The Heart of San Bruno
The Heart of San Bruno campaign was created to honor the people and places that give the city of San Bruno its warmth and character.
This video highlights the merchants of downtown San Bruno—hardworking locals who show up every day to serve the community they love—while also celebrating the broader story of our city: its culture, its resilience, and the bonds that connect us.
We hope it inspires you to visit, support, and rediscover the vibrant heart that beats right here at home.
Annual Community Events
Downtown San Bruno
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Pop-Up Partners
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Trick-or-Treat Stroll
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Holiday Food Drive
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Spring Stroll
A Living Legacy
San Bruno’s Natural History
For years, the wall at 568 San Mateo Avenue was blank. Today it holds a red-tailed hawk, a gray fox, a California quail, and a coast iris — all of them native to San Bruno, painted at life scale by muralist Julie Engelmann.
This mural was a labor of love. It was funded by San Bruno t-shirt sales, pop-up fundraisers, and neighbors who gave what they could. It was built by people who believed in its vision.
Ribbon cutting — Saturday, August 8
1:00 pm · 568 San Mateo Ave
Live DJ 1:00pm – 3:00pm · Makers market 1:00pm – 6:00pm
A Living Legacy tee
A design by muralist Julie Engelmann, made to go alongside her work on San Mateo Avenue. Available in white, black, brown, and gray, $20 each.
Limited edition — once they're gone, they're gone.
Available at Twice As Nice
559 San Mateo Ave
Downtown San Bruno
Thank you.
This mural belongs to everyone who made it happen.
We're deeply grateful to everyone who donated, and to Artichoke Joe's Casino, the Rotary Club of San Bruno, Embarc, The Gevertz Group Real Estate Team, Luxe by Julianna, Twice As Nice, The Watson~Marshall Group, for their generous support. Thank you to the students of the Skyline College Bay Area Entrepreneur Center, who gave their time and energy throughout this project. And thank you to our Pop-Up Partners, who showed up knowing they were popping up for a purpose.
To every neighbor who bought a t-shirt or came out to a fundraiser: you built this.
And to Julie Engelmann — thank you for seeing San Bruno clearly. You captured the heart of our community and brought it to life at a scale we simply can’t miss.
Your mural will stand as a lasting legacy.
Join us in at Centennial Plaza on the first Thursday of every month for First Thursdays.
An evening that spotlights the best of downtown San Bruno.
Each month we celebrate a different local business, showcase local and regional artists, and feature live music on the stage. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to support our community and enjoy downtown.
Bring friends and family and make First Thursdays at Centennial Plaza a monthly tradition. We look forward to seeing you downtown!
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Featured local business: Each month a downtown business will be highlighted.
Local and regional artists: Discover painters, photographers, sculptors, makers, and displaying their work.
Live music: Enjoy a curated lineup of musicians on the Centennial Plaza stage — everything from solo acoustic acts to full bands.
Community vibe: Expect friendly faces, and a welcoming atmosphere that brings neighbors together.
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When: First Thursday of every month
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Centennial Plaza, 470 San Mateo Ave, downtown San Bruno
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Support small businesses and local artists
Experience live music in an intimate, outdoor setting
Meet neighbors and enjoy an easy, relaxed night out
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Businesses interested in being featured, artists who want to exhibit, and musicians looking to perform can reach out to the San Bruno Improvement Group for information or visit the City of San Bruno website.
The San Bruno Improvement Group is proud to lead a community initiative that’s bringing color, creativity, and connection to the heart of San Bruno.
Our Mural Initiative is one of our key programs aimed at reviving downtown San Bruno through public art. Each piece we help create celebrates our community’s spirit, tells our shared stories, and adds lasting beauty to our cityscape.
This campaign is fueled by community support and local partnership to donations from neighbors who believe in the power of art to unite and inspire.
Your contribution helps fund future mural projects and artistic installations that continue to brighten our downtown.
Together, we’re building a more vibrant, welcoming San Bruno - one mural at a time.
Are you hungry and ready to embark on a delicious adventure?
