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⚽ Get Ready for the World Cup!

⚽ Get Ready for the World Cup!

Plus, County Fair continues, city budgets, e-bike initiatives, new restaurants, an air show, and gardening classes!

Greg Kemper
June 11, 2026

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’ve got info on the San Mateo County Fair, updates on city budgets, and more on a pizza favorite closing after 68 years.

Let’s get to it!

In this week’s edition:

City Updates: Budget surpluses / shortfalls and funding for a rail crossing
Business Updates: Pizza favorite closing after 68 years
Events: The County Fair, World Cup and Pride Celebrations, gardening classes, and an air show!

Burlingame rail crossing project receives funding boost

A long-planned effort to improve safety and traffic flow at the Broadway rail crossing in Burlingame received a significant funding boost, moving the project closer to construction. The grade separation project aims to eliminate conflicts between trains, vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians by separating rail and roadway traffic. Local officials have long cited the crossing as a source of congestion and safety concerns. For residents and commuters, the additional funding represents progress toward a project that could substantially reduce delays and improve mobility in the area. Read more here.

San Mateo County Approves $10 Million Childcare Initiative

San Mateo County's Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $10 million investment to expand access to affordable childcare. The funding launches the SMC Childcare Hub, a one-stop portal for families seeking care for children ages 0–12, and TriShare, a program that splits childcare costs among the county, employers, and qualifying employees. Championed by Supervisors Jackie Speier and Lisa Gauthier, the initiative responds to countywide shortages of infant and school-age care, with affordability cited as families' biggest hurdle. Read more here.

San Mateo and Foster City report sharply different financial outlooks

The cities of San Mateo and Foster City are entering budget season with very different financial pictures. San Mateo is projecting a $17 million budget deficit driven by rising costs and slower revenue growth, prompting city leaders to examine potential spending reductions and long-term financial strategies. In contrast, Foster City now expects a $7.6 million operating surplus for fiscal year 2025, largely due to stronger-than-anticipated revenues and careful fiscal management. For residents, the contrasting outlooks illustrate how local governments across the Peninsula are experiencing varying financial pressures and opportunities as they plan for future services and investments. Read more here about San Mateo and Foster City.

Caffeinated Cowboy Celebrates Grand Opening

Caffeinated Cowboy recently celebrated its grand opening at 3721 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, marking an exciting milestone for the popular local coffee shop with existing locations in Santa Rosa and Pleasanton. The café combines a western-inspired identity with a menu focused on coffee beverages and other refreshments, creating a distinctive addition to the local coffee scene. The grand opening festivities welcomed community members and introduced customers to the shop’s unique brand and atmosphere. Read more here.

Aldo’s Pizza Announces Closure After 68 Years

After serving generations of customers for nearly seven decades, Aldo’s Pizza has announced that it will be closing its doors. In a heartfelt message to the community, the family-owned restaurant cited ongoing economic challenges, rising operating costs, and changing business conditions as key factors behind the difficult decision. The pizzeria expressed deep gratitude to the countless families and customers who made Aldo’s part of their traditions over the years, noting that community support sustained the business through multiple generations. The closure marks the end of a longstanding local institution and serves as a reminder of the pressures many independent businesses continue to face. Customers still have an opportunity to visit and enjoy a final pizza before the restaurant officially closes. Read more here.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

Cafe Kazka in Foster City

929 Edgewater Blvd, Ste B, Foster CIty

Cafe Kazka brings Eastern European influences to Foster City through a menu of specialty coffee, pastries, and all-day brunch dishes. Guests can find items such as shakshuka with labneh and tahini, syrnyky (Ukrainian-style farmer’s cheese pancakes), croque madame, and salmon eggs Benedict. The café also offers an extensive pastry selection that includes pistachio croissants, mascarpone berry croissants, cheesecakes, and macarons. Alongside espresso drinks and matcha beverages, Cafe Kazka has become known for combining European comfort food traditions with a modern café atmosphere.

Velvet 48 Wine Bar in Burlingame Celebrating 7 Years

Downtown Burlingame’s Velvet 48 Wine Bar is celebrating seven years of serving wine enthusiasts with an extensive collection that includes more than 40 wines by the glass and hundreds of bottles from around the world. Founded by wine industry veteran Jason Cooper, the venue is known for its curated wine flights, ranging from sparkling and rosé selections to Napa Valley cabernets and international reds. Guests can pair their pours with a menu of savory and sweet small plates in an intimate wine bar setting. The bar caters to both casual wine drinkers and seasoned collectors, with offerings across a wide range of styles and price points.

See more here!

🎡 San Mateo County Fair | San Mateo | Event Center | 6/11 - 14 | more
The San Mateo County Fair returns with carnival rides, live entertainment, fair food, exhibits, and family-friendly fun for all ages.

🍺 Ales and Tales Comedy Show | San Carlos | Blue Oak Brewing | 6/11 | more
Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and craft beer at Blue Oak Brewing's lively comedy showcase.

⚽ Soccer Social Pop-up Event | San Mateo | B Street Pedestrian Mall | 6/12 | more
Celebrate the excitement and first USA game of the world cup with interactive activities, community fun, and special programming on B Street.

🎨 WORKSHOP: Paint Local: Plein Air Landscapes in Oil | San Carlos | Art Bias Studio | 6/12 | more
Learn plein air oil painting techniques while capturing local landscapes under the guidance of experienced instructors.

🌳 Bonsai Show | San Mateo | San Mateo Garden Center | 6/13–6/14 | more
Browse more than 30 bonsai displays while enjoying raffles, vendor booths, plant sales, and opportunities to learn from bonsai experts.

🧩 Puzzle, Games & Toy Swap | Burlingame | Library | 6/13 | more
Trade gently used puzzles, games, and toys while discovering new favorites and connecting with fellow community members.

🎶 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 6/13 | more
Enjoy live music, waterfront views, food, and family-friendly activities at this popular summer concert series.

✈️ The Biggest Little Air Show | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 6/13 | more
Watch thrilling aerial demonstrations, including performances by the returning Sukhoi West Demo Team, at this action-packed aviation event.

🥞 Pancake Breakfast | Burlingame | Central County Fire Station 34 | 6/13 | more
Start your morning with pancakes while meeting local firefighters and enjoying a fun community gathering.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride in the Park | San Carlos | Burton Park | 6/13 | more
Celebrate Pride Month with live entertainment, community organizations, activities, and an inclusive atmosphere for all ages.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Celebration | San Mateo | Central Park | 6/13 | more
Join the community for a day of live performances, local vendors, family activities, and Pride Month festivities in Central Park.

🧘 MNT Burlingame Grand Opening | Burlingame | MNT Burlingame | 6/14 | more
Celebrate the opening of Burlingame's new wellness-focused Pilates studio featuring classes, amenities, and community-centered experiences.

🎵 Central Park Music Series | San Mateo | Central Park | 6/18 | more
Bring a blanket and enjoy a free evening of live music in Central Park as part of San Mateo's summer concert series.

🌵 Secrets to Successful Succulent Landscaping Class | San Mateo | San Mateo Garden Center | 6/18 | more
Learn practical tips for designing, planting, and maintaining a colorful, thriving succulent garden from local Master Gardener Janice Moody.

⚽ San Mateo Fan Zone Watch Party: USA vs. Türkiye | San Mateo | Central Park | 6/25 | more
Gather at Central Park's Fitzgerald Field for a live watch party of the USA vs. Türkiye match, with family-friendly activities and crafts. Event starts at 6:30 PM; game kicks off at 7:00 PM.