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• Take Part in Additional Rail Grade Separation Community Conversations This August
• Human Services Resource Allocation Process Needs Assessment Survey
• PGE El Camino Real / Arastradero Construction through September
• Wellness in Bloom: August Events
• Fall Board & Commission Recruitment Now Open

Take Part in Additional Rail Grade Separation Community Conversations This August

Join the City and Caltrain on August 25 and 26, and learn about the refined designs for the grade separation project at Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive and Charleston Road. Both meetings will cover all three crossing locations, so you may attend whichever date is most convenient for you. Gain refined design details, ask questions and share feedback, and connect with experts during an open house portion of the workshop. That same week, learn about the progress made on advancing a pedestrian and bicycle separated rail grade crossing in south Palo Alto on August 27 and share your feedback on the possible design alternatives. This workshop will focus on the El Dorado Avenue crossing location as well as additional improvements proposed in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Human Services Resource Allocation Process Needs Assessment Survey

The City is seeking input through an online survey to help inform this year’s Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP), a grant process to provide essential human services through awarding funding to local nonprofit and community-based organizations. Your input will help the City better understand community needs, barriers to accessing services, and opportunities to improve local services and support. Survey results will inform the City’s priorities, including the types of services and needs that may be prioritized for funding. Open to anyone who lives in, works in, receives services in, or is connected to Palo Alto, share feedback through August 12, 2026.

PG&E Construction at El Camino Real / Arastradero through September

PG&E is upgrading and replacing portions of their natural gas pipelines near West El Camino Real and Arastradero Road. From the end of July through September, expect traffic and neighborhood impacts as they conduct work Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. including closing one lane of traffic. Temporary traffic controls may be in place. Reach out to PG&E Customer Outreach Specialist Dominay Love at (925) 412-8981 or email gasprojectinfo@pge.com with questions.

Wellness in Bloom: August Events

August is Wellness Month, and it’s a great time to slow down, recharge and reconnect with the people and places that support our well-being. This month’s events offer opportunities to get outside, learn something new, engage with neighbors, and enjoy activities that support physical, mental, and social wellness across our community.

Fall Commission & Committee Recruitment Now Open

Volunteer on a City of Palo Alto commission or committee, recruitment is open now! Recruitment recently opened for seats on the Human Relations Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Public Art Commission and the Stormwater Oversight Management Committee. Recruitment continues for the Historic Resources Board. Make recommendations to help inform the City Council decision-making and policy considerations, share your expertise and perspectives, and build community connections. Learn more and apply by September 2.

Live Happier and Longer: There are certain regions in the world called “Blue Zones” where people often live long and stay vibrant and active. Use some of these insights researchers gained to help you create a lifestyle that supports healthy aging including destressing through rituals, having a sense of purpose, prioritizing social connections, eating a high plant diet and moving every day.

Reconnect with the Earth: Earthing, also known a grounding, is the practice of connecting your body with the Earth’s natural energy to support balance and well-being. Simple activities like walking barefoot on grass, sitting or lying on the ground, or using an indoor grounding mat may help you feel more centered. Experts suggest that even 30 minutes of earthing can be a good place to start.



Recipe of the Week: With temperatures rising this week, try out this refreshing and light summer ceviche recipe. Toss with fresh veggies and lime juice, use fresh fish or shrimp to create this simple and delicious meal. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Guide to help you choose your fish.

Embarcadero Road Improvements, Saturday Work: Phase 1 of the Embarcadero Road Improvements Project continues and includes north side improvements along Embarcadero Road between Emerson Street and High Street. This new road alignment will allow for a safer bike route and pedestrian pathway to be built and a speed table—a flat-topped raised crosswalk—will be installed at Emerson Street to help reduce traffic speeds and increase visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street. Saturday work on August 1 and August 8 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. are in effect to expedite construction activities before the start of school on August 13 and reduce traffic impacts on Embarcadero. For any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works Engineering at 650-329-2295 or email pwecips@paloalto.gov. More details including traffic control plans can be found at www.paloalto.gov/EmbarcaderoRoad.

New Book Clubs at the Library: Read accessible texts from different traditions and discuss big ideas about life and values at Philosophy for Life, a new biweekly book club starting Sunday, August 16 at 3:30 p.m. at Rinconada Library. If you love the idea of a book club but don’t have time for a whole novel, join the virtual Short Story Social which meets online on Thursday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. Check out other Library book clubs like Palo Alto Pageturners, the online Brown Bag Book Club, and the Graphic Novel Book Club.

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts: Stroll through the streets of downtown Palo Alto and enjoy an art showcase, musical performance, and a street painting expo at the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce. The festival will be on Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on University Avenue, from High to Webster Streets.

Downtown Art Walk: The Palo Alto Art Walk event series begins returns on Friday, August 7, as the first in a curated four-part 2026 series celebrating art, culture, dining, and local businesses in downtown Palo Alto. Developed in collaboration with neighborhood galleries, cultural organizations, restaurants, and businesses, the Palo Alto Art Walk invites community members to explore downtown through accessible evening arts programming and seasonal community experiences. Participating galleries include Pamela Walsh Gallery, Qualia Contemporary Art, Bryant Street Gallery, Node Foundation, and Pacific Art League. All dates in the series include Friday, August 7; Saturday, September 12; Saturday, October 3; Saturday, November 7 and all events run from 5-7 p.m.

Growing and Enjoying Vegetables: Diagnose your summer vegetable garden problems at the What’s Wrong with My Tomatoes workshop on Sunday, August 1 at 10 a.m. at the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden. Learn the best time of year to plant different vegetables in Santa Clara County. Get ideas for Plant-Rich Snacks for Lasting Energy and other simple and healthy meals from Stanford Health Care’s cooking videos.

Animal-Proofing Your Home: Get tips on how to keep rodents out of your home and find resources for less toxic pest control. Learn how to prevent small and large wildlife from entering your residence. Become familiar with the dos and don’ts of pest control.

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