Celebrate Black History Month

Local Jefferson Award Winner Honored

She may have won the prestigious Jefferson Award in 2022, but it was just this month that Carolyn Hoskins was celebrated and could finally collect her trophy. 

Locally, Carolyn is beloved for her dedication to protecting the legacy and history of African-Americans, and her Jefferson Award was recognition for her devotion to educating the community about the diversity of Black heritage here and across the nation. 

Congratulations Carolyn! To learn more about the local Jefferson Awards, visit https://sanfrancisco.multiplyinggood.org/KPIXJeffersonAwards.

Museum Closes Soon
Don't Miss Out

Take the opportunity while you still have it this month to enjoy the incredible display of American history at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center. 

The pop-up museum, curated by Belmont's very own Carolyn Hoskins, is open now only through Feb. 28 at 890 Jefferson Ave, in Redwood City.  The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from Noon-5 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 12-64, $5 for those under 12 or 65+. 

Click the link below for more information. 

Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County are pleased to announce that starting March 3, 2023, the SM 101 Express Lanes from Whipple Avenue in Redwood City to I-380 in South San Francisco will be open to all FasTrak® Flex users.

The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project was a multi-year, multi-agency effort initiated to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling and transit use on U.S. 101 in San Mateo County. With over $53 million in funding from our private sector partners, this is one of the largest public/private infrastructure partnerships in the history of the region.

The Project created 22 miles of Express Lanes on U.S. 101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to I-380 in South San Francisco. The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes seamlessly connect to the Express Lanes in Santa Clara County.

The Project’s goals were to:

• Reduce congestion in the corridor
• Increase person throughput (the number of people moved)
• Encourage carpooling and transit use
• Improve travel time and reliability for Express Lane users
• Use modern technology to manage traffic
• Upgrade pavement and lane striping

Electric Home Upgrade Rebates & Zero Percent Loan

Program Details
Peninsula Clean Energy is providing homeowners in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos interest-free financing and new rebates to install electric water heaters and heating and A/C equipment.

Zero Percent Loan program
This new program will provide interest-free financing of as much as $10,000 per home for projects that include installation of electric heat pump equipment, including water heaters and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units.

The loans will range from two to 10 years and be repaid on monthly electric bills. They do not require a credit check but do require the customer to have a zero past-due balance on their previous three PG&E billing statements.

New rebates for HVAC equipment
Residents can get a $3,500 rebate for installing an electric heat pump HVAC system. If an electrical panel upgrade is required, they may get up to $1,500 to assist with that cost.

Expanded rebate for heat pump water heaters
Heat pump water heater rebates are increased to $3,000. If an electrical panel upgrade is required, they may get up to $1,500 to assist with that cost.

You may also qualify for a BayREN rebate of $1,000 (requires working with a BayREN contractor).

Residents who participate in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs qualify for an added $1,000 rebate.

Storm Recovery Resources
County Center Closes March 14

San Mateo County is hosting a Disaster Recovery Center for individuals impacted by the early winter storms. 

The center is at the Event Center in San Mateo through March 14, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and President’s Day. 

Services including FEMA disaster relief registration, DMV assistance, and crisis counseling will be available to name only a few of the many federal, state and local services that will be available. 

The San Mateo Event Center is located at 1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide state of emergency on Jan. 4, 2023, related to a series of atmospheric river systems bringing high winds, substantial precipitation, and river and urban flooding.

The Declaration authorized the mobilization of the California National Guard and directed Caltrans to request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program. The Governor also activated the State Operations Center to its highest level. 

Federal assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs for individuals and business owners. Funding for emergency work is also available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain nonprofits. 

Residents and business owners can begin applying for FEMA assistance at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Deadline to apply is March 16, 2023. 

For help with SBA disaster loan applications, residents and business owners can contact their local Small Business Center or call 800-659-2955. The SBA will also be opening Local Assistance Centers in all primary counties.

HIP Housing Is In Our Community
Register Today

Human Investment Project Housing (HIP Housing) is a non-profit organization based in San Mateo County that specializes in affordable and creative housing solutions.

Each year, HIP Housing helps 1,400 people find housing or keep their homes through its Home Sharing, Self Sufficiency, and Property Development Programs.

To apply, please complete its HIP Housing Volunteer application. 

For more information, contact Laura Fanucchi lfanucchi@hiphousing.org or (650) 348 6660.

