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- 🚴🏼 Bike Lane Debates, a Wine Walk, and local Pastrami Sandwiches for your Weekend
🚴🏼 Bike Lane Debates, a Wine Walk, and local Pastrami Sandwiches for your Weekend
Find local theater shows to check out and plenty of events to pack your week!
Greg Kemper
July 31, 2025
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! Your latest local update is here, packed with news, events, and fresh spots to explore around the local community!
Whether you’re here for the latest events, new restaurants, or community updates, I’m excited to keep you connected and in the know. Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
🚂 Free Kid’s Train Rides: Ride the Downtown Express in San Mateo for all ages!
🚴🏼 Bike Lane Debate on Fashion Island Blvd: The latest feedback on the proposed bike lanes
🛍️ Weekend playbook: wine walks, movies in the park, international baseball, disaster preparedness sessions, and National Night Out!
🚴🏼 New Bike on 19th and Fashion Island Blvd Sparks Debate
San Mateo’s newly proposed bicycle lanes along 19th Avenue and Fashion Island Boulevard, which are aligned with the city’s Bicycle Master Plan, are drawing sharp criticism from neighborhood residents who contend they were not consulted.
Proponents argue that the project will enhance the city’s transit network. However many nearby residents fear it will reduce parking and traffic flow and restrict emergency vehicle access. Read more here.
📚Marina Branch Library Restoration Project
The Marina Branch Library, located at 1530 Susan Court, San Mateo, is slated to undergo renovations beginning August 10 and will be closed for approximately 16 months.
In addition to seismic and structural updates like roofing, electrical, and drainage, the renovations will make landscaping improvements, meet ADA requirements, introduce new furniture and bookshelves, and set up a revived children’s space and dedicated teen space. Read more here.
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♻️ Byrd’s Filling Station Lives On
Byrd’s Filling Station, once a local grocer trying to combat consumption of single-use plastics, had closed their location in 2024. They were a zero-waste organization offering a wide assortment of plastic-free, plant-based, bulk, and organic food, beverage, clean beauty, cleaning and home goods to shop sustainably.
However, despite closing their storefront, they are still open for business, being run out of a nearby garage. There, you can purchase eco-friendly bags, soaps, cleaning supplies, food, candles, and more. Those interested in reducing their environmental impact can check out their website to learn more.
Currently, you can order online and schedule a pickup time, or drop into their open garages, from 9am to noon on August 23rd and September 20th at 506 Princeton Road, San Mateo. Check out their website here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 8,500 local residents!
🎭 Bay Area Educational Theater Company Upcoming Shows
Bay eTc is an education, family-oriented theater company in San Carlos, hosting theater summer camps, emphasizing developing talent and providing safe, educational experiences. Their upcoming shows are listed below: Annie KidsLocation: Bayside Performing Arts Center Friday, Aug 1 @ 6:30 p.m. Newsies Jr.Location: Bayside Performing Arts Center Friday, Aug 1 @ 8:00 p.m. Beetlejuice Jr.Location: College of San Mateo Theater Friday, Aug 8 @ 7:30 p.m. |   |
Pacific Catch
243 S B St, San Mateo, CA
Pacific Catch is a Fish House emphasizing sustainability and responsible sourcing. Their lively, relaxed atmosphere has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a spacious outdoor park, which is ideal for families. Their menu has a variety of Pacific fish and includes sushi rolls, Hawaiian poke, ceviches, tacos, and grilled fish.
Fan favorites include coconut shrimp, ahi poke, sushi “tacos,” miso black cod, and surf‑and‑turf platters. They also have non-seafood options, like a Wagyu cheeseburger. They also partner with Seafood Watch, the Surfrider Foundation and others to ensure sustainable, ocean-friendly operations. Check out their menu here!
Refuge in San Mateo
66 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA
A casual gastropub with bold pastrami and solid beer pickings
Nestled at Hillsdale Shopping Center on 31st Avenue, Refuge offers a spacious patio, heated seating, and a dog‑friendly environment. It’s casual, comfortable, and welcoming for groups, children, and even pets for outdoor tables.
Their signature dish is their pastrami sandwiches, but other highlights include their reubens, ribeye nachos, and garlic fries. With 24 draft beers, Refuge is a great option for a relaxed, family-friendly option. Check out their menu here!
Subscriber Pet of the Week!
 Meet Mogul the Golden Retriever! | This is Mogul! He’s a golden retriever named for one of the family’s favorite past times: skiing! He is sporting a tie-dyed bandana, made by his 5-year-old human at this summer’s San Carlos Wee Woods camp! Want your pet to be featured as our subscriber pet of the week next week? Respond to this email with your favorite picture of one your pets and we’ll pick one at random each week to include! |
🎶 Central Park Music Series | Central Park | San Mateo | 7/31 | More
Live summer music from Tom Rigney and Flambeau in the park with food and family fun.
🍷 Downtown Wine Walk | Downtown Burlingame | 7/31 | More
Sip, stroll, and explore downtown shops during this community wine tasting event.
⚾ Baseball: San Mateo vs. Toyonaka | Various Parks | San Mateo | 7/31 - 8/3 | More
Catch the international youth baseball friendship series in action.
🎉 First Friday at CuriOdyssey | CuriOdyssey | San Mateo | 8/1 | More
An evening of science, animals, food trucks, and live music for all ages.
🎵 Music In the Park Concert Series | Burton Park | San Carlos | 8/1 | More
Bring a blanket and enjoy free live music under the stars.
🎤 Summer Concert: Relative Key | Leo Ryan Park | Foster City | 8/1 | More
Catch pop group Relative Key perform at the free outdoor summer concert.
🚂 Downtown Express Free Train Rides | Farmer’s Market | San Mateo | 8/3 | More
Ride the mini train through downtown with fun for kids and families.
🚨 Disaster Preparedness Day | San Mateo Event Center | San Mateo | 8/2 | More Learn emergency tips and meet local first responders at this free safety event.
🌯 Bikes, Bounce Houses & Burritos | Red Morton Park | Redwood City | 8/2 | More
A family-friendly event with kids’ activities, food, and fun.
🎨 Paint-A-Plane | Hiller Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 8/3 | More
Kids can paint real aircraft wings in this creative, hands-on museum activity.
🌿 Gardening Class | Central Park Arboretum | San Mateo | 8/3 | More
Learn gardening basics and tips from local horticulture experts.
👮 National Night Out | Various Neighborhoods | Redwood City | 8/5 | More
Meet your neighbors and local safety officials during this nationwide block party.
🦜 Happy Birds Show | Hiller Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 8/6 | More
See clever parrots and feathered friends perform amazing tricks.
🎶 Central Park Music Series | Central Park | San Mateo | 8/7 | More
Live summer music from Mitch Woods and his rocket 88's in the park with food and family fun.
🎨 Paint & Sip - Sunset | Pacific Catch | San Mateo | 8/7 | More
Paint a glowing sunset scene while enjoying drinks and step-by-step guidance.
🛼 Open Skate: 70s Theme | Devil's Canyon Brewing Co | San Carlos | 8/7 | More
Lace up your skates for a 70s-themed night of fun and music.
How'd you like today's issue of San Mateo Scoop? |