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- ☘️ St. Paddy's Celebrations and Pedestrian Safety Updates
☘️ St. Paddy's Celebrations and Pedestrian Safety Updates
Plus new expansions to Target and Hillsdale malls coming soon
Greg Kemper
March 12, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have updates to pedestrian and bus safety plus new expansions to businesses in San Mateo. Plus, a Hawaiian-style poke bar in Belmont, spring floral events, and St. Paddy’s Day celebrations.
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
City Updates: Pedestrian and bus safety improvements coming soon.
Business Updates: Target San Mateo expanding and a viral toy store coming to Hillsdale mall
Restaurants: Hawaiian-style poke bar
Events: Spring floral events, St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, and bingo!
Foster City Slow to Meet Housing Targets
Foster City is still working to meet state-mandated housing targets, but progress has been slower than required deadlines. California law requires cities to plan for thousands of new homes as part of efforts to address the statewide housing shortage. While Foster City has identified potential sites and begun reviewing proposals, several projects remain early in the planning process.
If the city falls too far behind schedule, it could lose some control over how development decisions are made locally. The pressure from the state is likely to bring additional housing proposals and continued debate about where new homes should be built within the community. Read more here.
San Mateo Bans Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
San Mateo has approved a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, joining a growing list of California cities limiting the noisy equipment. Officials say the move will reduce air pollution and noise while encouraging landscapers and residents to transition to electric alternatives. Small gas engines used in landscaping tools can produce significant emissions, and city leaders say quieter electric models are becoming more widely available.
The policy will include a phase-in period so landscaping companies have time to adapt. Over time, neighborhoods across San Mateo may notice quieter mornings and improved air quality as the transition away from gas-powered equipment takes place. Read more here.
Pedestrian Improvements in San Mateo
The City of San Mateo has installed new pedestrian safety barriers along B Street at 1st and 3rd Avenues as part of ongoing improvements to the downtown pedestrian mall. The barriers are designed to prevent vehicles from accidentally entering the busy walking area while still allowing emergency and service access when needed.
B Street between 1st and 3rd has been closed to regular traffic since 2021, creating a permanent pedestrian-focused zone that supports outdoor dining, events, and local businesses. City officials say the new barriers add an extra layer of protection for people walking, shopping, and dining in the area. The change is intended to make one of downtown’s busiest gathering spots safer for visitors and workers alike. Read more here.
SamTrans Adding Safety Features
SamTrans buses across San Mateo County are getting new safety upgrades designed to better protect drivers. The transit agency is installing protective barriers and other features on buses following a rise in assaults against transit operators nationwide. Officials say the improvements will help create a safer environment for drivers while maintaining reliable service for riders.
Transit agencies across the country have been exploring similar upgrades as they work to retain employees and improve working conditions. The changes could help make public transit feel more secure for both drivers and passengers who rely on SamTrans to get around the Peninsula. Read more here.
Viral Toy Store Coming to Hillsdale
156 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo
A new toy retailer known for viral collectibles is headed to Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo. Pop Mart, the global brand behind highly collectible “blind box” figurines, recently announced a new store coming soon to the popular mall. The company is famous for characters like MOLLY, DIMOO, and Skullpanda, with fans often lining up for limited-edition releases and surprise collectibles hidden inside sealed boxes. The brand has grown rapidly worldwide and is expanding its Bay Area presence as demand for designer toys continues to rise. Read more here.
Target Opening Baby Boutique at San Mateo Location
Target is rolling out a new “baby boutique” concept at its San Mateo store, giving parents a more curated shopping experience for infant and toddler essentials. The new section brings together clothing, nursery items, feeding supplies, and other baby products in a dedicated space designed to make shopping easier for families. The retailer says the concept responds to growing demand from parents who want convenience and a broader selection in one place. By grouping items together, Target hopes to simplify what can often be an overwhelming shopping trip for new caregivers. The updated layout offers Peninsula families a more streamlined way to find baby essentials during routine shopping runs. Read more here.
