Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - August 1, 2025
Published on August 01, 2025
Hello South City Community,
I know we’ve received our fair share of weather scares between storms and tsunami warnings in the past couple of years, so let me please remind you how important it is that we stay connected and be prepared.
- Sign up for SMC Alerts. The San Mateo County Alert System (SMC Alert) is a free notification service that keeps you updated during disasters and urgent situations. You can receive real-time alerts via text or email about floods, fires, road closures, and more. Sign up to stay prepared and informed when it matters most! Subscribe at: www.SMCAlert.info
- Follow us on Social Media. One of the fastest ways we can get information to you is through social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates related to the City.
- Be prepared! Our South San Francisco Fire Department manages and maintains our emergency plans, and they’ve prepared several resources for you to help you always be ready for whatever disaster may come. Please take your time to review their tips, prepare a “Go Bag,” and consider attending tomorrow’s Disaster Preparedness Day hosted by the County.
Citizens’ Academy – Now accepting applications!
One of the most defining experiences of my life was my time in the Citizens’ Academy. It not only planted the seed in me to become a public servant, but it gave me so much pride in this place we call home. If you want to go behind the scenes of City Hall and learn more about how South City works. I personally invite you to take part in this unique and rewarding experience, and apply for this year’s Citizen’s Academy.
The South San Francisco Citizens’ Academy is an 8-week program that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at how your local government operates. You’ll tour key city facilities, engage with city staff and leadership, and learn how decisions are made and funds are allocated - all in an interactive, hands-on environment.
Dates: Tuesdays, September 9 – October 28, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Various city facilities around South San Francisco
Light supper provided
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Open to all SSF residents 18 and older
Spots are limited, so I encourage you to apply today!
Apply Here
Next Week is National Night Out!
The City Council and I would like to invite you to this year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5. This is an annual series of community-building events that promotes public safety, community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Join your neighbors in dialogue with staff from our Police, Fire, Public Works, Library, Parks & Recreation, City Manager’s Office, and more. We have 7 locations signed up, and we hope to see you at one of them. Let’s connect with our neighbors, and enjoy a night of community. Have questions? Contact 650-877-8502 or cityinfo@ssf.net.
Countdown to Cultura Fest: Three Weeks!
As South San Francisco’s first Salvadoran mayor, I’m incredibly excited to invite you to mark your calendars for our very own Cultura Fest on Saturday, August 23. This will be a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, creativity, and community. This year, we are shining a special spotlight on Salvadoran traditions, flavors, and talent, but Cultura Fest is for everyone. This free, family-friendly event also supports local small businesses and nonprofits working in youth mental health, family services, and the arts. Thanks to generous sponsors and passionate community members, Cultura Fest reflects the very best of South City. Invite your loved ones, your culture, and your spirit, and let’s celebrate South San Francisco!
Other ways you can participate:
- Parade Contingent
We are also launching our first-ever Multicultural Parade to open the festivities, and we want you to be part of it! Whether you’re a school, community group, cultural organization, or small business, join us in bringing our shared heritage to life - through music, dress, banners, or simply walking together in unity.
Parade Interest Form
- Teen Poetry Contest
Young poets from the Bay Area (ages 11 to 18) are invited to submit an original poem under 500 words exploring the theme, What does ‘culture’ mean to you? The winner will get to read their poem on the main stage at Cultura Fest!
More Information: Poetry
- Gear Up
- Cultura Fest is proud to partner with AFJA and Soccer and Smiles to launch a Used Soccer Gear Drive supporting youth in El Salvador and Central America. Soccer is more than just a game! It’s a path to confidence, community, and hope. Together, we’re collecting gently used cleats, balls, jerseys, and shin guards to help equip the next generation of players across Central America with the tools to dream big and play freely. Your old gear can become someone’s new opportunity.
More Information: Gear Up
Learn More About Cultura Fest
UPCOMING EVENTS
There’s so much to experience right here in South San Francisco, and this is just a glimpse! Come join me at upcoming events that bring our community to life. From cultural celebrations to neighborhood gatherings, there’s something for everyone.
