsula housing market. Palo Alto, Los Altos and Menlo Park each posted record numbers of high-end transactions, surpassing their previous peaks set just a year earlier in 2024.
What $25M buys on the Midpeninsula
Two empty lots? A downtown condo? A vineyard? This week, we look at four Midpeninsula homes listed at $25 million and see what that kind of money buys you in Atherton, Palo Alto, Los Altos and Woodside.
The Six Fifty
Where to volunteer on the Peninsula this holiday season and beyond
Whether you have a couple of hours or a few days a week to spare, Peninsula organizations could use your help with everything from delivering food and maintaining trails to caring for animals and talking to seniors in need of…
Where to find holiday-themed crafting classes on the Peninsula
From wreath making to creating Victorian-era ornaments, there are a variety of holiday crafting classes being offered along the Peninsula in November and December that will help you zhuzh up your home while socializing.
From the Flintstone House to the Stanford Dish, Menlo Park artist Courtney Beyer’s designs pay homage to local landmarks
Los Altos native Courtney Beyer’s greeting cards and stickers take inspiration from her Bay Area surroundings and the natural world. She also uses her artwork to draw awareness to environmental issues.
