The Peninsula Press is a hyperlocal news site powered by Stanford University’s Graduate Program in Journalism. Master’s students cover local news in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and other cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.


Peninsula Press

In Silicon Valley Real Estate Frenzy, Off-Market Transactions Are Frequent

Intense competition inspires buyers and sellers to act quickly
By Vignesh Ramachandran, Peninsula Press   |  April 17, 2012  |

As Recycling Increases, So Do Garbage Rates

Depleted refuse funds are an unintended side effect of less trash
By Liu (Laura) He, Peninsula Press   |  March 20, 2012  |

Have Surfboard, Will Travel At a Moment's Notice

Big wave surfers get only 24-hour notice for the Mavericks Surf Competition, meaning long and pricey flights for some
By Emily DeRuy, Peninsula Press   |  February 28, 2012

In the Eyes of Stanford Students, Facebook Is ‘a Harvard Company’

They say Stanford culture is more subversive while Facebook is old school
By Roseann Cima, Peninsula Press   |  February 2, 2012

As Funding Drops, Redwood City Library Head Digs Into His Own Pocket

And last year more than 1,400 community members donated their time
By Vignesh Ramachandran, Peninsula Press   |  November 30, 2011

San Jose Priest Divests $3 Million From Bank of America to Protest Foreclosures

Father Eduardo Samaniego moved the funds to a local credit union
By Stephanie Soderborg, Peninsula Press   |  November 15, 2011  |

Composting Measure Pits Environmentalists Against Each Other

The passage of Palo Alto's Measure E means that parkland will converted into a composting site

Caroline Kennedy Defends Controversial Jackie Tapes

She resisted the impulse to alter records to honor her mother's appreciation of historical accuracy
By Georgia Wells, Peninsula Press   |  September 30, 2011

East Coast Quakes 'A Different Ball Game'

Stanford expert explains coastal differences in earthquakes
By Kathryn Roethel, Peninsula Press   |  August 23, 2011

Start-Up Recruits Immigrants to Teach Cooking Classes

Culture Kitchen turns years of home-cooking expertise into a business
By Kelsey Williams, Peninsula Press   |  August 15, 2011

Do Smart Phones Make For Smarter Policing?

Palo Alto police say the devices help make policing more efficient
By Valentina Nesci, Peninsula Press   |  May 17, 2011

Stanford Biology Student’s Mother’s Day Tribute Song Becomes YouTube Hit

A catchy song and a quick biology lesson too!
By Erik Silk, Peninsula Press   |  May 6, 2011

California Ties For Third Most Shark Attacks in U.S. as Attacks Rise Worldwide

California's 'Red Triangle' is a global hot spot for shark attacks
By Dean Schaffer, Peninsula Press   |  April 5, 2011

Battery Battles: Tesla's New Model to Drive 300 Miles without a Charge

Palo Alto-based electric vehicle company seeks to overcome consumers' fears of running out of juice
By Doug Ray, Peninsula Press   |  March 25, 2011  |

Keeping Ex-Inmates Out of Prison in San Mateo County

Federally funded program aims to combat California's adult recidivism rate — the highest in America
By Erik Silk, Peninsula Press   |  March 24, 2011

Stanford Students to Debut Lifesaving Infant Warmer in India

Hypothermia is one of the leading causes of death for babies in India
By Jenny Peter, Peninsula Press   |  March 23, 2011

Santa Clara County DA, Narcs Clash over Medical Marijuana Laws

DA criticizes confusing laws, while squad continues to investigate dispensaries
By Dean Schaffer, Peninsula Press   |  March 16, 2011

Saratoga to Spend $17,000 On Pétanque Court For a Few Local Players

Few may have heard of it, but proponents of the game argue it's a family-friendly pastime
By Whitney Mountain, Peninsula Press   |  March 7, 2011

Eshoo Supported by Both Sides in Medical Liability Debate

Eshoo has received money from lobbies representing malpractice lawyers and physicians, putting her in the center of debate over health reform
By Doug Ray, Peninsula Press   |  March 2, 2011

Sunnyvale Robot Makes Its TV Debut on ABC’s ‘Private Practice’

The surgical robot's role is great free publicity for Intuitive Surgical, but many companies pay millions for such product placement
By Georgia Wells, Peninsula Press   |  February 28, 2011

