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Local News

Central Park Music Series

Central Park Music Series Returns!

We’re incredibly excited to announce our beloved Central Park Music Series is returning this summer! This year we’ll have five events and we’re it off with the first concert on Sunday, July 4th.

Join us throughout the summer for live bands and sunshine in our beautiful Central Park in Downtown San Mateo! The band lineup and event details will be released later this month. Please visit the Central Park Music Series web page for more information.

Central Park Music Series Dates & Times

  • Sunday, July 4 from noon to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 15 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 22 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 29 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 5 from 6-8 p.m.

Pride Flag

Celebrating Pride 

The City of San Mateo honors the history of the LGBTQ liberation movement and supports the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination. We’re proud to fly the pride flag at City Hall throughout June to commemorate Pride Month. The City Council has also proclaimed June 2021 as Pride Month in the City of San Mateo. 

Don’t miss the live virtual grand celebration of the San Mateo County Pride Initiative’s Pride Week – this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! This year’s theme is “As Diverse as the Universe.” Learn more at www.smcpridecelebration.com. Visit the San Mateo County Pride Initiative web page for more information and a list of local resources. 


Planning Commission

Last Call! - Apply to Serve on Planning Commission 

Ever wonder how new buildings in San Mateo are approved? Get involved by applying to serve on the City's Planning Commission!

This Commission was established in 1921 and operates as an advisory board to the Council. Commissioners also review a variety of planning and building related applications, as well as the General Plan. One seat is open on the commission and REMEMBER: this Friday, June 11 is the deadline to apply!


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 www.cityofsanmateo.org/commissionvacancies to download the application and learn more about Becoming a Commissioner.

Deadline: June 11, 2021 at 5 p.m.
Interview Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Applicant Requirements
• Resident and a registered voter of the City of San Mateo
• Meeting attendance required
• If appointed, must attend a commissioner orientation session and any training offered
• Are encouraged to attend a meeting of the Board/Commission for which they are applying


Workshops on ADUs

Accessory Dwelling Units – How to Build in San Mateo

We’re looking at updating our current regulations on how to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and need your input! How would you like to see the development of "in-law" or "second units" in your community? Join an upcoming virtual workshop to learn about recent changes to state legislation, how it impacts you and share your thoughts on how you would like to see this type of development in your community.


Community Workshops:

  • Thursday, June 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. Register on Zoom.
  • Saturday, June 26 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register on Zoom.


Visit our ADU/JADU web page to learn more. 

COVID-19 Updates

California Moves Toward Reopening

As of Tuesday, June 15, 2021, many COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted as the State retires the Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework. San Mateo County’s health officials plan to continue aligning with State requirements. Visit the State’s COVID-19 website for the latest information.


Changes as of June 15

  • Capacity and social distancing restrictions will be lifted for most businesses

  • The state will align with the CDC’s face covering guidelines

    • Fully-vaccinated people will no longer be required to wear face coverings in most circumstances

    • Unvaccinated people will still be required to wear face coverings in most indoor public settings

    • *Note: businesses may still decide to require face coverings and/or physical distancing

  • New rules for “mega events” like large concerts


Reflecting on Where We've Been

As we move into this new phase of the pandemic, we reflect on where we’ve been as a community over the last 15 months. While many are eager to return to a sense of normal, we cannot lose sight of the lessons we’ve learned and how aware we’ve become of our interconnectedness.

We have all been affected by COVID-19 in some way. Many people have experienced significant financial and personal hardships, and our hearts go out to the families who’ve lost loved ones. Many challenges remain, and we will continue to work together toward an equitable recovery. If you or someone you know needs any kind of assistance, please visit the County’s COVID-19 web page for a list of numerous resources.  


San Mateo City Hall

Reopening Plans for the City of San Mateo Facilities

We’ve been working hard to prepare to more fully welcome the public back to our facilities in a safe and equitable manner. Please note: face coverings will still be required for visitors while inside in City facilities.

Visit our City Reopening Plan web page for ongoing updates. You can access many services remotely on our Online Remote Applications and Services web page.

City Hall will fully reopen to the public June 15. Visitors will still be required to wear face coverings when inside City Hall.

Council Meetings will continue to be held remotely, however we are working to establish a hybrid model where the public will be able to participate either in person or remotely for future meetings.

Parks & Recreation: The Beresford and King recreation centers will reopen to the public on June 15. The Senior Center will reopen to registered patrons beginning in early July. Visitors must continue to wear face coverings when inside the facilities. We will also be reopening the Joinville pool for limited recreational swim this summer! Visit our Parks & Recreation COVID-19 FAQ web page for more information.

Libraries: All of our City of San Mateo library branches have been reopened to the public. Visitors must continue to wear a face covering while inside the libraries. Visit our Library COVID-19 FAQ web page for more information. 


