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Weekly Digest for March 9, 2026

Upcoming public meetings

  • Monday, March 9, 7 p.m.
    Planning Commission meeting
  • Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m.
    City Council meeting
  • Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
    Complete Streets Commission meeting
 

View all upcoming events on the Citywide calendar

 

This week's features

Join the Menlo Park City Council Meeting March 10

gavel on table with flag in back

Attend Menlo Park's upcoming City Council meeting Tuesday, March 10. The public meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

See the meeting's agenda item highlights below: 

  • G1. Provide direction on the Slow Streets Program and implementation process
  • H1. Authorize initiation of a Proposition 218 notification process in preparation to adopt maximum solid waste rate increases for the next five fiscal years at a public hearing May 12
  • H2. Authorize initiation of a Proposition 218 notification process in preparation to adopt maximum water rate increases for the next three fiscal years at a public hearing May 12 and consider and adopt a resolution establishing procedures for compliance with Assembly Bill 2257

This is a hybrid meeting and members of the public can listen to the meeting and participate in person at City Council Chambers (751 Laurel St.), by telephone at 669-900-6833, via Zoom or stream live. 

Burgess Performance Pool closure: additional hours at Belle Haven Pool March 9–12

Burgess Pool

The Burgess Performance Pool will be closed Monday through Thursday, March 9–12, to replace the circulation pump. Belle Haven Pool will feature expanded hours during this time to help accommodate swimmers and programming. During the Burgess Performance Pool closure, Belle Haven Pool will open at 6 a.m. For detailed schedules, please visit the Belle Haven Pool Schedule and Burgess Pool Schedule. Read more...

U.S. 101 and SR-92 Interchange Nighttime Ramp Closures March 9–14

Closure map

From Monday evening, March 9, through Saturday morning, March 14, Caltrans will close off-ramps from southbound U.S. 101 to State Route (SR) 92 in San Mateo in order to construct a concrete barrier rail and to install overhead signage. The southbound U.S. 101 to westbound SR-92 will be closed from 10 p.m.–6 a.m. nightly. The Fashion Island off-ramp will be closed from 8 p.m.–7 a.m. nightly. This work is part of the U.S. 101- SR-92 Short-term Improvements Project, bringing operational improvements, enhancement to local access and promotion of economic vitality to the region. All work is weather dependent. Please drive with caution. Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain our state’s highways, bridges and tunnels. Read more...

Attend the free ADU Construction 101 webinar March 12

ADU webinar

Menlo Park residents are invited to attend “ADU Construction 101: Comparing Your Building Options,” a free webinar hosted by the San Mateo County ADU Resource Center Thursday, March 12, from 6–7 p.m. The City of Menlo Park encourages homeowners interested in building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to take advantage of this educational opportunity. The webinar will provide an overview of the main construction options available to homeowners, typical project timelines and key permitting and inspection considerations. Participants will also learn about customization options and important risks to watch for when planning an ADU project, helping homeowners make informed decisions about the best building approach for their property. Read more...

Peninsula Clean Energy grants provide multilingual support for lower energy bills and cleaner air

PCE grant pamphlets

Local nonprofits are better able to help community members in Menlo Park and across San Mateo County save money and enroll in energy services through $550,000 in outreach grants from Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE). These organizations provide multilingual support to increase access to programs; for example, Menlo Park’s Home Upgrade, which lowers energy bills and improves air quality. They also help residents learn about the health benefits of electric appliances and vehicles, such as reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution and asthma risks. With the PCE grant funding, organizations will connect with community members at local events, cultural festivals and more. Learn more about the important work the 16 grant recipients are doing and stay tuned for events near you! Read more...

Resident enrollment opens for spring activities March 14

Children stretching in gym class

The Menlo Park Spring 2026 Activity Guide enrollment opens for residents March 14 and will open for all March 18! The City of Menlo Park hosts exceptional community classes at reasonable rates including fitness, dance, sports, youth gymnastics, music, drama, art, lifelong learning and more. Read more...

Join the free virtual Grass to Garden Workshop March 16

Sustainable garden

Learn how to transform your lawn into a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden in Menlo Park’s free Grass to Garden Workshop March 16 from 6–7 p.m.! In this online workshop, you will learn techniques for sheet mulching, plant installation tips and how to apply for the Lawn Be Gone rebate, which awards $3 per square foot of converted lawn. Space is limited! Register today to receive the Zoom link via email a few days prior to the event. Read more...

RethinkWaste announces 2026 Trash to Art contest — submit by March 30

RethinkWaste artwork

To celebrate Earth Month, RethinkWaste is excited to announce its annual Trash to Art contest, which is open to students in grades three-five within its service area. The contest encourages children to collect recyclable or trash materials and create a piece of art in any medium. Individual and class submissions are due by Monday, March 30, at 4 p.m. to the RethinkWaste Office located at 1245 San Carlos Ave., Suite E, San Carlos, CA 94070 (open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Winning art pieces will be announced the week of April 7, and all winners will be recognized publicly at the RethinkWaste office Saturday, April 25. Read more...

