Mayor Eddie's Newsletter - September 5, 2025
Published on September 05, 2025
Hello South City Community,
I hope you all had a restful and meaningful Labor Day weekend. This holiday is more than just a long weekend, it’s a tribute to the workers, unions, small businesses, and essential industries that keep our communities strong. To everyone who contributes to the heartbeat of South City — thank you.
It’s finally warming up in South San Francisco, and it’s hard to believe we’re already in September! The year has flown by, but there’s still so much ahead, so many opportunities for us to come together, celebrate our diversity, and continue building a city where everyone belongs.
One of my favorite events community engagement events that is coming up is our Cafecito (Spanish for coffee) – held at local coffeeshops around the city with local leaders as special guests. I started this series of events as an opportunity to build community, engage in discussion about all things South City, AND enjoy a cup of coffee together. Join my next Cafecito with special guest, Councilmember James Coleman of District 4 at our very own, Royal Pin Donuts on El Camino Real. Come with your thoughts, questions, and ideas, and we look forward to seeing you there!
When: Saturday, September 13 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Royal Pin Donuts | 551 El Camino Real
RSVP: Here or call 650-877-8502
Lighting Sign Hill Tree Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Last week, I had the opportunity to open up a bittersweet event that’s become a South City tradition: the Sign Hill Tree lighting in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of our beloved resident, Juliana Peña.
According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, it's estimated that 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. It is the number one cause of death by disease among children. These statics are tragic, so until a cure is found, we’re here to light up hope and lift up our community members who need them most.
When you look at the tree on Sign Hill this month, please think of Juliana, and consider ways you can help raise awareness to end this disease so that one day, we’ll light this tree because childhood cancer has been overcome.
Save the Date: September 20!
September 20 is shaping up to be a busy day, but it’s also a great day to come out with the neighborhood. Start off by helping clean up the Bay with our annual Coastal Cleanup Day then celebrate your hard work with food, music, and drinks at Concert in the Park. Invite your friends and family to have some fun and make an impact on our beautiful city.
Public Art Updates
Community members are encouraged to view and provide feedback on art component concept proposals for two of the City’s capital projects. For more information on these capital projects visit www.ssf.net/ParkProjects. For more information about art opportunities, visit https://www.ssf.net/CulturalArts.
Fun Run Registration Now Open!
The 52nd annual South San Francisco Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Oyster Point Marina & Bay Trail. The run will begin at 9:00 a.m. Due to possible upcoming construction, staff are looking at course route options that will meet the 5K requirement. Registration begins on Monday, September 1, 2025. 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.ssf.net/rec-catalog.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come join me at upcoming events that bring our community to life. From cultural celebrations to neighborhood gatherings, there’s something for everyone.
Explore the full City Calendar at https://www.ssf.net/city-calendar and stay connected to all that’s happening!
Saturday, September 6, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Family History Series: Digitizing & Documenting Family History
Got old photos or family stories to preserve? Join genealogy expert Ron Chan for a hands-on workshop on turning memories into lasting digital treasures. Learn to scan and restore photos, organize digital keepsakes, use AI for storytelling, and create shareable family history projects. No tech experience needed—just curiosity and a love of family stories. Ideal for adults 19+, especially 55+.
Learn More
Saturday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Fiesta Patrias
Join Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana Morelos and the City of South San Francisco for this year’s Fiesta Patrias event - a FREE event for the entire community! Enjoy: Grito de Independencia, coronation, Ballet folklorico, Danza Azteca, Mariachi, Mexican snacks, and proclamation from the City. Questions: (650) 270-7271
Sunday, September 14, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Festa Italiana
Come “be Italian” for a day and join us for a day of fun at Orange Memorial Park! Have a chance to win salami with the salami toss, check out some amazing cultural displays, and enjoy delicious food and a kid’s zone!
Learn More
Thursday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: What’s Happening East of 101? A Biotech Speaker Series
The City of South San Francisco’s new What’s Happening East of 101? Speaker Series continues this fall with Genentech as the featured presenter. Join us on Thursday, September 18, 2025 (location to be announced) for an inside look at the groundbreaking biotech work happening right here in South City.
Stay tuned for more details and be sure to save the date!
Learn More
Did You Know About the Fixit Clinic?
Bring your broken gadgets, small appliances, or even textiles to the Library’s Makerspace and discover your Do It Together (DIT) community! At the Fixit Clinic, repair-inclined neighbors gather to troubleshoot, disassemble, and diagnose items, sharing knowledge and learning new skills along the way.
Wondering what’s wrong with your item, how it broke, or whether it’s repairable? That’s exactly what the Fixit Clinic is here to explore. (Please note: carry-in only, no oversize items.) Sewing machines are also available, so bring along fabric and textile items for potential mending.
Drop-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know in advance what you’re bringing by filling out this quick form: https://bit.ly/itemcheckin
Learn More
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Free Event: Local Food Actions for a Cooler Future
Join Sustainable San Mateo County for the launch of our 2025 Indicators Report: Local Food Actions for a Cooler Future. We’re calling on government leaders, school leaders and community advocates. Together we can create a healthier, more sustainable future.
Did you know? Food systems make up 34% of global emissions, and unlike energy or transportation, food-related emissions are still rising.
This event will explore:
- What’s driving local food system emissions
- Innovative solutions in food waste, food recovery & sustainable diets
- Practical actions YOU can take in your city, school or community to cut climate impacts
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
9–11 a.m.
Sobrato Center, 350 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City
Reserve your spot today!
Check out the Local Elks Lodge
The Elks Lodge has been a cornerstone of community service and fellowship for generations. From supporting veterans and youth programs to hosting social events and scholarships, our local Elks bring neighbors together while giving back. If you’re looking for a welcoming place to connect, volunteer, or just meet new friends, check out their calendar for several events that take place throughout the year!
Learn More
Mariposa Program
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