Have you ever been curious about what it looks like inside of City Hall? Or wanted to meet some of our local police officers and firefighters? Would you like to have your photo taken in the Mayor’s seat at the City Council dais? If you are intrigued by any of these opportunities, join the Foster City Civics Academy!

This program is a free, immersive, educational, and entertaining opportunity to learn from staff in each of the City’s nine departments. Beginning on Wednesday, August 27, Foster City will host weekly classes at City facilities until the graduation ceremony at the City Council meeting on Monday, October 20. Enrollment is open as of Tuesday, June 17, and those interested are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Visit www.fostercity.org/civicsacademy to find out more information or apply.  

“The Civics Academy is one of the best ways to understand how important local government is to the fabric and culture of Foster City and is a great way to both meet other civically minded residents and get to know key City staff members,” said Mayor Stacy Jimenez. “I cannot recommend this program enough for both newcomers and those who have lived in Foster City for many years!”

Enrollment is open to Foster City residents only, ages 16 and up, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants under 18 will require signed permission from a parent or guardian, and youth enrollment will be limited to 5 participants. Meals will be provided at each session. Space in the program is limited and in-person attendance is mandatory, so please apply with a commitment to regular, uninterrupted attendance. 

Questions, applications, or comments can be sent to civicsacademy@fostercity.org, or by calling the Communications/City Clerk Department at (650) 286-3250. 

"What would you do in a wildfire, earthquake or flood? Or in the middle of the night, if your phone pings with an emergency alert?

If you’re not sure (and be honest!) San Mateo County wants to help you get ready with a free, family-friendly event designed for anyone who wants to feel more confident when disaster strikes.

The County’s '21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Day' takes place Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at the San Mateo County Event Center. This free, family-friendly event offers hands-on training, CPR and emergency skills workshops, displays by local emergency responders, and activities for kids."

Join the Foster City Chamber of Commerce team and come support a group of amazing young entrepreneurs at Off the Grid!

📍 Location: Leo J Ryan Park, Foster City
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
⏰ Time: 5-8pm

Come be a part of something special! The Foster City Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Off the Grid  to feature a group of young, local entrepreneurs,  innovators and future leaders hosting their very own booths! This group have successfully completed the Chamber's Youth Mini Market Program this spring and are excited to bring to the Foster City Community their goods and services to purchase. 

🌟 What to Expect:
✅ Delicious Food Trucks & Local Eats
✅ Youth-Led Booths Showcasing Creativity, Business Ideas & Innovation
✅ Networking with Local Leaders & Chamber Members
✅ Family-Friendly Fun & Entertainment
✅ Learn how YOU can get involved with the Foster City Chamber of Commerce!

Find out more about our Mini Market Program : https://www.fostercitychamber.com/MMYP

• Tribute: This 5K is a tribute to Connie—a beloved mother of four and preschool director—whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence on May 24, 2021.
• Awareness: While Connie’s story is heartbreaking, it reflects a broader crisis that affects countless families each year.
• Honoring Memory: This event honors Connie’s memory and raises awareness of domestic violence, turning loss into purpose and action.
• Beneficiary: All proceeds benefit CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse)—San Mateo County’s only organization solely dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children.

• Long-standing Service: For over 45 years, CORA has provided critical services including a 24-hour hotline, legal support, mental health care, safe housing, LGBTQ+ resources, and community education.
• Support for Survivors: Your participation supports survivors and helps build a future free from intimate partner abuse.
• Event Impact: This event allows you to be part of an effort to create awareness and change around domestic violence issues.
• Join Us: We encourage the community to come together in support of this cause and honor Connie’s legacy.

Next Generation Protein Sequencing: Technologies & Applications

We’re excited to invite you to our next session, where we’ll explore Next-Generation Protein sequencing, an emerging technology poised to become a game changer in the world of Omics.

Dar Bahatt, a biotech Instrument Developer, will lead a session with Spencer Gordon, Field Application Specialist at Quantum-SI, to present the emerging Protein Sequencing technologies as well as provide insights on their applications envisioned in Drug Discovery, Protein Manufacturing and Diagnostics.

REGISTER HERE

📍 Location 
Audubon Elementary School
Multi-Purpose Room
841 Gull Ave., 
Foster City, CA 94404
Parking is available directly outside the MPR and along Gull Ave.  Parking IS limited, so arrive with plenty of time.

AGENDA
1:30 AM Lunch & Mingle
12:00 AM General Presentation
12:15 PM Protein Sequencing Presentation
1:15 PM Q&A
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Networking

👥 Participants
You can review the registration list, including attendee LinkedIn profiles and shared interests (job searches, collaboration opportunities, etc.).To request updates to your info, leave a comment in the document @biobythelagoon@gmail.com
 
🔗 Stay Connected
Linked-In Group

📚 Reading Materials
Our speakers have curated helpful resources.

🌱 A Quick Note on Sustainability
Please bring your beverage or a refillable container if possible. The Chamber is a green business, and your support in reducing waste is appreciated! We will have coffee, water, and iced tea available in addition to regular light lunch items.

About Us:

Bio-by-the-Lagoon is a community of biotech professionals coming together to connect, learn from one another, and support each other's journeys. Whether you're innovating, conducting research, hiring talent, or exploring new opportunities, BBL offers a space to share what you're working on and grow together.

Bio-by-the-Lagoon has partnered with the Foster City Chamber Foundation and supports CORA, a non-profit organization supporting victims of intimate partner abuse.