Behind the Headlines
2019
Year in Review
A look back at the defining stories, individuals, trends and phrases of 2019
Weekly journalists wrap up 2019 by recapping the biggest news and the most surprising trends of the year -- and the decade.
December 27, 2019 |
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Podcast: Fixing commissions; Middle school math
City exploring changes on how its boards function; Palo Alto Unified to roll out redesign of mathematics
December 13, 2019 |
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City exploring changes on how its boards function; Palo Alto Unified to roll out redesign of mathematics
Weekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's effort to reform its commission system and a proposal to dramatically shift how math is taught in Palo Alto middle schools.
December 13, 2019 |
1 comment
Rising wildfire risks
Organizations are taking steps to reduce the danger
Fire agencies warn that the Santa Cruz Mountains could produce a large-scale blaze, similar to recent wildfires in the north bay, under the right conditions.
December 6, 2019 |
2 comments
Holiday entertainment highlights
Concerts, shows, dance performances and more experiences in store on the Midpeninsula
Palo Alto Weekly Associate Editor Linda Taaffe chats with music writer Yoshi Kato and Arts and Entertainment Editor Karla Kane about the many upcoming holiday-themed performances and events on the Midpeninsula this season.
November 29, 2019 |
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The Churchill dilemma
Improving safety at intersection is key consideration in grade-separation project
Should Palo Alto close Churchill Avenue to cars near the railroad tracks as part of a broader plan to redesign the rail corridor? Weekly staff dive into this question, which has pitted neighborhoods against each other.
November 22, 2019 |
23 comments
Debate over Foothills Park
Proposal to expand access at open space heads to City Council
Ryan McCauley, a member of Palo Alto's Parks and Recreation Commission, talks about a new proposal to open up the city's pristine and exclusive Foothills Park to non-residents.
November 15, 2019 |
14 comments
Stanford's plan hits dead end
Journalists discuss how Stanford University's bid to expand its campus came undone
Palo Alto Weekly reporter Gennady Sheyner, Editor Jocelyn Dong and Publisher Bill Johnson discuss why Stanford University on Nov. 1 withdrew its ambitious application to expand development on campus.
November 8, 2019 |
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Talking transportation
New Palo Alto official discusses upcoming initiatives including bike-share program
Philip Kamhi, Palo Alto's newly hired chief transportation official, talks to the Weekly about the city's plans to revamp its parking policies and launch a scooter-share program, among other projects.
October 25, 2019 |
17 comments
Woman breaks silence about Harvey Weinstein
After 21 years, Rowena Chiu goes public with her story against film mogul
Palo Alto resident Rowena Chiu, who says movie mogul Harvey Weinstein attempted to rape her when she was his assistant in 1998, speaks about her decision to come forward.
October 18, 2019 |
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Reflecting on Palo Alto
Residents share memories of their hometown and thoughts on what has changed
As the Palo Alto Weekly celebrates its 40th anniversary, we highlight work by the editorial staff to commemorate the milestone, including a project titled "When I think of Palo Alto, I think of ..."
October 11, 2019 |
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Vaping's rise and risks
Devices can easily appear as fitness trackers, smartwatches
Kyle Greenman of Adolescent Counseling Services' Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, discusses the growing prevalence of vaping among local teens and what parents, school employees and public officials should know about the phenomenon.
October 4, 2019 |
1 comment
How one school went phone-free
San Mateo High Assistant Principal Adam Gelb explains steps administrators took to roll out new policy
San Mateo High Assistant Principal Adam Gelb talks with education reporter Elena Kadvany about the school's decision to prohibit cellphones during school hours.
September 27, 2019 |
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A hospital for the future
Dr. George Tingwald calls Stanford project a 'huge transformation' for institution
Dr. George Tingwald, medical planning director for Stanford Health Care, gives an overview of what's inside the new Stanford Hospital and gives insight into the planning involved to help the institution deliver top-notch medical care.
