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- 🎆 Illegal Fireworks Report and Free Community College Updates
🎆 Illegal Fireworks Report and Free Community College Updates
Plus, outdoor summer concerts, Fit Fest, and more fun activities!
Greg Kemper
July 09, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’re highlighting expanding health services in the Peninsula, free community college tuition, and Fit Fest!
Let’s get to it!
In this week’s edition:
City Updates: Free community college tuition, a drop in illegal fireworks, and expanding health services for the peninsula
Events: Fit Fest, summer concerts, and a city-wide yard sale
Illegal fireworks complaints drop in San Mateo
San Mateo experienced a 77% decline in illegal fireworks reports during this year's Independence Day celebrations compared with the previous year. City officials credited proactive public education, enforcement efforts and community cooperation for the significant reduction. Fewer fireworks complaints also meant fewer safety concerns and disruptions for neighborhoods over the holiday weekend. Residents may continue to see similar outreach efforts in future years as the city works to maintain the downward trend. Read more here.
Free tuition program becomes permanent
The San Mateo County Community College District has made its free tuition program permanent, ensuring eligible students can continue attending district colleges without paying tuition. The program covers tuition costs for qualifying students at Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College, reducing financial barriers to higher education. District leaders said the permanent commitment reflects strong participation and positive student outcomes since the program launched. For local residents considering college or career training, the change provides greater certainty that affordable educational opportunities will remain available. Read more here.
Music at Kohl Mansion and Executive Director earn national award
Music at Kohl Mansion and Executive Director Patricia Kristof Moy have received the Chamber Music America's 2026 Community Impact/Presenter of the Year Award in recognition of its educational programs and community engagement efforts. The Burlingame-based organization was honored for expanding access to chamber music through performances, school partnerships and outreach initiatives. The national recognition highlights the organization's role in making high-quality live music more accessible across the Peninsula. Read more here.
Peninsula Lively Arts closes as new dance company launches
Peninsula Lively Arts has officially closed after many years of serving local performers and audiences, marking the end of one chapter in the Peninsula arts community. At the same time, a new dance company is stepping in with plans to continue offering performances and creative opportunities for local artists. Supporters hope the transition will preserve access to dance programming while bringing fresh energy to the region's performing arts scene. Read more here.
Burlingame medical office project proposed
A proposal in Burlingame would add 200,000 square feet of new medical office building and parking facilities near Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. The project aims to expand healthcare-related office space while improving parking capacity for patients, visitors and medical staff. City officials will review the development as part of the planning process before any construction moves forward. Read more here.
County supports Burlingame behavioral health facility
San Mateo County has endorsed a Burlingame site for the proposed Horizon treatment facility, which would provide behavioral health and recovery services. County leaders say the project is intended to expand access to treatment resources while addressing growing mental health and substance use needs. The facility would add another option for residents seeking care closer to home. If the project moves forward, it could increase local access to treatment services while reducing pressure on existing facilities. Read more here.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
1027 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont
Doc's Bagels has been a Belmont neighborhood staple for years, serving freshly baked bagels, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee in a casual café setting. The menu features classic bagel flavors like everything, cheddar, and jalapeño cheddar, along with favorites such as lox bagels, egg sandwiches, BLTs, pastrami, tuna salad, and chicken salad sandwiches. One of its signature offerings is the Bagel Dog, a hot dog wrapped in bagel dough, which has developed a loyal local following. In addition to bagels, the shop offers pastries, muffins, cream cheese spreads, coffee, tea, and other café drinks. See more here.
🌲 Redwoods in the Round Theater Presents: My Dog Jack | Woodside | Filoli | 7/10 | more
Settle in beneath Filoli's towering redwoods for a laid-back, 90-minute evening set from San Francisco folk band My Dog Jack.
🎶 Music in the Park | Burlingame | Washington Park | 7/10 | more
Bring a blanket and your appetite for this free, family-friendly evening concert series, complete with food, drinks, and leashed pups welcome.
💪 Fit Fest | San Mateo | Central Park | 7/11 - 12 | more
The Bay Area's largest outdoor fitness festival returns with two days of workouts, a live DJ, and 50+ wellness brands to explore.
🫖 Miss Jasmine Tea and Her Enchanted Teapot | Woodside | Filoli | 7/11 | more
Bring the kids beneath Filoli's redwoods for a whimsical birthday-themed tale packed with music, puppetry, and unexpected delights.
🎸 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 7/11 | more
Head to the waterfront for a free afternoon of funk, soul, and Motown hits from local favorites Masterpiece.
🌱 Summer Plant Exchange | Burlingame | Library | 7/11 | more
Trade cuttings and swap plants with fellow green thumbs at this month's installment of the library's popular year-round swap series.
🏷️ City-Wide Yard Sale | Foster City | City Wide | 7/11 | more
Score neighborhood bargains and help keep unwanted household items out of the landfill at this beloved community-wide sale.
🎵 Summer Concert | Foster City | Leo Ryan Park | 7/10 | more
Grab a blanket and settle in lagoon-side at Leo Ryan Amphitheater for a free evening of live music with friends and family.
🎸 Belmont Summer Concert Series: Fog City | Belmont | Twin Pines Park | 7/13 | more
Rock out to a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute from Fog City at this free Sunday afternoon concert in Twin Pines Park.
🏓 Senior Hub Intro Pickleball Clinic | San Mateo | Beresford Tennis Court | 7/15 | more
Learn the basics of pickleball in a fun and supportive environment while connecting with others in the community.
🎵 Summer Concert | Foster City | Leo Ryan Park | 7/17 | more
Enjoy a free evening of live music by the water at Leo Ryan Amphitheater's ever-popular summer concert series.
🎤 Central Park Music Series | San Mateo | Central Park | 7/16 | more
Dance to Latin rhythms from Julio Bravo at this free Thursday night concert featuring food vendors and family-friendly fun.
🤝 San Mateo County Inclusion Festival | Redwood City | 500 County Center | 7/16 | more
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at this free community festival connecting attendees with resources, entertainment, and each other.
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