Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - June 27, 2025

Published on June 27, 2025

Hello South City Community,

As the first Salvadoran mayor of South San Francisco, I’m incredibly proud to invite you to save the date for Cultura Fest 2025, a celebration that reflects not only my own heritage—but the beautifully diverse spirit of our entire city.

Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown South San Francisco as we fill the streets with music, art, and community. Cultura Fest is 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.

But make no mistake—this event is for everyone, bring out the entire family. Cultura Fest is about connection. It’s about honoring where we come from while celebrating who we are together. That’s the beauty of South City: people of all backgrounds, standing side by side in celebration, resilience, and pride.

This free, family-friendly event also supports local businesses and nonprofits dedicated to youth mental health, family services, and the arts. It’s made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors, and community members who believe in the power of culture to unite and uplift.

So SAVE THE DATE, and I hope to see you there—let’s celebrate the heart of our community, together.

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South City Proud is TOMORROW!

South City PROUD
Saturday, June 28 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

While Cultura Fest isn’t for a couple more months, we do have something fun coming to our great city TOMORROW! Join us for our local celebration 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 shines in every act of love, courage, and community – As your mayor, that’s everything that makes me South City proud. South City, let’s stand tall, celebrate boldly, and keep building a city where everyone belongs. Learn More

SAVE THE DATE: 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 all are 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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A Smarter Way to Handle Your Taxes

The City of South San Francisco is making it easier than ever to file and pay your:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
• Conference Center Tax (CCT)
• Parking Tax

We’ve teamed up with HDL Companies to simplify your experience by managing filings and payments on our behalf.

Coming Soon to Your Mailbox. Be on the lookout for an official letter from the City of South San Francisco Tax Support Center—mailed from a Fresno, CA address. ✅ It’s official and contains everything you need to know.

What’s New?

• Simple, streamlined online filing
• Quicker processing times
• Expert support from HDL’s knowledgeable team

Got questions? The letter will include contact information and your next steps.

Thank you for being a part of this positive change in how we serve our community.

City Council Meeting Recap

• At this week’s Council meeting, we held a public hearing regarding Genentech’s request to acquire certain public streets within its campus. Council approved the sale of DNA Way, Cabot Road, and Point San Bruno Boulevard to Genentech for $25 million and adopted related amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Map, and Genentech Master Plan District. Council determined that the project falls within the scope of the previously certified Environmental Impact Reports, with a 2025 Addendum serving as the appropriate environmental document under CEQA. I highly encourage you all to read the FACTS and the staff report of the details – this is important information you can get from the source, and no, this will not affect our access to our beloved SSF Wind Harp or Bay Trail – we will all still be able to access it!
• We adopted the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Program, and Gann Appropriations Limit. Council also approved interim spending authority for the first 90 days of the fiscal year.
• Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget for the South San Francisco Conference Center and authorized interim funding for operations.
• We waived all City permit fees for the Oyster Point Marina – West Basin Access Improvements, a project funded and led by the San Mateo County Harbor District.
• View the full agenda here, and watch the replay on our website or YouTube channel. 

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!

Summer Learning Challenge Performer: Soul 4Kidz - Saturday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Soul 4kidz is a band that plays your favorite children's songs with a soulful twist. Join us at the SSF Library | Parks and Recreation Center for a morning of song, dance, and fun! Recommended for children and families.

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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 to 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 Your SSF Library Card = Free and Discounted Passes all summer long?

A spectacular summer service just for you, South City! Claim free or discounted tickets for the whole family by using a library service called Discover & Go. Visit local museums and other Bay Area attractions including CuriOdyssey, Exploratorium, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Children's Museum of Sonoma County, and many more. All you need is your SSF library card and visit https://ssf.discoverandgo.net to reserve a free or discounted ticket today!

Learn More

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