Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - May 2, 2025
Published on May 02, 2025
Hello South San Francisco Community,
As we reflect on the recent incident that occurred this past Monday evening in the neighborhood of Arroyo Drive, I want to acknowledge the concern and emotions it has stirred across our city. I also want to commend our law enforcement officers and public safety teams for their swift and professional response in ensuring public safety was of paramount importance.
In addition, in light of May being Mental Health Awareness Month and as a big advocate for mental health, this moment reminds us how vital it is to check in on one another and to prioritize mental well-being—for ourselves and for our community. Let’s continue to support one another, check in on each other with compassion, courage, and care. Most importantly to remind each other that we are ONE South City, and all of us want the best for our communities and neighborhoods. That’s what makes us South City Strong. Please read on, and check out the various resources within South San Francisco and around San Mateo County that my staff team and I have put together for you all in this week’s issue.
On the SSF Podcast: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The City of South San Francisco is proud to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Mateo County to strengthen mental health awareness, education, and support for residents. Through this partnership, the City helps connect individuals and families with NAMI’s free programs, including peer-led support groups, educational workshops, and advocacy efforts that empower those affected by mental illness.
Learn more about what they do, and tune in to our very own Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the interview on YouTube.
Recovery Support Groups Available at Roberta Cerri Teglia Center
Did you know we offer two FREE amazing support groups to our community at the Robert Cerri Teglia Center, located at 601 Grand Ave? Led by NAMI, these groups are here to empower, connect, and create a safe space for those navigating mental health challenges.
- For Adults 18+: Join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- For Adults 55+: Join us on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
These peer-led groups provide a welcoming, confidential space to share personal experiences, exchange support, and connect with others who truly understand. Together, we’re fostering a community of care, compassion, and strength.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these resources, don’t hesitate to join. We’re all in this together!
Learn More
Special City Council Meeting Recap: Update on the Municipal Services Building (MSB)
This past Tuesday, we held a special City Council Meeting to discuss the future of the MSB. Staff presented us with updates from the feasibility analysis the City Council and I asked them to conduct at the August 28, 2024 Council meeting. I opened the floor to the community to share their thoughts and ideas. Thank you to everyone who expressed their opinions and point of view. I also want to thank our city staff for their very thorough presentations, and everyone who participated online and in person.
The decision based on a majority of Council’s direction to staff has been to take a pause on deciding the future activation of the site given the current economic outlook and upcoming budget constraints due to the uncertainty of the current economy. The building will continue to be reserved for special use only.
A FAQ section on our website is being updated to help us all stay current on the latest information regarding this topic and will be posted on the City website. In the meantime, I encourage you to watch the replay of the meeting to learn more.
Youth in Government Mock Council Meeting
Also this Tuesday, our Youth in Government participants stepped into the spotlight—and the seats of our City Council—to lead a powerful mock meeting that showcased their ideas, passion, and leadership. It was inspiring to witness their thoughtful dialogue and bold vision for the future of South San Francisco. I was joined at Council Chambers by community members, our Councilmembers and our City department heads, amongst others.
To the students who took part: thank you for reminding us what’s possible when young people are empowered to lead. We hope your time in Youth in Government sparked a lasting interest in public service, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to shape our community and beyond. To our partners at South San Francisco Unified School District – thank you for the continuous support for this valuable program. As a longtime educator, I want to encourage you and your peers to keep going—you belong in these seats!
UPCOMING EVENTS
There’s always something happening in the neighborhood. Be sure to bookmark the City Calendar so you don’t miss any of our amazing events! Join me at many of the following events happening around town!
May 2025, all month long: Tales & Traditions – Celebrating AANHPI Cultures
The Library | Parks & Recreation Center is celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with programs representing many cultures of Asia and the Pacific, along with resources and guides to learn more about AANHPI Heritage.
Learn More
Thursday, May 8 at 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Teen Wellness Event
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the South San Francisco Public Library is excited to be amplifying new Live Beyond mental health resources to help communities heal from the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. The Live Beyond campaign by the Office of the California Surgeon General is focused on raising awareness and understanding of ACEs, toxic stress, and their potential negative impacts, and offers accessible tools and resources that provide scientifically proven, culturally relatable, and actionable steps to heal.
Learn More
Thursday, May 16 at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: 25th Annual Senior Health Fair
You're invited to the 25th Annual Senior Health Fair! Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente in partnership with the City of South San Francisco at the Library - Parks and Recreation Center. Get free Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, glaucoma & more! Open to all community members – No Kaiser membership required!
For more information, contact the Senior Services Team at (650) 829-3820.
Did You Know You Might Qualify for a Recreation Scholarship?