September 13, 2019 |
1 comment
Staying heart healthy
One of the nation's first cardiac therapy programs running out of Palo Alto helps members through rehabilitation
Robin Wedell, director of the HeartFit for Life program, joins Weekly staff to give an overview of the program's cardiac therapy service as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary.
September 6, 2019 |
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Reimagining Ventura
Former City Councilwoman Gail Price gives insight into planning effort for 60 acres
Former Palo Alto City Councilwoman Gail Price joins Weekly staff for a discussion about the goals, challenges and latest complications in Palo Alto's effort to craft a vision for the Ventura neighborhood.
August 30, 2019 |
3 comments
The state of the Ravenswood school board
At retreat, two longer-serving members say they've felt dismissed by new leadership
Palo Alto Weekly journalists discuss tensions between Ravenswood City School District board members and the implications for a district in transition.
August 23, 2019 |
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Palo Alto's superintendent, one year in
Don Austin details goals for the district, differing timelines to redevelop Cubbberley Community Center
Palo Alto Unified Superintendent Don Austin joins Weekly journalists to discuss his vision for the district and upcoming issues for the new school year.
August 16, 2019 |
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The story of Glory
One of East Palo Alto's last bastions of affordable housing set to close by 2020
Palo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the potential closure of Glory mobile home park in East Palo Alto, which housing advocates argue would remove needed low-income housing from the city.
August 9, 2019 |
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The rise of pickleball
USA Pickleball Association ambassador looks at local popularity of paddle sport
Monica Williams, president of the Palo Alto Pickleball Club, joins Weekly staff for a discussion about the city's fastest growing sport, pickleball, and ongoing efforts to build more courts and attract more players.
August 2, 2019 |
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The power of ketamine
Local psychiatrist has administered more than 1,000 infusions of drug to patients, 87% of whom have seen significant improvements
Palo Alto psychiatrist Rameen Ghorieshi joins Weekly journalists to discuss the potential of ketamine to treat severely depressed patients, who have seen remarkable results.
July 26, 2019 |
1 comment
Meet the Peninsula Foodist
Food blogger and editor Elena Kadvany talks about the rise of food journalism and the role of diverse cuisines in the fabric of Silicon Valley life
Meet the Peninsula Foodist, aka Weekly education reporter Elena Kadvany. On July 17, she launched a new e-newsletter covering the Peninsula dining scene, from parking-lot food stands to Michelin-starred restaurants.
July 19, 2019 |
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Who are the RV dwellers?
Reporters share their experiences of interviewing people living in controversial vehicles
Weekly journalists discuss the diverse community of people living in recreational vehicles along El Camino Real and the various circumstances that brought them there.
July 12, 2019 |
13 comments
On the trail of a killer
John Arthur Getreu is accused of killing two women found dead on Stanford property in the 1970s
Palo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the cases against John Arthur Getreu, 74, a convicted killer and rapist who is charged with two murders of young women on Stanford University land in the 1970s.
June 21, 2019 |
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The plastic ban; Hacker sentenced
A reporters roundtable on the week's top headlines
Weekly journalists break down Palo Alto's new ban on plastic straws and produce bags and recap this week's sentencing of Ross Colby, who in 2015 hacked into and temporarily took down Palo Alto Online and its four sister websites.
June 14, 2019 |
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Housing at Cubberley?
Proposal for dilapidating campus sparks passionate debate
Palo Alto Weekly staff delve into a divisive proposal to build housing at Cubberley Community Center as part of a redevelopment project at the aged campus.
June 7, 2019 |
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Growing concerns over Stanford's expansion
University seeks county's approval of application to build academic space, housing
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian joins Weekly staff to highlight the key areas of contention around Stanford University's ambitious expansion plan, which is facing increasing scrutiny from local leaders and Stanford students.
May 31, 2019 |
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Students speak out 2019
Board of Education representatives for Paly, Gunn High share views on post-high school plans, college admissions scam
High school students Claire Cheng, Caroline Furrier, Ben Gordon and Arjun Prabhaker discuss issues impacting students in Palo Alto with education reporter Elena Kadvany.
