City of San Mateo News Announcement

News & Updates
#StayPositive
Streets & Transit Updates
Resources for Residents & Businesses

Donate & Give Back

Stay Informed

News and Updates

Social Distancing

Going outside this weekend? Review the rules.

We're looking at another beautiful weekend and while we understand the warm weather and sunshine are calling you to enjoy the outdoors, please remember to recreate safely and follow the Health Order. You must stay home as much as possible unless you are performing essential tasks, working at an allowed job, or exercising. If you go outside to recreate, please follow these rules.  

When to Wear a Face Covering 
  • Face coverings aren’t required while recreating, walking, running, or biking, unless you are likely to come within 6 feet of others 
  • Although you don’t have to wear a face covering outside if other people aren’t close by, make sure to bring one with you 
  • Face coverings are required within 6 feet of others on park trails 
  • Facing coverings are required when waiting in line, when inside an essential business or medical facility, and while riding public transit or rideshares 
Stay 6 Feet Apart 
  • Warn others of your presence when passing on the trails or streets 
  • Practice social distancing from others outside your household
  • Do not congregate in groups 
Cycle with Courtesy 
  • Slow down and be mindful of pedestrians 
  • The maximum speed limit is 15 mph on the Bay Trail 
  • Yell ahead when passing people 
  • Keep 6 feet apart – wear a face mask if you can’t 
We want to make sure you can stay safe when enjoying our beautiful outdoors. Remember – Coyote Point remains closed and there are restrictions in place at City Parks. Learn more on our City Parks FAQ page or the County’s Parks Department web page. And remember – stay within 10 miles of your home to recreate! 
COVID Rendering
State vs. County Health Orders – What does it all mean? 
Both the state and county have issued health orders. The state order recognizes that California communities are impacted differently by the coronavirus. If the County Health Order differs from the state order, the more restrictive order takes precedence. Bay Area health officials remind everyone that right now, stricter requirements are in place locally as we continue to protect against the spread of COVID-19. 

This week Governor Newsom announced a new framework for California to progress toward “Stage 2 reopening,” which allows the gradual reopening of some lower-risk workplaces with modifications. While the state’s update may allow for more activities like curbside pick up of non-essential retail stores or outdoor dining at restaurants, that’s not currently allowed in San Mateo.  

The updated San Mateo County Health Order that loosened some restrictions as of May 4, remains in effect. The County Health Order does not allow curbside pickup from non-essential, non-outdoor businesses. Bay Area health officials will evaluate how the coronavirus is affecting our communities as they consider how to reopen and restore the economy in a safe and responsible manner that does not overwhelm our health care system.  

Please remember to continue our good work – wear face coverings when in most public spaces, maintain 6-feet of distance from others, and stay local (within 10 miles of your residence) when recreating. Our region has made tremendous sacrifices to flatten the curve and protect community health, and we want to continue to do so. 
Census 2020 San Mateo Response Rates

2020 Census

Have you had a chance to take the Census? Curious about how your neighborhood is responding? Check out this map to see participation rates in our City! You can help make sure our community receives the resources needed to support critical services like schools, health care, public safety and more. Please make sure to take a few minutes to complete your Census 2020 today! It’s critical for everyone to participate – regardless of age, immigration status or criminal history. Remember, it’s safe and secure to complete the Census. If you or someone you know may need help – call a Census hotline for assistance in your preferred language. Visit www.smccensus.org for more info.  

Complete your census form now and encourage everyone you know to fill it out! 
Census 2020: Respond in Your Language!

Free Tax Services with Nonprofit Tax-Aid

Tax-Aid is a nonprofit that offers free income tax services to those who earn less than $55,000 a year. Due to the Shelter In Place Order, Tax-Aid now offers their services virtually. Tax-Aid is staffed with expert volunteers who are eager to assist people. Tax-Aid volunteers can help you prepare your return and have a TurboTax coach review your return.  Learn more about their services at https://tax-aid.org/. 

Additionally, Tax-Aid has compiled information regarding the economic impact payment. Be sure to check out Tax-Aid's Economic Impact Payment FAQs.


Poplar Creek Golf Course

Poplar Creek Golf Reopens with Safety Precautions 

We’ve reopened Poplar Creek Golf Course as of Wednesday, May 6! We’re excited to welcome golfers back to the green, but please note there are additional safety precautions in place as we adhere to the County’s Health Order. The recently redesigned Par3 restaurant is open for takeout, and the snack shack has grab and go orders too. 

To keep everyone safe, the following rules are in place: 
  • Face coverings are required at all times in common areas and around the clubhouse 
  • Golfers must have a tee time to play (no walk-ons) 
  • The maximum number of players per hour will be restricted to support social distancing 
  • Only 1 player allowed per golf cart 
  • The course is only open to San Mateo County residents, and you should not travel more than 10 miles to recreate 
  • The County’s Coyote Point Recreation Area remains closed 
To learn more and sign up for a tee time, visit www.poplarcreekgolf.com. 

Stay Positive

Happy Mother's Day
Virtual Recreation

Free Virtual Dance and Fitness Classes in MOVE-IT-MAY!

Parks & Recreation is offering FREE Virtual Dance & Fitness classes starting next week on Monday, May 11 through Saturday, May 30! From Zumba, Tai Chi, Yoga to Line Dancing, sweat and have fun during the month of May! Go online to cityofsanmateo.org/virtualclasses and check out all the classes that are being offered.  


Signs of Hope

Share Your Signs of Hope 

Our community has been incredible lifting each other up and sharing messages of positivity as we all cope with sheltering in place. We've received an incredible batch of photo submissions for our Signs of Hope Campaign, and we'd love to see yours, too!  

