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- 🍅 New Mexican Restaurant, Saying Goodbye to a Local Favorite Store and Foster City's Economic Outlook
🍅 New Mexican Restaurant, Saying Goodbye to a Local Favorite Store and Foster City's Economic Outlook
What you can expect from the new Burlingame Ave restaurant, plus a Belmont-Redwood Shores School that might close.
Greg Kemper
January 29, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this week, including economic and school updates around the area, several new restaurants, and local events that may interest you!
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
City Updates: The Belmont-Redwood Shores school at risk of closure and Foster City’s economic forecast
Restaurants To Explore: A high-end Mexican restaurant coming to Burlingame Avenue, plus a south Indian spot coming to Foster City
Events: Lunar new year celebrations, a bread-making class, and more!
🏢 New San Mateo Office Development Approved
San Mateo recently saw approval for a new office project that will bring updated workspaces to the city’s landscape. City planners and developers have been working together to ensure the design fits the community’s needs while also boosting local economic activity. This project is expected to attract new businesses and provide modern facilities for existing companies, potentially bringing more jobs and daytime foot traffic to nearby restaurants and shops. Community members will continue to have a chance to weigh in as details evolve. Read more here.
📊 Foster City Projects About $5.4M Budget Surplus
Foster City’s recent budget outlook brought some positive news: city officials project a roughly $5.4 million surplus for the current fiscal year. This comes as revenues slightly outpaced expectations, helping build up reserves that can support future services and projects. City leaders may use this financial cushion to prioritize key infrastructure and community services potentially easing pressure on discussions about future revenue measures. The surplus also offers a bit more flexibility as the city plans ahead. Read more here.
🏫 Belmont-Redwood Shores District May Close a Middle School
The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District is exploring the possibility of closing one of its middle schools, Sandpiper School, due to shifting enrollment patterns and budget considerations. School leaders are hosting discussions and reviewing data as they consider which campuses remain viable long-term. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay engaged in the planning process, as decisions could affect families across multiple neighborhoods. If the closure moves forward, the district would also outline plans for transitioning students and staff. Read more here.
Say Goodbye to Mollie Stones in San Mateo
After 25 years in San Mateo, Mollie Stones is closing their San Mateo location on 42nd Avenue. This high-end grocery store opened in Northern California in the late 1980s and still has locations in Burlingame, Palo Alto, and San Bruno. Merchandise has begun to be discounted January 27th and will continue until inventory is cleared out. They plan to close in the next few weeks. Read more here.
Dog Friendly Hiking Guide for Northern California
Local resident Melissa Chen’s Dog Hiking Northern California guidebook is coming soon! This new guide is available for pre-order now and will be published February 3! It has everything from urban paths across the Bay Area to rugged routes for walkers and hikers of every level and breed. The guidebook features hidden trails, swimming holes, and unforgettable dog-friendly adventures across Northern California.
Why Is It Worth It? The Guidebook Features:
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🍦Community Shop Hit by Crash and Burglary in San Mateo
A beloved community-focused ice cream shop and café in San Mateo has faced a rough start to the year after a vehicle crashed through its storefront and, shortly after, the business was burglarized. Chill Spot Rendezvous, known for its welcoming vibe and comfort food, only opened last year with hopes of being a sober social hub. Owner Maggie de Vera has been working to rebuild and maintain the space after these setbacks. Please go support them and try their amazing homemade ice cream! Read more here.
Kiddo Adventure Open for Play in San Mateo
24 E 4th Ave, San Mateo
Kiddo Adventure, a new play space in San Mateo, is quickly becoming a favorite for families with young children. Designed for active play and social interaction, the facility offers a range of activities that help kids burn energy and make friends. Parents are appreciating the safe, clean environment as a place to spend quality time with little ones. The space also fills a local need for indoor play options during colder or rainy days. Read more here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
🍛 New South Indian Restaurant Debuts in Foster City
939A Edgewater Blvd, Foster City
Foster City’s food scene just got a flavorful addition with the debut of a South Indian restaurant, Bangalur Ootery, offering regional dishes not often found in the area. Locals have already been sharing their excitement about unique menu items and the warm, community-oriented feel of the new spot. While details from the official article are limited, this kind of restaurant brings a fresh culinary choice to the Peninsula and gives residents another great place to gather over a meal. Read more here.
Amado: New Mexican Restaurant Coming to Burlingame
1100 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
Burlingame’s dining scene is about to get more vibrant with the upcoming opening of Amado, a chef-led Mexican restaurant by the Dominguez family. Slated to open downtown, the restaurant will showcase regional Mexican dishes, from Baja-style seafood to rich moles, and feature a menu that goes beyond typical taco fare. The space will also highlight agave-based drinks and Mexican wines to complement the food. Residents looking for fresh flavors and a lively new spot to gather will likely want to add this one to their list. Read more here.
🎷 Jazz Night with the Sun Messengers | San Mateo | Feast and Floral | 1/29 | more
Enjoy a lively evening of jazz with live performances by the Sun Messengers.
🧸 Toy Exchange | Burlingame | Community Center | 2/01 | more
Swap gently used toys and give them a new home in this community-friendly exchange.
⚽ Spring Soccer Registration for Residents | San Mateo | Online | 2/03 | more
San Mateo residents can sign up kids for the upcoming spring soccer season.
🍷 Sip n Shop for a Cause | San Carlos | Rouge Wine Bar | 2/04 | more
Shop local, sip wine, and support a good cause during this feel-good community event.
⚽ Spring Soccer Registration for Non-Residents | San Mateo | Online | 2/05 | more
Non-residents can register for San Mateo’s spring soccer programs starting this date.
🍞 Brewery Breadmaking Class | San Carlos | Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co. | 2/06 | more
Learn to bake beer-inspired breads with Valentine’s-themed flavors at this hands-on class.
🏕️ Summer Camp Fair | San Carlos | Parks and Recreation | 2/07 | more
Explore a wide range of summer camp options and meet local program providers.
🏃 Sports Warm Up | San Mateo | B Street | 2/07 | more
Kick off the day with active warm-ups and sports fun along B Street.
🎨 General Craft Supplies Swap | Burlingame | Library | 2/07 | more
Trade unused craft supplies and discover new creative materials.
🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration | Belmont | Twin Pines Manor | 2/08 | more
Celebrate Lunar New Year with cultural performances, activities, and family-friendly fun.
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