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We’re just about a week away from the end of daylight saving time on Nov. 6 and the next election (Nov. 8). But before all that, we’ve got some suggestions for making Halloween less scary on our roads plus these updates:
Halloween is almost here, let’s look out for one another
Starting this weekend with Halloween parties and continuing through Monday night, we are asking all Belmont residents to use extra care.
Plan ahead
• Help your kids choose costumes and shoes that do not restrict movement and can be easily seen in the dark. Use reflective fabric or tape,or bring along glow sticks to improve visibility.
• Use safe, non-toxic makeup rather than masks that can restrict vision.
• Talk to kids about good community behavior and the consequences of vandalism and other neighborhood pranks.
Drive safely
• Look out for more pedestrians than normal, including small children who might be more difficult to see.
• Slow down and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
• Be sure to enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.
Friday Evening, Oct. 28
Trunk or Treat Returns
Throw on a costume and head over to the Barrett Community Center basketball court tonight, Oct. 28, 2022, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., for some Halloween fun!
Our annual Trunk or Treat event is back this year with spooky decorated cars, Halloween music, and of course loads of candy!
This event is free and open to all ages! More information can be found here.
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Monday Afternoon, Oct. 31
City Hall Halloween
3 - 6 p.m.
We're ready for you, Belmont. City staff will be ready and waiting to greet Belmont residents and their visitors on Monday afternoon right here in City Hall.
We're counting the days until our first-ever City Hall Halloween -- open to all ages.
Come in costume (or not) and enjoy the one-of-a-kind, friendly, fun haunted hallways of City Hall.
Monday, Oct. 31 from 3 - 6 p.m. Free community event.
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 We invite your opinion of our top citywide priorities for a proposed community benefits program. Popular examples include sidewalk improvements, bike lanes, new parks, public parking, and the development of affordable housing. Tell us what you want to see in Belmont.
SMC Fire Department Promotions
Chief Thrasher Recognizes Multiple Fire Personal During Pinning Ceremony
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, SMC Fire Chief Kent Thrasher was pleased to announced the promotion of a Deputy Fire Chief, four Fire Captains, and other administrative staff along with new hires at the SMC Fire Department badge pinning ceremony held at Fire Station 28 in Foster City.
Numerous members of the department and local dignitaries, along with family and friends were in attendance at the badge pinning ceremony.
We wish them all the best of luck as they continue learning, achieving, and rising to the challenges of a career in the Fire Service.
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Vote Centers, Ballot Boxes Open for Registered Voters
Ballots and Voter Information Pamphlets for the Nov. 8, 2022 Statewide General Election have been mailed to all registered voters in San Mateo County.
Voters may visit vote centers located throughout the county to register to vote, vote in person, return a voted ballot or request a replacement ballot. San Mateo County has three vote centers open with more set to open on Oct. 29.
Completed ballots can also be dropped off at a ballot drop box location. The Remote Accessible Vote by Mail System is available for voters with disabilities.
A Four-Day Vote Center will be open in Belmont, Notre Dame de Namur University, Taube Center, 1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002
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Dates Open
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Business Hours
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Nov. 5 - 7,
2022
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9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Election Day,
Nov. 8, 2022
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7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Curbside Ballot Drop Box available on Election Day
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Community Service Awards 2022
We are so thrilled to recognize the amazing people in our community who are moving the needle to improve our quality of life. The City of Belmont’s Community Service Award is designed to recognize those residents.
Do you know a Belmont resident who has given significant service to the community, supported safety efforts, and fostered connections in their neighborhood?
What about an individual or group who has helped distinguish Belmont as a place for a variety of sports and cultural opportunities for all ages?
Nominate someone you know who is making a difference in Belmont for the 2022 Community Service Award.
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Community Service Nominees should exemplify one or more of the following:
Exceptional commitment to volunteerism by helping with a special project and/or ongoing activities;
Unselfish leadership, creativity, cooperation, and hard work in service to others;
Inspiration to others as a role model;
Exemplary leadership in civic activities.
Any individual whose volunteer efforts directly benefit the Belmont community is eligible. We will recognize our 2022 winners in December, submit your nominees today.
Recognizing Beauty in our Community
2022 Nominations Open
We have the most beautiful Peninsula city in the Bay Area and each year we strive to recognize members of our community who help us to look good.
The Beautiful Belmont Awards recognition program is designed to acknowledge individuals, businesses, and community groups who have enhanced the community by making significant exterior improvements to their Belmont properties. Do you have a nominee for 2022?
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Eligible improvements include the enhancement, upgrading, reconstruction, or replacement of a property, making it more visually appealing as well as enriching the surrounding neighborhood or district.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone, including the property owner. We hope to recognize 2022 winners in December, don't delay submitting your nominee.