We're collecting and posting pictures that represent the kind, caring, and supportive community that surrounds us here in our city. Thank you notes, window paintings, neighbors helping neighbors. Look around you and send us a picture of anything that symbolizes the resilience of our community and amazing city. Email your picture(s) to: socialmedia@cityofsanmateo.org.  

We know life in San Mateo is quite different than what we’re all used to right now, but our community is strong when we come together and support each other. Check out some of the Signs of Hope below, and on our Facebook Page. Stay tuned for more as we continue to share the inspirational messages and signs of hope surrounding San Mateo! 
Dog Reading
Thank you
Window painting

Streets & Transit Updates

Safe streets

Safe Streets San Mateo

While the County’s Shelter in Place Order requires us to minimize the amount we leave our homes, outdoor recreation is still allowed so long as social distancing protocols are followed. You can walk, bike and hike within five miles of your home, just remember to stay six feet away from others.

To help residents remain safe while in our neighborhoods, we’ve launched the Safe Streets San Mateo Initiative. We’ll be looking at restricting a handful of street segments to local traffic only, and encourage everyone to remember these important safety tips:

  • SLOW DOWN Drivers, remember that everyone is working hard to keep their six feet of physical distance, which means pedestrians, joggers and cyclists might be using the roadway. Keeping your speed low on our city streets gives you an opportunity to react quickly if you need to.
  • PAY ATTENTION Pedestrians, joggers and cyclists, you must pay attention if you’re using roadways to keep your distance from others. Drivers aren’t used to seeing you on the roadway, so make sure you can be seen if you step off the sidewalk. Continue to use crosswalks and walk signals appropriately.
  • PARK SMART When parking in a neighborhood, don’t block the sidewalk. Make sure you have allowed enough space for strollers and wheelchairs to safely pass your parked car. Every effort you make to be safe on our streets helps the entire community.

Caltrain Hillsdale Station - Temporary Closure

Starting May 16, 2020, Caltrain’s Hillsdale Station will temporarily close for up to six months as part of the 25th Avenue Grade Separation Project. During the closure, trains that currently stop at the Hillsdale Station will now serve the Belmont Station instead. A new weekday and weekend timetable, effective May 16, will be made available online, pending service updates related to COVID-19.  

What Hillsdale Station Passengers Need to Know 
  • Parking is free at the Belmont Station during the temporary station closure. 
  • SamTrans will run special bus routes.
  • Ridership levels during COVID-19 might influence the availability of shuttles between stations. Updated information on all shuttles serving Caltrain stations will be posted online.  
  • Bike racks are available at the Belmont Station, and SamTrans can hold up to three bikes.  
Please plan accordingly as the temporary station closure may add additional time to your commute. For more information, including station access alternatives, visit www.Caltrain.com/HillsdaleTempClosure. Watch Caltrain's Virtual Town Hall to learn about the impacts of the temporary closure of the Hillsdale Station including details on the closure and rider plans.

Resources for Residents & Businesses

San Mateo Strong
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 2-1-1 or contact Samaritan House at (650) 347-3648.  
You can also visit our Resources for Those in Need web page for more information about programs and services in the area.

Many Residents Protected from Rent Increases 

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors placed a temporary countywide moratorium on rent increases on certain existing residential tenancies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
 
The Emergency Regulation took effect on April 28 and will remain in place until May 31, 2020, unless it is extended by the Board of Supervisors. The Emergency Regulation is countywide, which means it applies in all cities located within the County as well as in the unincorporated areas. Visit the County's web page for more information. 

Mental Health & Well-Being Resources

The San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs has a list of some important resources and materials that we hope our community can use to get through this difficult time.  A general list of the County’s core service agencies is also available online.

Help & Resources for Seniors

Are you an older adult? Do you need assistance, food or someone to chat with? There’s help! Call (650) 780-7542 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to talk with someone who can help you stay healthy, well and connected. Peninsula Family Service and the Peninsula Health Care District offer this free service to adults 60+ years. It’s available in multiple languages. Please share this information with those in your community too! You can always find more resources by calling 2-1-1 or visiting: the County's Resources web page or www.cityofsanmateo.org/coronavirus

Resources for Businesses

Donate & Give Back

San Mateo County Strong

Give to SMC Strong & Support Your Neighbors

We're so proud of our community members who've been stepping up to support others in need. Now there's a way to donate directly to those impacted by COVID-19 through the San Mateo County Strong Fund.

Whether you want to give to a nonprofit, families/individuals, or small businesses - all funds will stay local & help keep us #SMCStrong!


Support Life & Consider Donating Blood

While COVID-19 has changed a lot of our day-to-day activities, there is still a constant need for blood donations. There is no substitute for blood donation, which is an essential health care activity. Donation centers remain open – with extra precautions in place – to give you a safe way to support patients in need of blood. If you are healthy and would like to assist your community, please consider finding donation opportunities near you and schedule an appointment:

Red Cross RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Vitalant Vitalant.org or 1-877-25-VITAL (1-877-25-84825)

Stay Informed with Accurate Information

One of the most important things each of us can do right now is stay informed with accurate information from official sources. We know there’s a gluttony of information out there, but please be sure to stay up-to-date by visiting the City’s coronavirus web page, visiting the County’s website, visiting the Centers for Disease Control’s website, or calling 2-1-1.

Call 2-1-1 for non-medical information.
This is a free service available 24/7 in 180 languages 


You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor. Visit our social media page for list of all our City accounts.

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330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

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