What caught InMenlo readers’ attention in 2025?

The news that loved ones had died — some tragically — caught the attention of InMenlo readers in 2025.

At the top of the list was the post about M-A athletic coach Dylan Taylor who was killed while cycling to school  — and the posts that followed with statements from the school and Atherton Police.

Another police incident raised alarms — this one about a person with a fire arm near two schools in West Menlo Park. The person was found to have committed suicide.

Former — and much beloved — M-A teacher Jim MacKenzie’s death at age 80 drew attention and comments of warm remembrance.

Readers remained very interested in the changing scene in Downtown Menlo Park from the closing of the Goodwill Boutique— “say it isn’t so” — to numerous posts about the opening of Bar Loretta by Ali El Safy next to Bistro Vida. Across the street Shiok! Singapore Kitchen closed while Café Vivant and Somm Cellars opened.

The generosity of local citizens was also well noted; Carol and Ned Spieker donated $25 million to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.

And then there are the posts that are read to find out “what’s happening.” These included news about the “daylighting” law along with the announcement that there would be fireworks at Coldplay’s concert at Stanford Stadium.

And finally there is the post that perennially captures readers’ interest — Remembering Menlo Park Back in the Day. It was originally posted on September 15, 2012!

Top photo courtesy Mary Alexander & Associates; Bar Loretta photo by Robb Most; black and white photo of Joe Prein’s music store