UPDATE FROM THE MAYOR October 16, 2020

Today our iconic Sign Hill caught fire, threatening nearby homes, burning the western side of the hill, and sending flames and smoke shooting up into the air. Our Fire Department responded very quickly to the fast moving fire, along with fire crews from Colma, Daly City, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, and CalFire. Our Police Department also responded, evacuating residents from homes near the fire, aided by police from neighboring cities. Their combined efforts contained the fire without injury to people or serious damage to property. Thank you to our well trained and brave firefighters for fighting this fire, and for our police and other emergency responders for keeping our neighbors safe.

You never know when emergencies will occur. To keep up to date, follow the City on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, and MyNabes. I encourage you to also sign up for SMC Alert to receive immediate notifications of any emergency near you.

COVID-19 Makes This Halloween Truly Scary! Halloween is only two weeks away and is a favorite holiday celebrated by many. The high risk of COVID-19, however, dictates we celebrate differently this year. Trick-or-treating is highly discouraged, as are gatherings or parties celebrating Halloween or Día de los Muertos. Instead, take advantage of the safer options sponsored by the City, such as the Day of the Dead Craft Activity, the Halloween Virtual Costume Contest, and the Great-Jack-O-Lantern Hunt. Read below for more information on these fun and safe Halloween and Día de los Muertos activities.

San Mateo County remains in the "Red" Tier of the Governor's COVID-19 plan, meaning many restrictions still apply. We anticipate being in this tier for at least another week. If our COVID-19 cases decrease the County could go to the "Orange" Tier allowing even more activities. However, if our COVID-19 cases increase, the State could put us back into total lockdown again. Do your part by staying safe! To learn more about symptoms and testing, visit https://www.smcgov.org/testing. And More information on the State guidance can be found by clicking here.

As of October 15, 2020, there are 10,687 reported COVID-19 cases with 157 deaths in San Mateo County. In South San Francisco, there are 1,135 positive cases. The county is sharing data daily on the cases, which can be found here. Visit San Mateo County's All Together Better website here to explore local data on a broad range of topics, such as demographic information, health outcomes and important resources in our County.

The City of South San Francisco has a dedicated website, www.ssf.net/Coronavirus, which is updated daily with new information and resources. We can also be reached via email at [email protected] or we're just a phone call away, (650) 877-8502. Day of the Dead Craft Activity Día de los Muertos is a joyful cultural tradition that honors the life of deceased family members and friends through elaborate skull make-up and costume of traditional characters. We will distribute DIY mask kits at upcoming Parks and Recreation events including Park to Park, Movie Night and Senior Services Program. The template and instructions are also available to download on the Cultural Arts Commission webpage at www.ssf.net/culturalarts.

Halloween Virtual Costume Contest Get into the Halloween spirit - safely! The City is sponsoring a virtual Halloween costume contest. All South San Francisco residents are eligible to enter and top winners will receive a prize. Photos will be shared on the City's social media accounts. Whether your costume is spooky, silly, or creative, put it out there! The deadline to enter the contest is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. For more information and details on how to submit a picture visit www.ssf.net/rec or call (650) 829-3800.

The Great-Jack-O-Lantern Hunt All of South San Francisco is encouraged to join in the great jack-o-lantern hunt! Create and display jack-o-lantern pumpkins around your house or apartment for neighbors to see. Carve a pumpkin, decorate with sidewalk chalk, or use the template provided by the Parks and Recreation Department to create these festive pumpkins. When walking around your neighborhood count to see how many jack-o-lanterns you can find!

3 Days Left to Register to Vote in November 3rd Election! The last day to register to vote for the November 3rd Presidential Election is October 19th. Register today! The County Elections Office has already started mailing out ballots to registered voters. Make sure you're all set to vote:

Register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov Or update your current voter registration information by re-registering, also at www.registertovote.ca.gov

Firefighter Deployment Update We are excited to have Captain Metcho and Firefighter Foreman back after their long deployment to the August Complex Fire. Thanks for protecting the public, and for professionally representing South San Francisco. Welcome back!

Fire season is not over. This week SSF Captain Brian Wisler deployed to the Creek Fire in Fresno County. This is the same fire one of our engine crews responded to in early September and it has become the largest single fire in State history. We wish Captain Wisler a safe and productive deployment.

COVID-19 Testing San Mateo County's free COVID-19 testing is available without restriction to anyone, although appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, visit the Verily/Project Baseline, San Mateo County's free testing provider, at https://bit.ly/2xk73OL If you don't have access to the internet, there may be a volunteer on site who can assist you. The following mobile sites are available also:

Half Moon Bay Oct. 19 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Our Lady of the Pillar 565 Kelly Avenue San Bruno Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 975 Sneath Lane North Fair Oaks Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) - Stanford Parking Lot 2685 Bay Road Testing is available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the San Mateo County Event Center (1346 Saratoga Drive) at no-cost and available to anyone over 18. To make an appointment, visit Project Baseline. Stanford Medicine offers testing options for both Stanford patients and the public. First responders and essential workers are given priority for testing and results delivery, regardless whether the individual is a Stanford patient. Visit Stanford Medicine's page for more information.