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 Meeting Agendas
City Council:
Nov. 8, 2022
Planning Commission
Nov. 1, 2022
7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Nov. 2, 2022
7 p.m.
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Nov. 8, 2022 Municipal Election Information
The Nov. 8, 2022 Belmont Municipal Election includes a new Mayoral race and two councilmember races for District 1 and District 3. Election and voter information is available at www.belmont.gov/elections.
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Curative Covid Testing Closing
Next Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, will see the conclusion of Curative COVID testing at the Belmont Sports Complex, The company thanked all Belmont residents and said it was proud to serve the Belmont community.
COVID and Flu Vaccines Urged to Prevent 'Twindemic'
To prevent serious illness this fall and winter from both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, County Health recommends being up to date with COVID and flu vaccines.
Everyone five years and older can get the updated COVID booster shot at least two months from their original COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose.
Flu shots are available to everyone over the age of 6 months.
Bivalent boosters and flu shots are available from primary health care providers and retail pharmacies.
County Health’s community clinics also offer flu shots and COVID-19 boosters and primary series (first and second doses).
Appointments are available at MyTurn.
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On the Ballot: Measure K
Belmont City Council placed Measure K, a locally-controlled "hotel tax," on the ballot for voter consideration on Nov. 8, 2022. Measure K proposes a two percentage point adjustment to the transient occupancy tax, or "hotel tax" rate which guests pay when staying at hotels or lodging facilities in Belmont for less than 30 days.
Visit www.belmont.gov/MeasureK for more details.
A Fond Farewell
Public Goodbye Events for Representative Speier
As most of our residents already know, Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s time in Congress is coming to a close at the end of this year. To thank her constituents for their trust and support over almost 15 years in Congress and almost 40 years in elected office, she will hold a farewell town hall tour. Two are scheduled close to home:
Half Moon Bay Town Hall, Oct. 29, 2-3:30 p.m.
South San Francisco Town Hall, Nov. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
 Spooky Poetry at the Belmont Library
Join Belmont's poet laureate, Monica Korde, on Monday, Oct. 31st from 6pm - 7:30pm at the Belmont Library for a frightfully fun evening of creating and sharing original pieces of blackout poetry. All ages, skill levels, and of course costumes welcome!
This event is in person and by registration only. Find more information and sign up here.
Mental Health Symposium Returns
Evening of Nov. 16, 2022
What should you expect from the Belmont Police Department during a response to a mental health crisis? Join the conversation at our second annual Community Mental Health Symposium.
Click on the image below to add this event to your calendar.
 Holiday Craft Faire Returns
We are pleased to announce that the annual Holiday Craft Faire will return this year on Saturday, November 19th, from 10am - 4pm. Over 50 local artists will showcase their unique and amazing hand-made crafts. Vendors will be spread out through the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, the Twin Pines Lodge, and the Twin Pines Manor.
There is no entry fee for this event and it is open to all ages! More information.
Preschoolers Bring Halloween Joy
Earlier this week, the children of the Belmont Community Learning Center went on a walking field trip to Sunrise Senior Living in Belmont for a costume parade and Trick or Treating. The residents and the children had so much fun.
They wish everyone a happy Halloween!
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Smooth Road Ahead
Ralston Avenue Pavement Repairs Planned
Work Begins Tuesday, Nov. 1
Our Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments are collaborating to remedy the "natural speed bumps" in the #1 lane of east bound Ralston Avenue west of Alameda De Las Pulgas.
Two trees in the median have been slated for removal due to their poor health, and substantial contribution to the asphalt failure on Ralston Avenue. A certified arborist inspected and confirmed that these Stone Pine trees are at an increased risk of failure due to successive root pruning events, significant mechanical wounds, and poor general health.
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Work Schedule
Tree Removal - Nov. 1
Asphalt Repair - Nov. 2 - 3
Work Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LANE CLOSURES: Eastbound and Westbound Ralston Avenue # 1 lanes between Lyall Way and Merry Moppet Lane during our work hours.
The failing asphalt is caused by the shallow root growth of previously pruned roots in the median of Ralston Avenue, which have the potential to negatively impact travelers of that stretch of roadway. We thank our residents for their patience and cooperation during the upcoming road work.
Upcoming soon, the Parks Department will be planting four large native trees in a more suitable location in Belmont, either in a city park or open space to make up for the removals.
If you have any questions about the road work, please contact pworks@belmont.gov
Winter Storm Preparation
Seasonal Water Release 2022
Water Dog Lake Dam Gates to Open Nov. 1
Our Public Works maintenance staff will open the gates at water dog lake spillway on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022
The Department of Water Resources Division of Dams required the spillway gates to remain in the fully open position through April 1, 2023.
