Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - May 30, 2025
Published on May 30, 2025
Hello South San Francisco Community,
June is Here—Let’s Celebrate Pride Together!
This weekend marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to embrace love, equality, and the incredible diversity that makes South San Francisco shine.
As your Mayor, I couldn’t be prouder that our city stands shoulder to shoulder with our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. We’re not just allies—we’re a community that champions inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels seen, safe, and supported.
Pride is about showing up, speaking out, and celebrating the vibrant identities that make us stronger together. So, whether you’re marching, cheering, or simply spreading kindness, let’s make this month one to remember!
Join in. Show up. Celebrate. Because Pride is for all of us!
Throughout San Mateo County, there are several Pride events planned, we are kicking off our Pride Flag raising this coming Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the Grand Ave. Library and on the lawn outside City Hall. Come out and join us for some morning coffee and goodies. If you can’t make our flag raising, consider participating in the San Mateo County Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 14, at San Mateo Central Park. For more information visit: https://www.smcpridecelebration.com/
I invite everyone to come join the South San Francisco contingency to march on the parade and get your “South San Francisco Proud” T-Shirt! Our fan-favorite shirts are available for just $5—perfect for showing your spirit as we march together. Learn more and RSVP here
Let’s continue to show that love is love—and in South San Francisco, love always has a place.
Congratulations to our 2025 Women of the Year
One of the most meaningful traditions I’ve had the privilege to continue as Mayor is the South San Francisco Women of the Year Award. Now in its second year, this award recognizes women whose leadership, compassion, and service have strengthened our city in extraordinary ways.
Inspired by the strength of my own mother, I’m proud to celebrate five remarkable women whose stories reflect the heart of South City: Leslie Fong, Maria Barcelata Long, Toni Ratcliff-Powell, Delia Ramos, and Dee Scharff-Popielak.
From advancing educational equity and community care, to revitalizing local business and uplifting generations of neighbors, these honorees embody what it means to serve with love. Thank you to these incredible women for making South San Francisco a better place for all of us. Each of these women were honored at this week’s Council meeting.
Read more about them in the press release.
Honoring our Local Heroes
This past Memorial Day, I was deeply honored to stand alongside our South City community to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. From the warm pancake breakfast served by our incredible firefighters to the heartfelt ceremony that followed, it was a powerful reminder of the strength, courage, and legacy of our veterans.
I was especially touched to hear from our guest speakers—Bronze Star Vietnam Veteran Al Banfield and SSF Police Officer and Army Veteran Vincent Meschi—whose stories moved the crowd and reminded us why this day matters so deeply. It was equally meaningful to see so many veterans in attendance, each representing a piece of our shared history and sacrifice.
As we reflect on their service, I invite you to help us build a lasting tribute to their memory. Our new Veterans Memorial at Orange Memorial Park is now in development, and we are collecting names to be honored. This memorial will stand as a permanent symbol of gratitude for the family members, friends, and neighbors who have served with honor.
Learn more and submit a name: ssf.net/veteransmemorial
City Council Meeting Recap
- At this week’s council meeting, we recognized Diane Onorato Huddleston for her service on the Library Board, and issued proclamations for National Police Week, the 50th Anniversary of South San Francisco Emergency Medical Services, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Mosquito Control Awareness Week.
- We held several public hearings, including updates on the City’s staffing and recruitment efforts, sewer and stormwater rates for FY 2025–26, and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan.
- Council also approved updates to the City’s Master Fee Schedule and authorized the issuance of $32 million in special tax bonds to support public facilities in Oyster Point.
- View the full agenda here, and watch the replay on our website or YouTube channel.
UPCOMING EVENTS
There’s always something wonderful happening in our neighborhoods—and this list is just the beginning! I encourage you to check out the full City Calendar to stay up to date on all the exciting events coming your way. I hope to see you at many of them!
June 2025 through August 2025: Summer Learning Challenge
The Summer Learning Challenge starts June 1st, South City! Throughout the summer, free books and activity logs will be provided for youth aged 18 and under. With each completed log, current SSF residents can enter for a chance to win San Francisco Giants tickets or a $1,000 college scholarship. We will also be hosting a variety of events and performances at both SSF libraries.
Learn More
Sunday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m.: Senior Pancake Breakfast
Fluffy pancakes and friendly faces - Join us for a free pancake breakfast! Start your morning with good food and great company! The South San Francisco Police Department and the South San Francisco Police Association invite for seniors 50 years young and up for a free pancake breakfast at the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center 3rd floor.
Come enjoy a warm stack of pancakes, fresh coffee, and the chance to connect with neighbors and local officers in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. ALL are welcomed and invited to attend.
Date: Sunday June 1, 9:00am
Location: Roberta Cerri Teglia Center, 3rd Floor
Questions? Call: (650) 829-3820
We can’t wait to see you there! Bring a friend and join us for a morning of good eats and even better conversations.
Did You Know You Can Subscribe to More City Newsletters!
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Travel to Japan with Our Sister Cities Program!
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? South San Francisco residents are invited to join our Sister Cities Committee for a special visit to Kishiwada, Japan—one of our official sister cities.
This unforgettable experience offers a chance to explore Japanese culture, connect with our Kishiwada partners, and build international friendships that last a lifetime. Deadline to snag one of the 10 available spots is Friday, June 6!
Learn more and express your interest by emailing Ricardo M. Benavides at escondido07@hotmail.com or Frank McAuley at frankmcauley77@gmail.com. Spots are limited—don’t miss out!
Free LGBTQ+ Ally Trainings Ahead of Pride Month
As we approach Pride Month, now is the perfect time to learn, reflect, and support one another. A series of free virtual trainings is being offered to help community members grow as LGBTQ+ allies and advocates.
Topics include understanding implicit bias, LGBTQ+ basics (SOGIE 101), and deeper conversations around identity and intersectionality (SOGIE 201). These sessions are open to all and designed to create more inclusive spaces.
Details and registration links are available on the flyers below. Don’t miss out!
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