Palo Alto Online is a community news website that was founded in 1995 by Bill Johnson, a local journalist and entrepreneur. The idea behind Palo Alto Online was to create a dedicated digital platform that would provide comprehensive coverage of news and events in the Palo Alto, California area. Johnson recognized the growing importance of the internet and wanted to establish an online news source that could serve the information needs of the Palo Alto community. Today, Palo Alto Online continues to be owned and operated by Johnson's company, Embarcadero Media. Based in Palo Alto, California, Palo Alto Online focuses on reporting local news, covering topics such as city government, education, business, community events, and sports. While the website's primary focus is on the Palo Alto area, it also provides coverage of news and issues affecting the broader Silicon Valley region. Palo Alto Online aims to serve as a vital source of information for residents, keeping them informed about the happenings and developments in their local community. One interesting fact: Palo Alto Online has a unique relationship with its readers, as it is owned by a local media company rather than a large national corporation. This local ownership and focus allows the website to maintain a strong connection with the Palo Alto community, tailoring its coverage and content to the specific interests and needs of its readers.