Hangouts

We usually look back at a year with a top 20 list of most read posts. But reviewing both our webpage and Facebook stats, what quickly emerges is that a group of topics got people’s attention.

High on reader’s interest list is news that revolved around restaurants and chefs, with the unsuccessful efforts to save The Oasis highest on the list, followed by the sale of the Alpine Inn following the death of owner Molly Alexander.

Two Menlo Park institutions attracted attention: Round Table Pizza just shy of its 60th anniversary and the evolution of 38-year-old Flea Street Cafe with Jesse Cool naming former captain/server Michael Biesemeyer as Managing Partner.

On the flip side, there was wide spread interest in Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel coming to town and opening Camper just after Labor Day. And CoffeeBar on Chestnut St. was an instant hit.

Menlo-Atherton High School made the news made the news in a triumphant way — the first football championship in the school’s history — along with dramatic ways, a school lockdown in early April. There was also sadness over the death of longtime biology teacher and former swimming teacher Rick Longyear.

In March, gun violence at schools was in the spotlight. Sacred Hearts Schools held an observance for Parkland victims. M-A students marched on National School Walkout Day as did Hillview Middle School students and Atherton resident Laura Daschbach Pitchford spoke to Palo Alto High School students about gun violence (pictured right).

There were, of course, posts about local personalities, well photographed by InMenlo contributing photographers. These included: Charley Scandlyn, pastor of New Community Church; Carrie and Colin Jenkins closing Occasions, Superintendent of Menlo Park Schools Eric Burmeister; Kyle Vogel taking over the Woodside Deli; Shaun Paga entering the M-A Athletic Hall of Fame; Sloane Citron launching Punch magazine; Greg Alden leading the Woodside Hotel Group.

Last but not least a homecoming of sorts: M-A grad Stevie Nicks performing in La Honda last June.

It’s a wrap for 2018. What people, events and organizations will capture our attention 2019?

Photo of Oasis by Chris Gulker (c) 2010; Alpine Inn by Robb Most (c) 2018; M-A football team by David Hickey; M-A students marching by Robb Most (c) 2018; Charley Scandlyn by Scott R. Kline (c) 2018; Colin and Carrie Jenkins by Irene Searles (c) 2018; Kyle Vogel by Scott R. Kline (c) 2018; Shaun Paga by Irene Searles (c) 2018; Sloane Citron by Scott R. Kline (c) 2018; Greg Alden by Scott R. Kline (c) 2018

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