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Wursthall Space Replacement, and Burlingame Power Outage Updates
How downtown Burlingame was affected, plus new restaurants to try this winter!
Greg Kemper
January 15, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this week, including who’s coming to the old Wursthall space, development updates, and events to get you out of the house.
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
Burlingame Power Update: Updates on downtown power restoration
Foodie Updates: A new Korean restaurant in the old Wursthall space
Events to get you out of the house this winter!
Start your year with clarity
Written by Shane Parrish and reMarkable, this workbook helps you pause and reflect. Rather than add pressure, it relieves it, bringing clarity to what truly matters.
A simple reset for January. A thoughtful way to review your year.
🚧 Burlingame Traffic & Power Update
Burlingame officials reported that power has now been restored after contamination from underground utility vaults near Broadway and California Drive after PG&E first found petroleum in electrical vaults on January 7 and then again inside an AT&T communications vault on January 12.
The discoveries led to power disruptions and closures of busy intersections while public safety teams managed the response with multiple agencies involved. Residents and businesses are being kept safe with no immediate threats identified, and drinking water isn’t affected by the contamination. About 150 businesses were affected and were operating off of 14 backup generators, but are now back on PG&E grid after almost a week of disruption. Read more here.
🏗️ Six-Story Apartment Complex Proposal for North San Mateo Drive
Rendering from Winder Gibson Architects
An abandoned car dealership is potentially getting a major update with recently released proposals. Prometheus Real Estate Group just unveiled preliminary plans for a six-story residential complex at 715 North San Mateo Drive that would bring 181 apartments to the northern edge of San Mateo, right near the Burlingame border.
The building will include amenities like a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, and BBQ area, plus 18 affordable units. Future residents will be just 15 minutes on foot from Burlingame Caltrain Station. The project is utilizing Senate Bill 330 to streamline the approval process. Read more here.
Korean Fusion Restaurant Whisper Coming to Former Wursthall Spaces
Several long-standing restaurants have recently shut their doors, reflecting the ongoing challenges of rising costs, staffing shortages, and shifting dining habits. At the same time, new restaurant are preparing to open in early 2026, including a Korean fusion brunch spot planned for the former Wursthall space, along with other locally owned eateries expanding or relocating downtown. These upcoming openings are expected to bring fresh menus and renewed foot traffic to the area. While the changes signal a tough moment for some businesses, they also point to continued interest and investment in San Mateo’s food scene. Read more here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
Pacific Catch in San Mateo
243 S B St, San Mateo, CA
Pacific Catch is a Fish House emphasizing sustainability and responsible sourcing. Their lively, relaxed atmosphere has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a spacious outdoor park, which is ideal for families. Their menu has a variety of Pacific fish and includes sushi rolls, Hawaiian poke, ceviches, tacos, and grilled fish.
Fan favorites include coconut shrimp, ahi poke, sushi tacos, miso black cod, and surf‑and‑turf platters. They also have non-seafood options, like a Wagyu cheeseburger. They also partner with Seafood Watch, the Surfrider Foundation and others to ensure sustainable, ocean-friendly operations. Check out their menu here!
Johnston’s Saltbox in San Carlos
Johnston’s Saltbox is a beloved neighborhood restaurant with a casual, community‑focused vibe and a menu that changes with the seasons. Highlighting fresh, locally sourced Bay Area produce, the dishes mix comforting classics with creative seasonal twists, from the Strawberry Mimosa French Toast at brunch to a juicy Ribeye Burger and crispy Nashville Hot Chicken at lunch or dinner. Outdoor seating and a welcoming patio add to its relaxed charm, making it a great stop for brunch, lunch with friends, or a laid‑back dinner. The menu rotates regularly, so locals love coming back to try new specials featuring the best of what’s fresh. With a mix of hearty and lighter options, this casual spot celebrates both great ingredients and good company. Check them out here!
🕰️ VAULT to the FUTURE | Burlingame | Community Center | 1/14 | more
An interactive exhibition exploring Burlingame’s past, present, and future through February 28.
🎶 K-Pop Demon Hunters Pajama Jam Kids Night Out | San Carlos | San Carlos Youth Center | 1/16 | more
Drop off your kids for a fun pajama-themed event featuring K-Pop Demon Hunters and activities so the parents can have a night out!
💃 Latin Night Dance Party | San Mateo | Motion Arts Center | 1/16 | more
A fun night of dancing with live music & teachers to guide you
🎻 Balourdet Quartet | San Mateo | Main Library | 1/17 | more
Award-winning quartet puts on an afternoon of delightful music
📚 Book Sale | San Carlos | San Carlos Library | 1/18 | more
Check out the monthly book sale to support the library
🍷 Cars & Cabernet | San Carlos | AutoVino | 1/18 | more
Rare cars, handcrafted wine, & wood-fired pizza
🤝 Business Mixer | Burlingame | Leland Tea Company | 1/21 | more
Network with local professionals over tea in a relaxed setting.
🧠 Trivia Night | San Mateo | O’Neills Irish Pub | 1/21 | more
Put your brain to the test at trivia night!
🎤 Music and Open Mic Night | Belmont | Twin Pines Manor | 1/24 | more
Enjoy live music and open mic performances in a welcoming community space.
🎭 Auditions for ETC’s “The Music Man” | San Carlos | Bay Area Educational Theater Company | 1/24-1/25 | more
Auditions for ETC’s upcoming production of The Music Man are coming up soon. Registration is required!
⚽ Indoor Soccer (Futsal) w/ Mechi | San Mateo | Hillsdale High School | 1/25 | more
Join Mechi for weekly futsal games! Fast-paced, great energy, and a chance to keep playing all winter long.
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