Palo Alto Recreation Foundation

Typically we love a good gathering, but this year is different. Please stay home and stay safe this holiday season.

Parks and City Recreation Facilities Closing Early Under State Limited Stay at Home Order Neighborhood parks and other city recreation facilities will limit hours to ensure compliance with the state’s new Limited Stay at Home Order, which prohibits gatherings with members of other households and all activities conducted outside the residence with members of other households between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. As a result of the Limited Stay At Home Order, the Rinconada and Mitchell P...ark tennis courts will close at 9:30 p.m. and lights will be shut off at that time. Field rentals at Stanford Palo Alto Playing Fields and El Camino Park will also close at 9:30 p.m. and lights will be shut off at that time. Open Space Reserves close at dusk and all parks will close at 10 p.m. As a reminder, nothing in the Order prevents any number of persons from the same household from leaving their residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation, as long as they do not engage in any interaction with (or otherwise gather with) any number of persons from any other household, except as specifically permitted. The Order goes into effect tomorrow, Saturday, November 21. https://www.cdph.ca.gov//C/limited-stay-at-home-order.aspx

Palo Alto is Lighting Up This Holiday Season - Virtual Tree Lighting this Friday, November 20th at 6pm The City of Palo Alto traditional Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony has gone virtual this year!! Get into the holiday spirit from the comfort and safety of your home on Zoom or by following along our YouTube channel. Register for the free link here: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/displaynews.asp... Tune in online for holiday comments from Mayor Fine, a message of hope and joy from Pastor Paul Baines, plus music from the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. If you can’t make it virtually for the live show, you can watch the recording anytime on Palo Alto’s YouTube channel afterwards.

Reminder about the Virtual Costume Contest this weekend! If you enter, we’d love you to post pics here too! Details online: https://www.blossombirthandfamily.org/halloween-2020.html

Here’s a fantastic way to get involved in Make a Difference Day this weekend!! YCS has done all the planning, you just need to register on their website. Families can choose whatever activity they want, like making hygiene kits for homeless, craft kits for Seniors, or science kits for Ronald McDonald House patients. And teens can get service hours!! https://youthcommunityservice.org/madd-2020/

We’re proud to sponsor the City of Palo Alto’s Jack-o-Jaunt We appreciate all the work they do to keep traditions alive and keep our community engaged during this crazy year.

We’re so excited that Blossom Birth and Family is continuing their annual Halloween event this year!! Visit their website to see all the safe and fun activities planned. We’re proud to be a sponsor of this community tradition https://www.blossombirthandfamily.org/halloween-2020.html

Join the City of Palo Alto’s race and equity conversation! In early June, the Palo Alto City Council adopted a Resolution affirming that #BlackLivesMatter and committed to address systemic racism and bias. Part of this effort is to hear from Black and Brown community members and listen to their experiences. Black and Brown People of Palo Alto, what has been your experience in this community? In an effort to hear underrepresented voices, we want to learn about your experiences..., both past and present. Do you live, work, visit, worship, or go to school in Palo Alto? Please share what your experience has been in Palo Alto or share your Palo Alto family history. Share your story or your family’s story through written messages, photos, or videos; all are welcome. Your stories will be incorporated into the Human Relations Commission report to the City Council on the lived experiences of Black and Brown people in Palo Alto. Learn more at cityofpaloalto.org/PaloAltoSpeaks #PaloAltoSpeaks How to Submit: Written Messages o Send an email to [email protected]. o Share your story on Open City Hall, the City’s online community forum. o Post on social media and use hashtag #PaloAltoSpeaks. Photos o Share your photos on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and use hashtag #PaloAltoSpeaks. o Share your story on Open City Hall and attach a photo. Videos o Share your videos on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and use hashtag #PaloAltoSpeaks. o Share your story on Open City Hall and attach a video. o If your video is hosted on a video website, like YouTube or Vimeo, send the link to [email protected]. Human Relations Commission Meeting (audio) o Participate in the public forum hosted by the Human Relations Commission on August 13. The meeting will take place on Zoom and the public will be able to share their stories and experiences. Please note that any story submissions will become part of the public record and incorporated into the City’s race and equity dialogue. Share your story by September 7.

