💐 Pre-Mother's Day Market and more on Foster City’s Fourth of July plans

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’ve got new information about Foster City’s Fourth of July plans, San Carlos’ new half cent sales tax and their new city manager plus plenty of events to get you out enjoying the spring weather.

Let’s dive in!

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San Mateo Community College District Breaks Ground on New Student Housing

At the College of San Mateo campus, construction has begun on a new 316-bed student housing complex designed to offer affordable living options to students who struggle with housing insecurity. The $86 million project replaces a surface parking lot and will include shared and individual living spaces, community kitchens, study areas, and more. Construction is expected to continue into 2028 with move-ins planned for summer of that year. Read more here.

San Carlos May Propose Half-Cent Sales Tax for Infrastructure and Downtown

The City of San Carlos is exploring placing a half-cent sales tax on the November 2026 ballot to fund overdue local needs like pothole repair, sewer improvements, parks upkeep, and downtown upgrades. If approved by voters, the measure could generate roughly $6 million annually for about 14 years, with exemptions for basics like groceries. Locals should expect community outreach this spring and summer before ballot language is finalized – and residents will want to weigh potential benefits against the added cost at checkout. Read more here.

San Mateo Office Tower Proposed to Become 144 All-Rental Units 

In downtown San Mateo, plans are moving forward to convert the 12-story Tower Plaza office building at 2121 S. El Camino Real into 144 rental apartments. The project would include modernized living spaces, amenities like a fitness room and courtyard, and 22 units set aside as below-market-rate housing. If approved, this office-to-residential conversion could help ease local housing demand while adding more residents near transit. Nearby neighbors may see construction traffic and changes in building use in the months ahead. Read more here.

Foster City Won’t Have Fireworks for Fourth of July in 2026

Foster City officials have confirmed that the traditional Fourth of July fireworks show over the lagoon will not take place this year as construction continues on the new Foster City Community Center at Leo Ryan Park – the same reason it was paused last year. Instead, holiday festivities in and around Leo Ryan Park will be daytime-focused, with events like pancake breakfasts, live music, and the Family & Dog Parade, but will wrap up by mid-afternoon because of space limitations.

The community center project is on track to open later in the summer, and city leaders say the temporary absence of fireworks is a safety and logistics necessity while construction continues. Locals who love the fireworks may want to plan to travel to celebrations in nearby cities, such as Redwood City’s evening drone show or other Bay Area displays. Read more here. 

🩸 Community Lions Club Blood Drive | Burlingame | Lions Club | 5/1 | more 
Donate blood and help support local patients in need through this community-hosted blood drive.

🧶 Yarn, Fabric & Sewing Swap | Burlingame | Library | 5/2 | more 
Refresh your craft stash by swapping yarn, fabric, and sewing supplies with fellow makers.

🎏 Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration Month | San Mateo | Central Park | 5/2 | more 
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a community gathering featuring culture, connection, and family-friendly fun.

🎶 Rock the Dock | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 5/2 | more 
Enjoy live waterfront music, food, and drinks during this lively outdoor concert series.

🍾 Pause, Sip Explore... Bubbles and Rose | San Mateo | Pausa Bar | 5/2 | more 
Sip and sample sparkling wines and rosé during this guided tasting experience at Pausa Bar.

🎨 Clay Life Art Studios Sale | San Mateo | Clay Life Art Studios | 5/2 | more 
Shop unique ceramics and handmade pieces during this special studio sale event.

🤝 Love Your Neighbor Community Event | Belmont | Fellowship Bible Church | 5/2 | more 
Connect with neighbors through a community event focused on service, encouragement, and local connection.

🏃 Fun Run 5k | Foster City | Sea Cloud Park | 5/2 | more 
Join this family-friendly 5K run and enjoy a fun community event supporting local programs.

🎻 Music at Kohl - Calidore String Quartet | Burlingame | Kohl Mansion | 5/3 | more 
Experience an evening of world-class chamber music with the acclaimed Calidore String Quartet.

🛍️ Pre-Mother's Day Market | San Mateo | 25th Ave | 5/3 | more 
Shop local vendors and find unique gifts just in time for Mother’s Day.

🌱 Plant Sale & Craft Fair | San Mateo | San Mateo Garden Center | 5/3 | more 
Browse plants, garden goodies, and handmade crafts at this seasonal sale and fair.

🧘 Soar & Restore: A Wellness Series | San Carlos | Hiller Aviation Museum | 5/3 | more 
Relax and recharge with a wellness-focused event series set inside the unique space of the aviation museum (use code SRWELLNESS26 for 15% off).

🌿 Seeds and Seedlings Swap | Redwood City | Downtown Library Plaza | 5/4 | more 
Swap seeds and seedlings with fellow gardeners and get ready for spring planting season.

🚚 Off The Grid Food Trucks | Foster City | Leo J Ryan Park | 5/6 | more 
Grab dinner from a rotating lineup of popular food trucks and enjoy an evening at the park.

💻 emPOWERing the Peninsula Webinar | San Mateo | Online | 5/6 | more 
Tune into this online webinar focused on empowering community members through learning and connection.

💼 Mastermind Networking Group | Burlingame | Embassy Suites | 5/6 | more 
Meet other local professionals and entrepreneurs for networking and collaboration at this mastermind-style gathering.