Adaptive Signal Special Event
Traffic Efficiency a High Priority

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, City staff and Council members joined our partners at Bay Area Air Quality Management District and City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County to celebrate the implementation of the cutting-edge Adaptive Signal technology for traffic signals along Ralston Avenue.

Meeting at the Ralston Avenue and Hiller Street Plaza, the group celebrated the new technology with an unveiling of the signal box near the intersection.

Belmont is proud to be one of the first cities in San Mateo County to fully implement cutting-edge Adaptive Signal technology for traffic signals on our busiest corridor. We have few tools to combat peak-hour demand, largely driven by school pick up and drop off, and commuter traffic, but this is one of them and we are proud to now have it in place. Drivers may notice subtle changes but can rest assured that all signals in the corridor are optimized to reduce delay 24 hours a day.

Mayor Mates, in her address to the group, also thanked voters for passing Measure I which provided matching funds to the project. Public Works Director Peter Brown also welcomed Brian Sowers, Senior Vice President, Kimley-Horn who provided the technology for the new signals.

Belmont teamed with its partners on the $230,000 in grant funds from the Transportation Fund for Clean Air.

“We are committed to seeing traffic safety improved on the Peninsula and I’m so pleased to see real-time congestion mitigation happening right here at home, addressing traffic congestion and better mobility through the Ralston Corridor.” said Belmont Councilmember and City/County Association of Governments Chair Davina Hurt.

Adaptive signals take away the old method of pre-programmed signal timing/phasing and replaces it with a system that changes in real-time, reallocating green time, based on whichever direction of travel needs it most.

Holiday Craft Faire Wows
Crowds Welcome Event Back

On Saturday. Nov. 19, 2022, it seemed all of Belmont was at our annual Holiday Craft Faire which took place in our Senior Center, Lodge, and Manor this year. 

We had a steady stream of eager holiday shoppers all day long and plenty of holiday cheer was spread all around Twin Pines Park.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our vendors for sharing their beautiful crafts and goodies, the Lions Club and Belmont Senior Club for providing delicious food options, and our VOICES volunteers for working the kids fun zone.

We are already looking forward to next year's event and we thank all of our shoppers for joining us to support local artists and crafters. 

Preschool/Daycare Center Celebrates Holiday

This week, the Belmont Community Learning Center celebrated Thanksgiving in the classroom. Students dressed up, created themed art projects, and shared a Thanksgiving meal. Pictured here are kids in their holiday-themed costumes.

To learn more about our preschool and day care center, visit: Childcare.

Cipriani Dog Park Reminder 

Barrett Park off-leash dog hours end on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. For off-leash activity, please take your dog to Cipriani Dog Park.

Don't forget, Cipriani Dog Park is ONLY the fenced in area of the park and off-leash activity is ONLY permitted in the fenced in dog park. Dogs must remain on-leash when on the grass field or anywhere else in Cipriani Park. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Countywide Rain Barrel Program 

Take advantage of the rainy season with a rain barrel that can keep your gardens beautiful during drier months.

San Mateo County residents and business owners can purchase up to two high-quality 50-gallon barrels for $80 each, with rebates that could cover up to 100 percent for qualifying applicants. Get them while supplies last. 

Buying Season Begins Now
Shop small on Saturday, Nov. 26

Speaking of shopping, now is a great time to show your support for Belmont’s small business community on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26.

The much-anticipated, post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping tradition that brings together communities in support of their favorite small brick-and-mortar operations to help their communities thrive. It is called Small Business Saturday®

It’s the perfect day to try the latest treats at your favorite Belmont restaurant or bakery, or to pop into a local store to find a great gift.

Belmont is home to many small businesses who are continuing to navigate, retool and pivot from the uncertainty of the past few years. We are certain they appreciate all the support our community has to offer. Please join us in supporting our local small businesses.

Santa at the Firehouse and Toy Drive

You are invited to join us on Thursday, Dec. 8, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., for our annual Santa at the Firehouse and Toy Drive event. This event is completely free and open to all ages. Please bring at least one unwrapped toy for a child in need for entry.

COVID and Flu Vaccines Urged as Holiday Season Arrives

As we gather with our family and friends to share the traditions of the holidays, now more than ever County Health urges vaccination for flu and COVID-19.

Flu shots are available to everyone age six months and older. COVID-19 vaccines are available for those six months and older and boosters are available for those who are age five and older.

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.

Alameda de Las Pulgas Corridor
Project Update and Meetings Summary

Nov. 17, 2022, marked the second community workshop to preview the design of safety improvements for the Alameda de Las Pulgas Corridor Improvement project. Following the meeting, Staff provided this report on the status of the traffic project. 

Background

The project is an ongoing collaboration project between Belmont, San Carlos, Sequoia Union High School District, and San Carlos School District with the goal to address corridor safety, improve safe routes to school, and enhance bicycle, pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

The project provides additional amenities for a safe routes to schools to enhance and add bike lanes, new sidewalks and repave/restripe Alameda de Las Pulgas between Ralston Avenue and Cranfield Avenue, as well as drainage andintersection improvements for more efficient and safer operations.

Extensive public outreach occurred during the development of the “Four Corners Study” between 2014 and 2017 to assess traffic safety and operations on Alameda de Las Pulgas. During that period, preferred alternatives were developed and adopted by both Belmont and San Carlos City Councils. Recent public meetings have focused on re-sharing the project design with the community and seeking input on things like aesthetics, sidewalk placements, bike lanes and parking reconfigurations.

August Community Meeting

At the first design workshop in August, the project received generally positive feedback from the approximately 50 attendees. All in all, good discussion points and some suggestions for consideration were incorporated as the team moved from the 30 percent to 60 percent design phase.

November Community Meeting 

Belmont's Public Works again hosted the project’s second design workshop at Carlmont High School bringing an update on the plans to the 35 attendees. 

The second meeting was attended by some residents who were new to the project and questioned the value of roundabouts and the project purpose.

Project Status

City Council and the Public Works Department received valuable feedback and project questions from both concerned and supportive residents. The three mini-roundabouts will greatly enhance safety and reduce travel time in the corridor, and like all traffic pattern changes, will require awareness and adjustment while residents adapt to the change. 

The design phase is nearing completion and will be finalized in 2023.

Stay updated with the project status by visiting the website link below. A big thanks to everyone who was able to join any of the meetings and provided valued community input.

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.

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