Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - October 24, 2025
Published on October 24, 2025
Hello South City Community,
In South San Francisco, unity isn’t just an ideal - it’s who we are. I’m proud to be the mayor of a community built on kindness, respect, and the richness of many cultures coming together as one. This week, we’re recognizing United Against Hate Week. It is a time to celebrate that spirit, to reaffirm that our differences make us stronger and that every neighbor deserves to feel safe, valued, and at home in South City.
Though the week is coming to a close, I invite you to continue sharing what South City is really all about. Pick up a free United Against Hate poster at our Economic Advancement Center (EAC) at 366 Grand Ave., display it proudly, and learn more about the movement at unitedagainsthateweek.org.
South San Francisco is a City of Immigrants
I know there’s a lot of uncertainty in these times, but let me remind you that the safety and well-being of every member of our community remains one of our highest priorities.
As your mayor, I want to reiterate that South San Francisco stands firm in protecting the constitutional rights and privileges of all people, regardless of religion, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, or immigration status. This is your city, and you belong here.
Please watch this short message of encouragement to remind you of who we are as a city and what your rights are as residents of South San Francisco.
In addition, San Mateo County offers a Rapid Response Hotline designed to help workers and employers experiencing layoffs or closures. If your business or employment situation is affected, trained professionals can provide resources and assistance to help navigate your next steps. For immediate support, call the Rapid Response Hotline at (650) 802-7966 or visit www.smcgov.org/ceo/rapid-response-hotline
Together, we continue to build and maintain a community where everyone belongs.
Celebrating our Community
Last week was full of milestones for South San Francisco. We celebrated the ribbon-cutting of North East Medical Services (NEMS), their first local clinic on 200 Linden Avenue, expanding access to quality care for all ages.
We also marked the YMCA Community Resource Center’s 10th anniversary at Orange Memorial Park, recognizing their ongoing work providing rental, utilities, and transit assistance, along with our annual food and toy drive.
And we celebrated 10 years of Genentech’s Futurelab, a partnership with SSFUSD that inspires our students through hands-on STEM education. Congratulations to all who make these programs possible!
November 12 and 13: State of the City - Free event!
As I mentioned on my last update, we’re getting ready for this year’s State of the City address, and I’m excited to share with you updates like the ones above, the past year’s achievements, share our City’s vision for the future, and celebrate everything that makes South San Francisco the place we call home.
I’ll be presenting in two different formats of this year’s presentation:
- Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m.: Our State of the City, free and open to the public, will be one of the agenda items I’ll present on at the regular City Council meeting held at the Council Chambers in our Library | Parks & Recreation Center at 901 Civic Campus Way. Registration is not required, and I encourage you to stay for the rest of the meeting to learn more about our City initiatives in real time! Again, this is a free event and open to all who wish to attend.
- Thursday, November 13 at 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: We’ve extended a special invitation to our local businesses, hoteliers, educational and healthcare partners for this special luncheon event— making it a unique opportunity to hear directly from City leadership and connect with fellow business owners and executives. I will also be joined by special guests: Our own South City youth and one of our student interns will also host a fireside chat with me, and other special guests. The meeting is free for anyone to attend, and registration is not required. Lunch is available for purchase here. However, if you would like to attend without joining the luncheon, you are able to do so.
City Council Recap
At this week’s Council meeting, we honored our 2025 Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners and issued proclamations recognizing October as Disability Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Italian Heritage Month. We also recognized United Against Hate Week (October 19–25) as a reminder of what makes our city strong: compassion, inclusion, and unity.
Council also approved several key actions to strengthen and support our community, including:
View the full agenda and watch the replay on our website or YouTube channel.
Remember to Vote!
Beginning Saturday, October 25, you can cast your vote at the Library Parks & Recreation Center, 2nd floor Community Room:
Voting Hours
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Dates Open
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Business Hours
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October 25 to November 3
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Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Election Day, November 4
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7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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You can also drop off your mail ballot at the Ballot Drop Boxes that are located in three locations: 1)outside the L|PR parking lot/playground area; 2) in front of City Hall; or 3) in our City Hall parking lot off Miller Avenue.