Youth Organizer Plays Key Role in Deciding East Palo Alto's Future

After helping shut down a toxic waste plant, Annie Loya turned her focus to the city's strategic plan
By Julia James, Peninsula Press   |  February 28, 2011

After Historic Football Season, Stanford’s Ticket Sales Up 200 Percent

Despite its success, the school ranked ninth in the Pac-10 for average attendance
By Rachel Quon, Peninsula Press   |  February 15, 2011

Stanford Researchers Offer Tips on Curbing Obesity in Kids

Smaller dishware and not eating in front of the TV are some suggestions
By Michelle Wie, Peninsula Press   |  February 14, 2011

SJ Plastic Bag Ban Stirs More Cities to Follow Suit

The American Chemistry Council calls ban "unwise and unworkable" and prepares for a fight
By Christina Farr, Peninsula Press   |  February 1, 2011  |

Santa Clara Debates Water Fluoridation

Despite 65 years of use in other U.S. cities, fluoride's benefits are questioned
By Kelsey Williams, Peninsula Press   |  January 27, 2011  |

Milpitas Calls a 'Foul' on SJ Sewage Treatment

The stench has residents up in arms, but the fix would cost San Jose millions
By Dean Schaffer/Peninsula Press   |  January 26, 2011

After 5 Suicides, Students Counsel Each Other

Gunn High youth form support groups to deal with tragedy
By Christina Farr, Peninsula Press   |  January 5, 2011  |

Piecing Together a Life after 21 Years in Prison

Harrison Seuga was released from San Quentin in 2009. Now, he's determined to find a way home.
By Lauren Wilson, Peninsula Press   |  January 3, 2011

Second-Chance Program for Ex-Cons Loses Funds

Since a federal stimulus grant ran out, the Santa Clara program is held together with "gum and shoestrings"
By Kelsey Williams, Peninsula Press   |  December 20, 2010

Santa Clara Cops Bust Medical Pot Delivery Service

Sting operation called "Up in Smoke" targeted marijuana dispensaries as violating law
By Dean Schaffer, Peninsula Press   |  December 17, 2010  |

Half Moon Bay Might Outsource Policing

In a cost-cutting move, the city may contract with sheriff or partner with a nearby city
By Jamie Hansen and Paul Jones, The Peninsula Press   |  December 14, 2010  |

Marijuana Taxes Could Force a Showdown over State and Fed Laws

San Jose voters decided to tax pot, but the question is how?
By Dean Schaffer, Peninsula Press   |  December 7, 2010

E. Coli Scare Shuts Redwood City Park Sandboxes

After spending $70K to mitigate sandbox problem, city officials shut them down
By Alexandra Wexler, Peninsula Press   |  December 2, 2010

The Accidental Activist

A Berkeley fisherman fights against a declining Pacific salmon population
By Jamie Hansen, Peninsula Press   |  November 29, 2010

San Carlos May Cut Pensions for Future Workers

The cash-strapped city is considering changes that would create multi-tiered benefits plan for its workers
By Paul Jones, Peninsula Press   |  November 29, 2010  |

Development Near Mavericks Raises Controversy

A San Mateo County planning meeting discussed a proposed project near the legendary surf mecca
By Jamie Hansen, Peninsula Press   |  November 22, 2010

In Palo Alto, a Historic Tree Stands in the Path of High-Speed Rail

A symbol of the city is a budding symbol for why high-speed rail needs to be evaluated
By Doug Ray, Peninsula Press   |  November 19, 2010

Santa Clara Workers' Choice: Pay Cuts or Layoffs?

With budget deficit looming, officials say they must lay off 82 people unless unions agree to salary cuts
By Erik Silk, Peninsula Press   |  November 18, 2010

Palo Alto Voters Reject Firefighters’ Measure

Proposal would have required an election to cut Fire Department staff
By Georgia Wells, Peninsula Press   |  November 3, 2010

San Jose Approves Marijuana Tax Even As Prop. 19 Heads for Defeat

Measure U will increase taxes for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries
By Dean Schaffer, Peninsula Press   |  November 2, 2010

Google Employee Ran Paperless, Cash-Free Campaign for Mountain View Council

Young upstart candidate took a social networking route

Printing Error Affects 100,000 Ballots in Santa Clara County

Workers remove smudges by hand to fix machine-reading problem
By Erik Silk, Peninsula Press   |  November 2, 2010