Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - June 13, 2025
Published on June 13, 2025
Hello South San Francisco Community,
As we commemorate Juneteenth, we honor the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a moment rooted in justice, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality.
This year’s local Juneteenth theme, “Freedom – The Future of Hope,” speaks directly to the path we continue to build here in South San Francisco. As your mayor, I am committed to advancing that vision—not just through words, but through actions that prioritize equity, amplify diverse voices, and create opportunities for all members of our community.
In observance of Juneteenth, City offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19. Essential services—Police, Fire, and the Water Quality Control Plant—will remain operational.
I invite you to join us for two powerful events that reflect the spirit of this day:
Juneteenth Author Talk with J.R. Rice & Lee Forester
Thursday, June 26 | 6:30 PM
City Council Chambers
Join us for a moving discussion with authors J.R. Rice (Broken Pencils) and Lee Forester, followed by a book signing and complimentary red velvet cupcakes from Sweet Dreams Bakery in Colma.
Event details
"FREEDOM – THE FUTURE OF HOPE" Juneteenth Art Exhibit
Experience art that honors Black freedom, resilience, and hope for the future.
Opening Weekend
Friday, June 27 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Saturday, June 28 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
3rd Floor Gallery Room, Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way
Gallery Hours
Weekdays, June 30–July 25 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Special Evening: Tuesday, July 22 | Open until 8:00 PM
Closed Friday, July 4
Admission is free.
Let us reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and work together toward a future rooted in freedom, justice, and lasting hope.
Continue Celebrating Pride with Us!
Pride Month is officially underway, and South San Francisco is celebrating with joy, unity, and purpose. As your Mayor, I’m proud to lead a city that doesn’t just talk about inclusion—we live it. Pride is about visibility, safety, and celebration, and we are committed to making South City a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and free to be themselves—every day of the year.
Three Ways to Celebrate with Us:
San Mateo County Pride Celebration
TOMORROW: Saturday, June 14 | San Mateo Central Park
Join the South San Francisco contingent at the San Mateo County Pride Parade this Saturday at 10 a.m. It will be filled with music, art, and community spirit. Grab your “South San Francisco Proud” t-shirt (just $5!) and walk with us in the parade.
RSVP here | More info: smcpridecelebration.com
Pride at the Library
Also this Saturday, celebrate Pride Month at the Library! Go on a scavenger hunt, add drawings to our affirmations wall, play pride trivia and board games with the whole family, join King Lotus Boy for drag story hour, and much more. Everyone is welcome!
Learn More
South City PROUD
Saturday, June 28 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Grand Avenue Breezeway (366 Grand Ave)
Our local celebration will continue at our Grand Avenue Breezeway at 366 Grand Avenue! Featuring a live DJ, fashion show, Grand Avenue BINGO, and food from favorite local spots – this event is free, and will provide fun for everyone!
Pride is for everyone. Whether you’re marching, dancing, or simply showing kindness—you are part of what makes this community strong, proud, and beautifully inclusive. Let’s celebrate, South City!
Continued Funding for our Free South City Shuttle!
The City Council and I are proud to share that South San Francisco has secured funding to continue operating all three routes of the Free South City Shuttle through June 2027!
This is great news for our residents, workers, and visitors—ensuring continued access to free, reliable, and accessible transportation throughout our city for the next two years.
I want to thank the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Board for approving our two strong applications on June 5, 2025, through the Shuttle Program Call for Projects—a competitive grant process supported by Measure A and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG):
- South City Shuttle West connects neighborhoods west of El Camino Real—like Winston Manor, Serra Highlands, Buri Buri, Avalon, Westborough, and Veterans Village—with stops along the corridor.
- South City Shuttle East links the downtown area to schools, shopping centers, Kaiser Permanente, libraries, senior centers, and other essential destinations.
Together with our third route, this funding ensures complete coverage across South City. The cost is shared—75% from regional partners (C/CAG and TA) and 25% from South San Francisco’s own Measure A funds.
We’re grateful to our partners for helping us keep this vital service running. Keep riding, South City—and thank you for supporting accessible, sustainable transportation!
City Council Recap
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/calendar and stay connected to all that’s happening!
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM: Amgen Presents: Magic of Flight
Amgen scientists in partnership with RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching) will be hosting an exciting workshop that explores the magic of flight! You'll create your own butterflies, stomp rockets, plummet parachutes, and more. Recommended for youth ages 6 and up.
Learn More
Movie Night in the Park Returns This Summer
- Friday, July 18, 2025 at Orange Memorial Park – Moana 2
- Friday, August 22, 2025 at Martin Elementary School – Votes are in, and we will be viewing Inside Out 2!
Join us for two evenings of free, family-friendly films this summer. In conjunction with our July is Parks & Recreation Month celebration, we will be featuring additional activities prior the film screening in July. These film screenings are FREE for all ages. Films will begin at sundown (approximately 8:15 p.m.).
For more information, visit https://www.ssf.net/PandREvents.
Did You Know there’s a NEW South City Hoodie Coming Next Week?
Get ready to rep your city in style! A brand-new South City hoodie featuring the winning sticker design by local artist Mondrian Hsieh is dropping Monday, June 16—and it’s the perfect way to show your South City pride.
Bold. Fresh. Uniquely South San Francisco.
Available exclusively at the Parks & Recreation office at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way.
Don’t miss your chance to grab this limited-edition look!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Don’t Toss Batteries in the Trash
Improperly discarded batteries can spark fires in our garbage and recycling trucks—putting workers, property, and the environment at risk.
Please never put batteries or electronics with non-removable batteries in your garbage, recycling, or organics bins.
Here are safe and easy ways to dispose of them:
Single-Family Homes:
Place household batteries (A, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button, NiCd, Li-ion) and old cell phones in a clear sealed bag. Tape the ends of lithium and 9V batteries, and wrap phones in paper. Set the bag on top of your garbage cart lid on collection day. No automotive or oversized batteries.
Apartments & Condos:
Check with your property manager for an on-site orange battery bucket. If there isn’t one, use a drop-off option below.
Drop-Off Options for Residents:
• Blue Line Transfer Station – fees apply; accepts automotive batteries for free
• San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Events – appointment required
• Local retailers like Lowe’s & Home Depot – find a site: recyclestuff.org
Businesses:
Blue Line Transfer accepts batteries. You can also enroll in San Mateo County’s Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program.
Let’s continue to care for one another and our environment. Your efforts matter. For questions, contact info@ssfscavenger.com.
Peninsula Clean Energy launches 24/7 emergency water heater replacement service
An emergency replacement of a broken water heater can be super stressful. Peninsula Clean Energy has a new service that aims to make it easier - and a lot cleaner.
We are now offering rapid service to install a new energy-efficient electric heat pump water heater as a replacement for a broken gas-powered one. And that replacement may result in zero cost to qualified residents.
By calling us at (650) 314-4796, our partner contractor is available 24/7 to confirm eligibility and to schedule an in-home assessment for the same or next day. So who is eligible? Any active Peninsula Clean Energy residential customer who legally owns anything from a single-family home up to a fourplex with an existing gas water heater. Customers meeting income and other qualifications may be eligible for a no-cost installation.
Check out all the details on Peninsula Clean Energy’s website
Stay informed with other City communications! Sign up to receive newsletters from the Library, Parks & Recreation, or get notifications about the Shuttle, construction, 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