Find valuable testing information at: https://www.smcgov.org/covid-19-testing

Great Plates Program Continues through Nov. 7

Funding for Great Plates Delivered San Mateo County is extended through Nov. 7, 2020.The program provides three free meals a day to older adults in San Mateo County who are at heightened risk due to COVID-19 and are unable to obtain or prepare meals on their own while sheltering in place during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more at https://www.smchealth.org/post/great-plates-delivered- faqs

Small Property Owner Assistance Program - Apply by October 28th

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has dedicated $2 million to a grant program for small-scale residential rental property owners in the County who are impacted by COVID-19. Visit SMCStrong.org to learn more about program eligibility, required documentation, and application process. Information is available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese. The application period is open for two weeks, and is not first come, first served. All complete applications received during the two-week application period will be reviewed and considered.

Save the Date! - Shape SSF General Plan Meeting

It's time to review the draft Preferred Land Use Alternatives for the South San Francisco General Plan Update! Where should housing go? Where should retail be built? This new, 20-year plan will guide South San Francisco into the future. Please save the following dates for your opportunity to learn more and comment on the plan:

Communitywide Workshop - October 20, 2020 - 6-8 p.m. Join the meeting at http://bit.ly/shapeSSF-LandUse Planning Commission Meeting - October 22, 2020 - 7 p.m. City Council Meeting - November 18, 2020 - 6 p.m.

Shape SSF is an update to the City's General Plan. The General Plan is a blueprint to guide policy and development over the next 20 years. It has an impact on every aspect of our community, including safety, parks, transportation, and housing. Come meet with us to talk about land use and mobility alternatives for the city. Learn more about the General Plan Update at ShapeSSF.com

Restaurant Video Series

To help our small and locally owned businesses in South San Francisco, the City has created a restaurant video series highlighting some restaurants around South San Francisco. Restaurant owners discuss the "must tries" at their restaurants, how the pandemic has affected their business, and everything in between. The newest video highlights Grand Palace on 359 Grand Avenue. Check out the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S42DJeeoDLk&t=4s

Get a Flu Shot! It is critically important for everyone age six months and older to get the flu vaccine this year! There is a drive-thru free flu shot event hosted by Lions Club International District 4-C4. All dates listed below are from 10am-4pm at the Samaritan House Parking Lot, 4031 Pacific Blvd., San Mateo, 94403. To register for an appointment, please visit www.gihw.org call (415)-713-3479 or email Angelita Mostasisa at [email protected]

Saturdays: October 17 & 24 Sundays: October 18, & 25 Saturdays: November 14 & 21 Sundays: November 8, 15, & 29

For more from County Health about the flu vaccine, visit https://www.smchealth.org/health-officer-updates/september-21-2020-health- officer-statement

School's Distance Learning Meal Programs - Extended to 12/18/2020 Residents needing social service assistance during COVID-19 may call 2-1-1 for information about a wide variety of resources in the community. One program is the School's Distance Learning Meal Program to ensure children don't go hungry. Food assistance is available for children 18 and under at many locations throughout the county. The distance learning meals are provided by school districts and other community organizations and children must be enrolled in the district to receive meals. Meals are served "grab and go" style to ensure social distancing. To find a location near you and the hours of service, text 876-876 or visit https://www.shfb.org/summermeals/

More food assistance information is at https://www.smcgov.org/food

Don't Miss the 1st Virtual Art Gallery Exhibit

The South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission presents the first virtual art gallery exhibit, celebrating the cultural traditions of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), from Monday, October 26 through Sunday, November 22. The online gallery features images of 2D and 3D art and crafts inspired by this annual event. Online gallery admission is free. Online exhibit location will be available at www.ssf.net/culturalarts.

What is so important about public art?

Please tell us what you think by taking our Public Art Survey! The purpose of the Cultural Arts Commission is to encourage and promote cultural arts activities within the community and to act as an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to the arts and cultural affairs. Its mission is to support, promote and protect community interest and diversity in art, culture and creative expression. Your feedback will provide important information that will help inform the Commission's work moving forward.

Take the survey -- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSFArt2020

47th Annual Thanksgiving Fun Run (Virtual) November 14 - 22, 2020, Location at Participant's choice Cost: $5 ages 13 and up. $15 for a t-shirt. Kids 12 and under are free. This year's 47th annual Thanksgiving Fun Run will take place virtually this year between November 14 to 22. You have one week to run or walk the 5k, and can do it multiple times if desired. Registered participants can track their time using any app or device (MapMyRun, Apple Health, Samsung Health, Garmin, FitBit, or any other device/mobile app). Prizes will be awarded to the top participants in each age group and everyone will receive a ribbon for participating. More details will be available at www.ssf.net/rec.

Orange Park Tennis Court Reservation Program Continues Through October We continue to offer all the opportunity to reserve tennis courts at Orange Park between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. through the end of October.

Park to Park Recreation Program The Park to Park program operates at various parks throughout the community and supplies outdoor games and sport equipment for families to enjoy a day of activities outdoors. The program has been extended and will run through the end of October from 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Parks that are included in the weekly schedule include: Orange Park, Avalon Park, Alta Loma Park, Westborough Park, Paradise Valley, and Irish Town Green. Recreation staff will be offering many different types of sporting activities such as badminton, volleyball, soccer, corn hole, kite flying, and many other exciting games and activities for families to enjoy.

Apply to be on the Measure W Citizens' Oversight Committee Are you interested in having an impact on good government in transportation? The San Mateo County Transit District is seeking applications for a Measure W Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Committee will review tax spending from Measure W to make sure the spending is consistent with the law. Applications are available at www.samtrans.com/coc. The deadline to apply is October 30, 2020.

Stay strong South San Francisco! We will all get through by working together to defeat COVID-19. Staying home, frequent hand washing and physical distancing are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Stay healthy!

Sincerely,

Richard Garbarino Mayor

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