Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - September 26, 2025
Published on September 26, 2025
Hello South City Community,
This week, we celebrated the life and legacy of our former Mayor and Councilmember Pedro Gonzalez who passed away on September 12, 2025. Mayor/Alcalde Gonzalez was a true pioneer and devoted public servant who dedicated more than four decades to South San Francisco.
As the first Latino to serve on our City Council, Pedro opened doors for leaders like myself and inspired generations of residents to see themselves represented in government. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, “Don Pedro” carried his roots with him while building a life of service here in South City. He believed deeply in the power of community and made it his mission to ensure every resident, especially Spanish-speaking families, had a voice in civic life.
From championing bilingual access to City information, to supporting Spanish-language story time at our library, Mayor Gonzalez worked tirelessly to make government more inclusive. His leadership also guided major community improvements, from the expansion of our Community Learning Center to the advancement of the Oyster Point Ferry Terminal.
I am personally grateful for Pedro’s trailblazing role and his example of what it means to serve with heart, humility, and pride in our culture. On behalf of the City, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Eldie, their family, and all who were touched by his legacy.
Mayor Pedro Gonzalez’ spirit will live on in the community he helped shape, and in the generations of Latino leaders he inspired to serve. Learn more about his legacy here.
Visiting Izzi Early Education
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Izzi Early Education’s South San Francisco site, with Parks & Recreation Director Greg Mediati and Deputy Director Angela Duldalao. Together we saw firsthand the remarkable work their teachers and staff are doing each day to support children and families. Izzi early Education is our HeadStart provider in South City, serving children as young as 2yo, with an exceptional team of educators.
The visit was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when local leaders, funders, and community partners come together with a shared vision: creating lasting opportunities for our children to learn, grow, and thrive. As lifelong educator myself, I’m inspired by the energy, dedication, and innovative ideas I witnessed at Izzi. The future of South San Francisco is bright!
I am deeply grateful to Izzi Early Education for their commitment to our community and for giving me the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about how we can continue to uplift and support our youngest learners. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant South San Francisco.
Learn more about Izzi
New Lights Downtown!
Check this out! Construction to upgrade more than 220 streetlights in our old town/downtown area began earlier this month, and we are excited to share that the contractor has completed most of the work! Nearly all of the historic streetlights along Grand Avenue and Linden Avenue, have now been upgraded with energy-efficient LED fixtures. The new lights also feature dome tops designed to minimize light pollution and direct the illumination downward towards the sidewalk and street, improving pedestrian visibility and safety and making our downtown have better lighting.
The photo above shows a comparison of the old light fixture (foreground –first lamp pole) and the new LED fixture (background), highlighting the contrast in how the sidewalk and street are illuminated.
For the remainder of the month and into early October, the contractor will be also replacing the surrounding light fixtures at Cypress and Pine Park, as well as the historic streetlight that was knocked down at the northeast corner of Grand and Spruce Ave. We are working hard to continue to beautify and make our Old Town/Downtown (District 5) areas better for all of our community to enjoy!
Learn more by reading the latest Blueprint Buzz!
Council Meeting Recap
At this week’s council meeting, honored South San Francisco High School Baseball Coach Matt Schaukowitch and Softball Coach Dana Donnenwirth on their 2025 Season, and Daniel Flores, Athletic Director.
Help Reenvision El Camino Real in South San Francisco – Share your thoughts through our survey!
The City has recently kick-off an effort to create the El Camino Real Mobility Plan, and we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts via our survey which can be found here. The survey will take less than five minutes.
The goal of the El Camino Real Mobility Plan is to design an El Camino Real that is safer for all users, and more pleasant and comfortable for people walking, bicycling, and riding the bus. Through this plan, we will develop concept designs for the future of El Camino Real. Responses to the survey will guide revisions to the draft designs for El Camino Real. Our work on the ECR Mobility Plan began in the fall of 2025 and will continue through the Spring of 2026.
Questions or ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to Megan Wooley-Ousdahl, Deputy City Manager, at megan.wooley@ssfca.gov.
Community Meeting: One-Way Demonstration & S.E.E. at School Street Project
Join us for a community meeting to review the results of the School Street One-Way Demonstration Project and hear a presentation on the School Traffic Safety Enhancements for Everyone (S.E.E.) project at School Street Project, followed by a Q&A session.
Wednesday, October 1
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Paradise Valley Park Building (Corner of Martin Elementary School)
Our city public work teams recently installed a three-week demonstration project on School Street, in front of Martin Elementary School (between Olive Avenue and Maple Avenue), to test the impacts and benefits of converting the street to one-way traffic. This project was developed in response to feedback from residents, school staff, parents, and students who expressed concerns about traffic safety.
The goal is to create a safer environment for children and families walking or biking to and from school. Community feedback and traffic data gathered during the demonstration will be discussed and will guide our city teams in deciding whether to make the one-way conversion permanent.
Learn more: www.ssf.net/SEEatSchoolSt
Contact us: SchoolStFeedback@ssf.net
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, September 27, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Science of Sustainability with AMGEN
This Saturday! Learn about bees, seeds, soil, and sustainability alongside Amgen scientists! Activities will include a waste sorting exercise, a peek into urban beekeeping practices, and seeding of local/native plants in your own take-home planter (while supplies last).
Learn More
Saturday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Halloween Extravaganza!
Join us for yet another spooktacular time at our Annual Halloween Extravaganza at Orange Memorial Park in South San Francisco! Admission is free! This family-friendly event is packed with exciting activities for all ages. Activities this year include: Trunk or Treat, Pumpkin Patch, Floating Pumpkin Patch, Inflatables, Storybook Walk, Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest, and Food Trucks. Don’t forget to come in your best costume and embrace the festive fun!
Please note: some activities require pre-registration. Visit our Halloween Extravaganza event page for the latest event details at www.ssf.net/PandREvents.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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.
We need your help - because we plan and prep for disasters together.
Take our Community Assessment Survey
Cal Water is Offering Increased Rebated for a Limited Time
Cal Water offers both indoor and outdoor rebates and programs to help our customers save water every day. For more information on conservation programs and rebates currently available to you, please visit https://www.calwater.com/conservation-rebates.
All Souls Night Market & Festival
You’re invited to the All Souls Night Market & Festival this Friday through Sunday, September 26–28, right here in South San Francisco!
Friday, Sept. 26 | 5 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 12 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a weekend full of fun:
- 50+ vendors (small businesses, organizations & schools)
- Delicious food by parish organizations
- Carnival games for all ages
- 9 special guest DJs
- Bay Limits Motorcycle Club
- Braids by Ashley
- Chef Ava Meet & Greet + Book Signing
- Dunk Principal Ryan
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