Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - July 11, 2025
Published on July 11, 2025
Hello South City Community,
Like so many of you, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastating floods that swept through Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country over the July 4th weekend. Our thoughts are with the families and communities forever changed in moments like this; the strength of our community lies in how we respond. If you’re wondering how to help, here are trusted organizations supporting those impacted by the floods — from search and rescue to meals, shelter, and recovery:
Now more than ever, we need to embrace our humanity and have empathy for everyone in Texas who this dreadful storm has so negatively impacted. Please join me in keeping our thoughts and prayers with all the families of those lost as well as those who are still missing with hopes that they are found soon.
Given the events occurring in Texas, it is important to remember we are not immune to natural disasters here in South San Francisco and the greater San Mateo County and beyond. I invite all of you to attend San Mateo County’s 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Day on Saturday, August 2 at the San Mateo County Event Center. This FREE event will feature various workshops including: first aid and CPR, pet and food preparedness, fire extinguisher demonstrations, dozens of vendors, a “kids’ korner,” food, and so much more. Be sure to register for certain workshops in advance. This is sure to be a resourceful, yet fun event for the entire family.
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City Council Meeting Recap
- At this week’s Council meeting, I presented a Certificate of Recognition to Rachelle McCann Henley as the recipient and South San Francisco inductee into San Mateo County 2025 Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame
- We recognized July as Parks and Recreation Month
- We adopted a resolution approving the revised January 2025 Centennial Way Trail Master Plan.
- We adopted a resolution allowing the City to enter into a services agreement with the South San Francisco School District for the Parks and Recreation Department to operate an extended learning program (Extended Learning Opportunities Program) for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year.
- We adopted a resolution to execute an agreement to fully implement and support a newly expanded public safety program with “Drone as a First Responder” that will assist our public safety teams in saving and rescuing lives!
- View the full agenda here, and watch the replay on our website or YouTube channel.
Our Diverse and Inclusive South City!
Standing Together for an Inclusive South City
As your Mayor, I want to take a moment to reaffirm something that defines who we are: South San Francisco is—and will always be—a city that stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are a community built by immigrants, enriched by cultures from around the world, and united by the belief that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity.
We know these times can feel uncertain, but I want to assure you: you are not alone. Our Police Department does not collaborate with federal immigration enforcement authorities, in accordance with the California Values Act (SB 54). This law ensures that local resources are not used to enforce federal immigration policy, and that our schools, hospitals, and public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all.
We remain committed to protecting the rights of our immigrant neighbors and ensuring that South City continues to be a place where everyone belongs—regardless of immigration status. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA). You can also learn more about available resources, legal assistance, and emergency guidance by visiting the Rapid Response Hotline webpage.
Let’s continue to stand together, support one another, and show what it means to be South City Strong.
July is National Parks & Recreation Month!
Continue to join South San Francisco as we celebrate National Parks and Recreation month. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this nationwide celebration. Throughout the month of July, we invite the community to participate in a variety of free programs. Everyday there is something to try out. We have music folk jams, Zumba, basketball, badminton, hula, chess club, knitting and crocheting, youth art classes, and so much more; and it is all FREE!
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Touch a Truck on July 19
The upcoming Touch A Truck event will be a celebration of community fun and will mark the launch of something truly meaningful: our citywide Diaper Drive to support families in need.
We know that something as basic as diapers can become a major burden for parents living paycheck to paycheck. When an item that essential becomes unaffordable, the impact is far-reaching—affecting health, stress levels, and a parent’s ability to focus on long-term goals.
As we say in Spanish, “Cuando le pasa a uno, nos pasa a todos.” When it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us.
This initiative is about more than donations—it’s about dignity, solidarity, and the infrastructure of care. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the partners who made this possible:
- Councilmember Mark Nagales (D-2), whose passion as a parent helped drive this idea forward from day one.
- The YMCA Community Resource Center, our city’s core service agency and a lifeline for so many.
- Our South San Francisco Firefighters (IAFF Local 1507), who do more than respond to emergencies—they strengthen lives. You are all amazing!
- And Genentech, a valued corporate partner that continues to invest in our community’s wellbeing for nearly 50 years now.