Explore the full City Calendar at https://www.ssf.net/city-calendar and stay connected to all that’s happening!
Saturday, August 2, 11:00 a.m.: Jelly Jam Time Puppet Show
To the Farallons and Back Again: A Mermaid’s Tale features a scrolling back-drop (or "crankie") set in the Gold Rush era beneath the waves at the Farallon Islands and in the city of San Francisco. Sing sea chanties, mermaid melodies and create soundscapes for the hand-printed paper world. Stay after the show for a puppet making workshop! All ages are welcome!
Learn More
Monday, August 4, 6:30 p.m.: Echoes of the Badge: Stories from a National Park Service Career with John Goodwin
Retired National Park Service Ranger, former council member, and author John Goodwin will discuss his recently published book "Echoes of the Badge" and share stories about his 27 years of service working in America's National Parks. This special guest event will be hosted in City Council Chambers.
Learn More
Friday, August 22, Sundown (~8:15 p.m.): Movie Night in the Park: Inside Out 2
Join us for our last evening of free, family-friendly movies this summer. This movie screening is FREE for all ages, and will take place at Martin Elementary School.
Learn More
Did You Know You Can Now Tour the Juneteenth-Inspired Exhibit in a Virtual Gallery?
If you missed the recent Cultural Arts Gallery exhibition “Freedom: The Future of Hope,” you’re in luck! You can now experience it online! This powerful Juneteenth-inspired exhibit featured over 45 works of art celebrating resilience, freedom, and the future of hope.
Visitors to the in-person show called it “beautiful” and “thought-provoking,” with many praising the wide range of styles and messages on display. Now, the award-winning entries are available in a free virtual gallery, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the powerful stories shared through art.
Start your virtual tour and learn more at www.ssf.net/culturalarts.
Become a Hero in South City!
South San Francisco is proud to be a city of everyday heroes, and our Fire Department is looking for the next one. SSFFD is hiring Paramedic/Firefighters, and I want to personally invite you to apply.
If you have the heart to serve and the drive to protect, this is your chance to make a real impact in our community.
Apply by August 6 at 5:00 p.m. or before we reach 100 applications!
Learn more and apply: https://www.calopps.org/city-of-south-san-francisco
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Join the Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Impact Summit on August 9
High school and college students, young professionals, community stakeholders, educators, elected officials and industry leaders are invited to a day of learning, networking and discussion around innovative climate solutions and strategies. This year's summit will include action-oriented breakout sessions, panel presentations, and keynote speakers that will empower all attendees to make a difference and fight climate change. There’ll be a networking session in the afternoon.
Details:
Saturday, August 9, 2025
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch is provided
Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell, Ave, Campbelle, CA, 95008
Visit the SVYCA website: www.svyouthclimateaction.org or follow SVYCA on Instagram - @svyouthclimateaction - to stay up-to-date on the summit.
Walk With Us For Mental Health - Every Step Counts!
Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Mateo County as we walk together in support of mental health and to raise funds for our free programs! Get ready to be inspired and enjoy the fun as NAMIWalks returns to San Mateo County on Saturday, October 4 at Seal Point Park, San Mateo. This free, annual event features a 1k or 5k walk along the beautiful Bay, music, food, a community resource fair, wellness programming, a kids’ zone and, for the first time ever, a pet contest!
Whether you’re an advocate, passionate about mental health, or simply looking to connect with a supportive community, everyone is welcome! We invite you to create a team, join a team or come as an individual participant, regardless, there is a place for you.
To get involved, please visit www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo to come walk with us!
Plus: 100% of funds raised go directly back into the free mental health advocacy, support and education that NAMI SMC provides to families, individuals, workplaces, and schools across the community.
Stay informed with other City communications! Sign up to receive newsletters from the Library, Parks & Recreation, or get notifications about the Shuttle, 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 tap 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