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- 🌳 Sustainability Projects, Affordable Housing, and Refuge Updates
🌳 Sustainability Projects, Affordable Housing, and Refuge Updates
Plus holiday events and news about Waymo and tasty San Mateo Restaurants and events in November
Greg Kemper
November 20, 2025
In partnership with
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this week including new projects to improve San Mateo, news about Refuge at Hillsdale, and restaurants to check out. Plus, check out events coming up in the area!
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
🌳 San Mateo County Sustainability Initiatives and Affordable Housing: Learn about the initiatives and the property purchased to develop affordable housing
🥪 Refuge Closing Its Hillsdale Location: What that means for its San Carlos location
🎄 Weekend playbook: Holiday Lights, Craft Fairs, Tree Lightings, and more!
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🏠San Mateo County Acquires Land for Affordable Housing
In a significant move to address housing affordability, San Mateo County has purchased property to build new affordable housing units. The site acquisition reflects the county’s commitment to increasing housing supply that’s accessible to lower- and middle-income residents. Officials say the project will be part of a broader strategy that combines land banking, public funding, and targeted development to mitigate the region’s housing crisis.
The deal has been welcomed by housing advocates as a proactive measure in one of the Bay Area’s most expensive regions. While details on the timeline and unit count are still emerging, the purchase is already seen as a meaningful step forward. Read more here.
🌳 San Mateo Rolls Out New Sustainability Programs
San Mateo County’s Sustainability Department has rolled out two new programs aimed at supporting a cleaner, healthier community. The first, Let’s Go Electric, encourages residents to switch to all-electric home systems that cut emissions, boost indoor air quality, and offer efficient year–round heating and cooling.
The second initiative, Stop Water Poo-llution, reminds pet owners to help protect local waterways by consistently picking up and properly disposing of pet waste. Together, these efforts promote environmental stewardship and contribute to a more sustainable future for the entire county. Read more here.
🤖 Waymo Expands Service Across Peninsula and Onto Freeways
Waymo announced a major expansion of its robotaxi service across the San Francisco Peninsula, now covering a 260-square-mile area and including freeway segments on routes like US-101 and I-280. The company is also offering curbside pickup and drop-off at San Jose Mineta International Airport, making autonomous rides more convenient for travelers.
Waymo says the freeway rollout is backed by rigorous testing, including simulations and millions of miles of driving, with safety protocols in place for highway driving. The expanded area underscores Waymo’s growing ambition to make robotaxi travel more seamless and useful for commuters, not just local trips. Read more here.
Refuge’s Hillsdale Location Closing
Refuge recently announced they are closing their Hillsdale Mall location effective November 16th. Despite this, their flagship location in San Carlos (located at 963 Laurel St.) will remain open. Refuge’s specialties are pastrami sandwiches and Belgian beer. They feature trivia nights, beer flights, and special holiday events. Continue to support them in their San Carlos location! Learn more about them here.
Doppio Zero in San Carlos
617 Laurel St, San Carlos
Photo: San Carlos Life
Doppio Zero is a local favorite known for its Southern Italian cooking, inviting atmosphere, and consistently well-crafted dishes. The menu centers on Neapolitan pizzas baked in a 900 degree wood-fired oven, along with housemade pastas and classic Italian entrées. Guests often appreciate the balance of quality ingredients and relaxed hospitality that makes it a comfortable choice for both casual meals and special occasions. The bar offers a selection of wines and cocktails that pair well with the menu, adding to the overall dining experience. Reservations are recommended for weekends, when the restaurant is at its busiest. Check them out here!
Twelvemonth in Burlingame
330 Lorton Ave, Burlingame
Twelvemonth is a beautifully designed plant based restaurant celebrated for its seasonal dishes, elegant presentation, and thoughtful sustainability focus. The menu features creative interpretations of global flavors, complemented by a full bar and an in-house bakehouse producing fresh daily pastries. Diners often remark on the calming ambiance, enhanced by natural materials, greenery, and soft lighting. The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing and eco-friendly practices adds depth to the dining experience without sacrificing comfort. Advance booking is encouraged, particularly during peak evening hours. Check them out here!
Merry & Bright Preview Night | Woodside | Filoli | 11/21 | Read more
A festive kick-off to Filoli’s holiday season with lights, displays, and seasonal cheer.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | San Mateo | Hillsdale Shopping Center | 11/21 | Read more
Celebrate the start of the holidays with a community tree lighting, music, and family activities.
Holiday Craft Faire | Belmont | Twin Pines Park | 11/22 | Read more
Shop from local makers and artisans at Belmont’s annual outdoor holiday craft fair.
Helicopter Turkey Toss and Turkey Hunt at Hiller Aviation | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 11/26 | Read more
Watch a helicopter drop toy turkeys for kids to “hunt” in this fun aviation-themed holiday event.
International Gem and Jewelry Show | San Mateo | San Mateo County Event Center | 11/28 - 11/30 | Read more
Browse gems, minerals, beads, and handcrafted jewelry from vendors across the country.
Christmas at Kohl | Burlingame | Kohl Mansion | 12/03 | Read more
A beloved holiday boutique and mansion open house featuring unique gifts and seasonal décor.
Jingle and Mingle | Belmont | Notre Dame High School | 12/04 | Read more
A festive holiday party and boutique with shopping, treats, and community fun.
Sensory Friendly Santa Visits | Foster City | The VIBE | 12/04 | Read more
A calm, sensory-considerate Santa experience designed for children who benefit from a quieter setting.
First Friday at CuriOdyssey | San Mateo | CuriOdyssey | 12/05 | Read more
Enjoy evening science exhibits, animals, and food trucks during CuriOdyssey’s monthly after-hours event.
Night of Holiday Lights | San Carlos | Laurel Street | 12/05 | Read more
Downtown San Carlos glows with lights, entertainment, and festive family activities.
Winter Wonder Walk | San Mateo | 25th Ave | 12/05 | Read more
Stroll the decorated 25th Avenue district with entertainment, treats, and holiday shopping.
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