Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - April 18, 2025
Published on April 18, 2025
Hello South San Francisco Community,
This Earth Day, let’s come together as a community to protect and preserve the place we call home: Our beautiful South City! Whether you're a lifelong environmentalist and love our planet and want to preserve it like I do, or you are just getting started, here are five easy ways you can make a difference—right here in South San Francisco:
- Join Our Neighborhood Clean-Up Day
Friday, April 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Help us keep our city beautiful! We’ll provide all the supplies, assignments, and refreshments—you bring your friends, coworkers, or classmates. It’s a great way to earn community service hours, bond as a team, and show your South City pride. Sign up and help SSF shine! RSVP Here
2. Embrace Composting ️
Composting reduces landfill waste and enriches soil. South San Francisco residents with organic service can request a free compost pail to separate food scraps from trash. To request one, please visit www.ssf.net/recycling.
3. Conserve Water
Simple actions like watering your lawn during cooler parts of the day, using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, and planting drought-resistant plants can significantly reduce water usage. For more conservation tips and potential rebates, visit Cal Water's conservation page.
4. Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste ️
Items like batteries, paints, cleaning chemicals, and electronic waste should not be thrown in the trash. To safely dispose of these materials, schedule an appointment through San Mateo County's Household Hazardous Waste Program at www.smchealth.org/hhw.
5. Report Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping harms our environment and community aesthetics. That's not what we do here in South City. If you witness illegal dumping, please report it to the City via the Engage SSF app. It’s an easy way to connect with our Public Works staff who will take care of it asap – it works! Please help us all to help maintain clean and safe neighborhoods for us all.
Let's work together to make South San Francisco a model of environmental stewardship. Every small action contributes to a larger impact.
Nominate Women of the Year 2025!
With the strength and support of my own mother always in mind, I’m proud to invite the community to submit nominations for the second annual, 2025 Women of the Year Award. Please join me in recognizing the amazing women who make a lasting impact throughout South San Francisco.
Four inspiring individuals will be honored at our City Council meeting in May. Nominations are due April 30, and nominees must be residents of South San Francisco. Let’s shine a light on the women whose dedication, leadership, and heart help our city thrive.
Nominate Here
Congratulations to our Rising Stars!
As a lifelong educator, it was a true honor to deliver the keynote address at our South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce 2025 Scholarship Luncheon—the 22nd annual event that celebrates the promise and potential of our young scholars.
To stand before so many bright, driven students—each with their own story, ambition, and determination—reminded me why investing in education is one of the most powerful ways we can shape our future.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! Your hard work and resilience have not gone unnoticed. Congratulations to the parents, families, friends and mentors as well. And to everyone who donated, showed up, and supported this event—thank you. Together, we’re building a stronger, smarter, and more connected South San Francisco.
Paving the Way for our Future Leaders!
At this week’s Youth in Government (YIG) meeting, I had the honor of hosting and moderating a dynamic panel featuring San Mateo County Supervisor for District 2 Noelia Corzo, Councilmember James Coleman, and Economic & Community Development Director Nell Selander. Each of them shared their personal journeys as young leaders and reminded our students that yes, their voices matter—and yes, they belong at the table.
It has been my personal goal to create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and inspired to dream big. This panel was a reflection of that mission, and I’m proud that our Youth in Government program continues to provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage with civic life and imagine themselves as the next changemakers of South San Francisco.
Our Diverse and Inclusive South City!
Did you know that the County of San Mateo was the first county in the nation to be certified as a Welcoming County? Almost 35% of county residents were born in a country other than the United States and chose to make San Mateo County their home.
This certification reflects what we know to be true – our communities are stronger, safer, and more prosperous when immigrant neighbors are included, valued, and listened to!
South San Francisco is proud to be a part of San Mateo County—and even prouder to be a city defined by its diversity and inclusion.
Immigrants have shaped the heart of our community, and their stories, experiences, and contributions continue to strengthen our city every day. In South San Francisco, everyone belongs—regardless of immigration status.
Don’t forget, we still have an active Rapid Response Hotline: Find out how to prepare for or report immigration or ICE raids and verify the correct information. Call and use this easy access phone line, save the number: San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA).
UPCOMING EVENTS
There’s always something happening in the neighborhood. Be sure to bookmark the City Calendar so you don’t miss any of our amazing events! Join me at many of the following events happening around town!
Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.: Youth Biotech Workshop
Curious about what the booming industry of biotech is in South San Francisco? Come to our youth biotechnology workshop on April 24th 5-7pm to participate in a kiwi DNA extraction lab and gain notable insight from biotechnology professionals in a career panel/ Q&A session. Recommended for 6th-12th grade students.
Learn More
Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Sustainable Success
Join us for an evening of connection and sustainability! Hear from experts on how Green Business Certification can benefit your business right here at our Economic Advancement Center on 366 Grand Ave.
Learn More
Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m.: Veteran’s Memorial Site Stakeholder Meeting 3
We’re excited to share our vision for the new Veteran’s Memorial and we want to hear from you! Your input is invaluable as we shape this important tribute to our heroes. Come be a part of the conversation at our Stakeholder Meeting. Join us for at City Hall in the City Manager’s Conference Room.
Let’s work together to create a memorial that truly honors our veterans and fallen heroes. See you there!
RSVP Here
If you know of a Veteran or fallen hero from South San Francisco who died in the line of duty or from service-related causes, submit their name through the online survey by June 8.
Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Arbor Day Celebration
Celebrate Arbor Day with Us at Sister Cities Park!
Get ready for a day of fun, community spirit, and making a positive impact! Join the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department and our amazing volunteers from the Improving Public Places group as we come together to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees at Sister Cities Park.
This is your chance to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and help us green our city! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a first-time tree planter, everyone is welcome. Let's create a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a day of outdoor fun and community bonding. We can't wait to see you there!
Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m.: PLCAF – Small Press Comics Expo
Part of the Peninsula Libraries Comic Arts Fest, this free one-day event brings you the excitement of a comic con exhibit hall with local creators and special guests Judd Winick (HiLo), East Bay Cartoonist of Color: Hella Com!x, David Pepose (Moon Knight), and Julia Wertz (Impossible People)! Visit tabling artists, purchase comics directly from creators, participate in hands-on craft activities and listen to inspirational talks with our keynote artists!
Learn More
Did You Know We Have a Community Garden?
The South San Francisco Community Garden was established and first used by growers in 1984. It is located on Commercial Avenue east of Chestnut Avenue, and consists of 28 plots, a storage shed, water spigots, and a portable toilet is also on site.
Plots are leased for a fee of $113.97 per year plus a $25 key deposit. They are leased on a yearly basis to South San Francisco residents who cultivate, plant, maintain, and enjoy gardening space while supplying their own tools, equipment and supplies.
Learn More
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Learn About the Update Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps with Assemblymember Diane Papan
Assemblymember Diane Papan invites all residents to learn about the newly updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps released by CalFire and what they mean for homeowners, insurance, and local fire safety requirements.
To attend by Zoom please visit: https://sanbruno-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/86423307972
For South San Francisco residents, additional local information is available on the South San Francisco Fire Department’s page on the City website.
Join the Sustainable San Mateo County Youth Advisory Council!
️Are you or do you know a youth passionate about sustainability and eager to make a real impact in San Mateo County? SSMC is launching our inaugural Youth Advisory Council—a unique opportunity for young leaders (ages 15-24) to collaborate on environmental and social sustainability solutions, advise our Board of Directors and amplify youth voices in local decision-making.
Open to youth ages 15-24 who live, work or attend school in San Mateo County.
Meet twice from May-June, then again in the fall.
Application deadline is Friday, April 25.
Apply Here
Rebates Available for Induction Cooktops!
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? Induction cooktops offer a modern, energy-efficient way to cook by heating your cookware directly—no wasted heat, no open flame. Whether you're replacing an old stove or starting fresh, now’s a great time to make the switch. Check out available rebates from Peninsula Clean Energy, and see how you can save!
Learn More
Stay informed with other City communications! Sign up to receive newsletters from the Library and Parks & Recreation, or get notifications about the Shuttle, construction, and Police bulletins by signing up on the City website.
Remember, you can read this entire newsletter fully in Spanish or Tagalog, or any other language via our website, by tapping on the top right corner of the website (for most, the default language will appear as English (United States)). Choose your preferred language in the menu.
Please take care of yourself, and each other.
Mayor Eddie
City of South San Francisco