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🥟 New Restaurants and Pumpkin Festival this Weekend!

🥟 New Restaurants and Pumpkin Festival this Weekend!

We've got new dim sum and breakfast spots you can't miss!

Greg Kemper
October 16, 2025

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this weekend with new restaurants in San Mateo and Belmont, with a bunch of fun fall events and details on the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off this weekend!

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s edition:

🚧 San Mateo City Improvements: Waste water treatment, SamTrans safety, and affordable housing.

🍽️ New Restaurants Galore: Cantonese comfort food, a new breakfast spot, and a juice bar.

🎃Weekend playbook: Great pumpkin weigh off, farmer’s markets, and Fostoberfest

🍻 $75K Grant Funds Crackdown on Alcohol Sales to Minors in San Mateo County

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has received a $75,000 state grant to strengthen enforcement against businesses that sell alcohol to minors. The funding will support compliance checks, retailer education, and community awareness campaigns.

It is part of a statewide program distributing grants to nearly 50 agencies. Officials say the initiative will help curb underage drinking and promote responsible sales practices. Read more here.

🚍 SamTrans Strengthens Passenger and Driver Safety

SamTrans is stepping up its commitment to passenger and operator safety with a series of new security measures. The agency is installing driver protection barriers on 72 of its busiest buses and has adopted a new Code of Conduct and enforcement policy that allows for the suspension of riders who threaten safety or disrupt service.

In partnership with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Transit Bureau, SamTrans aims to ensure a safer, more respectful travel experience for all riders. These updates reflect growing efforts to create a secure and reliable public transit environment. Read more here.

💧 San Mateo Opens $1 B Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility

San Mateo recently celebrated the ribbon cutting on its upgraded wastewater treatment plant, a central element of the city’s $1 billion Clean Water Program. The modernization replaces 75-year-old infrastructure and introduces high-performance systems like BioActiflo, membrane bioreactors, and a 5.3-million gallon underground flow equalization tank to manage storm surges and prevent overflows.

Officials say the facility will better protect public health, reduce nutrient loads into San Francisco Bay, and set a new standard in sustainable wastewater management. Read more here.

🏠 San Mateo County Commits Over $41 Million to New Affordable Housing Projects

On October 7, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved more than $41.1 million in funding from the Affordable Housing Fund 13.0 to support nine new developments across eight jurisdictions. These funds will help build 636 new affordable homes, prioritizing low-income families, seniors, farmworkers, people experiencing homelessness, first-time homeowners, and individuals with disabilities.

The move underscores the county’s push to expand housing equity and addresses long-standing affordability pressures in the region. Read more here.

Sidewalk Juice in Burlingame

240 Park Rd, Burlingame
Photo Credit: HappyCow

Sidewalk Juice simply focuses on fresh-made juices, smoothie bowls, toasts, small bites, and coffee, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation. Their Burlingame location is at 240 Park Road, joining several Bay Area outposts. After a recent reopening, the shop has drawn praise for its bright bowls and friendly service. Health-minded diners can expect a menu that balances flavor, freshness, and convenience. Read more here.

The Breakfast Club at Midtown Opens in San Mateo

The Breakfast Club at Midtown brings its signature all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch fare to a new San Mateo outpost. With their first full day for staff this past week, fans can anticipate classics like fluffy pancakes, hearty omelettes, benedicts, sandwiches, and inventive scrambles, all made using quality ingredients.

The bright, welcoming interior and casual vibe make it ideal for gathering over morning meals or midday breaks. With convenient dine-in, pickup, and delivery options, the Midtown location aims to become a brunch favorite in the neighborhood. Read more here.

New Cantonese Dim Sum In Belmont - Treasure

Treasure, a recently opened Cantonese restaurant in Belmont, has quickly become a local favorite. Located at 510 El Camino Real, the eatery occupies the former IHOP space near Mountain Mike's Pizza and Row House Fitness. The menu offers a variety of traditional Cantonese dishes, including dim sum, providing a comforting dining experience. With its welcoming ambiance and quality cuisine, Treasure is poised to be a cherished spot for those seeking authentic Cantonese flavors in the area. Read more here.

Read more here.

🎓 High School & College Fair | Twin Pines Senior & Community Center | Belmont | 10/16 | more
Students and families can explore higher education options, meet school representatives, and get college prep advice.

🍎 The Fresh Market | Park Road & Burlingame Ave | Burlingame | 10/16 | more
Enjoy an open-air market filled with local produce, fresh flowers, and artisanal vendors in downtown Burlingame.

🍺 Foster City Fostoberfest | Leo J. Ryan Park | Foster City | 10/18 | more
Celebrate fall with Bavarian food, live music, and family fun at this lakeside Oktoberfest-style event.

🎨 Halloween Paint-A-Plane | Hiller Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 10/18 | more
Kids can decorate aircraft-inspired pumpkins and enjoy spooky crafts at this aviation-themed Halloween celebration.

📚 Indie Book Fair | Belmont Library | Belmont | 10/18 | more
Meet local authors, browse unique books, and support independent publishing at this literary community event.

Photo Credit: Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Weigh Off

🎃 Pumpkin Festival & World Championship Weigh-Off | Downtown | Half Moon Bay | 10/18–10/19 | more
Celebrate the pumpkin capital of the world with giant gourds, parades, and autumn treats by the coast.

🎶 Rock the Dock Concert Series | Port of Redwood City | Redwood City | 10/18 | more
Catch live music and ocean breezes at the waterfront’s final fall concert.

🇵🇭 Filipino Heritage Celebration | Downtown Library | Redwood City | 10/18 | more
Enjoy music, dance, and cultural storytelling in honor of Filipino American History Month.

🎨 Halloween Paint-A-Plane | Hiller Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 10/19 | more
The spooky aviation fun continues with more pumpkin decorating and family activities.

🛍️ Head West Marketplace | South B Street | San Mateo | 10/19 | more
Shop from local artisans, vintage vendors, and makers at this creative outdoor market.

🏃 Fun Run | Seal Point Park | San Mateo | 10/19 | more
Lace up for a scenic community fun run along the bay to support local Rotary Club causes.

🎆 Diwali Celebration | Belmont Library | Belmont | 10/19 | more
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, crafts, and cultural performances for all ages.

🍎 The Fresh Market | Park Road & Burlingame Ave | Burlingame | 10/19 | more
Shop local produce and handmade goods while enjoying live tunes and a warm community atmosphere.

🍴 Off The Grid Food Trucks | Leo Ryan Park Meadow | Foster City | 10/21 | more
Try global eats from a rotating lineup of food trucks with live entertainment and waterfront views.

🍐 The Fresh Market | Park Road & Burlingame Ave | Burlingame | 10/23 | more
Enjoy one of Burlingame’s most popular weekly markets showcasing farm-fresh foods and local artisans.