Week in Review: Freebirds Opens its Doors to Great Fanfare, School District Moves to Ax 90

Monday, Feb. 27

Foster City Patch launched its inaugural “Reader’s Choice” contest with a poll to determine the best Italian restaurant in town.

On Friday, we announced the winner was Chalet Ticino.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

garnered praise from city officials for corporate citizenship before the chain eatery even opened the doors to its Foster City store.

Freebirds held a benefiting the Foster City Youth and Teen Foundation on Monday. Freebirds employees have also volunteered at the city’s VIBE Teen Center, showed kids how to make and wrap a burrito and participated in recreational activities such as basketball, pool, and ping pong. 

Wednesday, Feb. 29

San Mateo-Foster City School District Board President Lory Lorimer Lawson in an open letter to the media attacked critics of a proposed $130 million bond measure for spreading a misinformation campaign asserting the board wanted to raise revenue to fund a real estate deal.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” she said in the letter, which stated the revenues were needed to upgrade existing facilities.  

Thursday, March 1

Thursday, March 1Freebirds World Burrito opened its doors to great fanfare Wednesday morning, awarding free burritos for a year to 25 brave souls who camped overnight to be the store’s first customers.

The Foster City store is expected to generate at least 50 jobs.

Friday, March 2

The San Mateo-Foster City School District Board on Thursday night caved to public pressure, putting the brakes on a $130 million bond measure it said it needed for facilities upgrades. Critics said the money would be used to fund a land deal.

The board also moved to consider axing up to 90 employees before the start of the next school year amid budget concerns.

Saturday, March 3

Burglars smashed through the window of a parked car near the Foster City Athletic Club on Chess Drive stealing jewelry valued at $35,000, credit cards and cash.