May 24, 2019 |
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RV parking program takes offAlicia Garcia of the nonprofit Project WeHope talks about East Palo Alto's pioneering new Safe Lot program, which is giving people living in their RVs a safe place to park overnight, along with offering them critical services.
May 17, 2019 | 14 comments
Conflict over Stanford-expansion processPalo Alto Weekly journalists explain recent and controversial developments in Stanford University's application process under the county of Santa Clara.
May 10, 2019 | No comments yet
Preventing the next creek-flood disasterPalo Alto resident Tom Rindfleisch discusses long-awaited recommendations on how to keep the San Francisquito Creek from overflowing its banks and flooding streets and homes. Palo Alto Weekly journalists Jocelyn Dong and Gennady Sheyner join him for the conversation.
May 3, 2019 | No comments yet
Recycling at the crossroadsPhil Bobel, Palo Alto's assistant director of Public Works, talks about the uncertainty facing the city's recycling operation since China has become unwilling to buy recycled items that are considered "contaminated."
April 12, 2019 | 2 comments
State bills on housingThree California bills aimed at creating housing opportunities -- AB 302, SB 4 and SB 50 -- are discussed by Palo Alto Weekly journalists.
April 5, 2019 | No comments yet
Debate over SB 50Palo Alto Vice Mayor Adrian Fine and Greer Stone, vice chair of the Santa Clara County Human Rights Commission, join Weekly journalists for a discussion of state Senate Bill 50, a contentious legislative proposal that seeks to increase housing construction in transit-friendly and jobs-rich areas.
March 29, 2019 | 5 comments
The charter school challengeWeekly journalists discuss what the rapid rise of charter schools means for traditional school districts, including the K-8 Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto.
March 22, 2019 | No comments yet
Unpacking the college admissions bribery scandalPalo Alto college adviser John Raftrey discusses with Weekly journalists the implications of a multimillion-dollar nationwide admissions bribery scandal.
March 15, 2019 | 6 comments
Mayor pushes back on SB50Palo Alto Mayor Eric Filseth discusses with the Weekly his concerns with Senate Bill 50, which aims to boost California's housing stock, and his own ideas for addressing the state's housing shortage.
March 8, 2019 | 18 comments
Ravenswood upheaval; VTA's new bus planWeekly journalists discuss the leadership battle at Ravenswood City School District, where the schools superintendent was just placed on leave, and explain why Palo Alto is so frustrated with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's latest bus plan.
March 1, 2019 | No comments yet
Shedding light on region's black pioneersSan Jose author Jan Batiste Adkins talks about the struggles and successes of Santa Clara County's early African-Americans featured in her new book "African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County."
February 22, 2019 | No comments yet
Charter school expansion debate; downtown office cap repealedWeekly journalists delve into the Ravenswood City School District debate over a charter school's expansion proposal; recap Palo Alto's move to allow more commercial development downtown; and discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom's new vision for California's high-speed-rail project.
February 15, 2019 | 2 comments
The new CubberleyPalo Alto City Councilwoman Alison Cormack joins Weekly journalists for a discussion about the community effort to create a new vision for Cubberley Community Center.
February 8, 2019 | No comments yet
The dilemma of deceptionWhen a loved one has dementia, is it act of kindness to tell them a lie? "Behind the Headlines" guest Barton Bernstein, a caregiver for his wife and an emeritus history professor at Stanford University, talks about the ethics of what some call "compassionate deception."
February 1, 2019 | No comments yet
Building affordable housing
Palo Alto Housing CEO discusses projects, state of home construction in region
Randy Tsuda, CEO and president of the nonprofit Palo Alto Housing, talks about the recently approved 59-apartment Wilton Court project in Palo Alto and the challenges and opportunities for solving the Bay Area's housing crisis.
