Office of the City Clerk
The City Clerk serves as a steward of the democratic process and is a liaison between the City Council and members of the public. She is a partner in democracy, providing information and ensuring transparency. The City Clerk is an elected representative of the people and serves a four-year term. The City Clerk has legal responsibilities described in California Government Code Sections 40800, et seq., the Elections Code, and City ordinance.
Responsibilities
The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the following:
- Providing public information and responding to requests for public records information as required under California Public Records Act;
- Protecting the people's access to government by administering open meetings;
- Maintaining City records and administrating a citywide records management program;
- Managing the City Council's legislative agenda and documents;
- Preparing and maintaining the official legislative record and dissemination of approved legislative actions by the City Council;
- Ensuring compliance with the posting and publication of public notices, as required by law;
- Processing subpoena, summons, and appeals related to city matters;
- Maintaining the South San Francisco Municipal Code up to date;
- Administering Oaths of Office to City elected officials, employees, and appointed officials;
- Managing the City Clerk's departmental budget for Council approval;
- Serves as Department Head for the Office of the City Clerk, managing staff and day to day operations;
- Coordinating recruitment for the City's Boards and Commissions.
The City Clerk is responsible for the administration of all municipal elections by:
- Serving as Elections Official and issuing nomination papers to potential candidates;
- Serving as Filing Officer for Campaign Statements and Statements of Economic Interests as required by the Political Reform Act and administered by the Fair Political Practices Commission;
- Serving as Elections Official for the initiative and referendum process;
- Maintaining the City’s election history.
The City Clerk ensures all council actions comply with federal, state, and local statutes, including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act. Further, as Clerk of the Council and Successor Agency, the City Clerk maintains legislative materials for these legislative bodies. The Clerk serves as the archivist of City records and maintains custody of the City seal.
The United States Department of State Passport Services has designated the City of South San Francisco - Office of the City Clerk as an authorized Passport Acceptance Office.
Interpretation Services
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), members of the public requesting accessibility modifications or accommodations such as interpretation, sign language signers, or translation services may contact the City Clerk’s Office for these services.
Translation of written materials in Spanish, Tagalog, and Chinese (Cantonese) for community members that are not proficient in the English language are available upon request. To ensure the availability of services, members of the public must request assistance 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Members of the public can email the City Clerk’s office at All-CC@ssf.net to request these services. If email is not an option, you can call (650) 877-8518.
De conformidad con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA), los miembros del público que soliciten modificaciones de accesibilidad o adaptaciones, como interpretación, lenguaje de señas o servicios de traducción, pueden comunicarse con la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad.
Traducción de materiales escritos para miembros de la comunidad que no dominan el idioma inglés seran traducidos al español, tagalo y chino (cantonés) por solicitud. Para asegurar la disponibilidad de los servicios, miembros del público deben solicitar asistencia 72 horas antes de la reunión. Favor de enviar correo electrónico a la oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad All-CC@ssf.net o llamar al (650) 877-8518 para solicitar estos servicios.
Mission
The City Clerk serves as a steward of the democratic process and is a liaison between the City Council and members of the public. She is a partner in democracy, providing information and ensuring transparency enhancing the public’s trust in local government. The City Clerk’s office is committed to serving the needs of the citizens of our community in a neutral and ethical manner by providing equal access to open and transparent government. The City Clerk is an elected representative of the people and serves a four-year term with legal responsibilities described in California Government Code Sections 40800, et seq., the Elections Code, and City ordinance.
The City Clerk ensures all council actions comply with federal, state, and local statues, including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act. Further, as Clerk of the Council and Successor Agency, the City Clerk maintains legislative materials for these legislative bodies. The Clerk serves as the archivist of City records and maintains custody of the City seal. The City Clerk and staff strive to meet these duties efficiently, courteously, neutrally and in a manner that is above all else in the best interests of the residents of South San Francisco.
Department Head
Rosa Govea Acosta is a dedicated public servant with over 20 years of experience in local government, including city operations, strategic planning, project management, budgeting, personnel management, administration, records management, and community relations. She was elected into office in 2018, becoming the first Latina to serve as City Clerk and the second Hispanic representative for the City of South San Francisco. She serves as Director of the Office of the City Clerk and oversees all department administrative functions. She advocates equity and transparency in local government and works to ensure that the local democratic process is accessible to everyone. Before being elected to South San Francisco, she was the appointed City Clerk for the City of Pinole.
Her commitment to public service led her to run for office. In 2015, she broke longstanding barriers, becoming the first Latina ever to be elected to serve on the South San Francisco Unified School District's Board of Trustees. She served as a Board member, President, Vice President, and Clerk of the Board. She graduated from the California School Board Association's Masters in Governance.
Location and Hours
Location
City Hall
400 Grand Ave.
South San Francisco, CA
94080
View Map
Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed for lunch:
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Se Habla Español
Contact Us
Phone
Fax
(650) 829-6641
Email
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 711
South San Francisco, CA 94083