Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - October 3, 2025
Published on October 03, 2025
Hello South City Community,
October is here, and with it comes one of South San Francisco’s most anticipated seasonal gatherings.
I’m pleased to invite you and your family to our Annual Halloween Extravaganza at Orange Memorial Park on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy a variety of activities, whether you're stopping by for the Trunk or Treat, exploring the pumpkin patches (including one floating in the pool!), enjoying the storybook walk, or cheering on the always-entertaining Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest. There will also be inflatables, food trucks, and more.
While not everyone may celebrate Halloween, this event is designed to offer something for all ages and interests—a chance to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and support local families and businesses.
Some activities do require pre-registration, so I encourage you to visit www.ssf.net/PandREvents for the latest details. Pre-register to pick up your pumpkin at the Halloween Extravaganza's Pumpkin Patch or Floating Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 18. Pumpkins are only available for purchase prior to the event via online or in-person registration and must be picked up on event day. $8 per pumpkin. Sales are limited.
I look forward to seeing many of you there as we continue to build community through shared experiences.
Try Out the New Throne Restroom
We’re taking great steps forward to improve our downtown. Last week, we shared about the new energy-efficient LED fixtures improving pedestrian visibility and safety and making our downtown have better lighting. You can learn more about our new lights by reading the latest Blueprint Buzz!
Also as part of our ongoing efforts to improve public spaces and respond to community needs, the City is launching a pilot program in the area of our upcoming park at Linden and Pine Avenue, introducing a Throne restroom unit.
This is not a permanent installation. It’s a temporary pilot, designed to help us learn from the community—how it’s used, what works, what doesn’t, and whether this type of solution fits well in our neighborhood.
Based on strong feedback from residents, the City intentionally designed flexibility into the park’s layout to accommodate either a prefabricated single-stall restroom or a portable unit. This pilot with Throne Inc., a subscription-based provider of modern, tech-enabled portable restrooms, gives us a chance to test one option before making any long-term decisions.
The Throne restroom portable restroom unit. Features include:
- Flushing toilet & running water sink
- Climate control for comfort in any season
- Baby changing station
- Sharps container for safety
- Graffiti-resistant wrap
- 24/7 remote monitoring
It is free to use, with access available by text message, mobile app, or a free access card. Residents can pick up access cards at the Grand Avenue Library (306 Walnut Avenue).
We want to hear from you—residents, families, and local businesses—as we evaluate this pilot. Your feedback will help shape the future of this space and ensure it meets the needs of our community. In early October, we’ll launch a community survey to hear your thoughts on this pilot. Your feedback, along with anonymous usage data, will help us decide whether to continue with a Throne subscription when the park opens, or to move forward with building a permanent restroom.
I encourage you to stop by, give it a try, and let us know what you think. Together, we’ll make sure our parks continue to serve the needs of our community.
For more details and FAQs, visit www.SSF.net/parkprojects.
Community Invited to Help Shape New Park Art
Help Shape the Future of Our New Park – Join Us Tomorrow!
We’re building more than just a park at Linden and Pine Avenue—we’re creating a space that reflects the heart and soul of our community. And tomorrow, Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., you’re invited to be part of that process.
Join us for a special community preview where you’ll get a first look at three proposed public art concepts for our new park. You’ll have the chance to meet the artists, hear the inspiration behind their work, and most importantly—share your input to help guide the final selection.
These artworks will help define the character and vibrancy of this new public space, and your voice matters in shaping what it becomes.
Light refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome. To learn more, visit www.ssf.net/parkprojects.
Let’s build something beautiful—together!
Interested in a free tree? - Participate in South City’s Free Tree Program!
Help grow the urban forest of South San Francisco! The Parks and Recreation Department and Rise South City are giving away free trees to residents to plant in their front yards to help bolster the urban forest and combat climate change. We provide the tree and education, while you simply have to take ownership of the tree, and water and care for it!
