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- 🏠 San Mateo Clearing the Way for 847 New Homes
🏠 San Mateo Clearing the Way for 847 New Homes
Plus, your weekend guide: HEAD WEST, live music, and the World Cup Final
Greg Kemper
July 16, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’re showcasing plenty of events for everyone, new changes to local community colleges, and a great new space for kids!
Let’s get to it!
In this week’s edition:
City Updates: New CuriOdyssey space, changes to community colleges, and new housing
Events: World Cup Watch Parties, and Live Concerts
Your Saturday Plans: HEAD WEST Marketplace returns to downtown San Mateo!
South B Street in San Mateo
HEAD WEST Marketplace is back this weekend in Downtown San Mateo, once again transforming South B Street into a lively open-air marketplace filled with Local Makers, Crafters, Artists, Designers and Vintage Merchants. With the street closed to cars, it creates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to shop small, support local creatives and enjoy live music!
HEAD WEST Marketplace takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month through December, making it a great weekend outing downtown while supporting local merchants and vendors! Learn more here!
San Mateo approves 847-home overhaul of Concar Drive shopping center
San Mateo's Planning Commission approved updated zoning for the largely vacant Concar Drive shopping center, clearing a path for developer Brookfield Residential Land to build 847 new homes on the site. The plan includes 139 for-sale townhomes and 708 rental apartments across three seven-story buildings, with 186 units set aside as affordable housing. The existing Trader Joe's will be preserved and the 7-Eleven relocated. Commissioners noted the site, largely a vacant parking lot since a prior development deal expired in 2025, has been waiting for redevelopment for years. If construction documents are approved this fall, developers hope to break ground in 2027. Read more here.
Foster City approves larger storefront signs
The Foster City Planning Commission has approved updated sign standards for the Edgewater Place shopping center, allowing larger storefronts to install larger pylon and building signs. Supporters say the changes will improve visibility for businesses while making the center easier for customers to navigate. The updated guidelines are intended to better match the scale of the shopping center and accommodate larger retail spaces. Read more here.
Community college district suspends parking and health fee increases
The San Mateo County Community College District's Board of Trustees has voted to continue suspending student parking and health service fees for the 2026-27 school year, extending a fee-waiver practice the district has maintained in recent years. The move was approved alongside the district's tentative $811.2 million budget, which includes $2 million earmarked to offset the cost of the waived fees. The suspension applies to students at Cañada College, College of San Mateo and Skyline College. Read more here.
New at CuriOdyssey: Nature Play Grove
CuriOdyssey has opened the Nature Play Grove, the newest stop along its Nature Story Loop and the second outdoor nature play space on the trail. Set in Bay View Grove with sweeping views of the Bay, the new area is designed to inspire awe through hands-on exploration and unstructured play. Visitors can weave through artist Dave Lovejoy's willow sculpture, investigate nature at interactive Field Pod stations, and experience sensory exhibits like Stone Song and Sound of Wood. The space encourages children and adults alike to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the benefits of curiosity and wonder. Read more here.
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Farm House in Belmont
1301 6th Ave, Belmont
Farm House is a neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal New American cuisine with influences from a variety of culinary traditions. The menu changes throughout the year to highlight fresh ingredients and features house-made dishes ranging from weekend brunch favorites to comforting dinner entrées. Guests can also enjoy a selection of beer and wine, along with outdoor seating on the restaurant's dog-friendly patio. With its ingredient-driven approach and warm, casual atmosphere, Farm House focuses on bringing together classic flavors and creative techniques in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Amara in Belmont
1015 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont
Set within a lush garden in Belmont, Amara is a California restaurant inspired by the diverse flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. Its seasonal, shareable menu includes house-made pita and spreads, market vegetables, wood-fired seafood and grilled meats, handmade pastas, and desserts like its signature Praline Pistachio Opera Cake. The restaurant also offers craft cocktails and an extensive wine list that complements its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Designed around the idea of slow, communal dining, Amara blends garden surroundings with California ingredients and Mediterranean cooking techniques.
🛍️ HEAD WEST Marketplace | San Mateo | South B Street | 7/18 | more
Browse handmade goods and vintage finds from local makers, crafters, artists, and designers in a family friendly atmosphere with South B Street closed to cars.
🎵 Central Park Music Series | San Mateo | Central Park | 7/16 | more
Kick back on a Thursday evening (6–8 p.m.) for free live music from Julio Bravo, bringing Latin rhythms to the Central Park bandshell.
🤝 San Mateo County Inclusion Festival | Redwood City | 500 County Center | 7/16 | more
The San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities hosts its 7th Annual Inclusion Festival, a day filled with fun, music, and community. This event celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity for all.
🎸 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 7/18 | more
Groove to Pride and Joy SF's Motown, R&B, and soul hits at this free waterfront concert from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
🦜 Happy Birds | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 7/18 | more
Watch talented parrots, macaws, and cockatoos perform impressions, songs, and tricks in this fan-favorite bird show, included with museum admission.
🎶 Summer Concert Series | Foster City | Leo Ryan Park | 7/17 | more
Grab a blanket and enjoy free live music by the lagoon at the Leo Ryan Park Amphitheater, part of the city's beloved Friday-night concert series (6–8 p.m.).
⚽ World Cup Fanfest | San Carlos | Flanagan Field at Burton Park | 7/19 | more
Don't miss the championship finale! Join the community at noon to watch the World Cup final on the big screen in true San Carlos fashion.
🎸 Belmont Summer Concert Series: Live Wire | Belmont | Twin Pines Park | 7/19 | more
Sway to Live Wire's mix of '70s, '80s, and modern rock hits at this free Sunday concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
🏆 Ultimate World Cup Final Watch Party | Foster City | Leo J. Ryan Park | 7/19 | more
Cheer on the historic World Cup final on a giant outdoor LED screen at this free, family-friendly celebration from noon to 2 p.m.
🧘 Mommy and Me Summer Baby Yoga Class | Foster City | 1098 Foster City Blvd | 7/19 | more
Bond with your little one through gentle movement and song at this feel-good baby yoga class, hosted by Butterfly Yoga.
🦇 Norcal Bats | San Mateo | Main Library (Oak Room) | 7/20 | more
Meet live, non-releasable bat ambassadors and learn the truth behind the myths surrounding these vital, misunderstood creatures.
🎭 The Wylding Woods | San Mateo | Main Library (Oak Room) | 7/21 | more
Catch this magical, interactive puppet show, Barnaby & The Dragon's Treasure, as a mischievous troll learns the power to change his story.
🎵 Central Park Music Series | San Mateo | Central Park | 7/23 | more
Dance to the reggae rhythms of Native Elements at this week's free outdoor concert, running 6 to 8 p.m.
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