Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - April 25, 2025

Published on April 25, 2025

Hello South San Francisco Community,

I'm incredibly proud of our vibrant community here in South City and deeply committed to seeing our downtown thrive again. With this goal in mind, I'm excited to introduce Launch Local!, our Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program designed to revitalize empty storefronts by empowering local entrepreneurs, makers, and small business owners. This program provides affordable short-term leases, tenant improvement funding, and access to prime commercial spaces—ensuring our local talent has the opportunity and resources to succeed.

Whether you're opening your first storefront or exploring an exciting new concept, Launch Local! can help your dreams take root while rejuvenating our neighborhoods. Come learn more about our new program with these upcoming information sessions:

In-Person at 634 El Camino Real, SSF

• Tuesday, April 29 - 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 30 - 12:00 PM

Zoom Sessions:

• Monday, May 5 - 12:00 PM - [Register here]
• Thursday, May 8 - 6:00 PM - [Register here]

Apply Now:

• English
• Spanish

Applications in other languages are available upon request. Please contact Katie Donner at katie.donner@ssf.net or (650) 829-4601 for more information.

Nominate Women of the Year 2025!

If you haven’t yet submitted your nominations for this year’s Women of the Year Award, I invite you to take a few minutes to recognize some of the amazing women who make up our beautiful community.

Four inspiring individuals will be honored at our City Council meeting in May. Nominations are due this coming Wednesday, April 30. Nominees must be residents of South San Francisco. Let’s recognize the women who inspire our community, and lead by example.

Nominate Here

Thank You for Helping Clean South City! 

 Last Saturday, we hosted our second Neighborhood Clean-Up Day where more than 50 of you showed up ready to dig in. I know there are various events I can host that aren’t as messy, but one of my favorite things about rolling up my sleeves with you is getting to see how much you care about our community. Together, we worked tirelessly in the neighborhoods around Gardiner Park, and I’m proud of our efforts.

Please remember, illegal dumping hurts our environment, spoils our neighborhoods, and simply doesn't reflect who we are in South City. If you see illegal dumping, please report it using the Engage SSF app. It's quick, easy, and connects directly to our Public Works team. Together, let's keep our community clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.

Our Diverse and Inclusive South City!

I know there’s a lot of uncertainty in these times, but let me remind you that South San Francisco is PROUD to be a diverse and inclusive city! We are a city made up of people from all walks of life, and it is our various cultures, stories, and experiences that make South City what it is. Everyone belongs here!

San Mateo County offers a Rapid Response Hotline designed to help workers and employers experiencing layoffs or closures. If your business or employment situation is affected, trained professionals can provide resources and assistance to help navigate your next steps. For immediate support, call the Rapid Response Hotline at (650) 802-7966 or visit www.smcgov.org/ceo/rapid-response-hotline

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!

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

Thursday, May 16 at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: 25^th Annual Senior Health Fair

You're invited to the 25th Annual Senior Health Fair! Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente in partnership with the City of South San Francisco at the Library - Parks and Recreation Center. Get free Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, glaucoma & more!  Open to all community members – No Kaiser membership required!

For more information, contact the Senior Services Team at (650) 829-3820.

South San Francisco Launches the Semiquincentennial (SemiQ) Celebration 1776 - 2026 – Two Lights Displayed on City Hall Balcony

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4^th, 1776. This document declared the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain, marking the formal beginning of the American Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence also outlined the principles of liberty, equality, and natural rights, which became foundational to American democracy. The year 2026 marks the 250^th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

This celebration, also known as the United States Semiquincentennial, is a significant milestone for the nation, providing an opportunity to reflect on its history, honor its contributions, and look toward the future. A variety of programs and events will be held throughout the year. Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative sponsored by America Made in Virginia (VA250) to launch the observance: https://va250.org/two-lights/. In reference to the overnight ride of Paul Revere on April 18-19, 1775, individuals, businesses, cities, and government agencies are invited to display two lights overnight on April 18, 2025. South San Francisco is participating by displaying 2 lights from the City Hall balcony beginning on Friday, April 18 and throughout the week of April 21.

Watch this fun reel to see the lights up close!

Bike to Work Day is Almost Here! ‍

Ready to hop on the bike trend? Since the first Bike to Wherever Day in 1994, the celebration of bicycles as a fun and healthy way to get to work has been rolling through communities nationwide. It's like turning a new page in the story of your commute! This event advocates for better bike lanes and safety measures. Never tried biking to work? This could be your year to give it a whirl! To sweeten the deal, if you Pledge to Ride, you’ll be entered to win some fun prizes. Check out all the other Bay Area energizer stations and don’t forget to join the Bay Area Bike Challenge—it's a real tire-turner!

Mark your calendars for May 15! Between 7 and 10 am, make a pit stop at one of these energizer stations in South San Francisco:

• Intersection of Oyster Point and Veterans Boulevards
• South San Francisco Caltrain Station

Tell the Ferry What You Think!

Do you commute using the public ferry from Oakland/Alameda to South San Francisco? San Francisco Bay Ferry is looking for feedback from both riders AND non-riders who live in the East Bay and work in Oyster Point.

Take the survey here.

Join the Sustainable San Mateo County Youth Advisory Council!

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Join Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) for our 3rd annual Youth for Climate Policy webinar where we will inspire and equip young people to take action, be heard and help shape local policy to make their communities more sustainable. This year, we will focus on how youth can best support environmental justice policies to protect communities that are most vulnerable to climate change and environmental hazards. We will have a panel of local elected leaders, environmental justice experts and youth advocates to share their advice and answer questions about getting started and expanding your impact.

Join us on Zoom

Tuesday May 13, 5-6 p.m.

Register Here