Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - November 21, 2025

Published on November 21, 2025

Hello South City Community,

South San Francisco is stepping into the holiday season with energy and joy, and I couldn’t be more excited. Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Fun Run and our Family Photos with Santa event are just the start of a full month of celebrations that bring families, friends, and neighbors together. These moments remind us why South City is such a special place, where traditions old and new continue to shine because of the people who make up our community.

And we’re just getting started. More festivities will be added to our City Calendar in the days ahead, offering even more opportunities to gather and celebrate the season. I hope you’ll join us whenever you can. The holidays are a time to be present with one another, and to remember the strength we find in community. I look forward to seeing you at these events soon!

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.

Rainy Season Is Here — Be Storm Ready, South City!

As we enter the rainy season, the City of South San Francisco encourages all residents to take a few simple steps making sure your home and neighborhood are prepared for wet weather. Staying ready helps reduce flooding, protect property, and keep our community safe. Visit our Storm Preparation page for helpful guidance on preparing your home, maintaining proper drainage, clearing gutters, and more.

Free Sandbag Station for Residents

To support residents during storm season, the City provides free sandbag supplies to South City residents, with a limit of 10 per household. Supplies include sandbags, ties, shovels, and sand. All materials are available in the front parking lot of the Corporation Yard, located at 550 North Canal Street, South San Francisco, CA 94080. This self-serve station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week throughout the rainy season.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and thank you for helping keep South San Francisco resilient during winter weather! For any questions, please contact Public Works at (650) 877-8550.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In observance of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, South San Francisco offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. Normal operations will resume on Monday. On behalf of our City Council and City staff, let me be the first to wish everyone in South San Francisco a warm and restful Thanksgiving. May the holiday bring time to reflect and enjoy moments with loved ones.

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, November 22, 9:00 a.m.: Fun Run

The 52nd annual South San Francisco Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run will take place at the Oyster Point Marina & Bay Trail. The run will begin at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $10.00 for adults 18 years of age and up. $6.00 for ages 13 -17 years old. FREE for 12 and under. Participants will be awarded prizes for top finishers in each age group as well as entered into an opportunity drawing for prizes after the race. 

New this year, this event requires pre-registration by November 15, 2025. There will be no race day registration. Register at www.ssfca.gov/rec-catalog.

Saturday, November 22, 1:00 p.m.: Family Photos with Santa

Looking for a fun holiday photo idea? Bring your cameras and come take pictures with Santa in front of a real fire engine! Bring the whole family, including pets, and capture the perfect festive shot. This free event collects diaper donations to support local families in need. Join us Saturday, November 22, 1–3 p.m. at Station 61, 480 N Canal St.

Learn More

Monday, December 1, 6:30 p.m.: Bel Canto Flutes

Bel Canto Flutes is an adult all-flute ensemble featuring flutes of all shapes and sizes. The performance will feature familiar and new music spanning the ages and genres. Join us as we share our joy of music making.

Learn More

Saturday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Santa Comes to Town

SSF Parks and Recreation invites you to the annual Santa Comes to Town event! It will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall located at 400 Grand Avenue. Santa will be making his magical entrance aboard one of South San Francisco's fire engines. 

NEW this year, tickets will be handed out after Santa's arrival with designated time slots for families to return to see Santa. Explore the downtown neighborhood and enjoy holiday treats from local businesses while you wait for your visit with Santa. This event is free to the public. Please dress appropriately for waiting outdoors as this event is rain or shine.

To follow along on the latest updates for Santa's arrival, go to www.ssf.net/PandREvents, or click here for the flyer.

Did You Know South City Firefighters Are Collecting Diapers for Local Families?

South San Francisco firefighters are now helping families in need through a new partnership with the YMCA Community Resource Center. After the YMCA lost access to its low-cost diaper supplier last year, many parents were forced to stretch already limited budgets to cover this essential need, often more than $800 per year for a single baby. To help close the gap, IAFF Local 1507 secured a community grant from Genentech, allowing diaper donation bins to be placed at several fire stations and a Genentech daycare site. Donated diapers are collected daily by the City’s Fire Courier and routed to the YMCA for distribution to local families.

This effort reflects what makes South San Francisco special: neighbors stepping up to support one another when it matters most.

How You Can Help
Bring a package of new, unopened diapers to our upcoming Family Photos with Santa event and help lift up a local family this season. Join us for festive photos in front of a fire engine while supporting a cause that brings real relief to parents and young children.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Thinking about switching to an EV?

The #CleanCarsForAll program is here to help! Eligible Bay Area residents may qualify for up to $12,000 to replace their old vehicle with an EV, e-bike, or even a public transit card. Don’t miss out—apply today! www.baaqmd.gov/cleancarsforall

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.

Mayor Eddie
City of South San Francisco