Embarcadero Media and Youth Community Service (YCS) Present Youth Rising Up: Can Gen Z Lead on Social Change? Aug 6, 2020 7:00PM-8:30PM online... Register online at: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_FrrvGwppTVWaVy9Cw4MfxQ

Summer Streets has Arrived! https://www.cityofpaloalto.org//reopening_together/summer_ . . .... #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #calavebusiness #calavepaloalto See more

July 4th Chili Cookoff is cancelled this year It’s disappointing, but necessary

SUMMER CAMPS ARE COMING!! Virtual programming kicks off on June 15 (you can sign up for it now) or In-person programming starts July 6 (registration begins June... 9 @ 8:30am). Link to register: secure.rec1.com/CA/Palo-alto-ca/catalog #california #summercamp #summercamps #summer2020 #recreation #reclife #parksandrec #art #science #technology #bayareamoms #bayareadad #bayareaparents #bayareacamps

Thank you to everyone for joining civic and community leaders in honoring the memory of George Floyd. There were powerful stories shared today at the community ...protest. Keep the conversation going by speaking out about bias and racism. The City of Palo Alto is listening. #PaloAltoSpeaks is a way to help us all learn from each other through the sharing of experiences and stories. #CreateChange through conversation. Share your moments, truths and hopes for change on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag #PaloAltoSpeaks Photo taken early on in the protest by City Public Works staff

Make some noise tonight at 5:30 to celebrate our grads in Palo Alto!!!! https://www.paloaltoonline.com//palo-alto-public-private-h

City of Palo Alto - Public Agency is looking for community input on the City’s fiscal situation due to Covid 19. Please consider sharing your input by prioritizing the City's Service Areas. Survey closes on May 13: https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/5/Issue_8742 And here's a dedicated budget website for more info: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/asd/budget.asp

With regrets: MAY FETE 2020 NOTICE Based upon ongoing developments with COVID-19 and the City of Palo Alto’s commitment to keep our community safe, the Community Services Department has made the decision to cancel the May Fete Parade and Fair. This was a difficult decision to make but out of concern for the health of our customers and the community, it is the right thing to do. http://www.paloaltomayfeteparade.com/

Relief Fund Benefiting PAUSD Families Financially Impacted by COVID-19 #info #charity #localsupport Many in our school and local community have asked how to help PAUSD families who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 shelter in place order. The Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund specifically aimed at supporting urgent need in our nearby community, with a specific focus on PAUSD families. PACF launched the fund with a $100,000 investment..., of which a sizable portion was designated to help meet basic life needs for families of students attending PAUSD schools. As PACF’s fund grows, so will the support to the PAUSD community. Please donate using this link if you are able to support this effort. https://paloaltocommfund.org/covid-19-relief-fund/ For more information about Palo Alto Community Fund or the COVID-19 Relief Fund contact Cammie Vail, Executive director at PACF, [email protected] or 650-690-0370.

Take a listen to this clip from BBC Radio London. "Though there may be isolation, there doesn't need to be loneliness."

New resource from the City: https://medium.com//answering-some-of-the-communitys-quest

PRESS RELEASE CITY IMPLEMENTS A SERIES OF ACTIONS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE AND LIMIT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Over 30 City events and programs postponed, cancelled or modified due to coronavirus concerns

Reposting From the Office of the PAUSD Superintendent: Dear Parents and Guardians, The core mission of the Palo Alto Unified School District is to provide a high-quality education for all students....Continue reading

CALLING ALL COOKS!!!! It's that time of year again to gather up your baseball league, book club, neighbors, or colleagues, and sign up for a booth at the CITY OF PALO ALTO 39th ANNUAL Chili Cook-Off on July 4th, 2020! Teams can be anyone, and enter either as corporate or open. Teams receive a stipend to participate, and of course a chance to win the competition!... For questions, please contact [email protected] or go online to register your team today. May the best chili win!!

The grand opening and open house for the newly rebuilt Palo Alto Fire Station 3 will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 12-2 p.m. Fire Station 3 is at the corner of Embarcadero and Newell Roads- the same lot as the previous station that has served the community since 1948.

Join the Palo Alto Art Center and Canopy on March 15, 1-5:30 p.m., for a creative and interactive afternoon in celebration of California Arbor Week and the Art Center's exhibition, "Rooted: Trees in Contemporary Art." The Arbor Day Festival is a family-oriented free event featuring hands-on artmaking projects, dance performances, a scavenger hunt, tree climbing, the art of Bonsai, and Ask-the-Arborist table, family tree walks, food, and much more! Activities are appropriate for all ages. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arbor-day-festival-tickets-942

Spread the word!

We celebrated a fantastic year of PARF last night at our annual Board Holiday Party! Thank you Ada's Cafe - Palo Alto for catering such a delicious spread To all of our supporters, sponsors, partners, donors, and volunteers, thank you for your support this year. Because of you, our community is a better place to live and play Wishing you all a very merry holiday season and all the best in 2020

#GivingTuesday Why not give where you live and donate to PARF?#GivingTuesday Why not give where you live and donate to PARF?

Thank you to all who donated socks for locals in need at the Tree Lighting event! Your generosity is much appreciated. A few folks asked how could they independently donatehere’s more info: https://www.ehpcares.org/donate.html

A fun, free, local tradition in our community! In 2019 Christmas Tree Lane will celebrate its 79th lighting. From Saturday, December 14th 2019 through December 31st, Christmas Tree Lane will be lit each night from 5:00 PM to 11 PM.

