Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - August 22, 2025

Published on August 22, 2025

Hello South City Community,

The celebration we’ve been waiting for is almost here! Cultura Fest officially kicks off at 11:00 a.m. TOMORROW, and I hope to see you all there! As the first Salvadorean-immigrant mayor of South San Francisco, it brings me so much joy to share a piece of my home with all of you, and to uplift each of our individual cultures. There’s going to be amazing food, music, a parade, art gallery, 90 amazing vendors, and so much more! Bring your friends and family, and let’s come together as one comunidad right here on Grand Avenue.

Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Arrive early so you don’t miss the parade starting at 11am!)
Location: Grand Avenue, South San Francisco

Here’s what to know before you go:

• Program: We have full schedule of performances and activities. Follow @CulturaFestOfficial on Instagram to learn more and for updates!  
• Street closures & parking: Streets along Grand Avenue will be closed starting Friday night. Please avoid parking in the event area, and follow all the signs. We encourage you to walk, take public transportation, or park at the Miller Garage.
• Beer & wine sales:  Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Bring your ID - there will be ID check-in stations before purchase.
• What to wear: Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
• Come hungry: With 90 vendors and incredible cultural food, you’ll want to try it all!

Learn More About Cultura Fest

Save the Date: September 20 for Concert in the Park

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., South San Francisco’s beloved Concert in the Park returns to Orange Memorial Park Picnic Meadow.

This free, family-friendly tradition brings our community together for a full day of music, food, and fun. Headlining this year is Grammy Award-winning Ozomatli, known for their powerful blend of Latin, hip-hop, funk, and global sounds, alongside Bay Area favorite Livewire, delivering high-energy dance and rock covers.

Enjoy performances on the Main Stage, explore vendor booths, grab a bite from local food trucks, and let the kids play in the Family Fun Zone. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

Come celebrate with us. It’s a day you won’t want to miss!

Making School Street Safer

The City is moving forward with the S.E.E. at School Street Project (Safe Streets Enhancement for Everyone) to improve safety and accessibility around Martin Elementary. As part of this effort, a one-way demonstration project will take place August 25 through September 12, 2025, converting School Street (between Olive Avenue and Maple Avenue) to a temporary one-way street. This short-term test—developed in response to feedback from parents, staff, and students—will help the City study traffic patterns, gather community input, and evaluate safer walking and biking options. Findings from the demonstration will guide the permanent design, with construction anticipated to begin in mid-2026. We welcome your feedback—please share your comments at SchoolStFeedback@ssf.net

Learn More

Celebrating the New BART Gates

I was honored to join BART and several local leaders at the San Bruno BART Station to celebrate the ribbon cutting of BART’s new Next Generation Fare Gates. With the installation now complete at all San Mateo County BART stations, these taller and stronger fare gates will not only enhance public safety but also improve the rider experience with modern technology.

This project represents a major step forward in keeping our transit system welcoming, efficient, and secure for everyone who depends on it. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in this very important project!

UPCOMING EVENTS

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!

TONIGHT, 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

Saturday, August 23, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m.: Learning Wheels at SSF Cultura Fest

Come check out the freshly redesigned Learning Wheels, South City! Tomorrow we will be located on the corner of Walnut and Grand, right in front of the Grand Avenue Library. Come get yourself a book as you enjoy this fantastic event.

Thursday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: What’s Happening East of 101? A Biotech Speaker Series

The City of South San Francisco’s new What’s Happening East of 101? Speaker Series, in partnership with Biocom California, continues this fall with Genentech as the featured presenter. Join us on Thursday, September 18, 2025 (location to be announced) for an inside look at the groundbreaking biotech work happening right here in South City.

Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to save the date!

Learn More

Did You Know We Have a Podcast?

And I was just on it! Assistant City Manager Rich Lee created the South San Francisco Podcast as another platform to help share more of South City’s stories, and provide updates that inform residents about important initatives and projects around the City. Previous guests include Councilmembers James Coleman and Mark Nagales, and residents who have contributed to our community such as Pat Rosenthal and Chef Ava Marie! I had the honor of being the latest guest sharing about the privilege of being in public service, how I got here, and my vision for South City. Be sure to listen in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the interview on YouTube!

Learn More

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Help Improve Walking and Biking Near Highway 101 in South San Francisco

As part of its 101 Corridor Connect program, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) is developing the US 101 San Mateo County Crossing Improvement Plan (Active 101).

US 101 is the busiest corridor in San Mateo County. However, the freeway itself can be a barrier for people walking, rolling, biking. Active 101 aims to prioritize crossing and corridor improvement needs and identify which projects will most effectively create safe crossings and corridors near US 101.  

This summer, the TA is working with the City of South San Francisco to help develop a design for the Gateway Boulevard project and we want to know what you think.

Visit the interactive project site https://smcactive101.com to learn more about the project and share your thoughts on the initial design. We will be accepting feedback until September 5. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your voice heard!

Saint Augustine Fiesta Festivities – August 23 to 28

Saint Augustine Church (SAC) is celebrating its 55th Founding Anniversary and Fiesta. A special Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Cordileone on August 23 at 10:30 a.m. A week-long festivities are also being planned from August 23 to August 28. There will be fun activities for everyone of all ages - BINGO, Family PJ Movie Night, Paint & Sip, Dance Party, and Karaoke to name a few. Come to Saint Augustine for the nightly Food Concession starting at 5:30 p.m.; FREE Raffle Drawings every night; Nighty FUN activities and entertainment starting at 7:00 p.m. Please visit parish website for more details and updates:

Learn More

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