Smaller Workforce Pool, Retirement Wave

"The birth rate in the U.S. has been dropping since 1958, going from 25 births per year down to 12. Because of this, our workforce is much smaller and there are not as many people entering it. Meanwhile, the youngest baby boomers are now 58, leaving many companies in a danger zone of unexpected or early retirements, Brandon points out. On top of this, the job growth rate has exploded, and we now have 5 million more jobs than people.

These reasons, Brandon says, is why it’s so competitive right now to find, hire and keep employees. And it doesn’t look like it’s going to get better in the future. In the next 10 years, it’s expected that 10 million more jobs will be created."

Article/Podcast Credit: CalChamber

"Thanks to an improved emergency alert and warning system, those who live and work in San Mateo County can now get messages via text, email and voice that include maps, images and multiple languages.

The new features of 'SMCalert' are meant to empower residents further by providing key information to help keep them safe and navigate away from incidents like major traffic delays and detours, wildfires, floods and mountain lions."



To read more of the County of San Mateo's press release, please click here

From December 4 to December 22, Caltrain will be performing signal installation and testing at the Encinal, Glenwood, Oak Grove, and Ravenswood Avenues railroad crossings in Menlo Park. 

During testing, flaggers will be present to stop vehicular and pedestrian traffic as trains approach the crossing. Traffic may be stopped up to 5 minutes as crews test the crossing gates. Temporary signage will be installed to provide advance warning of flaggers at the crossings. Residents may hear additional train horns during testing hours.

Encinal and Oak Grove Avenues Railroad Crossings

• Friday, December 9, between 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. crews will flag Encinal and Oak Grove Avenue railroad crossings.

All Menlo Park Railroad Crossings

• 12:01a.m. Sunday, December 11, to 4:00 a.m. Monday, December 12 crews will flag all Menlo Park railroad crossings.
• 12:01a.m. Saturday, December 17, to 4:00 a.m. Monday, December 19 crews will flag all Menlo Park railroad crossings.
• December 12 to December 16, between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. additional test trains may be needed. If additional test trains are needed, crews will flag all Menlo Park railroad crossings
• December 19 to 22, between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. additional test trains may be needed. If additional test trains are needed, crews will flag all Menlo Park railroad crossings

Read more here:

Friday, December 2nd from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

The City of Menlo Park will host the Light up the Season community event at Fremont Park on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This free “winter wonderland” themed event will feature family-friendly entertainment, performances by Menlo Park youth, wintry photo opportunities, free hot cocoa, and the annual lighting of the big evergreen tree. Join us rain or shine for this festive community gathering for people of all ages and walks of life to enjoy.

Article & Photo Credit: City of Menlo Park

Saturday, December 3rd from 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains presents Taste of the Mountains Menlo Park Wine Walk in Downtown Menlo Park from 1-4pm. All ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation. Enjoy wines from small, local boutique wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains poured in various designated tasting locations up and down Santa Cruz Avenue. Check in for your wristband, glass, and a map of the pouring locations – then enjoy an afternoon of tasting and discovering. Purchase your favorites from the bottle booth and stay downtown for dinner!

GET TICKETS HERE!

Live Online Event - Thursday, December 1st

Time: 10:00am, Fee: $35.00

What is tax planning?

Tax planning is something that should be done for any business before the year is over. When it’s time to prepare taxes in the Spring, it’s usually too late to implement most strategies for the prior year.

Any time there is a significant change in your business and especially when you’re starting or growing your business, you need to have a plan to make sure you are taking deductions the right way and that they fit with the type of legal entity you have and your long-term goals.

Although there are literally hundreds of tax saving strategies, we will cover the following seven topics:

1. Maximize business deductions
2. Use a business entity to reduce taxes
3. Home office: red flag or one of the best deductions?
4. Maximize your automotive and business travel expenses
5. Loophole to deduct your child’s college expenses or support your parents
6. Deduct vacation travel – the right way
7. Build wealth the tax advantaged way

. Register now!

HANDMADE RUGS: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

December 1st from 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Istanbul Rug

719 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park



Ogi Teker will educate us on the many differences between different handmade rugs, ranging from region to type.

As the fourth generation in a family rug business that began in Turkey, Ogi will bring valuable insights for anyone considering the purchase of a fine handmade rug.

The Menlo Park Design District holds a free educational event each First Thursday. To learn more, visit mpdesigndistrict.com/events.