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🏙️ Future Foster City Downtown District

🏙️ Future Foster City Downtown District

Plus free train rides, national night out, disaster preparedness, and plenty of events to fill your summer!

Greg Kemper
July 31, 2026

Sponsored by

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’ve got potential developments for a future downtown Foster City, plus disaster preparedness, national night out, and more!

Let’s get to it!

In this week’s edition:

City Updates: Future downtown Foster City and other development updates
Events: Disaster preparedness, national night out, and other fun events going into August!

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Foster City explores locations for a future downtown district

Foster City has narrowed in on a couple of potential locations for a long-envisioned downtown corridor, part of a broader push to strengthen and diversify the city's economic base. Home to major employers like Gilead and Zoox, Foster City supports roughly 20,000 high-earning jobs, but more people commute in for work than live there, and limited dining, retail, and entertainment options have pushed leaders to look at new development. City officials see a walkable downtown mixing housing, restaurants, shops, and gathering spaces as a way to give residents a central destination while shoring up a precarious fiscal situation. Residents often head to established corridors like downtown San Mateo, and the city is hoping to keep more of that activity closer to home. Read more here.

Deputy Antonio Ochoa elected to lead San Mateo County deputies' union

San Mateo County sheriff’s deputy Antonio Ochoa has been elected president of the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriffs' Association, the union representing rank-and-file deputies. Ochoa takes over leadership at a pivotal time as the Sheriff's Office continues working through organizational changes and ongoing discussions around staffing, recruitment and public safety. The union plays a key role in advocating for deputies' working conditions while also weighing in on county policy affecting law enforcement. For residents, the leadership transition could influence future conversations about public safety priorities, staffing levels and labor negotiations. Read more here.

San Mateo approves 181-home development on North San Mateo Drive

The San Mateo City Council has approved a 181-unit residential development on North San Mateo Drive, located just east of U.S. Highway 101 between Poplar Avenue and Peninsula Avenue in North San Mateo. The project will replace existing commercial uses with new housing, helping the city work toward meeting state housing requirements while adding homes near major transportation corridors and employment centers. Plans include a mix of residential units designed to increase housing availability in the area. For local residents, the development will bring more housing choices while also prompting future improvements related to traffic, infrastructure and neighborhood services as the area grows. Read more here.

Fire damages San Carlos Jack in the Box

Firefighters responded to a fire at the Jack in the Box restaurant on Industrial Road in San Carlos after flames broke out in the building. Crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further, and no injuries were reported. The restaurant sustained significant damage and is expected to remain closed while the cause of the fire is investigated and repairs are completed. Customers who regularly visit the location should plan on using nearby restaurants until it reopens. Read more here.

County approves $29 million Foster City office purchase

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has approved the purchase of an office building at 1065 E. Hillsdale Boulevard in Foster City for approximately $29 million, with plans to relocate the Human Services Agency. County leaders say owning the property will eventually save taxpayers an estimated $3.2 million annually by eliminating lease payments for the agency's current San Carlos offices. The building will provide a permanent home for county services while allowing space for future operational needs. Residents who rely on Human Services Agency programs may eventually see services relocated to the Foster City campus once the transition is complete. Read more here.

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Stacks in Burlingame

361 California Dr, Burlingame

Stacks has been a Peninsula breakfast and brunch favorite for decades, serving generous portions of classic American comfort food with Hawaiian influences. The menu features signature pancakes in flavors like banana macadamia nut, blueberry, and chocolate chip, alongside hearty omelets, eggs Benedict, French toast, waffles, and island-inspired specialties such as loco moco. Lunch offerings include burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, and homemade soups, making it a popular all-day dining spot. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and extensive breakfast menu, Stacks continues to be a go-to destination for morning and midday meals.

Satoshi Ramen in Burlingame

266 Lorton Ave, Burlingame

Satoshi Ramen serves authentic Japanese ramen alongside a variety of rice bowls, appetizers, and small plates in downtown Burlingame. The restaurant is known for its slow-simmered broths, with options including rich tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, and spicy ramen topped with ingredients like chashu pork, marinated eggs, bamboo shoots, and fresh vegetables. Beyond ramen, the menu includes favorites such as karaage, gyoza, and donburi, offering a well-rounded selection of Japanese comfort food. The focus on traditional preparation and quality ingredients has made it a popular stop for ramen lovers on the Peninsula.

We do our best to verify dates/locations of events, but please independently verify before attending as details are subject to change

🎤 Don't Tell Comedy | San Carlos | TBD | 7/31 | more
Book a ticket without knowing the lineup or venue for a night of mystery, laughs, and surprise comedians at a secret pop-up location.

🎵 Summer Concert | Foster City | Leo Ryan Park | 7/31 | more
Settle in along the lagoon at the amphitheater for a free evening of live music as part of Foster City's beloved summer concert series.

🍽️ Plates, Glasses, and Bakeware Swap | Burlingame | Library | 8/1 | more
Swap your gently used dishes, glassware, and bakeware for new-to-you finds at this community exchange, part of a monthly swap series.

🎸 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 8/1 | more
Dance the night away to Adam Aldama & The Aces spinning pop, funk, disco, and old-school rock — wear your best red and black!

🛍️ Sip, Shop, and Socialize | San Mateo | Honey and Hive | 8/1 | more
Enjoy a complimentary mimosa and an exclusive discount while browsing this beloved children's boutique before it opens to the public.

🚨 Disaster Preparedness Day | San Mateo | San Mateo County Events Center - Fairgrounds | 8/1 | more
Stock up on free resources and hot dogs while exploring hands-on workshops and demos from EMS, fire, and police pros to help your family get emergency-ready.

🚂 All Aboard the Downtown Express! | San Mateo | Draeger's Parking Lot | 8/2 | more
Hop on free train rides and try your luck at the claw machine for an afternoon of free family fun in Downtown San Mateo.

💿 Record Day | San Carlos | Blue Oak Brewing Company | 8/2 | more
Dig through the crates and swap vinyl finds over a cold craft beer at this laid-back record lovers' meetup.

🔬 Science Heroes | San Mateo | Library | 8/3 | more
Watch kids team up to solve science-based mysteries through giant demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and plenty of audience participation.

🚓 National Night Out | San Mateo | Dr MLK Jr Rec Center | 8/4 | more
Meet your neighbors and local first responders at this community block party built around safety, connection, and looking out for one another.

🍹 Horsefeather x Fogbird Collab | San Mateo | Fogbird | 8/5 | more
Sip specialty craft cocktails from this one-night collaboration at Fogbird's stylish downtown lounge.

🎶 Central Park Music Series | San Mateo | Central Park | 8/6 | more
Close out the summer series with big band and swing sounds from the Bud E. Luv Orchestra on the lawn at Central Park.

Tickets on Sale Now:

🌸 Filoli: Gilded Age | Woodside | Filoli | 9/9 | more
Wander through Filoli's historic mansion transformed by stunning fresh-flower mannequins inspired by HBO's The Gilded Age, on view through 9/18.