San Mateo Police Urge Caution Ahead of Expected Protests

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The San Mateo Police Department has issued an advisory urging caution and safety ahead of anticipated student-led protests and walkouts in the area on January 30. Police expect large groups of students to travel from schools in Burlingame to San Mateo's Central Park, potentially impacting traffic on several major roads during the afternoon.

Why it matters

Protests and student walkouts have become increasingly common in recent years, often drawing large crowds and raising concerns about public safety and traffic disruptions. The San Mateo Police Department is proactively addressing these issues to ensure the events proceed peacefully and with minimal impact on the broader community.

The details

According to the police advisory, students are expected to travel southbound from Burlingame to San Mateo's Central Park, near the corner of El Camino Real and East 5th Avenue. Police anticipate the traveling times will begin around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, with the activities expected to be completed around 4 p.m. During the march, traffic may be affected on or near Alameda de las Pulgas, South El Camino Real, Aragon Boulevard, 5th Avenue, and North Delaware Street.

• The protests and walkouts are expected to take place on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• Traveling times for the student groups are anticipated to begin around 11:30 a.m. on January 30.
• The activities are expected to be completed around 4 p.m. on January 30.

What’s next

The San Mateo Police Department will be closely monitoring the situation and adjusting traffic management as needed to minimize disruptions during the protests.