Hotel and Childcare Taxes and Valentine's Date Ideas

Proposed taxes to benefit residents, a new restaurant already receiving recognition, plus new staffing at local levels.

Author

Greg Kemper
February 05, 2026

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this week, including economic and school staffing and taxing updates around the area, a new local restaurant already getting recognition, and Valentine’s date ideas!

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s edition:

  • City Updates: A new childcare tax, hotel tax, chamber of commerce president, and superintendent of schools.

  • Restaurants To Explore: A new Taiwanese / Korean restaurant to try

  • Events: Lunar new year celebrations, Valentine’s date ideas, and more!

💰 Proposed Changes to Childcare 

San Mateo County leaders are exploring new tax measures aimed at expanding access to affordable childcare, an ongoing challenge for many working families. The proposals could generate dedicated funding to stabilize childcare providers, increase available slots, and support early education programs while addressing long waitlists faced by local parents. 

Advocates say reliable childcare is critical for both family well-being and workforce stability, though questions remain about how the taxes would be structured and what they might cost residents. Both ideas are still in the early stages, with additional analysis and community input expected before any final decisions are made. Read more here and here. 

🍎 San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools to Retire 

San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee has announced she will retire on Feb. 19 after serving in the role since 2018 and winning reelection in 2022. The County Board of Education is expected to discuss appointing an interim superintendent at its Feb. 18 meeting as the transition begins. 

During her tenure, the County Office of Education was named “Medium County Office of the Year” in 2025, recognized for leadership in areas such as behavioral health, environmental literacy, and school safety. Magee said it has been an “incredible honor” to serve local students and families and highlighted efforts to expand educational opportunities, particularly for students with disabilities and those from historically marginalized communities. She is also set to receive multiple awards recognizing her impact in education ahead of her departure. Read more here.

Pickleball Park Upgrades

The pickleball courts at Los Prados Park have undergone upgrades! New pickleball lines have been painted, new nets and benches have been installed, as well as fences and paddle holders! Stop by for a game and check out the new improvements. Learn more here.

1837 Bahia St, San Mateo

Burlingame Considers Raising Hotel Tax

City council members in Burlingame are discussing the possibility of placing a temporary occupancy tax (TOT) increase on the November ballot. Currently one of the city’s top revenue generators, the hotel tax sits at 12%, but nearby communities have adopted higher rates. Increasing the rate could help fund city services and infrastructure support without burdening local residents directly. Officials are considering polling voters and gathering feedback before moving forward. Read more here.

Sage Bakehouse Returns to Sawyer Trail

Beginning January 31, Sage Bakehouse is coming back to the Sawyer Camp area of Crystal Spring Regional Trail every Saturday from 8am - 12pm. They sell hot and cold drinks, pastries and pies. Read more here.

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

Tai Er Named to SF Chronicle’s Now List

Tai Er Sichuan Cuisine opened in San Mateo on August 1 and was just named to the SF Chronicle’s Now List.  The globally-celebrated restaurant brand, specializing in bold, authentic Sichuan flavors is known for its attention to detail, including the exact second fish should cook to crafting perfect pickled greens. At the heart of the menu is their signature house-fermented sauerkraut, made using a traditional 23-day clay jar fermentation process.

98 E 4th Ave, San Mateo

O2 Valley in San Mateo 

O2 Valley is a family-run restaurant known for its Taiwanese bentos, snacks, and teas, offering a convenient yet flavorful introduction to Taiwanese comfort food. Diners can build bento boxes with proteins and toppings, often served with corn rice, tea eggs, tofu, and vegetables, while popular early orders have included crispy chicken cutlet bentos and refreshing taro yogurt smoothies with boba. The menu’s variety makes it easy to mix and match flavors, whether you’re stopping in for lunch or grabbing takeout. Expect a relaxed, casual setting that emphasizes quick service without sacrificing quality. It’s an easy go-to when you’re in the mood for satisfying Taiwanese classics.

💃 First Friday Dinner Dance | San Mateo | Peninsula Italian American Social Club | 2/06 | more
Enjoy an evening of dining and dancing with live music at this lively monthly social event.

🏕️ Summer Camp Fair | San Carlos | Burton Park Stage| 2/07 | more
Explore a wide range of summer camp options and meet local program providers.

🏈 Super Fest Football & Cheer Camp | San Mateo | Serra High School | 2/07 | more
Inclusive Football & Cheer camp for kids of all ages & abilities!

🏃 Sports Warm Up | San Mateo | B Street | 2/07 | more
Get game-day ready with a high-energy downtown gathering featuring activities and community spirit ahead of the big game.

🎨 General Craft Supplies Swap | Burlingame | Burlingame Public Library | 2/07 | more
Bring your unused craft supplies and exchange them for new creative finds while connecting with fellow makers.

🎬 Obscure Movie Club | Belmont | Twin Pines Manor | 2/07 | more
A monthly get-together for obscure movie lovers, featuring a movie & discussion.

💃 Milonga Tango Party | San Mateo | Motion Arts Center | 2/07 | more
Dance the night away at this traditional tango social welcoming both experienced dancers and curious beginners.

💘 Valentine's Party | Belmont | Amara Restaurant | 2/07 | more
Celebrate early with a festive evening of food, drinks, and romantic vibes perfect for couples or friends.

🏈 Super Bowl Watch Party | San Carlos | Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co | 2/08 | more
Enjoy the big game with food trucks & a featured beer menu

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration | Belmont | Twin Pines Community Center | 2/08 | more
Ring in the Year of the Horse with cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and traditional festivities.

🥂 Mom's Night Out- San Mateo Parents Club | San Mateo | Fogbird | 2/11 | more
Take a well-deserved break and connect with other moms over drinks, bites, and a relaxed night out.

🍷 Wine Walk | San Carlos | Frank Harrington Park | 2/13 | more
A perfect evening to stroll, shop, and sip some delicious wines in downtown Can Carlos

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