January 25, 2019 |
7 comments
Restaurant critic retires
Seasoned reviewer bids farewell
Longtime critic Dale Bentson looks back on 18 years of reviewing restaurants for Embarcadero Media.
January 18, 2019 |
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Nonprofit's plans for Animal Shelter
Pets In Need set to take over operations in February
Al Mollica, executive director of the nonprofit Pets In Needs, talks about what Palo Alto pet owners can expect once the organization takes over operations of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter in February.
January 11, 2019 |
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Best movies of 2018
A roundup of the best films from the year
Palo Alto Weekly film critic Peter Canavese and Tim Sika, host/producer of the radio show Celluloid Dreams, review their picks for the top 10 movies of 2018 with Weekly Editor Jocelyn Dong.
January 4, 2019 |
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2018
Year in Review
Recapping the top stories in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto from 2018
Palo Alto Weekly journalists close out the year by recapping the biggest events, controversies, surprises and newsmakers of 2018.
December 28, 2018 |
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Rail redesign update; President Hotel zoningPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the latest on the redesign of the city's four rail crossings and recap the City Council's decision Monday on zoning for the President Hotel.
December 14, 2018 | No comments yet
Update on Stanford's expansion proposal
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to vote on growth plan next year
Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian discusses the negotiation process with Stanford University over its proposed expansion of the campus.
December 7, 2018 |
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Secret dealings over President HotelWeekly journalists explain how developer AJ Capital has been lobbying the city to change zoning laws and using the tenants of President Hotel Apartments in downtown Palo Alto.
November 30, 2018 | No comments yet
Treating postpartum mood disordersPsychiatrist Nirmaljit Dhami, medical director of El Camino Hospital's Maternal Outreach Mood Services program, discusses the signs, symptoms and treatment for postpartum mood disorders, which affect one in five mothers after childbirth.
November 16, 2018 | No comments yet
Analyzing the election
A roundup of how voters responded to candidates, measures on the ballot
Palo Alto Weekly journalists analyze the results so far in the general election, including the clear winners, the race outcome that's still pending and the significance of local voters' choices.
November 9, 2018 |
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Challenges of caregiving
Paula Wolfson of Avenidas Care Partners gives insight into caring for relatives
Paula Wolfson, manager of Avenidas Care Partners, discusses the rising numbers of family caregivers in Palo Alto and the many services available to help families navigate caring for a relative.
November 2, 2018 |
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Palo Alto's traffic challenges
Assistant City Manager Ed Shikada shares the city's plans for improving transportation
Palo Alto Assistant City Manager Ed Shikada discusses challenges facing the city when it comes to traffic and Palo Alto's plans for improving transportation for residents and commuters.
October 26, 2018 |
4 comments
East Palo Alto Election 2018
Residents to elect new council council members, vote on new tax
Weekly journalists discuss the East Palo Alto City Council race and the city's Measure HH commercial business tax, which could bring funding for building new housing and job training.
October 19, 2018 |
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Palo Alto City Council race
Three incumbents, two newcomers seek three open seats
Weekly journalists preview the City Council election with a discussion about Palo Alto's five candidates and their stances on some of the city's most urgent issues.
October 12, 2018 |
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Palo Alto school board race
A look at the incumbent, five newcomers seeking two open seats
The 2018 Palo Alto school board race involving six candidates is the subject of this week's "Behind the Headlines" discussion with Weekly journalists.
October 5, 2018 |
1 comment
Meet the Palo Alto City Council candidates
Candidates talk about their lives in one-on-one interviews
Five Palo Alto residents are running for three seats on the Palo Alto City Council this fall. This week's "Behind the Headlines" features one-on-one videos with each candidate.
September 28, 2018 |
2 comments
Palo Alto's housing plansWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's response to a recent Santa Clara County Grand Jury report, which urged cities to do more to address the regional housing crisis.
