My family is likely moving out of the area in July to Sacramento. Anyone have recommendations for movers?

Received a flyer around the Draegers closing sale 30-50% off items. Has anyone hit it up and seen if the deals are good (relatively speaking).

Anyone know where I can find fresh youtiao to use as a congee topping?

I’m 25yo woman who just moved here for a job, and would love to go out and make friends in the dance community. Though I’m a beginner/intermediate it’s something I’ve been saving up to do!

What’re some of the friendliest places to get Latin/Swing/Hip hop dance lessons around here?

It’s pretty amazing how many stores in San Mateo and along the Peninsula can make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1980s (for those of us who had the pleasure of experiencing that incredible decade). Below is a list of a few spots that give off that nostalgic vibe, but I’d love to hear your suggestions as well!

1. Captain Video – 2837 S El Camino Real (near Hillsdale Mall)

Ira, the owner, has run this store for decades and deserves credit for outlasting major chains like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video. I occasionally stop by to pick up collectibles like old VHS tapes. I used to buy laser discs here too, though they’ve become harder to find. Ira is a great resource for film lovers, and it’s always fun to catch up with him.

2. Gator Games – 4212 Olympic Ave (near Mollie Stone’s)

The staff here is absolutely fantastic. They have an impressive selection of board games, D&D books/figures, and Warhammer figures/paints. The atmosphere feels like a throwback to another time. Occasionally, they run holiday sales where you roll dice for a discount, which adds to the fun.

3. Vinyl Solutions – 151 W 25th Ave

Although I don’t collect vinyl records, I still enjoy browsing the racks. This place has everything from 8-tracks to 45s, old stereo systems, and classic radios. It’s a trip back to a simpler time before digital music—almost like a mini museum.

4. B Street Books – Downtown San Mateo

Independent bookstores already have a nostalgic feel, but this one is especially charming. A great spot for book lovers.

5. The Iron Gate – Belmont

I haven’t been back since before the pandemic, but this place definitely transports you back in time—maybe even to the 1960s. As I recall, the service was exceptional.

6. Celia’s – Near Piazza’s (off Highway 92)

This spot reminds me of a Mexican restaurant I used to visit in Sonoma County in the 1980s—fresh chips, salsa, massive burritos that keep you full all day, and sizzling fajitas with all the fixings. If you remember Chevys, Celia’s has an even older-school vibe, more like the 1970s or 1980s. Great staff and delicious food.

7. Central Computer – San Mateo (near Hillsdale)

Computer stores are a dying breed, but thankfully, Central Computer is still around. I’ve bought my last three computers here, and the staff is excellent. While the equipment is modern, the store’s vibe and customer service remind me of 1990s computer shops.

8. The Original Round Table Pizza – Menlo Park (off El Camino)

Yes, the original Round Table is still standing, and it feels like it hasn’t changed a bit. If you’re a pizza lover, this place is sacred ground and worth a visit.

9. Guitar Center – Near Hillsdale

This is actually a relatively new location, but the customer service and overall atmosphere have that classic 1980s and 1990s feel.

10. Shiki Restaurant – Near Piazza’s

There are other locations, but the decor here takes me back. The booths and decorations are unique to this spot and really add to the nostalgic charm.

What places take you back in time? I’d love to hear your recommendations. I think these spots are special and deserve our support!

As the title suggests, We were watching a movie tonight when, all of a sudden, people started leaving the theater. Shortly after, the Cinemark staff came in and asked us to evacuate, stating there was a bomb threat. The police arrived, but I didn’t stay to find out whether the threat was real or not. Does anyone have more information on what’s happening?

Hi everyone, I’ve recently moved to Palo Alto to pursue school for radiology(still taking my prerequisites) I moved here last August. I’ve been struggling to make friends, I don’t really go out as much tho. I just go to work and school and back. I’m 21, a women, and would absolutely love to do fun things like painting, candle making, making ceramics, hiking, or even just go explore places around the area, I’ve been to San franscio like 2 times so I’d be down to go anywhere in the Bay Area, also would love to play bored games, go out for lunch, I also have a ps4 so if you just wanted to play games online that’d be cool too.