We had a magical evening last night at the 9th Annual Tree Lighting It was wonderful to see so many families come together to kick off the holiday season! Post your pics below from the PARF Selfie Spot! Recreation Services, City of Palo Alto City of Palo Alto - Public Agency

Hope to see you all tonight at the 9th Annual Tree Lighting, Lytton Plaza (by Pizza My Heart), from 5:30-7pm. PLEASE BRING SOCKSPARF is collecting packages of new, unopened, white crew socks for locals in need. Look for our table at the event tonight! We’re also hosting a craft tableand selfie spotSee you there for an evening of community fun... Recreation Services, City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, Palo Alto Online & Palo Alto Weekly, Palo Alto, California, Palo Alto Unified School District, Palo Alto Children's Theatre, Palo Alto Police Department, Steven Lee, Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioner

SOCK DONATIONS NEEDED This Friday, PARF is collecting packages of new, unopened, white crew socks for locals in need. Look for our table at the Annual Tree Lighting event in Lytton Plaza Did you knowSocks are the most requested item at homeless shelters. They’re also among the things in shortest supply. ... Here are examples of requested donations (white socks only please): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01JATS7KQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4 https://www.hanes.com//hanes-mens-cushion-crew-socks-12097 https://www.zappos.com/p/adidas-athletic-6-pack-crew-//742

Get to know local organizations that promote youth resiliency and youth well-being! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coalition-in-action-emerging-p

Mark Your calendars!! Join us for the 9th Annual Palo Alto Tree Lighting, next Friday (Nov 22) at 5:30 PM. Bring the whole family for holiday fun!!

So proud to sponsor this Halloween family tradition on Cal Ave! Thank you Blossom Birth for a fantastic event today

Stop by the PARF table on Sunday for some Boo's and Bubbles!

Adults!! WEDNESDAY 10/23 1pm-3pm! Grab a cup of cocoa or apple cider and join us in decorating terra cotta pots for a fun seasonal candy jar! Craft supplies provided, candy is not. Lucie Stern Community Center, Community Room. Items are available on a first come, first served basis.

Of all animal species, humans are the biggest players of all. We are built to play and built through play. When we play, we are engaged in the purest expression of our humanity, the truest expression of our individuality. Is it any wonder that often the times we feel most alive, those that make up our best memories, are moments of play? Stuart Brown, Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

Boisset Collection has an exclusive offer just for B&W Ball ticket-holders. If you tasted their wines in the Fireside Room, then you'll want to jump on this promo! Use coupon code PALOA19 for FREE SHIPPING on all wine and stemware orders over $150. HURRY! Offer ends this Friday night, Oct 11th. Shop online: https://my.boissetcollection.com/joa/ambassador-profile/454

PARF is happy to support this local family tradition Get your little goblins to Cal Ave for some spooky fun on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Just a few more then we’ll stop

Ladies & Gents, the photos are in from the Palo Alto Online & Palo Alto Weekly Step & Repeat at the B&W Ball! Find yours here: https://photos.google.com//AF1QipN_KYlEol2-N_Nw6rIe2WLQ5gu

More pics from the B&W Ball sent in by guests!

PARF is proud to be a long time sponsor of this event See you there with the kiddos!

Post your pics below with Champagne Lady! We wanna see ‘em all!

MUSTACHE HARBOR you had us movin & groovin & singin & swayin! Thanks for being at the Ball! #paloaltoBWball

Thank you Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) for adding your serene sounds to the Secret Garden.

Hey Super Diamond, come back to Palo Alto anytime--we loved you guys!!! Thanks for a fantastic show! #paloaltoBWball

Thank you to the opening Jazz Band for their warm welcome to the Ball.

Piano Man Daniel Krass kept the whole crowd singing in the Grand Ballroom!

The China Cats and Let's Be Frank were a huge hit in the Fire Circle! #paloaltoBWball

Let's hear it for DJ Celeste Lear and the Silent Disco! #paloaltoBWball

Please consider attending the annual Make a Difference Day with YCS, where community members of all ages do service together side by side. When: October 26, 2019 | 9am 1:30pm Where: DLA Piper Law Firm 2000 University Ave. East, Palo Alto, 94303... https://youthcommunityservice.org/make-a-difference-day-20/

The pics are rolling in now! Thanks everybody!

A few pics of the 1,000 attendees at the B&W Ball!

Ball guests came as couples, neighbors, friends, dates, singles, and like the pic below, the whole family!

More pics from Friday night! Please share yours

Thank you Stanford University Band & Dollies for bringing the energy and kicking off the festivities!!

Palo Alto Police Department They serve, protect, and boogie!!! Thanks for keeping it real at the Ball PAPD

Just a few pics from last night’s B&W Ball

Please post your pics from last night’s Ball Please post your pics from last night’s Ball

Our City’s official Birthday cakeHBD Palo Alto!! Thank you Hazel's Cakes for your magnificent creation!

It’s official!