September 21, 2018 | No comments yet
Election measures E and FWeekly journalists delve into Palo Alto's Measure E, which would raise the city's hotel-tax rate, and Measure F, which would cap how much health care providers can charge patients.
September 14, 2018 | No comments yet
A talk with new Superintendent Don AustinDon Austin, who started work in July as superintendent of Palo Alto Unified School District, talks about a range of issues including Title IX, special education, overcoming division in the district and transparent governance.
September 7, 2018 | 5 comments
A preview of fall artsArts researcher Sheryl Nonnenberg and Jon Graves, executive director of the Pacific Art League, talk about what's happening in the Midpeninsula arts scene this fall.
August 31, 2018 | No comments yet
Parenting in the digital ageEmily Garrison of the Palo Alto school district talks about how the district is helping children, parents and teachers navigate the pitfalls of technology use.
August 24, 2018 | No comments yet
Palo Alto's animal shelter plans; East Palo Alto's Taser debateWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's effort to upgrade its animal shelter and East Palo Alto's community debate over whether to equip police officers with Tasers.
August 17, 2018 | No comments yet
Stanford's proposed expansionWeekly journalists discuss Stanford University's proposed campus expansion and the evolving debate over how much housing the university should provide as part of the growth plan.
August 10, 2018 | No comments yet
Planning commission; New office capWeekly journalists discuss the recent tensions and conflicts on the city's planning commission and the City Council's recent decision to reduce the citywide cap for new office development.
August 3, 2018 | No comments yet
A vibrant life with ALSJon Ferraiolo and Karen Kang have vibrant lives despite Ferraiolo's terminal diagnosis and paralysis from ALS, as seen in a 15-minute documentary by Weekly Photographer/Videographer Veronica Weber.
July 27, 2018 | No comments yet
Helping the Homeless RV DwellersPastor Paul Bains, executive director of Project WeHOPE, discusses a new pilot program that will allow RV dwellers to temporarily park on government land and receive support services in East Palo Alto.
July 20, 2018 | No comments yet
Grand jury's housing reportHenry Groth, a member of the 2017-2018 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury discusses with Weekly journalists a recent report from the civil grand jury about the region's affordable-housing crisis.
July 13, 2018 | No comments yet
College Terrace Centre; Grand jury's housing reportPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the recent sale of the College Terrace Centre and delve into a new report from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury that calls on cities to do more to address the regional housing crisis.
July 6, 2018 | 1 comment
Stanford Memorial Church murderPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the latest developments in the grisly 1974 murder of Arlis Perry at Stanford Memorial Church.
June 29, 2018 | No comments yet
Bad Blood: Book exposes Theranos' alleged fraudWeekly journalists discuss a new book that unveils the alleged fraud by Theranos' former CEO Elizabeth Holmes and former COO Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, who now face federal charges.
June 22, 2018 | 4 comments
President HotelWeekly staff discuss the implications of this week's purchase of the historic President Hotel from a 75-unit apartment building to a 100-unit hotel.
June 16, 2018 | No comments yet
Peninsula Photo ContestPalo Alto Art Center Director Karen Kienzle discusses the Peninsula Photo Contest with Weekly Associate Editor Linda Taaffe and staff photographer Veronica Weber.
June 8, 2018 | No comments yet
Students speak out 2018
A discussion with the incoming and outgoing Paly, Gunn student board representatives
High school students Advait Arun, Richy Islas, Arjun Prabhaker and Caroline Furrier discuss issues impacting students in Palo Alto with education reporter Elena Kadvany.
June 1, 2018 |
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Palo Alto's financial outlookPalo Alto City Councilwoman Lydia Kou discusses the proposed 2019 city budget with Palo Alto Weekly city-beat reporter Gennady Sheyner and Editor Jocelyn Dong.
May 25, 2018 | 1 comment
Regional Measure 3Weekly journalists discuss a measure on the June 5 ballot that would raise bridge tolls to fund $4.5 billion in transportation improvements.