Hi, can anyone recommend a piano teacher in the area? I'm an adult student, intermediate level. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I’m about to move up to San Mateo and need to find temp housing ASAP (within next two weeks). Does anyone have any recs for finding short term subleases, like how NYC has leasebreak? I’m looking for about 1-2 month long subleases that won’t absolutely break the bank (ideally under 3-3.5k).

Discord server

Hi everyone! I made a discord server if anyone is interested, thank you for the idea! There are already channels created so feel free to introduce yourselves or create threads of your own!

https://discord.gg/vxHE4WQT

Hey All - I took a mental health day today from work and want to get my nails done. What are your fav nail spots for a last minute appointment in downtown San Mateo???

On Monday, Feb. 3, the City Council will consider whether or not to remove the bike lanes on Humboldt Street. Please help!

This would be catastrophic as Humboldt is adjacent to three schools serving 6,000 students - SM High, College Park Elementary, and SM Adult Schools. In addition, the North Central neighborhood is an equity priority neighborhood with the highest rate of traffic violence in the City. Many residents rely on the bike lanes to get to work or school as they cannot afford the cost of a car. Low income, people of color sadly often live in neighborhoods with the most dangerous streets and see much higher death and injury rates than other communities. The cost of removing the bike lanes could approach $2M, distracting staff and taxpayer dollars that could be used to make our streets safer, fill potholes, fix our playgrounds, etc.

If you support the bike lanes, please help by:

- Signing our petition to the Council

- RSVP for the upcoming meeting (in person or via Zoom)

- Share with friends and family

Thanks for helping make SM streets safer for all residents, including those who rely on bikes to get around.

Are there any star gazing events happening where I could watch the planets? Naked eye or telescope

I was planning to go to crestview to watch them but was wondering if anyone knows of any events happening for viewing the planetary alignment

We recently moved to the area. Our house was built in the 1970s and we bought it from the original owners, so we're starting to think about doing a full remodel of the interior. We are not planning on adding any square footage nor changing the roof line, so I don't believe we need a full blown architect. However, we will be removing at least one load bearing interior wall and putting up some new walls to turn a large unused bonus space into a guest bedroom, bathroom, and a small office. The exterior of the house will be unchanged other than perhaps the size of some windows and changing a sliding door to a window (and vice versa).

For a previous remodel, we just hired a contractor, purchased all the materials ourselves, and told the contractor what to do and where to do it. But everything was a like for like replacement, so we were really just picking out materials. This time around, given the scope of the remodel we're thinking about hiring a designer to draw up plans for us and help us with some decisions on both function (how to layout the new downstairs rooms, etc.) and materials.

Does anyone have any recommendations for designers in the area, as well as how to proceed with a remodel using a designer instead of just hiring a contractor? Should we be looking to hire a designer who points us towards some contractors they normally work with, or should we take the plans and design from the designer and bid it out to multiple contractors as a separate step? Thanks!

just got to my hotel in the area. here for work and have today free. where is somewhere I can go for lunch solo, read, and get some good food?

Walking around the neighborhood, I always see guys sitting in their street-parked trucks with their phones out in the late afternoon and early evening. They seem to stay there for at least an hour or two.

Out of curiosity, what are these folks doing? There were four guys doing this on my street alone today.

I presume they just found parking for the night and don’t want to face domestic life just yet?

It doesn’t have to be a big or super filling meal - what’re the best deals for coffee, pastry, meals, etc.? I’d say close to $10 is a good deal for breakfast that includes a drink. No fast food or chains, please. Local chains are okay. Thanks!

Hi Everyone,

I’m currently looking to propose to my girlfriend in the next couple months. I came across the Pulgas Water temple and was hoping to get more information on it.

1.) it shows online, it’s open during the weekday, but can we still be allowed in the temple on Saturday?

2.) what is a good parking option if we are allowed in the temple on sat, but are not allowed to park in the parking lot? (Please keep in mind, I have handicap family members and there will be 5 month old babies as well)

3.) is it usually busy or packed on a Saturday? Has anyone seen any other engagement done at this temple?

4.) please let me know any other Bay Area spots you would recommend that would be great for proposing (non beach locations).

I really appreciate your help. Thanks!