Water releases allow the rainwater to be released in a measured way due to rain events and are necessary during the rainy season to reduce possible flooding from the lake. Residents may notice higher than normal water levels in Belmont Creek during the first 24 hours once the gate is open.
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Help us Reduce Storm Risks
Limit the impacts of flooding
Your help in limiting our city's flood risk during winter storms is vital. Be proactive in preparing now for the winter season to help reduce the impacts of flooding.
Here are some tips on ways you can help minimize property damage:
Clear Leaves From Storm Drains
The changing of seasons from autumn to winter comes littering of tree leaves. We sweep residential streets every other week to remove leaves and debris.
Fallen leaves can make their way down to storm drains, where they gather and block inlets, and create localized flooding. Here are some ways you can help reduce the impact of localized flooding by following these simple steps:
• Move your vehicle from the street the night before your scheduled sweeping day.
• Do not blow yard debris into the roadway or gutter.
• Do not sweep leaves into piles taller than one foot.
• Place branches in the compost bin.
• Trim trees and vegetation back behind the curb, and be sure there is a vertical clearance of 14" over the roadway so the sweeper can clean to the gutter.
If you see a storm drain blocked/covered with leaves, or localized flooding is occurring due to blockage, rake the leaves away (if you are able) and notify Public Works at 650-595-7425.
Clean Property Valley Gutters
Valley gutters lie within a drainage easement, which are established on property plats to provide designated areas for surface run-off from private or public land to culverts and pipes, which empty into San Francisco Bay.
Over time, if they are neglected, storm water exiting broken or blocked gutters could erode these areas, causing instability, creating potential mudslides.
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Sandbags Filling Stations Open
Available at Three Locations
With heavy rains, storm drain lines may get inundated with water and cause minor flooding. Our Public Works maintenance crew set up three do-it-yourself sandbag filling locations to accommodate residents during the rainy season.
If you need sandbags to help redirect rainwater, or live in areas that regularly experience some flooding, you are strongly encouraged to pick up sandbags to prepare for possible flooding.
Residents may obtain up to 10 bags per Belmont address. Sandbag locations are supplied with sand, bags, and shovels for residents to fill their own bags 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Find the sandbag stations at the following locations:
City Hall - One Twin Pines Lane in rear parking lot
Belmont Corporation Yard - 110 Sem Lane
Barret Community Center (Ralston Avenue-side Parking Lot)
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Traffic Division Highlights This Week
Our Public Works Street and Traffic Division removed and replaced 15.5 tons of failed asphalt on the 1500 block of Vine Street this week. painted new traffic legends and applied new thermo plastic striping to north bound Old County Road just south of Ralston Avenue.
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Food Waste Compliance Check
Expect County Inspectors in Your Neighborhood
On Oct. 30 & 31, 2022, Belmont business and residents may see San Mateo County Office of Sustainability compliance officers checking their garbage and recycle bins for food scraps and yard waste. Please be courteous to them, they are not snooping through your old bills, rather, they are ensuring that recyclables are in the blue bin, only landfill waste is in the black bin (no organics PLEASE – no coffee grounds, no banana peels, etc), and that all organics are in the green bins only.
Why? In an effort to reduce organic waste and comply with new state laws, we have joined with San Mateo County’s 22 other jurisdictions to create one countywide edible food recovery program to help all affected businesses, organizations, homeowners and residents of Belmont meet their new mandatory requirements.
California Senate Bill 1383 is a first-of-its-kind climate protection action law that was approved in January 2022 and was created to reduce organic waste disposal and rescue at least 20 percent of disposed edible food for human consumption.
Read more here.
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Employers: Minimum Wage Updates
New Rules Effective in the New Year
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, all employers of employees who perform at least two (2) hours of work per week within the geographical boundary of Belmont must pay those employees minimum wages of not less than $16.75 per hour.
More information available at www.belmont.gov/minwage
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Did you know?
The City of Belmont's Planning Commission meets every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont. Sign up to receive meeting notifications and agendas.
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Paratransit Seeks Qualified Riders
Secret-Shopper Style Program
San Mateo County Paratransit Coordinating Council (PCC) represents Redi-Wheels and RediCoast riders. Its Consumer Corps is a secret-shopper program where customers provide anonymous feedback about their rides. The program collects data on service quality, telephone wait time, on-time performance, etc.
Earn FREE TICKETS on REDI-WHEELS & REDICOAST!
By completing and submitting at least eight ride evaluation forms in a quarter, Corps members receive one Redi-Wheels ticket book = 10 tickets. All forms and stamped envelopes supplied or complete evaluations online.
To join the Consumer Corps call (650) 299-1442 or email sanmateopcc2@gmail.com
To attend a meeting or join the PCC, visit sanmateopcc.org or call (650) 299-1442.
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