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Celebrating Affordable HousingYears in the making, we’re thrilled to unveil the new affordable housing community Montara – the latest addition to the Bay Meadows neighborhood. This project was made possible through the City’s partnership with the nonprofit Bridge Housing.
Please join us for a virtual ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bridgehousing
Montara offers 68 affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments affordable to households with incomes between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). The property includes 34 Project Based Vouchers, 12 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers (VASH) and four units set aside for residents referred through San Mateo County’s Continuum of Care. Over 2,000 households applied to live in this 68-unit rental community, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing throughout the region.
Amenities at the transit-oriented development include a large community room, a multipurpose room and a laundry lounge that overlooks the landscaped courtyard and playground. The property also features a services suite where providers can meet individually or in small groups with residents.
Learn more about Bridge Housing and Montara.
Council to Discuss Fiscal Sustainability & New Revenue Sources - Electronic BillboardsLike many cities, San Mateo is facing economic challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Council on Monday will consider options to help address fiscal challenges with options for new revenue sources to support city services that wouldn’t result in tax increases for residents.
Options that will be discussed include electronic billboards, advertising on buildings, naming rights for city facilities and the possible sale of surplus properties. No specific actions or decisions will be made during the meeting, however the Council will provide direction on whether to pursue any of these options in the future.
The Council will discuss these non-tax revenue sources during a 5:30 p.m. study session Monday, Nov. 16. Read a staff report and find out how you can participate on the City’s Public Meeting Portal.
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Restaurants Could Be Required to Use CompostablesOn Monday, Nov. 16, our City Council will discuss different policy options to regulate the types of disposables used at restaurants and food facilities in San Mateo. Addressing single-use plastics and disposables is an important environmental priority for the City as it can help reduce waste and pollution.
The County of San Mateo and several cities in the region have adopted an ordinance that requires the use of compostable products and prohibits the use of plastic. This means restaurants would need to use compostable containers, cups, lids, bowls, cutlery, straws, and more. We're interested in your feedback and input!
This item will be discussed during the regular meeting that begins 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. Read a staff report and find out how you can participate on the Public Meeting Portal.
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Being An Age-Friendly CityThe City of San Mateo has been designated as an Age-Friendly City by the World Health Organization for its commitment to being a welcoming community for people of all ages.
The World Health Organization established the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities to connect organizations worldwide with the common vision of making their community a great place to grow old in as a response to global population aging. It focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older people in community life and promotes healthy and active aging.
San Mateo received this distinction with the help of an Age-Friendly Community Task Force comprised of primarily older adults in the community. The task force, in collaboration with the Senior Commission, is committed to conducting a baseline assessment on the needs of older adults, establishing a 3-year action plan to address the identified needs, and developing tools to measure progress. Learn more about this in a news release.
San Mateo offers a variety of aging services through its Parks and Recreation Department and in collaboration with community partners. Learn more at www.cityofsanmateo.org/agingservices.
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San Mateo voters weighed in on a variety of important local elections during the November 3, 2020 election.
Thank You for Supporting City Services!Voters overwhelmingly approved Measure W, an increase to the City’s hotel tax that will support a variety of city services such as road repairs, emergency responses, enhancing parks, managing traffic, improving pedestrian safety, and much more. All funds raised by this 2% increase to the City’s hotel tax will stay local, and are only paid by those staying overnight at a hotel, motel or short-term rental.
Measure W will help support City services the community relies upon every day and help address the budget deficit that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on current data from the County Elections Office, nearly 75% of voters supported this vital measure!
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Serving on City Council - Papan & LeeThere were two seats open on the San Mateo City Council this election with three women running to represent their community. Council members Diane Papan and Amourence Lee will continue to serve San Mateo after coming in first and second in the race. Candidate Lisa Diaz Nash will continue to serve on the City's Library Board and stay active in the community. Learn more about your City Council and how you can participate in local municipal governance.
