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☀️ San Mateo's Open Marketplace is back, plus Father's Day events for the weekend!

☀️ San Mateo's Open Marketplace is back, plus Father's Day events for the weekend!

Plus, World Cup watch parties; outdoor music, and wine tasting events!

Greg Kemper
June 18, 2026

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! HEAD WEST Marketplace is back and San Mateo police are getting a real-time translation tool. Plus, check out World Cup watch parties, outdoor music, and wine tasting events.

Let’s get to it!

In this week’s edition:

City Updates: Real-time translation tool introduced for police
Business Updates: Two new restaurants coming soon!
Events: Plus World Cup watch parties, outdoor music, and wine tasting.

HEAD WEST Marketplace returns to downtown San Mateo this weekend!

South B Street in San Mateo

HEAD WEST Marketplace is back in Downtown San Mateo, once again transforming South B Street into a lively open-air marketplace filled with Local Makers, Crafters, Artists, Designers and Vintage Merchants. For the June 20th Marketplace, we are adding some extra fun: an African drum circle with Onye Onyemaechi from 3 - 4pm in celebration of Juneteenth! Open to all ages and skill levels! With the street closed to cars, it creates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to shop small, support local creatives and enjoy live music!

HEAD WEST takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from March through December, making it a great weekend outing downtown. Learn more here!

San Mateo County Set for $77M Budget Boost

San Mateo County and its cities are expected to receive roughly $77 million through a state budget agreement that restores a key source of vehicle license fee revenue. Local leaders have spent years pushing for a fix, arguing the county was unfairly excluded from funding received by other parts of California. The deal could provide a significant financial boost for cities across the county, helping support local services and ease budget pressures in the years ahead. Read more here.

New Housing Project Approved for Downtown San Mateo

A revised eight-story housing development has been approved for the former Kelly-Moore Paints site in downtown San Mateo. The project will bring hundreds of new homes to a prime location near transit, replacing the longtime commercial property with a higher-density residential community. City leaders say the development helps advance local housing goals while adding new residents within walking distance of downtown shops, restaurants, and Caltrain. Read more here.

Real-Time Translation Tool for Police

The San Mateo Police Department has introduced a new real-time translation tool designed to help officers communicate more effectively with people who speak languages other than English. The technology provides live, two-way translation during calls for service, allowing officers to quickly overcome language barriers without waiting for an interpreter in many situations.

Officials say the tool is expected to improve response times, reduce misunderstandings and help officers gather more accurate information during emergencies and routine interactions alike. In a diverse community like San Mateo, the new system could make it easier for residents to access police services and communicate important information when every second counts. Read more here.

Luma Coffee Lounge is Now Open

Luma Coffee Lounge recently opened this month and adds a new gathering space for coffee lovers on the Peninsula. Brought to you by the team behind Kaizen and Coffee, the upcoming café aims to create a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy specialty coffee, connect with friends, work remotely, or relax throughout the day. Early announcements highlight a modern, community-oriented atmosphere designed to serve as more than just a traditional coffee shop. As the business gets ready to launch, locals can look forward to another neighborhood destination that contributes to the area’s growing café culture. Read more here.

Satoshi Ramen Shop Coming Soon to Burlingame

A new ramen destination is preparing to open its doors in Burlingame with the upcoming arrival of Satoshi Ramen Shop. While currently doing pop -ups at farmers markets, the restaurant is gearing up to bring its take on authentic Japanese ramen to the local dining scene. While a firm opening date has not yet been announced, the news has already generated excitement among ramen enthusiasts eager to see what the new eatery will offer. You’ll be able to check them out when they’re open at 266 Lorton Ave in Burlingame. Learn more here.

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

Kajiken in San Mateo

Kajiken specializes in Nagoya-style aburasoba, a Japanese noodle dish often described as "soupless ramen." Instead of broth, the restaurant serves thick noodles tossed with a flavorful sauce and toppings that are mixed together before eating. Popular menu items include the Original Aburasoba with chashu pork and bamboo shoots, the spicy Tantan Aburasoba, and the Homura Aburasoba featuring spicy minced pork and chili threads. Kajiken’s location is great for introducing aburasoba to new audiences, offering a different experience from traditional ramen shops.

Cook’s Seafood in Menlo Park

Cook’s Seafood is a family-owned seafood restaurant known for serving sustainably sourced seafood in a casual setting. The menu features a variety of fish and chips, grilled seafood plates, fish tacos, clam chowder, oysters, and seasonal seafood specials. The restaurant has built its reputation around fresh seafood and a commitment to responsible sourcing, with many menu items highlighting wild-caught fish. In addition to dine-in service, Cook’s also operates a seafood market, allowing customers to purchase fresh seafood to prepare at home.

See more here!

🛍️ HEAD WEST Marketplace | San Mateo | South B Street | 6/20 | more
An open-air marketplace featuring local makers, crafters, artists, designers, and vintage sellers along South B Street in San Mateo. Check out the African drum circle this week with Onye Onyemaechi from 3 - 4pm!

HeadWest MarketPlace - South B Street in San Mateo
Photo Credit: Mia Torres

🎶 Central Park Music Series | San Mateo | Central Park | 6/18 | more
Kick off a summer evening with live music from Pop Fiction, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and plenty of space to relax in the park.

🌵 Secrets to Successful Succulent Landscaping Class | San Mateo | San Mateo Garden Center | 6/18 | more
Discover how to create a thriving succulent garden as Master Gardener Janice Moody shares design tips, plant recommendations, and year-round care techniques for Bay Area landscapes.

🍷 Filoli Reserve Wine Tasting | Woodside | Filoli | 6/19 | more
Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in Filoli's Garden House featuring wines from the Filoli Reserve collection in an elegant garden setting.

🎸 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 6/20 | more
Spend an evening on the waterfront with live music, food, drinks, and a lively community atmosphere at this popular summer concert series.

☀️ Summer Solstice Vendor Fair | Belmont | Mystic Flora Apothecary | 6/20 | more
Celebrate the summer solstice by shopping unique vendors, discovering handcrafted goods, and exploring holistic wellness offerings in a festive community gathering.

📚 Summer Reading Celebration | Burlingame | Barnes & Noble | 6/20 | more
Families can celebrate the start of summer reading with games, crafts, prizes, treats, and a special storytime designed to inspire young readers.

🖍️ Coloring Party Celebrating 250 Years | Burlingame | Growing Ivy | 6/21 | more
Join a festive community coloring party celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a relaxing, creative activity for all ages.

🎵 Belmont Summer Concert Series: Sheryl and the Pretenders | Belmont | Twin Pines Park | 6/21 | more
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music as Sheryl and the Pretenders perform in the scenic setting of Twin Pines Park.

🥂 Father's Day Brunch | San Carlos | West Park Bistro | 6/21 | more
Celebrate Father's Day with a special brunch featuring seasonal dishes and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for gathering with family.

🚀 Water Rocket Rally | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 6/24 | more
Launch air-powered water rockets and explore the science behind flight during this interactive, hands-on event that's fun for aspiring engineers of all ages.

⚽ San Mateo Fan Zone Watch Party: USA vs. Türkiye | San Mateo | Central Park | 6/25 | more
Gather at Central Park's Fitzgerald Field for a live watch party of the USA vs. Türkiye match, with family-friendly activities and crafts. Event starts at 6:30 PM; game kicks off at 7:00 PM.

🍻 Dad's Night Out | San Mateo | The Swingin' Door | 6/25 | more
Dads can enjoy a casual evening of conversation, drinks, and community while connecting with other local fathers in a relaxed setting.