Learn More
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come join me at upcoming events that bring our community to life. From educational events 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, October 25, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.: Song of the Fireflies
Inspired by the story of internationally renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, Song of the Fireflies follows the story of Alma Taldo, a young music trainer and choir master in the 1980s, and the young voices and dreams of young high schoolers Jacqueline and Herbert, along with their small group of gifted choir-mates, as they navigate the tough series of choral competitions—all the way to the national competition in Manila.
Refreshments will be provided by the Filipino American National Historical Society of San Mateo County.
Learn More
Thursday, October 30 at 6:30pm: El Camino Real Mobility Plan Community Workshop
We want to hear from you about your vision for the future of El Camino Real. The workshop will be held in the Social Hall at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center. We’ll be providing a light meal, translation, and free childcare, and prizes for those dressed in costumes! If you plan to attend, or would like childcare or translation services, please register here.
Saturday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Holiday Boutique & Makers Fair
Join us for a vibrant day of shopping, community, and creativity at the Library | Parks & Recreation Center (901 Civic Campus Way)! Explore a curated marketplace of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods — from stunning jewelry and stylish clothing to unique accessories, candles, home décor, holiday gifts, and so much more. Every item tells a story and supports a local dream! Let’s celebrate local talent and kick off the season in style!
Free refreshments will be served — come for the shopping, stay for the good vibes! For more info, call (650) 829-3820 or email web-rec@ssf.net.
Friday, November 7, 5:30 p.m.: The Trivia Challenge: A Night of Fun, Facts & Fundraising
Teams of three battle it out for the coveted title of “Trivia Champions of Northern San Mateo County.” Winners are immortalized on the perpetual trophy and return the following year to defend their title. But it’s not just about brains—teams also compete for Best Team Costume, showing off their creativity with wigs, hats, t-shirts, and anything that screams fun. Sign up today!
Learn More
Saturday, November 22, 9:00 a.m.: Fun Run
The 52nd annual South San Francisco Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run will take place at the Oyster Point Marina & Bay Trail. The run will begin at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $10.00 for adults 18 years of age and up. $6.00 for ages 13 -17 years old. FREE for 12 and under. Participants will be awarded prizes for top finishers in each age group as well as entered into an opportunity drawing for prizes after the race.
New this year, this event requires pre-registration by November 15, 2025. There will be no race day registration. Register at www.ssf.net/rec-catalog.
Did You Know the IPP Wreath Making Workshop is a South City Tradition?
The annual Holiday Wreath Workshop was started by our beloved City Manager Sharon Ranals in 2013, and has been a fundraiser for the Improving Public Places Committee volunteer group, with proceeds used to improve park areas in South San Francisco.
This year’s workshop will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building at 781 Tennis Drive.
Two Sessions:
- Morning Session (Family-Friendly): 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Ideal for all ages.
- Afternoon Session (Adults Only): 1:00pm-3:30pm. – Enjoy wine as you create your masterpiece.
Important Details:
- Workshop fee: $30 (resident)/$35.75 (non-resident). Register early! $35/$40 on the day of the event
- Spaces are limited, so register now! Register online at www.ssf.net/rec-catalog beginning on Monday, August 11, 2025.
- Families can work on one wreath together or enroll more participants to create additional wreaths.
Take Home Kits:
Wreath kits will once again be made available this year for those DIY crafters who already know how to make a wreath and prefer to construct their masterpiece at home. Host your own wreath-making holiday party at home with family and friends by purchasing a kit for each person!
Register at www.ssf.net/rec-catalog
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The 2025 Peninsula and South Bay Green @Home Tour
Do you want to save money on home energy costs and make your home more sustainable? This is the event for you!
On Nov. 8, tour hosts living in the Peninsula and South Bay will be showcasing their sustainable homes for community members to learn more about green home upgrades. Replacing gas appliances with electric ones, incorporating solar panels, improving insulation, using sustainable building materials or adding water-saving features—these are just a few of the possible upgrades you can learn about from your neighbors! Get inspired to make similar changes and move toward a healthier, more energy-efficient future.
The tour takes place on November 8, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
RSVP for free here
Help Inform San Mateo County Emergency Management's Disaster Plans
Together, we got this. But we need YOUR voice to make sure our emergency plans work for everyone. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to San Mateo County, your insights matter.
Help us understand what resources you need, how you want to receive emergency alerts, and what might prevent you from preparing. Share your feedback before the survey closes at the end of November.
Take our Community Assessment Survey
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