Behind the Headlines

Palo Alto Weekly film critic Peter Canavese and Tim Sika, host/producer of the radio show Celluloid Dreams, share their lists of 2019's best films, their takes on the year's big blockbusters and the movies they say is worth seeing in theaters with Weekly Associate Editor Linda Taaffe. Canavese authors the film website GrouchoReviews.com and Sika's reviews can be found at CelluloidDreams.net and also on KGOradio.com. Read our story about this year's picks at https://bit.ly/36iWpnE

Weekly journalists wrap up 2019 by recapping the biggest news and the most surprising trends of the year -- and the decade. Read our story about this topic at https://bit.ly/2F0DuBW

Weekly journalists discuss Palo Alto's effort to reform its commission system and a proposal to dramatically shift how math is taught in Palo Alto middle schools. Read our stories on the commission system at https://bit.ly/2LS1g7a and on middle school math at https://bit.ly/38CYpc7

Fire agencies warn that the Santa Cruz Mountains could produce a large-scale blaze, similar to recent wildfires in the north bay, under the right conditions. Weekly journalists discuss local agencies' preparations for a big blaze in open space areas, the area's vulnerability and how the community can prepare. Read our story about the issue at https://bit.ly/34Y0uwX

Weekly associate editor Linda Taaffe chats with music writer Yoshi Kato and arts and entertainment editor Karla Kane about a few of the many upcoming holiday-themed performances and events on the Midpeninsula this season. Read about the holiday highlights here: https://bit.ly/2pYgpw3

Weekly staff discuss the question that has been pitting Palo Alto neighborhoods against each other: Should the city close Churchill Avenue to cars near the railroad tracks as part of a broader plan to redesign the rail corridor? Read our story about the issue at https://bit.ly/2XEZPgV

Ryan McCauley, a member of Palo Alto's Parks and Recreation Commission, talks with Weekly staff about the commission's new proposal to open up the city's pristine and exclusive Foothills Park to non-residents. Read our story about the issue at https://bit.ly/2qhsCvU

With Stanford University deciding to withdraw its ambitious plan for campus expansion, Weekly staff recap the contentious review process and consider the university's options for future development. Read our story about the issue at https://bit.ly/2NRVtig

Philip Kamhi, Palo Alto's newly hired chief transportation official, talks to the Weekly about the city's plans to revamp its parking policies, launch a scooter-share program and improve community outreach for bike boulevards and other transportation projects. Read our story about the issue at https://bit.ly/2pP3sUW

Palo Alto resident Rowena Chiu, who says movie mogul Harvey Weinstein attempted to rape her when she was his assistant in 1998, speaks about her decision to come forward, the cultural stigmas she faced and the impact of the #MeToo movement. Read our story about Chiu at https://bit.ly/2MWD4Aj