Happy Halloween!

From all of us at the City of San Mateo, we hope you have a safe, fun & spectacularly spooky Halloween weekend!


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Housing Updates
Transit & Public Works Updates
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Local News

San Mateo Together

San Mateo Together: Film and Dialogue on Race and Inclusivity

What can each of us do to help make San Mateo more inclusive? How can we stand together against racism? Join the City of San Mateo and Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center for an interactive discussion as part of the 2021 United Against Hate Week.

Thursday, Nov. 18 from 6:30-8 p.m.
RSVP to join on Zoom

United Against Hate week runs Nov. 14-20, 2021. Visit our DEI web page to learn more about our work to support diversity, equity and inclusion. You can also pick up your own San Mateo Stands United Against Hate poster at City Hall!


District Election Map

What District Are You in?

Thank you to everyone who helped create our very first district elections map as part of our Represent San Mateo initiative! After a robust community outreach initiative, the City Council selected Map 3b as the final map for how the City will be divided into five districts for future elections. Council will discuss election sequencing (which districts will vote in 2022 and which will vote in 2024) and vote on an ordinance adopting the map during a public hearing beginning 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. View the agenda to join the meeting.

Starting in November 2022, voters in three districts will elect just one Council member who lives in their district, and the remaining two districts will vote in 2024. Future council members must live in the district they seek to represent – this means your neighbor could be your future representative! Learn more and explore the map at www.cityofsanmateo.org/districtelections


Council Campaign Finance - Discussion on Regulations

The City is committed to transparency, especially when it comes to local elections. The City Council has been considering options to update campaign finance regulations and on Monday, Nov. 1 will discuss amending local regulations. 

The first change would be to start counting “in-kind” donations as contributions. This includes services or goods that are provided to a candidate at no charge or at a discounted rate. The second change would count certain contributions together for purposes of the contribution limit, such as contributions by an individual and by an organization they control.  The campaign contribution limit itself, which is currently caped at $500 from individuals and $1,000 from organizations, is proposed to remain as is.

The discussion and a proposed ordinance will be presented during the Nov. 1 City Council meeting that begins at 7 p.m. Visit the Public Meeting portal for more information and instructions on how to join the meeting.


County Redistricting Graphic

County Supervisorial Redistricting

Have you heard that the San Mateo County Supervisor District Lines are currently being redrawn? This will influence who represents you and the City of San Mateo at the County level!

There’s still time to share your thoughts on draft maps (one of which includes splitting the City of San Mateo across two supervisor districts.) The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 28 on Zoom. Visit https://smcdistrictlines.org for more information. 

Parks & Library Activities

Outdoor ice rink at Central Park

Ice Rink Returns to Central Park

We’re welcoming back the Central Park ice rink starting Nov. 13, 2021! San Mateo On Ice will start working next week to transform the baseball field into an outdoor seasonal rink through Jan. 9, 2022 at 50 E. Fifth Ave. Once completed, the rink will be open daily and this year, San Mateo On Ice and sponsors are offering four free community skate days Nov. 16, Dec. 1, Dec. 7 and Dec. 15.

Mark your calendars and join our Parks & Recreation team for Winter Wonderland from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4. Stay tuned and check back on our Winter Wonderland page for more details. We’re excited to bring you family-friendly festivities this holiday season! 


Library Board Opening

Library Board Members Wanted

Love our San Mateo City libraries? Apply to serve on the Library Board! Two positions are currently open to registered voters who want to help influence how our San Mateo Library serves the community. Learn more & apply by Friday Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.  Apply to Serve on the Library Board!


Housing Policies & Programs

Housing Element

What Can We Do About the High Cost of Housing?

Did you know the City is required to plan for thousands of new homes in the coming years? We want to hear your ideas about how we can help promote housing that is more affordable and a great place to live.

Take a quick survey or sign up for an upcoming workshop on Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. We’re updating our Housing Element and want your input on policies and programs that can help support the community. 


ADU Housing Webinar

Get Help Building an ADU Webinar

Ever been interested in building a second unit/ADU? Learn about the process, rules and free resources for your second unit project! Join City of San Mateo staff and our partners on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. for a free educational webinar for homeowners. Register: https://tinyurl.com/Oct28ADU



Home repair loan program

Minor Home Repair & Rehabilitation Loan Programs

The City of San Mateo funds multiple home repair programs at no cost to low-income residents! Improve the health and safety of your home, increase energy and water conservation, or add accessibility modifications at no cost to you.

