Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Menlo Park is defying the state over 80 Willow Road

Also, don't miss Ragnarocktoberfest 2026 3-Day Nerf Event on the Menlo Park Patch calendar

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Good morning Menlo Park! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Menlo Park is defying the state over 80 Willow Road
  • Menlo Park resident among two killed in East Palo Alto crash
  • Why Yelp says Menlo Park's Eylan is a must-visit restaurant

Also on today's calendar: Ragnarocktoberfest 2026 3-Day Nerf Event and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 81 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 84, low: 57.
  • Saturday: Turning sunny and hot, with a high of 92 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. New updates on 80 Willow Road development project in Menlo Park (inmenlo.com) — Menlo Park's City Council has rejected state-directed approval of the massive 80 Willow Road project, arguing the Attorney General misapplied housing law and would worsen local infrastructure, emergency response, and the jobs‑housing imbalance. Officials also revealed a potential new buyer interested in reusing the historic campus with minimal changes, which could reshape the site's future and any impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
   

2. Two killed after minivan hits six vehicles in East Palo Alto (rwcpulse.com) — A Menlo Park resident, 69-year-old Bobby McGee, was one of two people killed Tuesday morning when a minivan struck six vehicles at East Palo Alto's Bay Road and University Avenue intersection. Several others were injured, and investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has video or information to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
   

3. Yelp's best new restaurants of 2026 revealed —and two NYC hotspots made the top 10 (nypost.com) — A new Indian restaurant called Eylan in Menlo Park has landed at No. 4 on Yelp's 2026 list of best new restaurants in the country, praised for its live-fire grill, inventive chaat, and cocktails. The family-style, prix-fixe spot is drawing attention for lighter, more balanced takes on Indian flavors and a stylish atmosphere, putting Menlo Park firmly on the national dining map.
   

4. The Bay Area may be the world's hottest wealth market. Banks are racing to cash in (sfchronicle.com) — Citibank is planning a new branch in Menlo Park next year as banks race to serve the Bay Area's booming AI-driven wealth, even while overall finance jobs decline. The story also notes that some high-paying venture and private equity roles are shifting from Menlo Park's Sand Hill Road into downtown San Francisco, reflecting how tech and finance are reshaping local opportunities.
   

📸 Around Menlo Park

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Shout out to Chase Bank in Menlo Park for working swiftky and with expertise to prevent possible elder fraud.
    Zach Pausa, one of their private bankers, noticed a large check I had written to a funny name and both called me and emailed me and said that he was… (Nextdoor Vintage Oaks)
  • Hello All we recently moved to this area Menlo Park and lost our cat Hazel!
    She been with us since she was a kitten. My daughters are devastated. Please if you see her around help us. (Nextdoor Belle Haven)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for District Office Intern - Office of Senator Becker (Menlo Park, CA) in Menlo Park. Apply here.
  • Starbucks Corporation posted a job opening for shift supervisor - Store# 00646, MENLO PARK in Menlo Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Menlo Park here.

Ok Menlo Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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