🐣 Easter Events and Egg Hunts for Everyone

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Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have a special Easter & Easter Egg Hunt section, updates on a new city services app, and more events and restaurants to try for the weekend.

Let’s dive in!

Women-led adventures that make a difference

Peru, Bhutan and Cambodia. That’s where Intrepid, the world’s largest adventure travel company, has launched three new Women’s Expeditions.

These small-group trips are designed exclusively for women, creating space to connect, explore and support local women-led businesses along the way.

Trek the lesser-known Chinchero to Urquillos route in the Peruvian Andes with an all-female crew. Discover Cambodia’s street food scene on a women-run tuk tuk tour. Unwind with a traditional herbal hot stone bath at a women-owned farmhouse in Bhutan.

Every trip is led by an expert female guide and built around meaningful, immersive experiences.

Explore Women’s Expeditions

City of San Mateo Launches New Community Service App

San Mateo has rolled out the “My San Mateo” mobile app and companion website to streamline how residents request city services. Whether reporting a pothole, tracking a permit, or requesting other community improvements, the new tools make it easier for locals to communicate with city departments and follow progress in real time. Officials say this technology will improve transparency and responsiveness for everything from parks maintenance to public works. Read more here.

Belmont Parks & Recreation Has a New Director

The City of Belmont recently appointed Kevin Kobayashi as its new Parks, Recreation and Culture Director. Kobayashi brings leadership experience and a fresh vision for expanding community programming, managing parks, and leading events that bring neighbors together. His role will be important for overseeing local recreation facilities and cultural activities that many residents enjoy year-round. Belmont officials say his background makes him a great fit to guide efforts on public engagement and park improvements. Locals can expect to see him at community events soon as he settles into his new post. Read more here.

San Mateo County Faces Big Budget Shortfall

San Mateo County officials are warning of a serious budget crunch that could affect schools and essential services unless additional state funding comes through. The shortfall, driven in part by a long-running dispute with California over Vehicle License Fee formula payments, could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars less for youth programs, mental health services, and public safety funding.

County leaders have even filed a lawsuit seeking more than $100 million they believe the state owes. If funding isn’t resolved, residents could see cuts to programs that support families, nonprofits, and local agencies in the coming year. Read more here.

San Mateo Union High School District Bans Cellphones All Day

The San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees voted to implement a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban across its campuses, restricting student phone use throughout the entire school day. The board hopes this will reduce distractions, boost classroom focus, and create a more consistent learning environment. Students will still learn digital citizenship skills as part of the transition. Some parents and students had mixed reactions to the stricter rules, but teachers largely support the move based on research and case studies. This shift aligns with new state guidance on student device policies coming into effect. Read more here.

🎧 Town Square Ribbon Cutting, Silent Disco | Burlingame | Town Square | 4/2 | more
Celebrate the opening of Town Square with a ribbon cutting followed by a silent disco, bringing music, dancing, and community together.

🧋 Brushstrokes and Boba | San Mateo | Downtown Library | 4/2 | more
A creative afternoon for 8th to 12th graders of painting paired with boba tea in this fun, relaxed art event hosted at the library.

😂 Uncorked Comedy | San Mateo | A2 Wine Bar | 4/2 | more
Sip wine and enjoy live stand-up comedy in an intimate setting, perfect for a laid-back night out with friends.

🚂 Trains and Planes | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 4/4-12 | more
Explore a unique exhibit featuring model trains alongside historic aircraft, combining two favorite modes of transportation in one interactive experience.

🍣 Standup and Sushi | Burlingame | Barracuda Sushi | 4/4 | more
Enjoy a night of live stand-up comedy paired with delicious sushi for a fun dinner-and-show experience.

🌱 Seeds and Seedlings Swap | Redwood City | Downtown Library Plaza | 4/6 | more
Swap seeds and young plants with fellow gardeners while sharing tips and inspiration for the growing season ahead.

🕺 Swing Social | San Mateo | Motion Arts Center | 4/6 | more
Dance the night away at this swing social featuring music, movement, and a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and experienced dancers alike.

🚚 Off The Grid Food Trucks | Foster City | Leo J Ryan Park | 4/8 | more
Sample a variety of cuisines from popular food trucks while enjoying the lively outdoor atmosphere by the park.