This year the City of Menlo Park will roll out the “green carpet” by inviting the public to break bread together in a picnic-style event at the Chestnut St. Paseo in Downtown Menlo Park, the same location as this summer’s popular Menlo Movie Series. Reusable artificial turf will be placed on the Paseo for this and future community event events to transform the street into a comfortable community gathering spot. Mayor Ray Mueller will address the community regarding the State of the City and be joined on stage by the Menlo Academy of Dance and various Menlo Park music groups. This free event includes refreshments for all ages. Thanks to the generosity of Bob Larson, owner of Roundtable Pizza on El Camino Real, refreshments will include great pizza, perfect for a community family celebration.

Mayor Mueller will discuss the many Firsts and Innovations from 2014, as the City has worked toward new ways to serve the residents of Menlo Park. From the Off the Grid food truck market to the Downtown Enhanced Seating Pilot program, the City has created new opportunities for the community to come together. The City’s new website, Small Business Roundtable meetings, and new Neighborhood Service Center are examples of how the City is working to enhance service delivery.

Mayor Mueller has also made it a point to celebrate the community leaders who contribute so much to Menlo Park and he is continuing that theme with the State of the City, where he will recognize both Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman for their years of dedicated service to Menlo Park.

The City of Menlo Park welcomes all members of the community to come and celebrate 2014, a year of innovative firsts and community heroes.