A Very Close Race – Measures Y & RThe County Elections Division is continuing to count ballots and some races have been too close to call. The competing measures Y and R would affect the San Mateo’s General Plan, specifically land use policies relating to building heights, densities and affordable housing. As of Wednesday, Nov. 11, about 54% voted against Measure R, according to the San Mateo County Elections Division. Measure Y was very close with 22,203 voting no and 22,129 voting yes – a difference of just 74 votes, according to the County. The next vote count update will be Friday, Nov. 13 at 4:30 p.m., then again on Monday and every few days until the election results are certified Dec. 3. |
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Holidays – How to Help Keep COVID AwayWe all want to enjoy the holidays, and this year doing so means taking precautions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our entire community from COVID-19. The Bay Area health officers have issued recommendations on how you can reduce your risk during the holidays – including limiting gatherings and avoiding non-essential travel.
The San Mateo County Health System is hosting a live Facebook virtual event where you can learn more from local health officials about these holiday safety recommendations. Tune in on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 11:30 a.m. at https://www.facebook.com/SMCHealth
Celebrate Without GatheringThe safest way to celebrate this holiday season is virtually or with members of your household. Gathering with people outside your household – even extended family – increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays with loved ones without gathering: Enjoy holiday traditions at home with your household Decorate your home and/or yard Share a virtual meal with family and friends Host online parties and/or contests Prepare meals using traditional recipes and deliver to family and neighbors Attend holiday movie nights at drive-in venues Visit holiday-themed outdoor art installations Participate in drive-by events where everyone stays in their vehicles
Stay Safe if You Do GatherIf you do participate in holiday gatherings, you can reduce your risk by keeping gatherings: Safe: Outside is safer; gather outside and follow safety guidelines Small: Limit gatherings to no more than 3 households Short: Limit gatherings to no more than 2 hours - Stable: Do not participate in multiple gatherings with many different households
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No-Cost COVID Testing San Mateo County offers no-cost, drive-through COVID-19 testing at the Event Center for adults & children age 5 and older.
Widespread testing plays a key role in the state’s criteria for loosening or tightening restrictions on certain activities and the economy. The County’s stated goals are to exceed the state median for testing, ensure equitable access to testing and invest in strategic community testing. Learn more about your testing options on the County’s COVID-19 testing web page.
Testing at San Mateo County Event Center (1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo)
Residential Rental Property Owner Grants The San Mateo County Small Property Owner Assistance program established to assist residential property owners impacted by COVID-19 has reduced some application requirements and extended the application deadline to Wednesday, Nov. 25.
While income and rental price remain priorities for grant making decisions, the
following requirements have been eliminated: See all program details and apply at www.smcstrong.org; inquiries can be made at PropertyOwnerGrants@smcgov.org.
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SMPD Offers New Community Police AcademyApplications are now open for our new SMPD Community Police Academy, a multi-week skill-building and educational program. The San Mateo Police Department believes in a collaborative approach to policing. Our community policing model is equal parts community and law enforcement, which is what keeps San Mateo safe, vibrant, and healthy.
The San Mateo Community Police Academy offers a transparent lens into the internal workings of your police department and how they relate to servicing our community as a whole. Join us for a memorable and rewarding experience to see behind the scenes of the police department, learn about the roles and responsibilities of our staff, and gain skills you can take back to your daily life.
Apply Online
This is an 11-week course open to those who live and/or work in San Mateo. You must be 18+ to apply and undergo a background investigation prior to the start. Session limited to 20 participants. Learn more and apply online.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: January 8, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Acceptance Notification: February 1, 2021
First Session: April 1, 2021 - Last Session: June 10, 2021
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Policing & Persons With DisabilitiesJoin us for Episode 7 of our Real Talk San Mateo series: Policing & Persons with Disabilities. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6-8 p.m., we will be hosting another panel discussion on this topic and how it affects our community members.
We want to know how our department can improve police contacts, communication and outreach to our community members with disabilities. We’ll hear from our officers regarding training and law enforcement response, those with disabilities, as well as advocates. This session is sure to be informational and educational for all. During our last hour, there will be time for Questions & Answers from those tuning in. If you are unable to tune in, you can email us your questions prior to the event, and we will try to incorporate them into the conversation or respond directly to you. Questions can be emailed to pdpio@cityofsanmateo.org.
