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Local News

Downtown San Mateo

Take Our Survey About Downtown San Mateo

We pride ourselves on having a vibrant downtown with an array of businesses and community amenities. Please take a few moments to complete our survey to let us know what you think about our downtown street closures and mix of businesses!

During the pandemic we created a temporary street closure on segments of B Street to promote outdoor dining and walkability. The City Council is considering continuing the street closure after the pandemic either seasonally or year-round.

We’re also considering options to help reduce commercial vacancies by evaluating adjustments to the types of businesses allowed to operate on ground-floor spaces in downtown. A longer-term effort to more fully evaluate downtown zoning will be part of the multi-year General Plan update process. Share your feedback on how we can keep downtown vibrant on our Speak Up San Mateo platform. The survey will be open until 8 p.m. Sunday, March 28. Your input will be shared with the City Council as they evaluate these two items later this year.


Strive San Mateo General Plan

It’s Time to Talk About Our Future!

We’re returning to the community for feedback on our Strive San Mateo General Plan update and starting the important process of updating plans for how to prepare for new housing for all income levels.

We’re hosting several virtual community meetings in late March and April to recap where we are in our General Plan update and kick off our Housing Element update. These two long-range planning documents will help guide decisions about housing, transportation, the environment, public safety, economic development and much more.

We need your input! Visit strivesanmateo.org to sign up and receive meeting links for one of the upcoming virtual workshops. The same information will be provided at each pair of virtual workshops below.

General Plan – Recap

Wednesday, March 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. RSVP on Zoom for link.
Saturday, March 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. RSVP on Zoom for link.


Housing Element – Introduction & Kick Off

Meeting links will be posted to Housing Element 2023 -2031 web page shortly.
Date TBD (March 30 or 31) from 6-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 3 from 10-11:30 a.m.

The Housing Element is a state-mandated plan that requires the City to show how we can accommodate thousands of new housing units, including affordable homes, over the coming years. Find answers to frequently asked questions and learn more on our new Housing Element 2023-2031 web page.  Sign up for the Housing Programs & Policy Updates email list.



Grocery store worker in a mask

Council Adopts Grocery & Pharmacy Worker Hazard Pay Ordinance

The City Council on March 1, 2021 adopted an emergency ordinance requiring employees of large grocery stores or pharmacies to be paid an additional $5 hourly wage due to the risks of COVID-19 exposure. The ordinance applies to businesses with at least 750 employees nationwide and that are grocery stores, drug stores, or retailers dedicating at least 10% of their space to grocery sales. Review the ordinance for more information. The emergency ordinance will be in effect for 90 days, and Council is in the process of adopting a regular ordinance that would last for several months longer. Check back on www.cityofsanmateo.org/coronavirus for more updates and information.

Sustainability & Infrastructure

Caltrain Grade Separation

New Grade Separation Now Open!

Have you seen our new grade separation near Bay Meadows?  The new East 28th Avenue underpass at the Caltrain tracks is now open and connects El Camino Real to South Delaware Street. The enhancement is part of the 25th Avenue Grade Separation Project, which is making great progress in our City and includes three new grade separated crossings and an updated Hillsdale Caltrain station.

East 25th Avenue is now temporarily closed to all eastbound traffic between Palm Avenue and South Delaware, while one westbound lane is open. Access to all businesses will be maintained. The closure will continue until mid-July or early August 2021.

If you’re traveling in the area, please remember to go slowly and watch for pedestrians and bikes. The area around the San Mateo County Event Center continues to be a traffic congestion zone while we work with various agencies to help get our population vaccinated. Visit our Event Center traffic web page for the latest updates. Thank you everyone for your continued patience and cooperation as we complete these major improvements to our City’s safety. 


Sustainability Commission opening

Are you interested in sustainability and infrastructure? Do you want to help influence your community? Then consider applying for an opening on the Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission. The City Council is seeking diversely skilled residents to apply for a partial term that ends June 10, 2023. The Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission advises the Council on policies and programs related to the environment, sustainability, transportation and infrastructure.  
The commission meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.


How to Apply                                              

The Boards and Commission Application can be completed online, mailed upon request by emailing clerk@cityofsanmateo.org or phoning (650) 522-7040.
Visit https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/CommissionVacancies to download the application and learn more about Becoming a Commissioner. 
Deadline to apply: Friday, March 19, 2021 at 5 p.m.        
Interview date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Applicant requirements:

  • Resident and a registered voter of the City of San Mateo
  • Are encouraged to attend a commission meeting before applying
  • If appointed, must attend commission meetings, a commissioner orientation session, and any training offered

Feedback Wanted on Countywide Bike & Pedestrian Plan

The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County wants your input on how to improve countywide bicycling and pedestrian access. The C/CAG’s draft Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is open for public review through March 10, 2021.

