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🎡 Ferris wheels, Croissants, and Forest Trolls in San Mateo

🎡 Ferris wheels, Croissants, and Forest Trolls in San Mateo

Your weekend guide: county fair, forest trolls, and the 2nd best croissant in the Bay.

Greg Kemper
June 05, 2025

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to the San Mateo Scoop! I’m excited to send you our local newsletter that’s meant to connect you with local happenings and businesses, including events, restaurants, and local news.

On a personal note, I want to thank you all for subscribing! As a new dad in San Mateo, I felt like there was a gap in being able to find information about local events and updates - especially places I could take my son.

My goal is to highlight our wonderful community and provide you with the scoop on fun things to do! Please reach out to me with any feedback, I want to make sure this is helpful and informative. I appreciate your support!

In this week’s edition:

🏫 Update on Notre Dame de Namur
🎉 Fun activities for the whole family
🥐 Award-winning local bakery
🥟 New dumpling restaurant in Burlingame

Last chance this weekend - catch the San Mateo County Fair before it ends!

🎵 Fun for everyone – Whether it’s the music, food, rides, or pig races, the San Mateo County Fair has something for all ages.
🎡 Rides & Thrills - Giant Ferris wheel in addition to 30+ other carnival thrills—Zipper, Tilt-a-Whirl, kiddie carousel—plus games with prizes!
🐐 Family Farm – interactive activities for kids of all ages. See bunnies, pigs, goats, horses, cattle, and more!

🎓 Campus Real Estate Transaction

Notre Dame de Namur University just agreed to sell nearly 100 acres of its Belmont hillside campus — including the landmark Ralston Hall mansion and Water Dog Lake — to UC Investments, which will lease the property back to NDNU for up to five years while the 174-year-old Catholic school hunts for a smaller home.

The pact keeps NDNU alive, preserves the beloved Water Dog Lake and gives the University of California a rare mid-Peninsula foothold. The sale materialized only months after Stanford University walked away from its own bid in February, citing timing issues and fresh financial headwinds. NDNU gets breathing room, UC gains prime real estate, and Water Dog Lake remains a vital outdoor amenity to the community while both institutions map their next moves.

🚔 Sheriff’s Department Leadership Shuffle

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus just tapped Sergio Enriquez — a 32-year law-enforcement veteran who retired last year as assistant chief in Santa Ana — to become the department’s new Assistant Sheriff, effective June 8. The announcement drops just before county supervisors meet today, Thu June 5 at 1 p.m. to consider serving Sheriff Corpus a formal Notice of Intent to Remove.

If supervisors eventually vote to oust Corpus, Enriquez would be the highest-ranking uniformed officer left standing — and the face of a department in flux. Keep an eye on today’s livestream; it could be a pivotal moment for local law enforcement.

🚗 Local Tip for County Fair:
Parking is slightly cheaper if you pay by card instead of cash. Arrive before the dinner rush to make parking easier!!

👶 Honey & Hive

320 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Honey and Hive is a new organic kids and baby clothing store located on 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo. The husband & wife team celebrated their grand opening last week!

They carry a wide selection of European-inspired clothing, from dresses and sweatsuits to cardigans and onesies. Their matching sets make the perfect gift for any baby shower! Get more details here.

👶 Filoli TROLLS: Save the Humans

86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062

Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside is set to unveil "TROLLS: Save the Humans," an enchanting outdoor exhibition opening June 7, 2025. This unique display features six colossal, folklore-inspired troll sculptures crafted from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Each troll embodies a distinct personality and message, aiming to reconnect visitors with nature and promote environmental stewardship. Nestled along a mile-long trail through Filoli's Natural Lands, these whimsical figures invite guests of all ages to explore and reflect on the harmony between humanity and the natural world.

Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time (between $29 to $39 per person for general admission). This exhibit at Filoli is popular and does book up, so book your future visit now through this link!

🥐 Backhaus - Congratulations to local favorite Backhaus (San Mateo & Burlingame) on winning 2nd place out of 348 other bakers at the San Francisco Best Croissant competition! It’s a local favorite - be sure to get in line early to snag your favorite breads and pastries. Learn more here.

32 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
261 California Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010

144 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401

🍸 Fogbird – a cocktail lounge recently voted “Best Bar & Cocktails” in San Mateo, pairs unique craft cocktails with elevated bar bites inside a modern lounge and patio on South B Street. They offer Happy Hour Monday–Friday 4-6pm and even mixology classes. We recommend the Fogbird Old Fashioned paired with a flatbread pizza! Learn more here.

🥟 Dumpling Kitchen and Bar – a recently opened Chinese restaurant in downtown Burlingame! With house-made dumplings, buns, and dim sum, they bring modern and creative takes on classic dishes. Don’t skip the cocktail menu - the lychee martini and whiskey selection are impressive. Learn more here.

1125 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010

Family Friendly:

🎡 San Mateo County Fair | at San Mateo County Event Center | San Mateo | 06/05–06/08 | More Carnival rides, live music, fair-food favorites & cultural exhibits for all ages.
🎤 First Friday Nights | at CuriOdyssey | San Mateo | 06/06 | More After-hours science, animal encounters, food trucks & rainbow-themed fun from 5-8 PM.
🌈 Pride in the Park | at Burton Park – Cedar Stage | San Carlos | 06/07 | More Celebrate inclusivity with music, community resources & creative art projects.
🌲 Free Bonsai Show & Sale | at San Mateo Garden Center | San Mateo | 06/07–06/08 | More Watch bonsai artist Jennifer Price demo techniques, then browse unique trees for sale.
🥬 Farmers Market | at College of San Mateo | San Mateo | 06/07 | More Shop fresh every Saturday featuring seasonal fruits, veggies, and local charm.
🥕 Farmers Market | Belmont | 06/08 | More Featured seasonal fruits, veggies, and local charm every Sunday in Belmont.

Adult Events:

🥃 Silicon Valley Whiskey Festival | at Domenico Winery | San Carlos | 06/08 | More Sample top whiskies from around the globe & discover new favorites from 3-6 PM.
🔍 Hunt for History Date Night | at 111 9th Ave | San Mateo | 06/06 | More Couples scavenger hunt—crack clues & uncover local landmarks on a flexible 1.5-2 hr self-guided adventure.
🌸 Seasonal Floral Centerpiece Workshop | at Luludi Living Art | San Mateo | 06/08 | More Design a show-stopping centerpiece in this 90-min hands-on class—learn pro arranging tips and take home your floral creation.