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- ☀️ Memorial Day Weekend Plans and Pedestrian Safety Updates for 17th Ave
☀️ Memorial Day Weekend Plans and Pedestrian Safety Updates for 17th Ave
Plus, New Restaurants to Try, Solar Savings for Schools, and Parents Book Club!
Greg Kemper
May 21, 2026
In partnership with
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’ve got information on pedestrian safety updates for San Mateo, solar energy creating school savings, and a mixed use building planning hitting a wall. Plus, we have Memorial Day weekend plans and new restaurants to check out this weekend!
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
City Updates: Pedestrian safety updates for 17th Avenue and Development Updates in San Mateo
Business Updates: Mixed use building hitting a wall, plus Mediterranean and German restaurants
Events: Memorial Day weekend plans, parents book club, Rock the Dock, Bay Area Theater auditions
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Affordable Housing in Burlingame
A new affordable housing community, Eucalyptus Grove, has opened in Burlingame with 69 apartments, 18 of which are set aside for extremely low-income households. The development is located near Eucalyptus Avenue and close to downtown Burlingame amenities and transit, offering studios to larger family units. Residents will benefit from below-market rents and on-site services; applications are expected to be competitive. This adds much-needed supply for local workers and seniors potentially priced out of the current market. Read more here.
San Mateo County’s Response to Losing Vehicle License Fees
Facing a drop in Vehicle License Fee revenues, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 to authorize support for state legislation allowing cities to raise the local transactions and use tax by up to 0.5%. The goal is to stabilize funding for essential services like public safety, roads, and social programs. Any increase would still require voter approval, but the move keeps the option open amid budget headwinds. Locals could see a future ballot measure impacting sales tax and community services. Read more here.
Solar Savings for Office of Education
The San Mateo County Office of Education is touting major savings from its solar and sustainability projects across school sites. By expanding rooftop arrays and efficiency upgrades, the agency projects over $1.5 million in long-term utility cost reductions and a smaller carbon footprint. Savings can free up dollars for classrooms and student services while providing hands-on learning opportunities around clean energy. Families may notice more shaded parking and visible panels on campuses as installations expand. Read more here.
Safety Improvements for 17th Avenue
San Mateo is advancing improvements at El Camino Real and 17th Avenue, a busy and sometimes hazardous corridor. Recent city talks focused on safer crossings, bike connectivity, and traffic flow upgrades, with potential changes to signal timing, curb ramps, and lane configurations. The project is still in planning, so designs may evolve with public feedback. Read more here.
Mixed-Use Apartment Block Hitting a Wall
San Mateo’s Block 21 mixed-use proposal in downtown has hit another delay over financing hurdles. The project, planned near the core of downtown San Mateo, aims to blend housing and retail but still lacks the funding clarity needed to proceed. City leaders are signaling support yet caution that market conditions remain challenging. For nearby residents and businesses, that means continued uncertainty around construction timing, storefront activation, and potential traffic and parking changes. Read more here.
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Bistro Mitte in San Carlos
749 Laurel St, San Carlos
Bistro Mitte showcases German and European-style cuisine in downtown San Carlos with classics like crispy schnitzel, bratwurst plates, and spaetzle alongside a wide selection of German beers and wines. The cozy space on Laurel Street offers a warm, biergarten-inspired atmosphere that complements its hearty, traditional dishes. Guests often highlight the schnitzel and red cabbage, reflecting an emphasis on familiar German comfort food. With patio seating and a full bar, it invites relaxed meals that pair robust flavors with refreshing local brews or wine. Bistro Mitte blends old-world recipes with a friendly neighborhood setting.
Esnaf in San Carlos
1105 San Carlos Ave, San Carlos
Esnaf brings Turkish and Mediterranean flavors to San Carlos with authentic dishes like Turkish eggs, lentil soup, kofte, and cheese-filled pide on its menu. Located at 1105 San Carlos Avenue, this eatery blends hearty Mediterranean influences with classic Turkish techniques, offering brunch as well as lunch and dinner in an inviting setting. Outdoor seating adds to the relaxed vibe, while items like sesame bread and pistachio gelato reflect thoughtful touches. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, highlighting inclusivity across different diets. Esnaf’s dishes emphasize fresh, robust flavors rooted in tradition.
America in Bloom: Celebrating 250 Years | San Mateo | San Mateo Garden Center | 5/21 | more
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a colorful flower show featuring creative floral displays, horticulture exhibits, and patriotic-inspired arrangements presented by local gardening enthusiasts.
Teen Finals Cafe | Burlingame | Burlingame Library | 5/21 - 5/22 | more
Students can take a study break at this relaxed finals-week hangout offering snacks, extra study space, and a supportive environment to help power through AP exams and finals.
Bingo Night | San Mateo | Elks Lodge #1112 | 5/22 | more
Grab friends and test your luck during this lively community bingo night featuring 10 games, prizes, and a fun-filled evening at the San Mateo Elks Lodge.
Salsa Social Dance Party | San Mateo | Motion Arts Center | 5/22 | more
Dance the night away with upbeat salsa music, social dancing, and an energetic atmosphere perfect for beginners and experienced dancers alike.
Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 5/23 | more
Enjoy waterfront live music, food, drinks, and a festive outdoor atmosphere during this popular community concert series along the Redwood City marina.
Memorial Day Weekend Lunch Golf Special | San Mateo | Crystal Springs Golf Course | 5/23 - 26 | more
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a special package including golf, lunch, and cart fees.
Community Vendor Fair | Belmont | Mystic Flora Apothecary | 5/24 | more
Browse talented creators and practitioners from all across the Bay Area at this community-focused vendor fair in Belmont.
Soar & Restore: A Wellness Series Sound Bath with Carefol Yoga | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 5/25 | more
Relax beneath historic aircraft during this immersive sound bath and wellness experience designed to promote mindfulness and restoration. Attendees can also use code SRWELLNESS26 for 15% off.
Teen Finals Cafe | Burlingame | Burlingame Library | 5/26-27 | more
Finals week continues with free snacks, study support, and extra workspace for teens preparing for exams and end-of-year projects.
Young Chamber Musicians | Burlingame | Kohl Mansion Library | 5/26 | more
Enjoy an evening of live chamber music performed by talented young musicians in the elegant setting of the Kohl Mansion Library.
Bay Area eTc’s Young Adult Conservatory: Summer Show & Mentor Program | San Carlos | Melodic Remedy Dance Studio | 5/26 | more
Aspiring performers can build theater skills, rehearse a summer production, and work alongside mentors through this immersive conservatory program for young adults.
San Mateo Parents Club Book Club | San Mateo | Fieldwork Brewery | 5/28 | more
Connect with fellow local parents over great conversation, drinks, and discussion during this casual community book club gathering at Fieldwork Brewery.
The Biggest Little Air Show | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 6/13 | more
The exciting Sukhoi West Demo Team is returning to headline BLAS and adding one more plane to the fray! They will be joined with demonstrations of exceptional radio-controlled models. Tickets sell out early!
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