Celebrating & Preserving
San Mateo Park
Announcements
Sobering Station
Horizon Treatment Services has plans to open a new sobering station in San Mateo, after behavioral health provider StarVista shut down its Burlingame location earlier this year, leading to a rise in DUI jail bookings.
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"San Mateo meeting gets heated as residents clash over proposed substance abuse treatment site" ABC 7 News Bay Area
Historic Policy Update
The San Mateo City Council is scheduled to vote on the new Historic Preservation Ordinance and Citywide Historic Context Statement on Monday, May 4th, at 7:00 PM.
This update to the 30-year-old ordinance will impact how our neighborhood’s heritage is identified and protected. Below is a neutral summary of the key points currently being discussed:
Potential Benefits (Pros):
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Predictability: Clearer rules for identifying historic properties.
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Property Value: Potential for increased or more stable values in designated areas.
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Tax Incentives: Access to the Mills Act for property tax reductions on qualified restorations.
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Identity: Protection of the unique architectural character of San Mateo Park.
Potential Concerns (Cons):
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Costs/Delays: Potential for longer permit times and higher costs for specific restoration materials.
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Housing: Concerns regarding restrictions on new housing production or lot splits.
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Resources: Debate over city spending on studies versus other public infrastructure.
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Autonomy: Limitations on exterior modifications for homeowners.
San Mateo Park is a community within the City of San Mateo, designed in 1896 through a collaboration between architect George Howard and famed landscape architect John McLaren, designer of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
San Mateo Park's winding streets were laid out to conform to the gentle rolling terrain and 62 islands were formed, each to be planted with unique trees.
The architectural designs in San Mateo Park include works by such renowned architects as Julia Morgan, Bernard Maybeck, and George Howard, representing styles from Queen Anne Victorian, to Arts and Crafts, to period revivals of the 1920's and 30's.
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Make Your Voice Heard!
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When: Monday, May 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM
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Where: City Hall (330 W. 20th Ave) or via Zoom.
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Note: New local historic districts would require 60% owner approval to be formed.
Mike James, mikejamesphoto.com
Mike James, mikejamesphoto.com
John Mclaren
Landscape Architect
A Brief History
Winding Streets Punctuated by 62 Planted Islands
In 1896, John McLaren and George H. Howard started the development of San Mateo Park.
McLaren, drawing on his work at Golden Gate Park, supervised the planting of native oak and redwood trees, elms, maples, poplars, palms, cedars and exotic tree specimens from around the world including cork oak and olive trees on the boulevards and islands throughout our neighborhood.
In the 1970's, the San Mateo Park community formed a neighborhood organization to bring the community together, and to maintain this unique and purposeful design. Today the San Mateo Park NA works closely with the City of San Mateo to maintain islands and plant trees as designed over 100 years ago.