Benefits of trees for residents:
- Property values are higher for homes with healthy trees
- Energy costs are reduced
- Trees have been proven to improve mental well-being
- Air quality is improved
- Trees reduce noise from vehicles and airplanes
Benefits of trees for the environment:
- Carbon sequestration
- Natural habitat
- Cooling effects by shading
- Reducing winds
Participants must be residents of South San Francisco. A limited number of trees are available. Questions? Email: parks@ssf.net. To sign up on the interest list, please complete this form by clicking here.
Help Shape the Future of South San Francisco Ferry Service – Survey Extended to October 8
SF Bay Ferry is continuing to seek public feedback as part of its South San Francisco Ferry Service Study, and there’s still time to share your input! The deadline to complete the community survey has been extended to October 8, 2025.
This study comes as the South San Francisco ferry route has consistently experienced lower ridership and higher subsidies compared to other routes in the Bay Area system. Let me encourage you: Your feedback will play an important role in helping SF Bay Ferry and its partners make informed service decisions that support both the community and long-term financial sustainability.
The survey is anonymous, and results will guide planning efforts moving forward. No service or fare changes are expected before mid-2026.
Please take the survey today and help shape the future of ferry service in South San Francisco.
Take the Survey
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!
Friday, October 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Free Flu Shots by San Mateo Medical Center
Fight the Flu — For Free! Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community — get your FREE flu shot at the South San Francisco Clinic!
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Ages: 2 years and up
Cost: Absolutely FREE — no insurance needed!
Location: 306 Spruce Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Questions? Call (650) 877-7070
Let’s keep South City healthy this season — roll up your sleeve and stop the flu in its tracks!
Saturday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Holiday Boutique & Makers Fair
Shop Local, Discover Treasures!
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!
Free refreshments will be served — come for the shopping, stay for the good vibes!
Don’t miss out — bring your friends, family, and festive spirit! For more info, call (650) 829-3820 or email web-rec@ssf.net.
Let’s celebrate local talent and kick off the season in style!
Did you know you can review all the Engineering Department's Ongoing Projects & Community Engagement Updates on one page?
Find highlights of projects currently in pre-construction or construction. Each project has its own page where you can learn more, see upcoming events, and discover ways to get involved. Learn about Safe Streets for Schools, the Street Surface Seal Project, the El Camino Real Mobility Plan, and more!
Visit the page regularly to stay updated and connected. For questions, contact the Engineering Department at engineering@ssf.net.
Learn More
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Nominate a Sustainability Champion for SSMC's 2026 Awards
Do you know someone who’s making a big difference in creating a more sustainable future for our community? Someone who is increasing economic opportunity? Expanding social equity? Making our environment more sustainable? Honor their impact by nominating them for the 2026 Sustainability Awards!
Since 1999, Sustainable San Mateo County has celebrated 188 local leaders, organizations, and innovators who are driving real change. This inspiring annual event shines a spotlight on those working tirelessly to make our region healthier, greener and more resilient.
SSMC is now accepting nominations for:
- Three Sustainability Awards
- One Youth Sustainability Award (Youth grades 5-12)
- One Green Building Award (applications open mid-September)
Nominations are open to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, schools and community groups. Once nominated, candidates will be invited to complete an application.
Nomination deadline: October 14, 2025
Learn more and submit your nomination at bit.ly/SSMC-Awards.
Help us celebrate the changemakers who inspire us all!
Join the South San Francisco Women’s Club Vendor and Craft Fair
Mark your calendars! The GFWC South San Francisco Women’s Club invites the community to its Vendor & Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 470 Grand Avenue.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans. The fair will feature a wide variety of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items, including beaded jewelry, crocheted pieces, gorgeous wreaths, colorful ceramics, decorative water bottles, photography, handmade crossbody bags, natural soaps, candles, lotions, and much more.
Proceeds from the event will support the Women’s Club and its community service projects. Don’t miss this chance to shop local, discover unique treasures, and enjoy a festive day in South San Francisco!
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