The plan will set detailed goals and objectives to provide an interconnected system of safe, convenient and universally accessible bicycle and pedestrian facilities, for both transportation and recreation. The update builds upon the 2011 plan to identify opportunities and resources to address the planning, design, funding, and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian projects of countywide significance. Visit www.bikewalkccag.com for more information and to provide input.

COVID-19 Updates

Vaccine info

Vaccination Rates Increasing 

Over 176,200 people in San Mateo County have received a vaccine as of March 7, 2021 and of those, about 75,270 have received their second dose - that's over 27% of residents 16 years and older. Everyone will have access to the COVID-19 vaccine for free when they’re eligible to receive it. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it’s our best opportunity to overcome the pandemic. Supplies remain limited, but progress is being made as more people receive the vaccine.

MyTurn - Begins Locally March 15

Starting March 15, the statewide MyTurn system will be used to schedule vaccination appointments in San Mateo County. Sign up for MyTurn today. 

As of February 22, the County expanded COVID-19 vaccinations to teachers and child care providers, first responders and food and agricultural workers who are eligible under the state’s Phase 1B as supply allows. Residents 65 and older, health care workers and long-term care residents are also eligible.

The next group of people expected to be eligible to receive vaccines are those with certain underlying health conditions starting March 15. Visit the County's vaccination web page for updates.

Questions & Equity

Don't have insurance? Are you a veteran? Do you have questions about how communities of color, low-income communities, older adults, and other at-risk populations will have access to the vaccine when it becomes available? Check out San Mateo County Health's Frequently Asked Questions.


COVID Testing

Free Testing for Youth & Adults

Safe, easy and no-cost testing is widely available at County-sponsored locations for everyone who works or lives in San Mateo County regardless of symptoms.
 
Appointments are available at sites at the College of San Mateo and in North Fair Oaks, San Bruno, Daly City, East Palo Alto and Half Moon Bay. Days and hours vary by location.
 
Learn about options and schedule an appointment.



Shop local

Our small businesses are struggling to survive the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every dollar spent locally at retailers, restaurants, and other small businesses in San Mateo will save businesses and keep people employed.

You can help keep our beloved San Mateo businesses afloat, bring a smile to someone's face with a gift and bring home dinner without the dishes all at the same time! 


Helping hands

Help & Resources are Available

The County has a wide variety of resources and programs to help all residents get through the pandemic, providing easy access to important and updated information in 53 different languages at www.smcgov.org or by calling 2-1-1.

We also maintain a list of resources for businesses and individuals at www.cityofsanmateo.org/coronavirus.

Library & Recreation Programs

Spring Activity Guide

2021 Spring Activity Guide

Hop into spring! Our Parks & Recreation team is excited to bring you over 20 new classes and programs this season. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, get a work out in, or just play, we’ve got a range of programs for youth and adults. Classes this spring include fitness, painting, horseback riding, meditation, soccer, basketball and more.

Visit our Spring 2021 Activity Guide. Registration is now open for residents, and will open Wednesday, March 10 at 9 a.m. for non-residents online at www.sanmateorec.org.



Library home delivery service

New Home Delivery Service from the Library

Do you enjoy books, audiobooks, music and movies, and need assistance in getting materials? Our San Mateo Public Library now offers home delivery! The service is available during the pandemic to San Mateo and Hillsborough residents of all ages with a temporary or long-term illness, injury, impairment, medical condition, or disability who are unable to visit the library. Visit our Library Home Delivery web page to learn more. 

Services & Resources

Our Comeback Depends on All of Us

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.


Emergency Immigrant Relief Fund 

Do you or someone you know need financial assistance but were unable to receive state or federal help due to immigration status? Apply now for the new San Mateo County Immigrant Relief Fund, which can help residents who are economically impacted by COVID-19 and not eligible for state or federal assistance due to their immigration status. Learn more and apply online on the Mission Asset Fund website or by contacting Legal Aid. 


Resources for Businesses
Great Plates Delivered

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, the County’s website, the State's COVID website or the Centers for Disease Control’s website. 

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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