Sign Hill is Going Red, White, and Blue

Published on May 28, 2026

As part of South San Francisco’s America 250 celebration, the City’s iconic Sign Hill letters will receive special temporary red, white, and blue paint this summer.

The patriotic display is being made possible through the generous support of Genentech as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebration and its longstanding connection to South San Francisco, the “Birthplace of Biotechnology.”

The concrete surfaces of the historic hillside letters will temporarily receive specially approved hued paint designed to enhance the visual effect while preserving the integrity of the landmark. The work will take place on Tuesday, June 2.

Because the South San Francisco Hillside Sign (“Sign Hill”) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the project required review and approval by the City’s Planning Commission through a Certificate of Alteration process. At its May 21, 2026 meeting, the Planning Commission approved the temporary work after determining that the treatment is reversible, considered routine maintenance, and would not materially impair the historic resource.

The project was also found to be exempt from additional environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a Class 31 Historic Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation activity.

The temporary painting of the letters is intended as a one-time commemorative installation tied specifically to America 250 and Genentech’s milestone anniversary. The City reminds the public that unauthorized painting or alteration of the Sign Hill letters is prohibited. More information about America 250 events and activities can be found at the City’s America 250 webpage.