Save the date for the Love our Earth Festival April 25

Love our Earth festival sign

Celebrate and connect with community for #EarthMonth2026 at the fifth annual Love Our Earth Festival, Saturday, April 25 from noon–3 p.m. With more than 50 local exhibitors, there’s something for everyone: learn from sustainability experts, access resources from local organizations and partake in some family fun with lots of activities! The event is sponsored by the City of Menlo Park, 350 Silicon Valley, Acterra, City of East Palo Alto, Menlo Spark and Peninsula Clean Energy. Read more...

Previous features and ongoing news

Apply for the California Water Service Group Scholarship Program by March 26

Cal Water Scholarship Program

California Water Service (Cal Water) is now accepting applications for its 13th annual college scholarship program! This program is intended to help students in Cal Water service areas lessen the financial barriers that can deter them from pursuing their dreams. The 2026 college scholarship program will award four $10,000 grand-prize scholarships, and several additional scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, for a total of $80,000. To be eligible, applicants must live in a Cal Water service area and intend to enroll in a full-time undergraduate study program at an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications close March 26, and winners will be announced in late May. Read more...

Join us March 28 for the Belle Haven Community Resource Fair

Community Resource Fair

Connect with local organizations and agencies that support strong and vibrant neighborhoods at the Community Resource Fair Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus (100 Terminal Ave.). Enjoy light refreshments, free activities and a welcoming educational atmosphere. Come with your family and friends! Important note: please consider taking public transportation or allow additional time for parking due to construction at Kelly Park. Read more...

Get your advance tickets for the annual Egg Hunt at Menlo Park's Spring Fest April 4

Child egg hunting

Celebrate Spring Fest with the City of Menlo Park Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Burgess Park (701 Laurel St.)! Look forward to a petting zoo, children's crafts, photos with the big bunny, the Menlo Park Fire fun zone and our annual Egg Hunt. Advance tickets are required to participate in the Egg Hunt. All other elements of Spring Fest are free and require no tickets. Egg Hunt registration is now open and tickets are available to incorporated City of Menlo Park residents at no charge (limit one ticket per resident child) and are $5 per child for non-residents. Read more...

Calling all residents interested in local leadership

gavel on table with american flag

The City of Menlo Park is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on several advisory bodies, including the Complete Streets Commission, Environmental Quality Commission, Housing Commission, Library Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission. Advisory bodies review issues of community interest and make recommendations to the City Council, helping guide City policies, projects and priorities. Applicants must be 18 or older, reside in Menlo Park and be available to attend monthly meetings. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Friday, April 3. Read more...

City Hall solar carport work continuing through March

cars in lot

Work on the solar PV carport systems at City Hall began Feb. 16 and is expected to be completed by the end of March. The contractor, McMillan Electric, will put up construction fencing to close most of the lot between City Hall and the Gymnastics Center. Alternative parking will be available in the other parking lots at the Burgess Campus. During this temporary disruption in parking, we invite you to consider using sustainable transportation (walking, biking, commuting or taking transit) to see how these modes may work to visit the Burgess Campus. Please visit menlopark.gov/citysolar for updates. Read more...

Register for the Community Fun Run April 25  

Community Fun Run

Did the winter Olympics get you wishing for a medal of your own? Join us for our 2026K Community Fun Run — a 6-kilometer course that will start at Belle Haven Community Campus (100 Terminal Ave.) and head through the trails of Bedwell Bayfront Park. Participants get a medal and a commemorative t-shirt! Runners, walkers, youths, and adults are all invited! The event will take place April 25 from 9 – 11 a.m. Read more...

Temporary pedestrian detour at Bedwell Bayfront Park entrance

Bedwell bayfront park sign

The pedestrian entry access to Bedwell Bayfront Park will be modified temporarily to allow for construction work as part of the West Bay Sanitary District’s Bayfront Recycled Water Project. A detour will be in place, and pedestrians will be routed to an existing nearby path as an alternative point of entry. Read more...

Apply now for the Electrification Bundle Program for Belle Haven renters

electric machine blowing air

The City of Menlo Park, in partnership with the Belle Haven Community Development Fund, has launched the Electrification Bundle Program for Belle Haven renters. The program is a new initiative designed to help Belle Haven renters access cleaner, safer and more efficient home appliances at no cost. The program provides electrification items like heat pumps, induction cooktops and air purifiers for no cost. Read more...

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701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-330-6600 phone | 650-679-7022 text
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