Burlingame it’s a Small Town

From the Archives...March 11 2025  Mark at the Mic sits down with Tom Simpson, grandson of of David Whiteside Simpson, co founder of Forsythe and Simpson's Clothing 1917-1984 to discuss the family history of the iconic and very popular men's clothing store located on Burlingame Ave. 

Mark and Tom also discuss Tom's interest in bike racing and his founding of the Burlingame Criterium, the all day bike races through the streets of Burlingame.  A fact and fun filled historical take about the "olden days" in Burlingame.

Burlingameitsasmalltown #Burlingamehistoricalsociety #markatthemic #burlingame #burlingamecriterium

From the Archives...Feb 14, 2025.   Mark at the Mic sits down with Rosanna Myers, a long time member of the BHNC.  The BHNC is celebrating their 75th year anniversary and Rosanna likes to refer to the Club as Burlingame and HIllsborough's best kept secret.  Rosanna and Mark discuss how a young lady, age 8, from Lucca, Italy came to make home in Burlingame Ca. They also discuss the origins of the Club, membership activities, events and much more.  A fun and and informative conversation.    A tribute to the clubs 75th anniversary.

Burlingameitasmalltown #Burlingamehistoricalsociety, #Burlingamehillsboroughneighborhoodclub #markatthemic #burlingame 

From the archives, Feb 20, 2025 comes Episode 102, "Muddy the Water",  as Mark at the Mic sits down with authors Jessica Beebe of Burlingame and her brother Matt Barrows, San Jose. It's the first novel that they have co-authored and its a page turning thriller.

In their conversation with Mark, Jessica and Matt share their challenges and triumphs, frustrations and humor in the course of writing the novel over 5 years. 

High praise from Katie Couric, journalist and author, and Peter King long time writer for Sports Illustrated.  Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and many other outlets.

#markatthemic #burlingameitsasmalltown #burlingamehistoricalsociety #burlingame

#mattbarrows #jessicabeebe

August is Archive month for my podcast "Burlingame, it's a Small Town," so I'm bringing back one of my top 5 most listened to episodes; my conversation with Paulette Munroe cofounder of the ever popular "Morning Glory" clothing boutique, standing 54 years strong on Burlingame Ave.  Paulette and Mark at the Mic discuss how two Burlingame High School students Paulette and her sister Maureen "Mo" Munroe started their clothing business in 1972 and how it became a SF, Peninsula icon.  Full disclosure:  it was a favorite of mine to buy hippie, trendy clothing for my wife Kathy in the 70's. 

#markatthemic #burlingameitsasmalltown #burlingamehistoricalsociety #morningglory

In this episode Mark at the Mic sits down with John Root,TT long time  Burlingame resident and former General Manager of two of the Bay Area's most iconic arenas and event centers, the Cow Palace located in Daly City and the San Mateo Event Center located in Sam Mateo.  John tell us about the origins of the Cow Palace, the  Grand National Rodeo, various Bill Graham concerts, Roller Derby, the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus, Disney On Ice, Big Time Wrestling and other sporting events.   Make sure you catch his tale of Evil Knieval. John also gives us a look at the 91year old San Mateo County Fair, the Fiesta Fairgrounds and much more.  An entertaining and informative conversation with one of Burlingame's most well known and respected citizens.

#markatthemic #burlingamehsitoricalsociety #burlingameitsasmalltown

John Kevranian the unofficial Mayor Broadway  Burlingame and my top rated guest as views go returns for a second time.  John and his wife Nora have owned the profilic shop for over 30 years.  Mark and John have a lively and informative conversation on the happenings going on and around Broadway Burlingame.  John shares his "wish list" for he and the Broadway merchants. He also recalls his days of coming to America as a 9year old immigrant from Lebannon, not knowing  a word of English.  Have a listen, comment and please subscribe.  

#Burlingameitsasmalltown, #nutsforcandyandtoys #markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety

Disclaimer: This was recorded prior to John stepping down as President of Downtown Broadway Business Association. 

In this episode Mark at the Mic greets new guest and up and coming Baker James Reid featuring his mothers famous coffee cake from his Rustic Nosh Bakery.  James and I met by chance as we were on location at one of the SolMateo Homes on the Signature Kitchen Tour.  Visitors to the home kept raving about the coffee cake and started bringing me samples.  Wow!  Rustic Nosh coffee cake has built a cult following in the Bay Area and can be found at Jame's popup store located in front of Ladera's Hardware store in the Carlmont Shopping Center in Belmont. Drop by and tell James Mark at the Mic sent you.  

#markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety #burlingameitsasmalltown #rusticnoshbakery #jamesreid

Preeti Deb is a two time Emmy Award film maker and creative producer/director known for her impactful short documentary films focused on personal social topics. With over 15 years of experience and an MA in Documentary Film&Broadcast Journalism from NYU she specializes in crafting authentic, emotionally resonant stories that inspire action.  Hew award winning films have helped pass legislation, raised millions for social causes, challenged stereotypes, and preserved powerful histories.  They have been featured on national television, in Times Square, at global film festivals and in intimate private settings.  She and her husband and 2 sons live in Burlingame Ca.

#markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety, #burlingameitsasmalltown

#preetideb 

In this episode Mark at the Mic and Elio D'urzo owner of one of Burlingame's most popular restaurants have a fun and insightful conversation about the beloved Elio and his restaurant Sapore Italiano.  Elio talks about coming to America from Italy at the age of 27 not knowing how to speak English, going to the College of Marin to learn how to speak English while working evenings at his Uncle's restaurant.  The conversation continues with the opening of Saprore in 2001, surviving the Burlingame Ave street closure and the 2020-21 Pandemic.  Along the way Elio managed to open two other restaurants, Sapore Express in San Mateo, and Centro Pizza on Broadway Burlingame.  Elio shares that his only goal was to put his daughter and son through college.  His daughter has graduated from the University of Santa Clara and son will soon graduate from the University of San Francisco.  Elio concludes by giving tribute to his wife for all the support over the years, his amazing staff and his partner John.

Footnote: Elio recently received the Burlingame Lions Club Citizen of the Year award for the 2025.  

#burlingamehistoricalsociety #burlingameitasmalltown #markatthemic #saporeitaliano

Mark at the Mic goes outside the city limits of Burlingame and on tour with the 47th SolMateo Signature Kitchen Tour.  Mark does a remote broadcast from a beautiful home in San Mateo Park.  In this episode Mark interviews several members and followers of SolMateo celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Since 1976 to 2026 SolMateo and its predecessors have raised over 3 million dollars in support of mental health.  

#solmateo #burlingameitsasmalltown #markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety #2026signaturekitchentour