The County Department of Emergency Management is asking for the public’s help in estimating the damage caused by recent storms in the unincorporated areas.

Completing this survey (also available in Spanish) will help determine if the County qualifies for state or federal disaster assistance from the storms that began New Years Eve 2022. Completing the survey does not guarantee the region or the property owner will be eligible to receive disaster assistance.

The survey is for property owners and renters as well as business owners. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

We have opened a good portion of our parks, with a few exceptions, just in time for weekend outdoor activities. Here's our current updates: 

Twin Pines Parks: Open, except for some areas. Closed is the rear of Twin Pines Park. Both sides of the bridge, near the Redwood Picnic area and the far end of the walking path/ Please continue to stay away from the creek. The ground is still very unstable.

Open Space trails: Closed. We will share more updates when they become available. We thank you for your cooperation and patience. Exception is Lake Road, which is open. 

We will continue to monitor safety in our parks in the coming weeks. We thank you for respecting our closures until it is safe to re-open. 

Where Does Change Begin?

Contestants are asked to reflect on their own personal experiences and role in addressing forms of injustice and consider what steps can be taken toward building a stronger community.

Original poems or essays should creatively respond to the above question in context with Dr. King's famous quote:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Excerpt from “Strength to Love,” 1963.

To learn more about submitting an entry, click on the button below. 

Thirty San Mateo County elementary schools from 12 school districts received a 2023 California Distinguished School Award from the California Department of Education for their progress in supporting student success.

The 2023 San Mateo County awardees will be recognized at a future San Mateo County Board of Education meeting. To view a list of all 2023 California Distinguished Schools, please visit the California Department of Education’s website.

Congratulations Belmont schools: 

• Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary, Central Elementary
• Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary, Fox Elementary
• Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary, Redwood Shores Elementary

Employers: Minimum Wage Update
New Rules In Effect January 2023

Effective 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

In today’s screen-dominated world, how often do parents truly get a chance to untether their kids from the internet and feel that special bond?

In 2020, the traditional fathers-daughters dance was rebranded the “Sweetheart Dance” and is now open to all children ages 5 to 12 and any adult guardian of their choice.

The event boasts a fun night of music and dance, including silly photos photo booth, heart-shaped crafts galore, a chocolate fountain, and Princess Tiana who brings her sing-along magic. Belmont’s very own Dream Dinners is providing appetizers.

Don't miss out. We're closing tickets next Friday, (Jan. 27, 2023), click the button below to make sure you're on the list. 

Adult Guardian tickets are $30 for Belmont residents or $35 for non-Belmont residents. Children attend for free. Need to add a sibling? Siblings are just $15.

Recreation Leaders - Join our team of Recreation Leaders for Camp SOAR this summer. If you are an energetic candidate, who has proven abilities to engage the youth and teen population and want to make a positive difference in their lives, this is the position for you.

Counselors in Training - Are you a teen aged 13-17 looking to gain experience working with youth and develop leadership skills in a fun camp environment?

Apply for Camp SOAR's Counselor in Training program.

Help us Reduce Storm Risks
Limit the impacts of flooding

Thank you to all of our residents for taking action to secure sandbags for your homes and businesses. Your patience while we replenished our supplies was appreciated. Your help in limiting our city's flood risk during winter storms is vital. 

We appreciated how proactive you were in preparing for the winter storms. You helped 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.