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Busy Lizzy’s Baked Goods - Burlingame
1231 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
Busy Lizzy’s Baked Goods is a woman-owned bakery in Burlingame focused on scratch-made desserts crafted with high-quality ingredients. The shop is known for a rotating selection of cookies, bars, and cakes, along with staples like banana bread and their popular brownies. Favorite treats include browned butter chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, cookies ‘n cream cookies, and s’mores bars. The menu also features options such as gluten-free almond meal cookies and other seasonal baked goods that change throughout the week. The bakery began as a farmers’ market venture and has grown into a brick-and-mortar shop offering a wide range of small-batch sweets.
Truffle Poke Bar - Belmont
1073 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont
Truffle Poke Bar is a fast-casual spot that blends Hawaiian-style poke with modern, Asian-fusion flavors. Guests can build customizable bowls using fresh seafood such as tuna, salmon, or shrimp paired with bases like rice or greens and a wide variety of toppings. Signature combinations like the Salmon Lover, King Kong, and Rafi’s Pick highlight the restaurant’s use of house sauces and truffle-inspired ingredients such as truffle aioli. The menu also includes items like taro chips with truffle dipping sauce and oysters, along with vegan options like tofu-based bowls with mango. The concept focuses on fresh ingredients, quick service, and an approachable, casual dining experience.
🎀 Patty’s Diner Ribbon Cutting and Business Mixer | Burlingame | Patty’s Diner | 3/12 | more
Celebrate the grand opening of Patty’s Diner with a ribbon cutting and networking mixer—an opportunity to welcome a new local business and connect with the community.
👑 Royal Ball | Burlingame | Burlingame Community Center | 3/13 | more
Dress in your royal best for a magical evening of dancing, music, and enchanting fun fit for the whole family.
🎱 Bingo Night | San Mateo | Elks Lodge #1112 | 3/13 | more
Try your luck at this lively bingo night featuring multiple games, prizes, and a spirited lodge atmosphere.
🌱 Spring Plant Exchange | Burlingame | Library | 3/14 | more
Swap seedlings and gardening tips with fellow plant lovers at this seasonal exchange designed to refresh your spring garden.
🧚 Fairy Garden Workshop | San Mateo | Kohl Pumphouse | 3/14 | more
Create a whimsical miniature fairy garden in this hands-on workshop perfect for sparking creativity.
👶 Preschool and Childcare Fair | Belmont | Twin Pines Senior & Community Center | 3/14 | more
Families can explore local preschool and childcare options, meet providers, and gather helpful information all in one place.
🎶 Ukulele Jam | San Mateo | B Street | 3/14 | more
Bring your ukulele (or just your love of music) for an upbeat community jam session celebrating easygoing island vibes.
🍀 St. Patrick’s Celebration | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 3/15 | more
Celebrate with festive activities, themed fun, and family-friendly entertainment at this lively St. Patrick’s Day event.
🎨 Paint-A-Plane | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 3/15 | more
Add your artistic flair to a real aircraft in this creative, hands-on aviation experience.
🥃 Irish Whiskey Tasting: Sunday Funday | San Mateo | Fogbird | 3/15 | more
Sample a curated selection of Irish whiskeys and learn about their unique flavor profiles in this spirited St. Patrick’s weekend tasting event.
🌱 Seeds and Seedlings Swap | Redwood City | Downtown Library Plaza | 3/16 | more
Garden enthusiasts can trade seeds and young plants while sharing tips and inspiration for the growing season ahead.
🎨 Paint N Sip: Moonlit Clovers | San Mateo | Pinstripes | 3/17 | more
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a creative twist while painting a festive design and enjoying a relaxing sip-and-paint atmosphere.
🎭 Registration Opens for Bay Area Educational Theatre Company Shows | San Mateo | Online | 3/18 | more
Sign-ups open for youth theatre productions including The Lion King, The Jungle Book, Shrek the Musical, and Cinderella.
🛍️ HEAD WEST Marketplace | South B Street (1st–3rd Ave) | San Mateo | 3/21 | More
Head West returns next Saturday with local artists, vintage finds, and lots of great food nearby. Mark your calendar!
🏃 Airport Runway Run (2K/5K/10K) | Hiller Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 4/12 | More
Run, walk, or stroll on the actual San Carlos Airport runway in this unique family-friendly race—and register early, because it sells out every year.
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