Consultant highlights large achievement gaps, lack of aligned instruction in Mountain View Whisman schools
From a lack of continuity in what’s taught across classrooms to schedules that frequently interrupt learning in core subjects, the Mountain View Whisman School District has multiple areas to improve in order to boost student achievement, according to a report from an outside consultant.
More Local news
Startup founder jailed in ‘wild scene’ at winery allowed to exercise $1M in stock options
The founder of a mental health startup who’s facing felony charges following an erratic episode at a Saratoga winery was granted an unusual request from his jail cell: access to his phone to exercise over $1 million in stock options.…
Holiday Fund: Day Worker Center brings people together, especially in times of hardship
For nearly 30 years, the Day Worker Center of Mountain View has been a fixture in the community, connecting day workers with local employers.
Storm brings rain, coastal flooding to Bay Area on Monday
Rain, minor coastal flooding and a chance of thunderstorms will affect the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday as a winter storm moves through the region.
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Food
Popular Peninsula Texas-style barbecue pop-up permanently closes
Breakout barbecue star Pico’s BBQ has permanently closed.
Roost & Roast owners open fast-casual breakfast spot in Palo Alto
For those who typically skip breakfast, a new egg-forward breakfast shop will give you second thoughts.
Arsicault Bakery is expanding to Palo Alto
One of San Francisco’s most famous patisseries is coming to Palo Alto.
Arts & Culture
Cantor Arts Center show features a one-woman ‘collective’
Through miniature paintings, towering sculpture and digital animation, artist Shahzia Sikander delves into feminism, religion and more.
What’s up this week: Close Enemies, South Bay singer-songwriters, vivid local landscapes and more
This week, five rock virtuosos are making friends at The Guild, two well-loved South Bay acts play in Redwood City, a Peninsula author shares a new collection of essays and more.
The year in film: Perfect pairings
Revisit the best movies of 2025 with our critic’s hand-picked double features, from dark comedies to poignant family dramas. Plus, picks for best documentaries and animated films, and the worst films of the year.
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
Housing advocates fall short in bids for Sierra Club leadership
When several local housing advocates abruptly tossed their hats in the ring for leadership positions in the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club, some longtime members sounded the alarm. But with the ballots counted, it appears that veteran leadership…
Earning $250K? In Mountain View, the city wants to help you buy a home
The price of housing in Mountain View has gotten so high that the City Council is now looking for ways to help people earning up to nearly $275,000 a year afford a home, with the limit going higher for couples…
Real Estate
Peninsula winter home & garden guide: Tree pruning 101, history walks, seed swaps and more
Whether you’re looking to tour a historic garden, learn some gardening skills or explore local flora and fauna, you’ll find plenty of opportunities on the Peninsula. Check out our December home & garden events calendar.
For $1M, you can buy the equivalent of a garage or one-third of a house in Palo Alto
With median home prices on the Midpeninsula well above $1 million, it’s no surprise that buying at that price point is increasingly out of reach — if not impossible. The more revealing question is how much space $1 million actually…
January tips for your Peninsula garden: Native bees, seeds, root rot
Winter gardening on the Peninsula means pruning roses, choosing seeds for spring planting and checking trees for early signs of serious root disease. This month’s gardening tips highlight simple steps that can help keep your landscape healthy.
The Six Fifty
From the coast’s tide pools to the Peninsula’s marshlands, king tides reveal how wildlife adapt to extreme conditions
King tides exhibit what sea level rise and the threats it poses may look like in the future. But, along with the low tides, they also expose how coastal and estuarine species adapt to extreme changes in their environment.
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…
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.