Income-eligible residents may apply for a Recreation Scholarship to receive a discount on fees to participate in recreation classes and programs. Applications are available at the Recreation office at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way - 3rd Floor. Applications must be accompanied by documentation of enrollment in other subsidized programs such as school free or reduced meal programs, or utility discount programs.
The Recreation Scholarship Program is made possible thanks to community donations. Donations are accepted online at www.ssf.net/rec-catalog or at the Parks and Recreation office at 901 Civic Campus Way - 3rd Floor. Please call (650) 829-3800 for more information.
Attention High School Seniors and Juniors in South San Francisco: Apply for the Jack Drago Youth Art Internship
IS ART YOUR PASSION?
Applications are Now Open for the 2025
Earn a competitive hourly rate while gaining real-world working experience in the arts, in South San Francisco!
The City of South San Francisco is now accepting applications for the 2025 Jack Drago Youth Art Internship, a paid summer opportunity for current juniors and seniors who either attend school within the South San Francisco Unified School District or live in South San Francisco.
This internship is designed for students with a strong interest in the visual or performing arts and offers hands-on experience working with City staff and arts professionals. The selected intern will participate in a project-based track, with an emphasis in either visual or performing arts, and gain valuable exposure to arts administration, community engagement, and public programming.
The internship will take place during the summer of 2025, with the intern expected to work approximately 20 hours per week. The position pays $20.07 per hour.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., or once the first 100 applications have been received.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.calopps.org/south-san-francisco/job-20607827
General Information: Select Current Opportunities for Artists at www.ssf.net/culturalarts
Questions: Contact Erin O’Brien at erin.obrien@ssf.net or Cultural Arts Specialist, Ercie Santos at ercie.santos@ssf.net.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be involved in a community art project that fits your passion, builds your portfolio, and offers you valuable life experience.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Local Behavioral Health Crisis Support Expands with Mobile Response Team
San Mateo County now offers 24/7 in-person mental health crisis support through a mobile response team of trained clinicians. If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of a behavioral health crisis, call the San Mateo County Crisis Line at 650-579-0350.
Help is available any time, any day—without sirens or uniforms. These professionals are here to provide calm, compassionate support, connect you to care, and help ensure your safety and well-being.
Learn More
Important Reminder from the Peninsula Humane Society
Off-leash dog owners may be cited by Peninsula Humane Society SPCA in City parks. All dogs are required to be on leash at all times in public areas, outside of designated off-leash areas, and the leash must be continuously held by a competent person capable of controlling the dog whenever the dog is not in a fully enclosed area, including all public and private property, including the dogs own front yard if it is not fully enclosed to prevent the dogs escape. In addition, all dogs must be currently licensed before they are allowed to be on leash at all. In other words, if you and your dog are out and the dog is properly leashed as described above, it is still a violation of the leash law if your dog is not currently licensed. Having a current dog license is an integral part of the leash law.
Owners failing to keep their dogs secure and under their control is a problematic issue, county-wide. Please consider these very real consequences:
- You can be cited for a Leash Law violation.
- If your stray dog is impounded, you will be required to pay state and county fees (impound and boarding) when you claim your dog.
- Your off-leash dog could be hit by a car, resulting in injuries (and an expensive emergency-room visit) or death. This happens several times a week in our county alone.
- Your off-leash dog could cause a traffic accident, and you can be held responsible.
- Your off-leash dog could bite/injure a person or another animal; in either case, your dog can be deemed a Dangerous Animal or Vicious Animal, depending on the severity of the bite. In less severe cases, you could be ordered to pay an annual Dangerous Animal Permit fee and face other restrictions for your dog. In more severe cases, your dog could be euthanized.
- If your dog is not altered (spayed or neutered), his or her off-leash activities could lead to unwanted litters.
- The process of looking for a lost dog can be incredibly emotional for all members of your family.
Peninsula Humane Society officers are empowered to cite owners off-leash dogs in City parks.
For matters that need a response from the Animal Rescue & Control department, please call PHS Dispatch at (650) 340-8200. Calls are answered weekdays from 8:00-6:00 pm and weekends/holidays 8:00-5:00 pm. Outside those hours, please call San Mateo County at (650) 363-4953 or go to https://phs-spca.org/laws/ for more information.
Blood Pressure Cuffs Now Available for Checkout at Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries is excited to share Blood Pressure Monitor Kits are now available for checkout!
In partnership with the San Mateo County Health Department, these kits allow you to check your blood pressure and track your readings with a personal log. Like other items in the Library of Things collection, these kits are loanable for three weeks and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Stay informed with other City communications! Sign up to receive newsletters from the Library and 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 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