Update: Poicon vaults into second place in Mountain View City Council race
Ever since Election Night, Erik Poicon has been stuck in fourth place, just one spot shy of getting a seat on the Mountain View City Council. But his fortunes have now shifted, with Poicon first bumping Robert Cox for the third place spot, and then jumping into second.
More Local news
After mass tree die off, Mountain View presents replanting plan
Mountain View’s Parks and Recreation Commission weighed in earlier this week on a proposal to plant dozens of new trees near the library, replacing ones that deteriorated, likely due to herbicide use.
California’s new teen social media law challenged in court by Meta, TikTok and Google
California’s ban on addictive social media features for kids takes effect in January. Now Big Tech is trying to stop it in federal court.
Mountain View City Council picks new city attorney, formal vote set for next week
An assistant county executive in San Mateo County is poised to become Mountain View’s next city attorney, with the City Council announcing Thursday that it would vote next week to hire Justin Mates for the position.
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Food
New Palo Alto froyo spot draws long lines
The summer’s East Coast froyo craze has finally trickled to the Peninsula with the debut of Yiaya Greek Yogurt.
Abrupt closure of 98-year-old Cook’s Seafood rattles Menlo Park community
For 98 years, Cook’s Seafood provided fresh fish and seafood to Menlo Park and surrounding communities. Its abrupt closure came as a shock to both patrons and its roughly 45 employees across the two restaurants who lost their jobs without…
Belmont at 100: Where to eat, explore and uncover local history
A midsize Peninsula city that just celebrated its centennial, Belmont offers a rich history and more to discover than meets the eye.
Arts & Culture
Arts news: Digital festival seeks artists, ‘Uncanny Alley’ performance
The city of Palo Alto unveils new public art and seeks artists for the 2027 edition of code:ART, plus a local group co-hosts a virtual reality-based theatrical experience.
Teens study the classics in Palo Alto oil painting workshop
A unique program at Pacific Art League teaches young artists classical oil painting techniques, thanks to funding from a Peninsula resident.
Journalist Alexis Madrigal to appear at Stanford
Bay Area journalist and author Alexis Madrigal will be featured in conversation with humanities professor and journalist Adrian Daub Nov. 12.
Spotlight
Forecasting toxic metals
Wildfires can turn natural metals in soil into toxic, airborne particles. Stanford researchers are working to predict where these metals travel and warn people in harm’s way.
Cardinal football is back — here’s what you need to know
New coach, upgraded stadium, standout players and plenty of Cardinal spirit—here’s what to watch this Stanford football 2026 season.
Community Calendar
Did you miss
A legal settlement protects RV residents in Mountain View – it’s expiring soon
Four years ago, Mountain View agreed to protections for people living in oversized vehicles. That deal ends early next year, and it’s an open question whether the city will crack down on RVs and trailers parked on public streets.
Humans in the age of AI
Artificial intelligence is alternately billed as the most consequential technology in history or a speculative bubble that will pop and lead to economic chaos. For this project, a collaboration with photojournalist Mark Tuschman, we spoke to local residents and professionals…
Real Estate
Palo Alto’s historic Squire House hits market for $19.9M
The Squire House on University Avenue has stood as one of Palo Alto’s most recognizable residential landmarks for more than a century. Now, the historic white-columned Roman Classic Revival mansion is on the market for $19.9 million. It is the…
Fall home & garden events: Make a holiday centerpiece, learn to compost and more
From making an owl box to flower-arranging and composting workshops to nature walks and garden tours, explore what’s happening on the Peninsula in November.
San Mateo, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties are state’s priciest housing markets, but not its least affordable
San Mateo County remains California’s most expensive housing market, with buyers needing an annual household income of $578,400 to afford the median-priced home of $2.27 million, according to the California Association of Realtors’ Third Quarter 2026 Housing Affordability report, That’s…
The Six Fifty
Inside a Peninsula Humane Society program supporting rare reptiles and amphibians
Peninsula Humane Society (PHS) does many things for many animals. One very specialized program works to give California species under threat a better chance for survival.
From crafts and ofrendas to live music and dancing, here’s how to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Silicon Valley
Remember and celebrate the dead at these festivities now through early November.
Peninsula Photo Contest winners capture colorful moments and human connection
Human connection was a major theme in this year’s batch of Peninsula Photo Contest winning entries. All of the winning entries are on exhibit Oct. 23-Dec. 13 at the Palo Alto Art Center.
Blogs
State News from CalMatters
