Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - January 31, 2025
Published on January 31, 2025
Hello South San Francisco Community,
As we conclude this week, I am reflecting and underscoring the message I shared with you all in last week’s edition, and that is that as your Mayor and Council, we continue to reaffirm the importance of supporting our immigrant communities and stand with them during this unexpected time. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusivity is within the fabric that makes our city so special and has always been something that characterizes and enriches our local communities and neighborhoods. You are not alone.
I know many may have more questions than answers about the headlines we’re reading, but I want to assure you the safety and well-being of all our communities is of the utmost importance to me and the City Council. Our South City public safety team stands firm that they will not collaborate with federal immigration enforcement authorities, as per California Attorney General legal direction. We are here and monitoring and aim to keep everyone informed. To that end, I have asked that our city co-sponsor and upcoming “Know Your Rights” “Conozca Sus Derechos!” at our Economic Advancement Center with JobTrain, to provide answers and resources to our Spanish-speaking community. Please see details below:
Immigration-Workshop-English.pdf(PDF, 756KB)
Immigration-Workshop-Spanish.pdf(PDF, 769KB)
In addition, if you cannot attend this event, please know that we will be assessing the need to hold additional sessions next month. However, I encourage you to visit this resource page, set up by the County’s Office of Community Affairs which includes a guide to the multitude of services available to all local residents, regardless of immigration status:
Additional “Know Your Rights” Community Workshops: These info sessions on immigration rights, legal resources, and services are being held throughout San Mateo County and are offered in English and Spanish. They are open to all residents, regardless of immigration status. For more information about upcoming workshops, call 650-363-4194 or email: immigrantservices@smcgov.org
Community Resources: Connect to resources like food and shelter, public benefits, educations resources, and the California Real ID.
Immigrant Resource Guide: Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, learn about food access, healthcare, housing and more.
Mental Health Resources: Resources to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Rapid Response Hotline: Find out how to prepare for or report immigration or ICE raids. Call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA)
Thank you for standing together, we are one South City! More information to come in the weeks ahead.
Congratulations, Mayor Eddie Flores and Councilmember Flor Nicolas
The City of South San Francisco is proud to announce the appointment of Mayor Eddie Flores and Councilmember Flor Nicolas to several prestigious National League of Cities’ committees. Mayor Eddie will serve on the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity, and Leadership Council (REAL Coalition), the University Communities Council, and the Community and Economic Development (CED) Federal Advocacy Committee. Councilmember Flor Nicolas serves on the 2025 Small Cities Council.
The Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Council provides guidance to leaders nationwide on efforts that address the impact of race and equity issues in their communities. The REAL Council applies a racial equity lens within cities and provides space for local elected officials to connect on building equitable communities.
The University Communities Council connects elected municipal officials from university communities and fosters partnerships between universities, colleges, and local governments. The University Communities Council shares creative solutions to unique challenges facing university communities.
The Community and Economic Development Committee is responsible for developing policy positions and leading advocacy on issues facing local governments nationally. Many of these issues include housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness.
The 2025 Small Cities Council connects municipal officials from cities with populations under 50,000 to share ideas, find solutions, and advocate for small cities, which make up 80% of NLC membership. The council serves as a resource, promotes small-city voices in NLC policies, and fosters networking among leaders of similar communities.
To learn more about the National League of Cities, please visit www.nlc.org.
Training South San Francisco Business Leaders to be Upstanders
Yesterday, the City of South San Francisco co-hosted “Go from Bystander To Upstander a seminar for business leaders against domestic violence and human trafficking. We are extremely appreciative to the South San Francisco Conference Center and all the organizations that collaborated with us and our police department to discuss these very important topics that DO impact our region, our county, our city. We appreciate San Mateo County Supervisor, Hon. Noelia Corzo (District 2) for having attended and provided the keynote. Together, let’s support one another and create a community where safety and dignity are non-negotiable for all. See something, say something:
Lunar New Year Celebration and Poet Laureate Recap
Saturday’s Lunar New Year Lion Dance performance at the Library I Parks and Recreation Center played to an overflow crowd in the Banquet Hall. I welcomed an enthusiastic audience of 400+ to enjoy the Lion Dance Me troupe’s traditional and exciting performance. Parents and kids lined up afterwards for fortune cookies and photo opportunities with the “lions” then continued with a children’s story time. Over 100 people stayed in the Banquet Hall for local author Charlotte Cheng’s reading of several of her Lunar New Year children’s books, followed by a Year of the Snake craft program. Thank you to all who made this year’s Lunar New Year celebration one for the books!
The celebration continued that evening, with California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, California Youth Poet Laureate and former SSF Youth Poet-in-Residence Chloe Chou, current SSF Youth Poet-in-Residence Andrada Tomisinet, former SSF Youth Poet-in-Residence Elizabeth Wong, and an inspiring solo jazz performance by the great SSF saxophonist Francis Wong. It was my pleasure to introduce this inspiring cultural, literary and musical community event.
Got a parking-related inquiry?
For any inquiries or to report parking-related issues, residents and visitors can contact LAZ Parking at 650-660-0512 or email SSFEnforcement@LAZparking.com during the office hours of:
Monday - Friday: 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
For instances requiring immediate attention after LAZ hours, parking violations may be reported directly to the Police Department at: 650-877-8900.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 3 at 3:30 p.m.: Black History Month - Reading Rainbow Joy
We will be creating "butterflies in the sky" as we celebrate the legacy of Reading Rainbow and LaVar Burton. Each participant will have the chance to decorate a butterfly.
Learn More
February 5 at 5:00 p.m.: Black History Month - Summer of Soul
In honor of Black History Month, join us for movie screenings that celebrate the diversity of Black film. This week we will be screening Summer of Soul 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 South San Francisco is getting a new Veteran's Memorial at Orange Memorial Park?
As part of the new Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center, the Veterans Memorial will feature a restored Eternal Flame, updated plaques, and a new illuminated flagpole. The City seeks to honor South San Francisco Veterans who died in service or from service-related exposure. Join us in honoring them by submitting the names of South San Francisco-based Veterans who died in the line of duty or from service-connected exposure. Complete the online form or visit the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center at 601 Grand Ave or the Library | Parks & Recreation Center at 901 Civic Campus Way, for paper forms. All submissions will be vetted by Veterans Affairs, and eligible names may be included on new plaques at the redesigned memorial.
Learn More
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Free Webinar! Unlocking ADUs: A Step-By-Step Guide
Thinking about building an ADU? Join the San Mateo County ADU Resource Center’s free webinar on Feb. 13, 6–7 PM. Learn from local experts and a recent homeowner about the construction process, tips for success, and avoiding pitfalls. Open to all—San Mateo County residents encouraged!
Register Here
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