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Connect with your community each week with the following updates on COVID-19, City services, events and programs, wellness opportunities, and family resources. 

• Coronavirus Report  
• Holiday Events for the Whole Family 
• Celebrate Small Business Saturday: Shop & Eat Local 
• Gather for Thanksgiving Dinner 
• Holiday Fire Safety Tips from the Palo Alto Fire Department 
• Support Local Artists at the Holiday Studio Sale

The reporting frequency for national and statewide data is shifting as the need for daily data is decreasing. For national and statewide COVID-19 data, visit the CDC’s data dashboard and the California data dashboard. Santa Clara County continues to update cases more frequently: on November 21, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 248 new cases. 

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Gathering 

Happy Thanksgiving, Palo Alto! We hope you’re enjoying time off with your loved ones this holiday week. Help keep those you care about and the community safe by following County Public Health recommendations to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and get the updated bivalent booster shot. Visit sccfreevax.org to find an appointment or talk with your doctor. California Public Health further recommends these tips for a safe holiday. Be safe, stay healthy, and have a great thanksgiving. 

Influenza Added to County Wastewater Data Dashboard 

Santa Clara County shared a new wastewater dashboard to track influenza in the community similar to the way they’ve been tracking COVID-19 wastewater data. This data has played an important role in predicting and tracking the presence of COVID-19 in the community, allows the public and health professionals to understand whether transmission is increasing or decreasing, and if new variants are rising. Influenza data is updated on the dashboard Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (except holidays) during flu season. 

New COVID-19 Data Review from the CDC 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new COVID-19 Data Review: Update on COVID-19–Related Mortality last week. The review looks at recent and overall COVID-19–related mortality trends in U.S. adults. According to the CDC’s review, the virus poses the highest risk of COVID-19–related death for older adults (especially 85+ years old), those who have underlying medical conditions, people with disabilities, and people who are not up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. Getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 remain the best defense from severe illness and death. 

Celebrate Small Business Saturday: Shop & Eat Local 

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday and a great way to support Palo Alto’s community experience and economic vibrancy by shopping and eating local! Celebrate the season by visiting Palo Alto restaurants and shop local for family and friends’ holiday gifts. Check out local events, and new holiday promotions to help you get started on your holiday gifts list at www.Upliftlocal.org.  

Gather for Thanksgiving Dinner 

Know someone in need of a Thanksgiving dinner? Looking for ways to give back to the community this week? The Palo Alto Downtown Streets Team is hosting their annual Community Thanksgiving Meal at All Saints Episcopal Church on November 24, noon to 2 p.m. and a Left-Over meal on November 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Donate food items or volunteer your time to support their efforts. Learn more here. 

Fire Safety Tips to Keep Thanksgiving Safe & Delicious 

With the holidays here and everyone making plans to connect with family and friends, the Palo Alto Fire Department recommends holiday (and everyday) fire safety tips for preventing house fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, house fires in the winter account for 30% of all fire deaths and 23% of all fire injuries. Read this update with community health and your safety in mind. 

Support Local Artists at the Holiday Studio Sale 

If you’re looking for handmade gifts for the holidays, the Palo Alto Art Center Studio Holiday Sale is your one-stop shop. The sale showcases unique artwork created by local artists such as stunning and innovative jewelry, functional and fine art ceramics, paintings, prints and more. Join us on Saturday, December 3 any time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the participating artists, our studios, and the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation. Learn more here. 

Month of Gratitude: November is the month of gratitude, and we want to say, “Thank you Palo Altans!” To celebrate, we are sharing a daily dose of gratitude, joy, and opportunities for community connection. This week we thanked Palo Alto Libraries and encouraged the community to attend a local community event. Celebrate the season by following along on our social media and letting us know - what are you grateful for? 

Turkey Glazes to Save the Day: If you haven’t figured out how you want to spruce up your bird this year, fear not, the Food Network is here to save the day! They share nine delicious, simple ideas for you to cook the best turkey ever. From sweet and tart cranberry orange to sweet and sour five-spice to a seasonal cider-brined turkey with maple-cider glaze, you’re sure to find a delectable glaze to impress. 

Celebrate Green Friday: Put an earth friendly spin on the Friday after Thanksgiving and spend time outside. Invite family or friends on a Green Friday hike or walk at the Baylands. Choose a location to explore using the lists of nature preserves, open space, trails and parks in Palo Alto, or one maintained by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space and the Open Space Authority. 

Second Harvest Food Resources: If you need food or want to donate food, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley has resources for accessing free food and for supporting their work through donations and food drives.

Create Joy, Not Waste: Be prepared to make the most of holiday meal leftovers with a bit of planning to keep food safe and prevent waste with these tips.

Restaurants Open this Thursday: Looking to outsource your Thanksgiving dinner? Find a list of local restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day here.

Holiday Transportation Services: Transportation schedules are subject to change around the holidays. Stay up to date by reading Caltrain's Holiday Schedule and BART's Holiday Schedule, or explore available VTA routes.