Vaccine Clinic

How to Get Vaccinated in San Mateo

Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine? There are multiple opportunities for you to get a vaccine for free in the City of San Mateo! All San Mateo County vaccination sites are now on the state’s vaccine scheduling system MyTurn.

You can also receive a vaccine through local health care providers and pharmacies. Visit the County's vaccine web page for more information.


Landlord and Tenant Rental Assistance

Rental Assistance for Tenants & Landlords

The State’s COVID-19 eviction protections under Senate Bill 91 are currently expected to expire July 1, 2021 – but eligible renters can receive help paying back rent owed! Visit the Housing is Key website or call 833-430-2122 for more information.

IF YOU'RE AN INCOME-ELIGIBLE RENTER who needs help paying past due and future rent and/or past due utilities, you can receive financial assistance from the State. Eligible renters can also receive help paying future rent, equal to 25% of their monthly amount to help them stay in their homes, and 100% of up to 12 months of unpaid or future utility bills. For free help filling out the application, please call Samaritan House at 650-347-3648.

IF YOU’RE A LANDLORD WITH INCOME-ELIGIBLE TENANTS, you can receive 80% of unpaid rent from April 2020 to March 2021, if you waive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent.


PG&E – Get Help Paying Past Due Bills

PG&E customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 can receive help paying past-due bills. June 30, 2021 is currently the anticipated end-date for the moratorium on shutoffs for non-payment. PG&E is prepared to help customers, however a customer must initiate contact. Visit PG&E’s COVID-19 financial assistance web page for more information and how to apply. 

Parks & Recreation Updates

Central Park Playground Renovation

Central Park Playground Renovation

Help us redesign and improve the playground at Central Park! You can participate in person or online! We’re hosting an in-person pop-up workshop at the playground on Tuesday, June 22 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Come learn about the project and provide your input on two design alternatives.

We also hosted a virtual workshop on June 3, during which staff and consultants presented the design alternatives. You can still participate by taking our online survey by Friday June 25. (The survey is best taken after reviewing the June 3 meeting materials.) Visit the Central Park Playground Renovation web page to learn more!


Parks Survey

What Do You Think About Our Parks?

We value your opinion and would like to know how we can improve our parks! Please help by taking a few minutes to answer our survey at www.bit.ly/parksurvey2021.

Our department maintains 30 parks in the City of San Mateo, so responses from surveys like these help us collect information from the community so we can improve the parks you care about most!


Summer Activity Guide

Join Our Summer Activities

We’re thrilled to offer another season of in-person activities! Keep yourself and your children busy this summer with swim lessons, art programs, technology classes, fitness classes and other great programs from our Parks and Recreation Department. Many programs start next week so sign-up now to secure a spot! See our 2021 Summer Activity Guide for more information!


Protected trees

New Rules for Protecting Trees

Did you know certain trees are protected in San Mateo? Our new Protected Trees Ordinance makes it easier for the public to understand what types of trees are protected in San Mateo and what types of trees can be planted as replacements for trees removed with a valid permit.

The new ordinance and permitting process takes effect July 1, 2021 and will replace older rules. Visit our Protected Trees Ordinance web page for more information.


Transportation & Public Works Updates

Virtual Meeting on Bicycle Improvements at 28th Ave

Join the Conversation – Bicycle Access on New E. 28th Avenue Segment

Interested in learning more about bicycle access on E. 28th Avenue between El Camino Real and S. Delaware Street? Join Public Works and Caltrain project planners to discuss bike improvements to our City’s newest road as we work toward the completion of the 25th Grade Separation Project. Feedback from the community helps us to achieve our goals. The meeting is June 30, 2021 at 6 p.m. Register at: www.bit.ly/BikesJune30. 


Virtual Meeting on Clean Water Program

We’re Making Construction Progress

Could you ever have imagined we’d be this far along in our upgraded wastewater treatment plant construction project on Detroit Drive? If you’ve been watching the live feed on the construction site, you know how far we’ve come.

We have completed the first phase of more than 1,600 piles, and we move on to the next phase of slightly louder piles next month. The good news, it’s only less than 400 to go.  

Join us, Tuesday, June 15 at 6 p.m. for a virtual community meeting to learn about the construction activities, including upcoming pile driving for our Plant improvements.  The presentation starts at 6 p.m. followed by a virtual live Q&A, where residents can have their questions answered by City staff and our construction team. The meeting is June 15 at 6 p.m. Register at: www.bit.ly/WWTP2021. 


County shoreline

Downtown Parking: Park by License Plate, Pay by Credit Card 

We have new parking meters in downtown and you can now pay by credit card, cash or coin! Our community has been asking for updated parking meters so you can now pay by credit card throughout downtown.

TAKE NOTE: At the new pay stations, you will be required to enter your license plate number instead of a parking space number. Here’s a Tip: Snap a picture of your license on your phone for easy access. Or write it down and tuck it behind your driver’s license. Visit our web page for more details about our downtown parking pay station. 

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.

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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