Sept. 3, 2022

Quote of the week

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”
–César Chávez

Sept. 5 – Administrative offices closed

City offices are closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Heat advisory in effect Sunday and Monday; cooling centers to open

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for San Francisco Bay Shoreline, including Menlo Park, this weekend beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, through 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 5. Menlo Park has air-conditioned facilities where you can escape the heat. This always includes both libraries and recreation center facilities during regular operating hours and during designated cooling center hours.

End the Silence – SafeSpace for youth mental health

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the City of Menlo Park is partnering with SafeSpace, a local youth-led, mental health-focused organization to lead a conversation about ending the mental health stigma. View a short film and conversation that will include tips for parents and adult allies on how to start important conversations. Join us for these free event at the Menlo Park Library, Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

Stories for Climate Action

Join us at the Menlo Park Library, at 11:15 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, as storyteller and educator Bowen Lee blends cultural and natural history with classical tales and conversations about our climate. Listen to tales from many cultures around the world that still speak to us about good stewardship of the earth.

Facility rentals at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Menlo Park’s Arrillaga Family Recreation Center is an excellent venue for special occasions, including business meetings, celebrations, weddings and other special events. The facility features five well-appointed rooms in various sizes, including a spacious indoor/outdoor area that is ideal for gatherings and receptions. Explore and reserve facilities online.

Pay it forward with Little Free Libraries

Did you know that Menlo Park is home to a robust community network of dozens of Little Free Libraries? These "take a book, leave a book" free book exchanges are located in every neighborhood in Menlo Park. Some of them are works of art in their own right, filled with books for the taking. Join the community by sharing a book or two from your collection for others to enjoy. To find a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, view our Little Free Libraries map.

Construction update: Beechwood School temporary entrance change and Kelly Park access

As part of the ongoing construction for the Menlo Park Community Campus project at 100 Terminal Ave., the Beechwood School parking lot will be under construction from late August to December 2022. Access to Kelly Park will still be available by pedestrian walk path. Cars entering and exiting Kelly Park will have limited parking spaces at the field and are asked to carpool, use public transit or bike to help ease traffic congestion. 

During construction, access to Beechwood School will be shifted to an alternate entrance at 243 Terminal Ave. To help reduce traffic impacts during school drop-off/pick up times, the City created a temporary school loading zones (indicated in orange) on the north side of Terminal Avenue, between Plumas Avenue and Modoc Avenue.

The temporary school loading zone hours:

• Weekday mornings from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Weekday afternoons from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
• No parking will be allowed during these times.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Senior Transportation Engineer Kevin Chen.

This week's upcoming events

The City of Menlo Park hosts cultural, literary and educational events that reflect our diverse community and are accessible to all. View a complete calendar of upcoming city events.

Preschool/Toddler Tuesday: Miss Katie Sings
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022
10–10:30 a.m.
Zoom

Miss Katie is returning to share another music-filled Preschool/Toddler Tuesday with us! Preschool/Toddler Tuesday takes place each week, bringing musical visitor and other fun and educational sessions for little learners and their grown-ups.

English Conversation Club
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022
Noon
Menlo Park Library

Practice your English with people from all over the world! Meet other English language learners and work with our volunteer tutors. We meet every Tuesday at Noon. Drop in and join us!  

End the Silence
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022
6:30–7:45 p.m.
Menlo Park Library

End the Silence about mental health concerns: join us for a student-led short film screening and questions and answers with a teen panel. Members of SafeSpace will lead a conversation about ending the mental health stigma, and tips for parents and adult allies on how to start important conversations.

Teen Tabletop Gaming Meetup
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022
4–5 p.m.
Menlo Park Library

Dungeons & Dragons, Honey Heist and more! Join us to play creative tabletop games with other teens. Invite your friends and make some new ones while we play. Students in grades 6-12 are welcome, even if you’re a first timer or new to our games! The Teen Tabletop Gaming Meetup happens on the first Wednesday of each month.

Qigong as Moving Meditation
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Zoom

Reduce stress and restore energy and vibrancy. Great for beginners and experienced students, Taiji Qigong Shibashi was created by Lin Housheng and is one of the most popular in the world. Join us to learn this form and replenish your energy! Register for this free four part event.

Storytime
Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022
10:15 a.m.
Menlo Park Library

Join us in person at the library for interactive fun and learning for children and their caregivers. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Storytime
Friday, Sept. 9, 2022
10:15 a.m.
Menlo Park Library

Join us in person at the library for interactive fun and learning for children and their caregivers. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Storytime
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, 
11:15 a.m.
Belle Haven Branch Library

Join us in person at the library for interactive fun and learning for children and their caregivers. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Storytelling for Climate Action
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, 
11:15 a.m.
Menlo Park Library

Listen to tales from many cultures around the world that still speak to us about good stewardship of the earth. Have conversations about the actions we can take to help solve climate change.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.