Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - January 17, 2025
Published on January 17, 2025
Hello South San Francisco Community,
Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles County. Like many of you, I have seen the tragic images on television and across social media and it feels surreal to talk about wildfires in January, but fire season is no longer just the summer months in California. I wanted to share with you all that South San Francisco immediately responded to a call for support. Both for the Palisades and Eaton Fires, the South San Francisco Fire Department (SSFFD) has sent eight of our own firefighters to help with the firefight and search and 
rescue operations. Battalion Chief Brian Metcho and Captain Brian Wisler are leading a team protecting homes in and around the city of Encino while Captain Travis Nuckolls is leading an engine that has been working in and around Pacific Palisades. The crews have been down in Los Angeles since last Wednesday, Jan. 8th when the fires first began and are expected to remain in the area through the end of this weekend. Additionally, we have two members of our SSFFD who are assisting as part of a federal urban search and rescue task force assigned to recovery in the affected areas. Please keep all of our firefighters in your thoughts, and prayers and we continue to hold those affected in our hearts.
If you feel led, I encourage you to support our Southern California neighbors through a credible organization. The Los Angeles Times recently compiled a list of organizations that are on the ground supporting the community, and I hope you’ll check them out.
Also, in the spirit of community, I invite you to join us for our first Cafecito with Mayor Eddie at Antigua Café at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow! I hope that you’ll join us to not only build community, but to also share your ideas with both me and City Manager Sharon Ranals. We look forward to seeing you there! Here are a few other happenings around our town:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. The holiday marks the birthday of Dr. King, who was born on January 15, 1929.
Dr. King was one of the nation’s strongest advocates for racial equality, nonviolent protest, and social justice. He led efforts to challenge racial segregation and discrimination, most notably through his leadership in the 1950s and 1960s, including his role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His efforts culminated in significant legal and societal changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
This holiday can be celebrated by reflecting on Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights, celebrating progress toward equality, and continuing efforts to address ongoing social justice issues. We should all be encouraged as individuals and communities to engage in service activities, as Dr. King emphasized the importance of giving back to others and making a positive difference in society.
One of these commemorative activities hosted by the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Foundation is the MLK2025 March happening in San Francisco along with a full day of festivities. For more information about this celebration, visit sfmlk.events. All of the day's events are free and open to the public.
The City of South San Francisco is proud to honor this important day. All offices, with the exception of our Police and Fire departments and Water Quality Control Plant, will be closed on Monday, January 20.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 21 at 4:00 p.m.: Wildfire Safety Webinar
The County of San Mateo is offering a free webinar to empower our residents with resources and steps they can take to be better prepared to face any emergency. Attend via Zoom here.
Celebrate Lunar New Year in South San Francisco
We’re excited to kick off the Year of the Snake with several events taking place around the City:
January 16 at 2:00 p.m.: Asian Art Museum: Year of the Snake
Lanterns and firecrackers, red envelopes and couplets, Chinese zodiac and auspicious food: learn about the fascinating and colorful traditions and symbolism that accompany the celebration of the Lunar New Year in various Asian cultures. Attend this program at the Library or register to watch at home via Zoom.
Learn More
January 18 at 10:30 a.m.: Lunar New Year Storytime with Oliver Chin
Join us at the Library for a special Lunar New Year Storytime featuring local author Oliver Chin! He'll be reading The Year of the Snake from his series Tales from the Chinese Zodiac.
Learn More
January 25 at 10:30 a.m.: Lunar New Year Celebration 2025
Join us to celebrate Lunar New Year! This year's special guests include a lion dance performance by LionDanceME and storytime by Charlotte Cheng, author of Roar-Choo!, Night Market Rescue and BoBo’s Colorful Chinese New Year! The storytime will be followed by a meet and greet along with art activities. Stay for a year of the snake craft making in the Community Room.
Learn More
February 7 at 4:00 p.m.: Lunar New Year Night Market
With the support of Genentech and the National League of Cities, Mayor Eddie and the City Council are excited to invite you to South City’s first ever Night Market complete with cultural performances, mouth-watering food, and unique vendors offering one-of-a-kind treasures.
Learn More
Did You Know About our City Calendar?
There are always various events taking place around the city – so much so, that we can’t fit them all here. This is why we encourage you to check out the City Calendar on our website. Visit ssf.net, scroll down to Events, and tap “View More Events” to see everything coming up.
Stay informed with other City communications! Sign up to receive newsletters from the Library and Parks & Recreation, or get notifications about the Shuttle, construction, and Police bulletins by signing up on the City website.
Please take care of yourself, and each other!
Mayor Eddie
City of South San Francisco