Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - December 5, 2025

Published on December 05, 2025

Hello South City Community,

As we close out together my mayoral year, I want to take a moment to thank YOU, our cherished South San Francisco community for your continued support and partnership. Serving as your mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the countless ways our residents, volunteers, businesses, and City staff have shown up in many ways for one another every single day.

As I look back on the past year, I’m struck by what truly sets South City apart. Our achievements —- expanding affordable housing, increasing safety in our neighborhoods, and celebrating the first ever outdoor culture festival in the history of South City, Cultura Fest, to name a few. These were not the result of any single effort. They are the outcome of shared responsibility, of neighbors standing shoulder to shoulder, and of a collective belief that South San Francisco thrives when we move forward together. This spirit of unity is what makes our community exceptional.

Next Tuesday, at our annual City Council reorganization ceremony, we will welcome a new mayor and vice mayor as they are sworn in to lead us into 2026, as well as celebrate the retirement of our City Manager, Sharon Ranals. I hope you’ll join us, whether in person or by tuning in from our City website or YouTube, to support our incoming leadership and to celebrate the continuity of service that keeps our city strong. I am happy to pass on the gavel and proud of the amazing leadership that continues to exist within each of my colleagues on our City Council. I will share more at Tuesday’s special meeting during my outgoing remarks.

But for now, Thank You. Muchas gracias for the privilege of serving you as your mayor this year. De todo corazon, from the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your families a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season, and I look forward to all we will continue to build together. May God continue to bless our beautiful city of South San Francisco. 

Santa is Coming to Town!

Here are two great ways for families to connect with Santa this season. First, join us for Santa Comes to Town on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall. This year, we’re introducing a new ticketing system to help reduce wait times: after Santa arrives on a South San Francisco Fire engine at 10:00 a.m., families can pick up a return-time ticket on a first-come, first-served basis and come back at their assigned time for their photo. This event is completely free.

And while you’re waiting for your time with Santa, stop by the Elves’ Winter Market on December 6 from 11:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m. at the Economic Advancement Center at 366 Grand Avenue! Shop local and discover unique gifts from a variety of retail vendors, perfect for the holiday season. Contact North-SMC@rencenter.org for more info!

If you prefer to send your holiday wishes by mail, you can also drop off a Letter to Santa in the mailbox outside City Hall through Wednesday, December 17. Be sure to include your full name and home mailing address so Santa and his elves can write back. For questions, contact katie.donner@ssfca.gov or (650) 829-4601.

Donate to Santa’s Workshop

The Youth Enrichment Services (YES) team is preparing for its Santa’s Workshop which is held every year for children attending the REAL After School Programs at Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools. You’re invited to donate new or unused items to serve as holiday gifts for children and their family members. This grant-funded program is free for families at Title 1 schools.

Santa’s Workshop allows children to select gifts for family members in their household and have them wrapped by Santa’s helpers at no cost. Donations can be dropped off at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building, 781 Tennis Drive at Orange Memorial Park, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. until December 12.  Thank you in advance or your continued support of the children in our programs. Contact Kimberly Morrison at Kimberly.morrison@ssfca.gov with questions.

New Podcast Episode

In the latest episode of the City of South San Francisco Podcast, Assistant City Manager and host Rich Lee sits down with Nelmarie Vilaró Caro and Monique Wright Gory from the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC) to explore the organization’s core services, from mediation and restorative practices to community-building programs. PCRC has long been a trusted regional partner in helping neighbors navigate conflict, strengthen communication, and engage more fully in civic life. Get informed and stay connected—listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcast, or watch it on YouTube, and be sure to subscribe for future updates.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Come join me at upcoming events that bring our community to life. From educational events to neighborhood gatherings, there’s something for everyone.

Explore the full City Calendar at www.ssfca.gov/city-calendar and stay connected to all that’s happening!

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.: IPP Wreath Making

Create a gorgeous natural holiday wreath with fresh materials to help fundraise for the Improving Public Places group, so not only will you learn the technique and leave with a beautiful wreathe, but you will contribute to civic beautification. Join us at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building at 781 Tennis Drive, and bring your own ornaments and accents to add to the beauty and sentiment.

Take Home Kits Still Available:
Wreath kits will once again be made available this year for those DIY crafters who already know how to make a wreath and prefer to construct their masterpiece at home. Host your own wreath-making holiday party at home with family and friends by purchasing a kit for each person!

Register at www.ssfca.gov/rec-catalog.

Saturday, December 13, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Santa's Shaky Workshop: The Science of Earthquakes with Amgen

Learn about earthquakes with Amgen scientists! Activities will include making an elf tower, experiencing an earthquake shake station, and building mini gingerbread houses (while supplies last).

Learn More

Saturday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: STEAM Career Panel

Learn about careers in Science Technology Engineering and Math from representatives of Genentech, California Academy of Sciences, and UC Davis. Recommended for middle/high school students and older. This event is a collaboration between the South San Francisco Youth Commission and South Francisco Public Library.

Learn More

Did you know that South San Francisco has among the lowest urban tree canopy in all of San Mateo County?

Rise South City is partnering with the City of South San Francisco to grow the urban forest of South San Francisco! YOU can help us grow our urban tree canopy by getting a free tree! The Parks and Recreation Department and Rise South City are giving away free trees to residents to plant in their front yards to help bolster the urban forest and combat climate change. For more information visit: www.risesouthcity.org or www.ssfca.gov/trees

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Cross Off Your Gift List at the Plymire-Schwarz House Gift Shop!

South San Francisco’s very own Plymire-Schwarz House and Gift Shop will be open with extended Saturday hours: Saturday, November 29 through Saturday, December 20 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Holiday sparkle has arrived! Our Boutique is restocked with beautiful treasures you won’t want to miss. The House is looking festive and bright for the season – come and take in the magic. Watch this reel for a preview of what you can expect when you visit this beautiful historical home.

Remember, you can read this entire newsletter fully in Spanish or Tagalog, or any other language via our website, by tapping on the top right corner of the website (for most, the default language will appear as English (United States)). Choose your preferred language in the menu.

Please take care of yourself, and each other. Happy Holidays South City!

Mayor Eddie
City of South San Francisco