This Travel the World Dining Guide, created by the Accelerate Fellowship students at Skyline College Bay Area Entrepreneur Center, is your key to delicious meals from around the globe right in downtown San Bruno! Want sushi, tacos, pasta, or a burger? No need to travel; this guide has flavors from everywhere.
Grab a friend, bring your appetite, and discover the best places to eat in town!
As a grassroots movement deeply rooted in our community.
Our mission is to revitalize downtown San Bruno through enhancement projects that will increase its charm and vibrancy.
By nurturing collaborations with business owners, community members, and policymakers we will restore and elevate the heart of our city.
Join our Mission
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Beautification of the Downtown Corridor
The group aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area through various small-scale initiatives, possibly including landscaping, street furniture, and cleanliness projects.
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Family-centric Events
By organizing events tailored to families, the group aims to attract people to the downtown area, fostering a sense of community and vibrancy. These events could include festivals, markets, or performances, providing entertainment and opportunities for social interaction.
Thank you to our donors for your generous support!
● San Bruno Police Association
● San Bruno Framing - Omar
● Pinot's Palette - Stacey Warren
● Grand Leader - Norma
● Lovely Bump - Beth Buck
● Reinard Coloma
● Step Ahead Financial Ent - Serri Kayed
● Sabrina Faasisila
● Matt Jones
● Julianna's Luxe
● Stephan Marshall
● Councilman Michael Salazar
● Embarc San Bruno
● Twice As Nice Bay Area
● Artichoke Joe's - Cody Sammut
● San Bruno Community Foundation
● Jamie Monozon
● San Bruno Police Association ● San Bruno Framing - Omar ● Pinot's Palette - Stacey Warren ● Grand Leader - Norma ● Lovely Bump - Beth Buck ● Reinard Coloma ● Step Ahead Financial Ent - Serri Kayed ● Sabrina Faasisila ● Matt Jones ● Julianna's Luxe ● Stephan Marshall ● Councilman Michael Salazar ● Embarc San Bruno ● Twice As Nice Bay Area ● Artichoke Joe's - Cody Sammut ● San Bruno Community Foundation ● Jamie Monozon
● Andrew Natour
● Jessica Keiser
● Stacey Warren
● Claudia Quinn
● Lynn Knott
● Nancy Blackner
● Jason Castillo
● Tim O'Brien
● Theresa Myers
● Caroline Tambe
● Patricia Wong
● Elisha Callueng
● Sandra Salazar
● San Bruno Rotary Club
● Twice As Nice Bay Area
● Andrew Natour ● Jessica Keiser ● Stacey Warren ● Claudia Quinn ● Lynn Knott ● Nancy Blackner ● Jason Castillo ● Tim O'Brien ● Theresa Myers ● Caroline Tambe ● Patricia Wong ● Elisha Callueng ● Sandra Salazar ● San Bruno Rotary Club ● Twice As Nice Bay Area
● Allison Tsukamoto
● Ashley Bragg
● Alma Segura
● Tara Hunter
● Denise Castillo
● Evelyn Castillo
● Nancy Forman
● Maria Concha
● Daylan Lee
● Andy & Ex Vice Mayor Linda Mason
● San Carlos City Manager Jovan Grogan
● Kris Perez Gromm
● Laurie Scribner
● Phil & Jan Freeman
● Christy Byrne
● Councilman Tom Hamilton
● CRC Climate Resilient Communities
● Catch 22 Salon & Boutique
● Eryka Davis
● Therapy Store- Jing Chen
● Allison Tsukamoto ● Ashley Bragg ● Alma Segura ● Tara Hunter ● Denise Castillo ● Evelyn Castillo ● Nancy Forman ● Maria Concha ● Daylan Lee ● Andy & Ex Vice Mayor Linda Mason ● San Carlos City Manager Jovan Grogan ● Kris Perez Gromm ● Laurie Scribner ● Phil & Jan Freeman ● Christy Byrne ● Councilman Tom Hamilton ● CRC Climate Resilient Communities ● Catch 22 Salon & Boutique ● Eryka Davis ● Therapy Store- Jing Chen
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to share ideas?
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.