May 18, 2018 | 6 comments
Palo Alto's superintendent pickPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the career of Don Austin, Palo Alto Unified's pick for superintendent, and his proposed contract with Palo Alto Unified.
May 11, 2018 | No comments yet
Walter Hays traffic; new bell scheduleWeekly journalists discuss the recent changes at the intersection of Middlefield and Embarcadero roads which parents say has created dangerous road crossings, and the approval of a new schedule at Paly, which will allow students to start school at a later time.
May 4, 2018 | 3 comments
Female chefs, owners on the MidpeninsulaJesse Ziff Cool, the owner of the 37-year-old Flea St. Café in Menlo Park, discusses the evolution of the Peninsula dining scene and challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.
April 27, 2018 | No comments yet
Debate over rail redesign
Residents speak up as city narrows down grade-separation options
David Shen, member of the newly formed North Old Palo Alto neighborhood group, discusses concerns about the city's rail redesign and its efforts to protect properties from eminent domain.
April 20, 2018 |
59 comments
Zoning for churchesPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the Palo Alto neighborhood dispute over a church that rents its space out to music groups, counselors and others.
April 13, 2018 | No comments yet
Working toward LGBTQ & gender equity
Human Relations Commissioner Jill O'Nan shares findings from recent listening forum
Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioner Jill O'Nan discusses a recent listening forum and launch of a needs-assessment survey aimed at serving the LGBTQ community.
April 6, 2018 |
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50 years after MLK Jr.'s deathClayborne Carson, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute and the King Papers Project at Stanford, reflects on King's legacy and upcoming commemorations in East Palo Alto and at Stanford.
March 30, 2018 | No comments yet
Increasing affordable housingFran Wagstaff, retired president of MidPen Housing, joins Weekly journalists to discuss the challenges of building affordable housing in Palo Alto.
March 23, 2018 | 9 comments
Concern over 'Cool Block' program fundsPalo Alto Weekly journalists discuss the proposed $100,000 Cool Block community-building program, which is stirring controversy.
March 11, 2018 | No comments yet
Paly principal resignsWeekly journalists discuss the resignation of Palo Alto High School Principal Kim Diorio announced Friday.
March 9, 2018 | No comments yet
Changing labor negotiationsPalo Alto Vice Mayor Eric Filseth joins Weekly journalists to discuss a new proposal to make labor negotiations more transparent.
March 2, 2018 | No comments yet
Renaming schools; redesigning railWeekly journalists provide updates on efforts to rename two Palo Alto middle schools and to separate the rail corridor from local streets.
February 23, 2018 | 3 comments
Working to address airplane noisePalo Alto Deputy City Manager Michelle Poché Flaherty discusses the topic of worsening airplane noise -- and Palo Alto's response to the problem -- with Weekly journalists.
February 16, 2018 | 4 comments
State of the ValleyWeekly journalists dig into a new report on Silicon Valley's trends and challenges and discuss Palo Alto's recent actions to address its housing and transportation problems.
February 9, 2018 | 1 comment
Palo Alto's construction boomPalo Alto Assistant Public Works Director Brad Eggleston joins Weekly journalists to delve into the city's infrastructure plans.
February 2, 2018 | 1 comment
Ravenswood's budget crisisThe drivers behind a multi-million dollar budget shortfall in the Ravenswood City School District are analyzed by Palo Alto Weekly journalists.
January 26, 2018 | 4 comments
Invasion of the stinkwortEcologist Claire Elliott talks about stinkwort, a seemingly innocuous plant that is poised to take over local grasslands and open spaces, with Palo Alto Weekly journalists.
January 19, 2018 | No comments yet
Palo Alto: The Year AheadWeekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's recent mayoral election and the City Council's top priorities for the year ahead.
January 12, 2018 | 2 comments
The Year in FilmMovie reviewer Peter Canavese talks about the good, the bad and the horrible - and other trends that emerged on the big screen in 2017.
January 5, 2018 | No comments yetStay informed.
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