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New Breakfast Spot Location, Tax Measures, and Street Crossing Closures

New Breakfast Spot Location, Tax Measures, and Street Crossing Closures

Local breakfast spot opens a new location, San Mateo proposes street crossing closures and a new tax measure.

Greg Kemper
August 28, 2025

Hey neighbors,

This week brings news about a proposed tax in San Mateo and street crossing closures focused on reducing train noise.

We also have news on a local fan-favorite breakfast spot opening a new location in San Mateo, plus a weekend lineup with outdoor music and opportunities for local shopping. Let’s dive in!

In this week’s edition:

🚄 A New San Mateo Tax Measure and Street Crossing Closures
🍽️ A Fan-Favorite Breakfast Spot Opens New Location in San Mateo
📅 Your weekend plans, plus a look ahead to Filoli’s sell out event

💰 San Mateo Eyes Tax Measure

San Mateo officials are weighing a potential sales tax increase and a general obligation bond to help close a nearly $12 million budget gap for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The tax would exempt essentials like groceries and prescriptions, but council members acknowledged sales taxes can be regressive.

Still, they say it may be a necessary tool to maintain city services and invest in infrastructure. The proposal is still in the early stages, with community discussions expected before anything moves forward. Read more here.

🚄 Street Crossing Closures to Reduce Train Noise

In response to long-standing concerns about train noise, San Mateo is moving ahead with plans to close the Villa Terrace and East Bellevue Avenue street crossings as part of the Train Quiet Zone Program. City leaders say the closures will both improve neighborhood safety and lessen noise from train horns. The decision comes after years of community feedback about the impacts of frequent rail traffic. While some residents will need to adjust to new traffic patterns, the city views the changes as an important quality-of-life improvement. Read more here.

Truffle Poke Bar Re-Opens with Memorial Fundraiser

1212 Donnelly Ave, Burlingame

Truffle Poke Bar reopened on Wednesday, August 27th with a memorial fundraiser for Ayden Fang. There was a program held to honor Ayden, with all proceeds going to increasing community safety measures and to the Fang family initiative to establish a memorial scholarship in his honor. If you’d like to donate to further support the scholarship or Ayden’s family, you can do so here.

Penelope’s Coffee & Tea Opens in San Mateo

New Location: 1326 W. Hillsdale Blvd San Mateo

Penelope’s Coffee & Tea brings a heartfelt slice of Greek hospitality to the Peninsula. Family-owned and launched in Foster City in 2012, Penelope’s draws on childhood memories of serving coffee on commuter ferries and recreates that welcoming, communal spirit. Their signature dish is the Womelettes, a hearty fusion of waffle and omelet made with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and meat. Freddo specialty coffees, flavored lattes like the lavender-vanilla–infused Lillian Latte, and playful concoctions like the 3 Little Bears Tea or Samoas Latte round out the offerings. A breakfast menu featuring sandwiches, burritos, avocado toast and more makes for the perfect morning stop. Read more here.

See more here!

🌄 Filoli Sunset Hike | Filoli | Woodside | 08/28 | More
Take in golden hour views on a guided evening hike through Filoli’s beautiful trails.

🎲 Weekly Board Game Night | The Hub | Redwood City | 08/28 | More
Meet new people and play classic and modern board games in a fun, casual setting.

🎬 Movies in the Park | Washington Park | Burlingame | 08/29 | More
Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly outdoor film under the stars. Last one for the summer!

🎶 Music on the Square | Courthouse Square | Redwood City | 08/29 | More
Downtown Redwood City comes alive with live music and community energy. Last one for the summer!

🎸 Music in the Park Concert Series | Burton Park | San Carlos | 08/29 | More
Kick back with free live music in the park, perfect for summer evenings. Last one for the summer!

💎 International Gem and Jewelry Show | San Mateo Event Center | San Mateo | 08/29–08/31 | More
Shop sparkling gems, beads, and fine jewelry from vendors across the globe.

🏺 Clayroom San Mateo Sale | Clayroom | San Mateo | 08/30 | More
Find handmade ceramics and pottery at this annual summer studio sale.

🎡 Kids Paint-a-Plane| Hiller Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 08/30 | More
A family-friendly day with special kids activities at the aviation museum.

🎵 Rock the Dock Concert Series | Port of Redwood City | Redwood City | 08/30 | More
Enjoy waterfront concerts with live bands and food vendors by the Bay.

🇬🇷 Belmont Greek Festival | Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church | Belmont | 08/30 & 8/31 | More
Savor Greek food, music, and culture at this long-running Peninsula tradition.

🚤 Foster City History Boat Tour | Walker Recreation Center | Foster City | 08/31 | More
Discover the history of Foster City while exploring the waterways on a boat.

Looking Ahead:

🌙 Nightfall at Filoli | Filoli | Woodside | 10/3–11/10 | More
A sell out event! After-dark takeover with pumpkin meadows, moonlit trails & Trolls by night; tickets $45–$49 adults / $35–$39 kids. Get your tickets before they’re gone!