In addition to free minor home repairs, deferred payment loans are available at 3% for up to $60k for larger scale rehabilitation. Upgrades to plumbing, electricity, roofing, drainage, dry rot, and more are available to qualified applicants through the rehabilitation loan program. Maximum household limits apply. Visit our home repair web page for more information.


Transit & Public Works Updates

Sand Bags

Free Sandbags

Our sandbag stations are open for all residents. Locations: Anchor Road Sand Station at 2037 E 3rd Ave., and our Public Works Corp Yard at 1949 Pacific Blvd. Both locations have a steady supply of sand and are open 24/7. Learn more about flood preparedness.

What a Storm!

Who thinks about stormwater infrastructure? Public Works does and now that we all experienced Sunday’s storm together, we hope more residents do, too. Learn more about our Clean Creeks and Flood Protection Initiative by visiting: www.cityofsanmateo.org/stormwater. 


SamTrans bus

Possible Bus Route Changes in San Mateo 

SamTrans is coming to our City Council meeting on Nov. 1 to give an update on proposed changes to the bus routes serving our San Mateo community. SamTrans is currently asking the public about proposed bus routes and there’s still time to give your feedback! 

Public Comment deadline is Nov. 8 – learn more at: reimaginesamtrans.com or call 1-800- 660-4287
To join the Nov. 1 City Council meeting, visit our Public Meeting portal for the link and agenda.


San Mateo Walks to Transit Survey

Tell Us How You Get to Transit

Do you walk? Do you take transit? We want to hear how we can improve your walk to and from our Caltrain stations and bus stops.

Visit San Mateo Walks Transit to share ideas, take the survey, and get updates on the San Mateo Walks to Transit project. You still have time to help us make getting to transit centers safer. Deadline for feedback on our San Mateo Walks to Transit study closes Oct. 31! 


Sustainability Corner

SunShares Solar Discount program

Solar Discounts

Now is the time to choose clean energy! Sign up before Nov. 30 to receive a 15% discount on solar installations and a 10% discount on home battery storage from Bay Area SunShares, in partnership with pre-vetted solar installers. The discount program is open to all Bay Area residents – but hurry, this is a limited-time program! 

Join the Bay Area SunShares Informational Webinar on November 8 at 5:30 p.m. to learn about discount programs!


Rain barrel discount program

Rain Barrel Rebates

Flows To Bay in partnership with Rain Water Solutions, is offering San Mateo County residents and businesses a unique, but limited-time opportunity to purchase up to two high-quality, 50-gallon rain barrels for $80 each.

Qualifying applicants can also apply for the countywide rebate, which can cover up to 100 percent of the per-barrel price (pre-tax). These savings help make rain barrels affordable and accessible to everyone in the county. Visit Flows to Bay’s website for more information. Rain barrels can be purchased through Oct. 31, 2021 and picked up on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Supplies are limited, so don’t delay.


Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Program

Landscaping? Go Electric!

Do you hire landscapers? Encourage them to sign up for our new Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program! The program offers a rebate for residents and commercial landscapers and gardeners.

Residents can receive a rebate up to 50% of the purchase price of an electric leaf blower, maximum $100 rebate, and commercial landscapers and gardeners can receive a rebate of up to 75% of the purchase price of an electric leaf blower, maximum $500 rebate. Please visit our web page for eligibility, terms and conditions and how to apply.


Services & Resources

ADA Compliance Webinar for Businesses
Courtyard area outside the senior center

San Mateo Senior Center – Services & Free Membership

Did you know that you can sign up to become a member of the San Mateo Senior Center? Membership is free and everyone is welcome! The Senior Center, located at 2645 Alameda de las Pulgas, serves as the entry point to many services and activities of interest for older adults in San Mateo including meals, rides, social activities, technology and exercise.

Members can receive quarterly newsletters and email updates. Right now, when there are frequent changes due to the COVID-19, it is especially useful to have a “direct line” to up-to-date information.
You can become a member by:

  • Stopping by the Senior Center front desk Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm to fill out an application or

  • Visit our Aging Services web page to sign up online or print an application form to mail in or drop off at the Senior Center

If you have any questions or prefer to speak to someone, please call the Senior Center at 650-522-7490.
You can also check out their latest fall newsletter. 
This information is brought to you by the City of San Mateo Age-Friendly Task Force.  


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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