Cast Your Vote for Feature Films
Movies in the Parks Returns

This year, we are hitting the (local) road again to bring movies to your neighborhood. Please take a 30-second survey to help select our movie lineup.

We look around at the things that happen - earthquakes in Turkey and in Humboldt County, flooding, landslides, wildfires, power outages.  What, if anything, can we do to minimize the stress and upheaval these events cause?  

CERT is a national program that empowers regular residents with training in emergency preparedness, how to help family and neighbors in a disaster, fire suppression, light search and rescue, disaster first aid, and how to effectively assist professional responders.  

Our SMC Fire CERT Program is made up of people just like you, who have gone through this free training, and volunteer to be at the ready for their family and community.

Our next CERT Training begins on March 7.  It is free, but space is limited.  Details and registration info can be found at: 

CALKIDS Virtual Town Hall
Register Soon - Event is Tuesday

The San Mateo County Office of Education is holding a virtual town hall with State Treasurer Fiona Ma on the CalKids program on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. 

CalKIDS provides newborns with up to $100, and eligible public-school students identified as low-income, foster youth, or experiencing homelessness may receive up to $1,500 in a CalKIDS account for higher education and career training.

Naloxone Toolkit
Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities Opioid Addiction Resources

Open Space Trail Closures Continue

For safety reasons, until further notice, the City has closed the following open space trails for repairs:

• Chapparal Trail: Between John Brooks and Elevator
• Rambler Trail: Between John Brooks and Finch

When visiting open spaces, please avoid wet trail sections and use all trails at your own risk as recent weather events have changed trail conditions. Thank you for your cooperation!

Belmont Talks
Your Spring/Summer Vegetable Garden

On Thursday, March 9, Master Gardener Jonathan Propp will discuss all your organic gardening needs for the coming months! Free presentation offered as part of the "Belmont Talks" series at the Belmont library or on Zoom.

Can't attend? View ALL past talks here or sign up for the local Master Gardener Newsletter for more gardening tips.

Shamrock Scavenger Hunt (Ages 9-14)

Lucky the Leprechaun's pot of gold has gone missing at Barrett Community Center, and he needs your help finding it! Join us on St. Patrick's Day for a scavenger hunt filled with minute to win it games, trivia, puzzles and prizes! 

Scam Prevention & Awareness Seminar

Join Cassie Villar with Adult Protective Services for an in-person discussion about scams that target older and dependent adults.

This seminar will examine the ins and outs of senior and dependent adult scams, as well as explaining the most common scams. It will also offer real-world advice on preventing and reporting scams. Event is free. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
10:30 a.m.
RSVP to 650-595-7444

NDNU Tennis Court Update

Unfortunately, due to recent storm related damages, NDNU has closed their tennis courts indefinitely. They will not be available to reserve until further notice. We will provide an update once available. The Alexander and Hallmark Park tennis courts remain open for reservation.

You can reserve here. 

Mark Your Calendars
Shred Event in April

Holi: Festival of Colors
Belmont Library Celebration

Welcome the beginning of spring with the Hindu Festival of Colors, Holi!

Come throw gulal (powdered paint) and make a beautiful mess of colors with your friends

You may want to bring a towel or extra clothes! 

This outdoor event IS weather dependent and could be canceled due to rain. Check the forecast before you venture out. 

Saturday, March 4, 2023
3 - 4 p.m.
Belmont Library
1110 Alameda de las Pulgas
Belmont CA 94002

Overall, the City of Belmont is doing well implementing Senate Bill 1383 initiatives that focus on recycling, waste reduction and diversion, and required organic material composting. 

The following key metrics from the Recology Annual Report indicate year over year improvement from 2021 to 2022. Belmont residents and businesses are making increased efforts to help the city, region and state with various sustainability goals. Of note, annual changes include:

Multi Family Dwelling – Organics tonnage increased 27 tons, a whopping  48.45% increase!
Multi Family Dwelling – Solid Waste  5.68% reduction, 112 tons less than last year.
Multi Family Dwelling – Recycling  5.57% increase, 34 more tons of recycled material.
Residential - Solid Waste  7.84% reduction, 260 tons less than last year going to the landfill.
Residential – Diverted total tons  5.11% reduction, 356 less tons than last year.  

Through ongoing education at city events such as Earth Day and Public Works Week, the Department of Public Works will be expanding its efforts and initiatives to keep Belmont residents informed on SB 1383. So remember, all food waste and organic material must go into the GREEN bin, Zero organic waste to go into the black solid waste bin. Kudos Belmont, Kudos!