This episode will be live on Zoom and will also be live streamed on our Facebook page, which allows for those tuning in to share it on their pages to additional interested parties. After the meeting, we will be posting the recording, to include Closed Captioning (CC), on our Police Department’s YouTube page for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Join Real Talk San Mateo on Zoom, Nov. 18 from 6-8 p.m.
Passcode: 155160
Telephone: 1(408)638-0968
Webinar ID: 852 3006 4579
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More In-Person Recreation ProgramsAs we move further into fall, now is the time to fall back into in-person programs! Check out all the wonderful in-person classes our Parks & Recreation Department is hosting.
Youth Classes Art: Create Mix & Mingle, Out of the Box Kids - See classes. Dance & Fitness: Boy’s Dance for ages 8-16 years - See classes. Sports: Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, & Cheer - See classes.
Adult Classes
Dance & Fitness: American Line Dancing, Zumba, WOD U-Jam, Tap & Yoga - See classes. Sports: Tennis at Beresford and Bayside/Joinville Park - See classes.
All classes will adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions. Register online now at sanmateorec.org or view our full Fall 2020 Activity Guide.
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Grade Separation Project to open 28th Avenue SoonWe’re about to reach a big milestone in our Grade Separation Project. 28th Avenue at El Camino is just a few weeks from opening to east-west vehicle, bike, and pedestrian traffic. This new connectivity in our City greatly improves the ability for our emergency vehicles to arrive quicker, and our traffic to flow easier.
Starting in mid-December, we’ll close 25th Avenue from S. Delaware to Palm Street for up to five months to improve that underpass – please watch for detour signs.
Last week, we added additional flashing pedestrian beacons at 28th Avenue and Paddock Way to provide greater visibility to pedestrians crossing the street at this location. Now each pedestrian crossing on 28th Street in Bay Meadows has an enhancement to improve pedestrian safety.
Thank you everyone for your continued patience and cooperation as we complete these major improvements to our City’s safety. Visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/25thGrade for the latest details.
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Be a Local Hero - Adopt a Drain Did you know it is already winter storm season? That’s right, soon our rains will come and it’s important that our storm drains are clear of all debris.
You can sign up now to join hundreds of San Mateo volunteers who have made their neighborhood a priority. Adopting a drain is easy:
1)Pick a drain from our ,
2)Sign up to Adopt the drain of your choice,
3)Clean your drain as often as you can.
It can be just you, or you can ask your friends and family to join in. Maybe each of you can adopt your own drains nearby? Your efforts will help keep your San Mateo neighborhood clean, our waterways free of debris, and our planet just a little bit nicer.
Visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/adoptadrain for full details.
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Clean Water Program's Underground Flow Equalization System Breaks Ground On Oct. 29, 2020, City Council joined department heads and Public Works leadership to celebrate the commencement of construction on the Clean Water Program’s Underground Flow Equalization System (UFES) inside the San Mateo County Event Center. The project is a key element of the success of our Clean Water Program and construction is set to begin in earnest later this month.
UFES consists of an underground 5.3 million gallon structure that will help eliminate sewer system overflows in San Mateo which occur primarily during heavy rains when excess water enters the sewer collection system and overwhelms its capacity. During these events, sewage flows out of the system onto the City’s streets.
Construction will be done in six phases until 2023, the phases are: site preparation, shoring installation, excavation, foundation micro-pile installation, concrete, and site finishing.
Residents can sign up for text alerts for construction updates and project newsletter at the project page: https://cleanwaterprogramsanmateo.org/ufes/.
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Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance AmendmentsWe’re working on eliminating sewer overflows, ensuring a healthy environment for all in San Mateo.
Starting Dec, 1, 2020, the updated amendments to our Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance will go into effect. The update means that any one of four actions could prompt a sewer lateral inspection: - Property sale
- $90k or more in renovations
- Sewer class change, ie: residential to commercial
- Sewer overflow
Once a sewer lateral is repaired, it’s good for five years. If it’s replaced, it’s good for 25 years. We’ll keep the inspection and status records on file at City Hall.
For details about the amendments to our sewer lateral ordinance, visit: www.cityofsanmateo.org/PSLO.
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