Sharing History Through Library Programs

Our Library staff are so creative thinking about new ways to engage community members of all ages. This year, our Library Children’s Division is offering a service-oriented program for 1st-3rd graders called “Maker Wednesdays: Pay It Forward.” This program explores different ways kids can uplift and give back to their environment and community.

February is Black History Month – an important time to learn and reflect. In January, the Children’s Division launched the first Pay It Forward session and program participants created hand drawn mini portraits of black heroes, bundled with an exciting fact about that hero’s life. These artistic creations were placed inside the pockets of a DIY advent calendar that was donated to the San Mateo Senior Center. Seniors will be able to uncover a different black hero each day during Black History Month and enjoy the delightfully adorable artwork of our littlest library members.

Next month, Maker Wednesdays: Pay It Forward is partnering with the local SPCA to make valentines for different animals in the shelter.  Learn more about our educational and enrichment programs at www.cityofsanmateo.org/library

Housing Element Study Session – City Council & Planning Commission

The City Council and Planning Commission will host a joint study session Monday, Feb. 7 to discuss our Housing Element update and long-range plans to prepare for future growth. The state requires cities to plan for future growth, and San Mateo must show it can accommodate thousands of new homes in the next 8 years as part of our share of the regional housing needs assessment.

The plan will include an overview of housing policies and programs as well as identify locations that can accommodate the future growth of housing. We’ve been collecting public feedback and the upcoming meeting is another opportunity to share your thoughts with city leaders. The meeting begins 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 and the Zoom link and staff report will be posted to the City’s Public Meeting Portal by Feb. 5.

Free Film Workshop for Students – Jan. 29

Students in grades 4-12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County are invited to learn tips on creating videos at a free Film Workshop offered on Zoom by students in the Burlingame Environmental Club (BEC) of Burlingame High School from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, via Zoom.

Sponsored by the Citizens Environmental Council (CEC), the workshop is intended for students who plan to enter environmental videos in the 5th Annual CEC Student Film Fest offered by CEC and BEC. Pre-registration is required at https://www.burlingamefilmfest.com/film-workshop. 

New Real-Time Parking Signs for Downtown Garages

We’ve just made finding a parking space easier and faster in our downtown garages! Use the new real-time occupancy signs to see where there are open parking spaces in our garages. Next time you’re downtown, look for the new signs near the entrance of our parking garages to help you quickly choose a floor with open parking. When you drive directly to that floor, you’re helping the planet by reducing your greenhouse gas emissions and keeping San Mateo healthy for all.

Coming Soon! EV Chargers in Main Street Garage

Electric vehicle charging in Downtown San Mateo is expanding! We’re installing 12 new electric vehicle level 2 chargers in the basement level of the Main Street Parking Garage that will be publicly accessible. Construction is starting this week and we expect them to be operational within a month. This infrastructure improvement is part of our ongoing efforts to make San Mateo more sustainable and help you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. 

Low-Income Parking Permits Available for Downtown

We have good news! Low-income parking permits are now available at all Downtown City parking garages. Monthly permit fee is $40 for qualifying individuals. Applicants who meet the low-income qualifications can apply for the parking permits online. Find details at www.cityofsanmateo.org/parking. 

New Fire Chief for San Mateo

Kent Thrasher, a trusted leader with more than 30 years of experience in the fire service profession, has been named of Chief of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department. Kent Thrasher previously served as interim fire chief and deputy chief before being appointed to the position. Fire Chief Thrasher will continue leading the agency serving San Mateo, Belmont and Foster City. Congratulations to Chief Thrasher! Learn more in a news release.  

New Year Safety Tips from SMPD

The start of a new year is a great time to take a few simple steps to protect your home. Here are few tips from the San Mateo Police Department:

• Replace porch lights and adjust security cameras for optimum coverage

• Clean up debris around your property and trim shrubs to prevent cover for people to hide

• Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street so public safety can find you faster in an emergency

• Don’t leave cardboard boxes in plain sight

• Never leave valuables inside cars parked outside, lock your vehicle and consider installing an anti-theft device to protect catalytic convertors

• Take inventory of your valuables including make, model, serial number and photo
• Always keep doors and windows locked at night and when you’re away

Free At-?Home COVID-19 Tests from the Federal Government

 
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-?home COVID-?19 tests. The tests are completely free and orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests online.
 
These tests are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR. They can be taken anywhere and give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required). Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.

As of Jan. 15, 2022, the federal government is also now requiring insurance providers to provide at-home-over-the-count COVID-19 tests or or offer reimbursement for most people Contact your insurance provider directly for details.
 
If you need to test now, find testing locations near you by visiting smcgov.org/testing.

Additional Helpful Links

• MyTurn, CDC Vaccine Locator

• Statewide Masking Requirements

• COVID Testing Resources