Thanks to their collaboration, donation bins are now being placed at fire stations and Genentech’s daycare site, and the City’s Fire Courier will help deliver donations for YMCA staff to distribute directly to local families.
Let’s continue showing what it means to be South City Strong—by giving generously, spreading the word, and making sure every family knows they’re not alone.
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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!
Puppet Art Theater presents Tommy's Space Adventure – Saturday, July 12, 1:00 p.m.
Join us on a Saturday afternoon in the SSF Library | Parks and Recreation Center for Tommy's Space Adventure presented by Puppet Art Theater Co.! Tommy loves books about outer space, but his biggest wish is to someday meet a space alien. His wish is about to come true! Recommended for children and families.
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Field Day & Movie Night – Friday, July 18, 6:00 p.m. Moana 2
Join us for an evening of fun. We will have field day activities starting at 6:00 p.m. and our hot dog giveaway at 6:30 p.m. Free popcorn will be passed at just before the start of the movie. In conjunction with our July is Parks & Recreation Month celebration, we will be featuring a hula demonstration prior the film screening in July. Films will begin at sundown (approximately 8:15 p.m.).
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Grand Historic Walking Tour - Saturday, July 19, 10:30 a.m.
The South San Francisco Public Library History Room will host a walk down Grand Avenue, sharing architectural details about historic buildings and stories about the people who built the city at the turn of the century. We will see the hotel that housed the earliest workers in the booming industrial town, the house that served as the City’s first hospital, and a dozen other historical sites. The tour begins with a video about the city’s history.
Difficulty Level: Moderate. Most is on a slight incline; two blocks are steeper. RSVP Required via emailing History@ssf.net.
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Summer Learning Challenge Performer: Perry Yan's Magic Show - Monday, July 21, 1:45 p.m.
San Francisco Magician Perry Yan has performed at thousands of performances at schools, company events, kids' birthday parties and more. Perry's magic shows feature clean comedy and audience participation. Recommended for children and families.
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National Night Out – Tuesday, August 5
National Night Out 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. Neighbors can engage in dialogue with staff from our Police, Fire, Public Works, Library, Parks & Recreation, City Manager’s Office, and more. We currently have 7 locations signed up, and if you are interested in hosting a site or learning more about National Night Out, please let our office know and we will add you to the mailer. Contact 650-877-8502 or cityinfo@ssf.net.
Childcare Town Hall Meeting – Tuesday, August 14
Join San Mateo County Supervisors, Jackie Speier (D1) and Lisa Gauthier (D4) to be a part of an engaging conversation about the state of childcare in South San Francisco and the greater San Mateo County.
Cultura Fest – Saturday, August 23
This year I am happy to invite you all to the Mayor’s event: Cultura Fest 2025. Cultura Fest will be a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture and creative expression, with a special spotlight on Salvadoran traditions, flavors, and talent. ALL are welcome to this free event. Even if you don’t identify with Latinx culture, this is a celebration of ALL cultures and in whatever way culture is defined and represented for you.
This free, family-friendly event also supports local small businesses and nonprofits dedicated to youth mental health, family services, and the arts. It’s made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors, and organizations and media partners as well as many of our own community members who believe in the power of culture to unite and uplift.
So however and whichever way you celebrate culture, and how you define it, come join me and bring your family, neighbors and friends and let’s celebrate South City!
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Parks and Recreation Department - SAVE THE DATE EVENTS
View the 2025 Calendar of Events brochure and save the date for your favorite Parks and Recreation events! Information about upcoming events will be posted at www.ssf.net/pandrevents. Visit this page throughout the year for more event information.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Subscribe to the County’s Health & Education Newsletter
Keeping our community healthy starts with knowledge—subscribe to the Health Education newsletter from San Mateo County’s Public Health, Policy & Planning Department to stay in the know.
The latest issue focuses on Salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that affects thousands of Californians each year. You'll find practical tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones—from proper food handling and handwashing to knowing when to seek medical care.
It’s full of resources for families, food workers, and anyone who wants to help prevent the spread of illness in our community.
Check it out here: Read the latest issue
Subscribe here to receive future updates: San Mateo County Health Newsletter
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