
Human connection was a major theme in this year’s batch of Peninsula Photo Contest winning entries.
Best in Show shot “Compassion” captures a romantic moment between a young couple on a Southern California pier. Portraits winner “Embrace” shows a daughter’s arm looped around her father’s head, her dad resting his chin in her hand. And in “A Mother’s Love,” which won honorable mention in the moments category, we see a mother in Oaxaca about to take her young son’s hand.
We live vicariously through the colorful photos capturing scenes from far-flung destinations: a market alleyway in Morocco, a chameleon in Madagascar, a Carnaval celebration in Mexico. And we find moments for introspection in local black-and-white scenes, from the view of a woman’s Palo Alto hospital bed to the shot of a young protester with an American flag painted on his chest.
These are among the the 12 winning shots and 12 honorable mentions from photographers who live, work or attend school in the 650 area code. All the winning entries are on exhibit Oct. 23-Dec. 13 at the Palo Alto Art Center, but you can also check them out in the link below.
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
From crafts and ofrendas to live music and dancing, here’s how to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Silicon Valley
Remember and celebrate the dead at these festivities now through early November.

Peninsula Photo Contest winners capture colorful moments and human connection
All of the winning Peninsula Photo Contest entries are on exhibit Oct. 23-Dec. 13 at the Palo Alto Art Center.

These Peninsula eateries pair meals with mahjong
Mamahuhu and Boichik Bagels both offer the Chinese tile game as a way to foster community.

Congrats to J. Wang of Palo Alto, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s the Computer History Museum in Mountain View!).

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


Find more things to do this month with our extensive Halloween guide!
Bowl the Planet 2026: Oct. 24 SaveNature.org‘s fundraising event includes glow-in-the-dark bowling, a silent auction and unlimited pizza.
Lattes & Leashes: Oct. 24 Voyager Craft Coffee’s Cupertino location hosts a morning dog meet-up and walk, featuring free coffee for humans, pup cups and other goodies for canines.
Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Mountain View: Oct. 25 Mountain View Historical Association docents lead a walking tour along Castro Street, sharing stories about the area’s noteworthy sites, buildings and people.
United Nations Association Film Festival: Through Oct. 25 The annual international documentary film festival returns, this year with the theme of “Passion for Change.”
Crafting at McClellan Ranch: Oct. 28 Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance hosts an afternoon of crafting, snacks and socializing at McClellan Ranch.
Trink or Treat!: Oct. 31 Meet up with Tamagotchi enthusiasts, participate in a trinket trade, decorate Tamagotchi-themed coloring pages and stick around for a raffle.
Block-Printing Workshop: Nov. 1 Learn to carve nature-themed stamps and print mini greeting cards at this workshop, hosted by Hidden Villa.
Disabilities Arts Showcase: Through Nov. 1 This exhibition showcases the talent, creativity and unique perspectives of San Mateo County artists with disabilities.
Plan Ahead:
Jane Austen Reader’s Theatre: Nov. 5 Hear the witty words of Jane Austen read aloud by local actors at regular events in Redwood City (and San Francisco).
Zoppé Italian Family Circus: Nov. 6-29 The long-running, Old World-style Zoppé Italian Family Circus returns to the Peninsula, featuring clowning, amazing feats and more.
History in Motion Grand Opening: Nov. 7 The San Mateo County History Museum celebrates the grand opening of the Taube Family Carriage House and Automobile Gallery, the H.E.R.O. Natural History Gallery and the restored Lora Mundi House.
Laser Pink Floyd: Nov. 7 Experience Pink Floyd’s classic “Dark Side of the Moon” album as a laser light show at Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza College.
Swap Don’t Shop: Nov. 7 Clean out your closet, bring clothes to donate and “shop” from the swap pile for free at this circular fashion event at Little Green.
Buppydogs Screenprinting Workshop: Nov. 10 Learn to screenprint an original design by artist Buppydogs at this free workshop.
Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed The World: Nov. 11-15 Singer-songwriter Duane Forrest performs acoustic versions of iconic reggae songs in this theatrical work.
The Smithereens: Nov. 12 The rock band – with special guest vocalist John Cowsill – performs at Montalvo Arts Center.
Friday the 13th Witch Market: Nov. 13 The Whimsy Market brings Bay Area artisans to Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company for an evening of “witchy shopping.” Find candles, crystals and more, along with food trucks and Devil’s Canyon beverages.


Who killed Jane Stanford? A Peninsula man thinks he has the answer
A former Stanford history professor’s new book investigates the mystery and coverup behind the death of the university co-founder
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