‘Classic Lifestyle’ @ 815 Sea Spray Lane 1981-82

‘Classic Lifestyle’ @ 815 Sea Spray Lane 1981-82

After the 2026 disaster at 815 Sea Spray Lane we went looking through our records and found this in the 1981-82 Foster City Chamber of Commerce Community Guide. The original advertisement features off 815 Sea Spray. Our collective hearts go out to the Spinnaker Cove Community. See the guide from 1981-82 here: https://fostercitylife.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Foster-City-Community-Guide-1981-1982.pdf Spinnaker Cove has long been a staple of the local community. Built in the early 1980s by Centex Homes, the complex was designed to maximize waterside living,…

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From the Blue Gull to Deja Vu: A History of the Recreation Center Restaurant

From the Blue Gull to Deja Vu: A History of the Recreation Center Restaurant

The restaurant facility at the Foster City Community Recreation Center, located at 650 Shell Boulevard, has a storied history that reflects the community’s early efforts to balance commercial viability with public service. When the Recreation Center was originally constructed, the restaurant portion of the building represented a significant investment of $200,000. The Blue Gull Era In its early years, the facility was known as the Blue Gull Restaurant. Despite its prime location, commercial concessionaires struggled to make the restaurant a…

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Hillbarn Theatre: A Foster City Historical Icon Celebrates its 85th Anniversary!

Hillbarn Theatre: A Foster City Historical Icon Celebrates its 85th Anniversary!

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and interview Stephen Muterspaugh, Executive Artistic Director of Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City, and learn a great deal about our local venue. It has brought so much entertainment and lasting memories to so many in our community since 1968. Stephen refers to himself, at heart, as an actor. However, he has accumulated an incredible amount of experience in the management end of the theatre, including having worked in other locales like New…

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Walter Afanasieff: From the Foster City to “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Walter Afanasieff: From the Foster City to “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

It’s a tale of local talent hitting the big time, and it starts right here in Foster City. While the world knows Walter Afanasieff (@wafanasieff) as the Grammy Award–winning producer, songwriter, and composer behind global hits for superstars like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, his musical journey was fundamentally shaped by the early 1970s jazz-rock scene in Foster City. Vladimir Nikitich Afanasiev (Russian: Владимир Никитич Афанасьев) was born on February 10, 1958 in São Paulo, Brazil. His father was Russian, while his mother, who…

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Foster City’s Electric Future: Echoes of Independence in the Face of PG&E Rates

Foster City’s Electric Future: Echoes of Independence in the Face of PG&E Rates

Listen to the podcast: For decades, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has been the sole provider of electricity to Foster City. However, a look back at our city’s history reveals a period of significant consideration, led by forward-thinking individuals, regarding the feasibility of establishing an independent, municipally-owned electric distribution system. As Foster City residents today navigate the complexities and often unpredictable nature of PG&E rates, it’s valuable to reflect on this past initiative and understand the rationale behind the potential…

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Foster City Celebrates Incorporation Day with Pride and Purpose

Foster City Celebrates Incorporation Day with Pride and Purpose

May 8, 1971 – Central Park, Foster City Under sunny skies and a spirit of unity, the city of Foster City celebrated its official incorporation on May 8, 1971, with a joyous and historic ceremony held at Central Park (now Leo J. Ryan Park). The festivities began promptly at 11:00 a.m. and featured a dignified procession of city leaders, Boy Scouts, and members of the U.S. Army Reserve, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of the Boatage Concert Band under the…

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Library Dedication Ceremony

Library Dedication Ceremony

Foster City Progress: April 16, 1997. The dedication ceremony for the new Foster City County Library will take place on Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m. in the parking lot of the facility at the intersection of Shell and Hillsdale boulevards. The celebration is open to the public. The short Saturday opening program will include performances by the Foster City Philharmonic/Jazz Band, the Foster City Chorale, soloist Marie Davis, and a presentation of a $250,000 check from the Friends of…

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New Type Fire Hydrant

New Type Fire Hydrant

Listen to the podcast: 1964: ‘Miss Foster City’, Susan Arnell, helped to showcase the innovative “new type” fire hydrants being installed throughout the city by posing daintily atop of one, a fire helmet completing her look. An excerpt from the promotional article reads: “Properly bedecked in fire helmet, Susan tells Foster City patrolman there is no cause for alarm. Susan is also receptionist at ‘The Captain’s House’, model home on Flying Cloud Isle.” Lovely Susan Arnell, who is Miss Foster…

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