
There are landmarks abound around the 650, from historical buildings and cultural institutions to quirkier sites. Trips north up 280 or 101 mean catching glimpses of the Flintstone House and “South San Francisco The Industrial City” on the hillside, two of my favorites as a Peninsula native. Tourists may not have these spots on their list of must-see Bay Area landmarks, but they trigger a wave of nostalgia for residents knowing that they’ve been part of the panorama for as long as they have. When you go on a trip and come back, seeing these familiar local landmarks again means you’re home.
One landmark that has brought generations of fans to downtown Palo Alto is celebrating its 100th anniversary next week. The Stanford Theatre opened on June 9, 1925, a time when most movies didn’t have sound. The theater has been screening classic films since its restoration in 1989, hosting film festivals and Christmastime showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for audiences including movie buffs, Stanford students, couples and families. Grab your popcorn and read Heather Zimmerman’s feature about the landmark theater and plans for its centennial celebration.
Firing up the Wurlitzer organ,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
Palo Alto landmark celebrates 100 years of movies
The Stanford Theatre hits a triple-digit milestone with a weeklong silent film festival and special guests. Events kick off June 9 with a screening of the very first film shown at the theater 100 years ago to the day, with the granddaughter of that film’s star on hand to discuss his work.

Five downtown galleries revive Palo Alto’s First Friday Art Walk
The monthly event’s first outing will be June 6, with galleries in the downtown area offering extended hours for visitors to check out their current shows.


Longtime friends open a creamery, bakery and cafe in Los Gatos featuring innovative ice cream flavors and Persian desserts
Marcel Khorsand is taking his dreams and turning them into reality – literally. The Los Gatos native recently debuted his dessert shop and cafe Petals Creamery in Los Gatos featuring all original creations, including many that he dreamt about.


Congrats to Cecile B. of Palo Alto, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Shoreline Park in Mountain View!).

The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!



Emperor of the Moon: June 6 Music, dance, pantomime and puppetry come together in this musical theater collaboration between Nash Baroque Ensemble and Dance Through Time, featuring a cast of commedia dell’arte characters who embark on a journey to the moon.
Cirque Montage: June 7 Catch acrobatics, comedy, juggling and more circus wonders, led by a wise-cracking ringmaster.
San Mateo County Fair: Through June 8 Get your yearly fix of funnel cake, carnival games, rides, live concerts and all sorts of county fair fun.
Taste of Mountain View: June 11 Take a food, beer and wine walk down Castro Street at this celebration of downtown Mountain View’s dining scene.
Audiopharmacy: June 12 The Bay Area-based world hip-hop ensemble performs at Cantor Arts Center in conjunction with the exhibition “Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene.”
Portola Redwoods State Park 80th Anniversary Party: June 14 Portola Redwoods State Park is turning 80 and marking the occasion with a day of guided walks, guest speakers, live music, games, food and arts and crafts.
Collective Roots Community Garden Ribbon Cutting: June 14 Celebrate the grand opening of the new location of East Palo Alto’s Collective Roots Community Garden.
San Mateo County 13th Annual Pride Celebration: June 14 San Mateo County celebrates Pride with a family-friendly, sober event featuring a parade, food trucks, entertainment, community booths and more.
Common Clay Space Open House: June 14-15 New Cupertino pottery studio Common Clay Space will offer free walk-in sessions on a pottery wheel and a free plate-making demo during its open house weekend.
Plan Ahead:
Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: June 18-July 13 Catch the world premiere of the country musical “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean,” based on a Broadway play and feature film.
Summer Scamper: June 21 This annual 5K, kids’ fun run and family festival raises funds for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and takes place on the Stanford campus.
Boyz II Men: June 27 The R&B group brings its hits and harmonies to the Mountain Winery.
HOOPLA!: June 28 and July 4 Circus Bella brings its acrobatics, jugglers, clowns, aerialists and live band to public parks for free summer performances.
Bark n’ Brewfest: June 28 Sample local beers, wines and ciders (and meet adoptable animals), with proceeds benefiting Peninsula Humane Society.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy: June 28 Catch the matchup between California soccer rivals at Stanford Stadium, followed by a drone show.
Kesha and Scissor Sisters: July 3 Pop artist Kesha and rock band Scissor Sisters make a tour stop at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
Los Altos Art & Wine Festival: July 12-13 The annual Los Altos Art & Wine Festival offers live entertainment, food and drinks and the work of hundreds of artists from California and beyond.
Bay Area Fit Fest: July 19 Fitness studios and wellness brands come together for a day of pop-up workouts and classes, products and more in Central Park.


Summer staycation: Overnight camping in Palo Alto’s Foothills Park
My dog and I had all of Foothills Park to ourselves for a night. It was mildly creepy, and totally awesome.
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