Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - July 25, 2025
Published on July 25, 2025
Hello South City Community,
What an eventful summer! I am blown away by our community’s response to both our first Movie in the Park and Touch a Truck event where you donated more than 9000 diapers! It’s one of my favorite sights to see – all our neighbors coming out to enjoy our beautiful city, AND make an impact for our community. Thank you for making our city events so memorable.
As you’ve seen in recent newsletters, we have another exciting community event coming up: Cultura Fest!
As your mayor—and South San Francisco’s first Salvadoran mayor—I’m proud to invite you to 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. So bring your loved ones, your culture, and your spirit—and let’s celebrate South San Francisco! However you define culture, you’re welcome here.
Here are a few opportunities to help build the momentum for what will be a great event:
- 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
Learn About Citizens’ Academy!
As your Mayor—and as a proud former participant of the South San Francisco Citizens’ Academy—I personally invite you to take part in this unique and rewarding experience.
Before I ever held public office, I joined the Citizens’ Academy to better understand how our city works. That experience opened my eyes to the incredible effort, care, and collaboration behind every decision made at City Hall. It deepened my appreciation for public service and ultimately inspired me to get more involved. This fall, you can do the same.
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 join the interest list today to be one of the first to apply: www.ssf.net/SSFCAInterest.
Join us for 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. Neighbors can engage 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.
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, July 26, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Toy Drive: Benefit for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
In collaboration with UCSF and SSF Public Library, South San Francisco Brain Explorations has organized a charitable toy drive dedicated to supporting children affected by neurological conditions. The event will feature guest speakers from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the 2nd Floor Community Room. Toy Collection and other family-friendly activities will take place on the lawn in front of the Library | Parks and Recreation Center from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Learn More
Saturday, August 2, 11:00 AM: 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
July is National Parks & Recreation Month!
Each July, communities across the country celebrate the vital role parks and recreation play in promoting wellness, building community, and preserving green spaces. From summer camps and sports leagues to concerts, classes, and neighborhood parks, these programs bring people together and make South San Francisco a healthier, happier place to live.
There’s still time to join the fun! Check out the exciting events planned for the final week of Parks & Recreation Month by visiting our calendar:
ssf.net/Parks-Recreation-Month
Let’s make the most of summer in South City!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
FREE WORKSHOP: Hope & Healing: Raising Mental Health Awareness & Cultivating the Healing Power of Hope
Saint Augustine Church, SSF would like to invite the SSF community to our upcoming FREE workshop and would appreciate your assistance in spreading the word. Attached is the flyer with more details.
Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saint Augustine Parish Hall - 3700 Callan Blvd. SSF, CA 94080
Register by July 26 via link: https://forms.gle/a2YsX5jcvNWKDgSa8
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