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Belmont’s Annual State of the City Address
Planning and Building Our Future Together
 Mayor Julia Mates presented the annual "State of the City Address" to a large group of Belmont community members on Friday, March 31, 2023.
The event, hosted by the Chamber San Mateo County, was held virtually.
Mayor Mates outlined ongoing city projects and reviewed the adopted City Council Strategic Plan and initiatives for the coming year. She was also proud to highlight the progress Belmont is making in different areas of importance to the community.
Click the button below to view the recording.
Open Space Update
We do not like closing open space trails, but we do so for the safety of all park visitors. Here are some friendly reminders about the closures:
- Stay off closed trail sections. Do NOT go around or move barriers or signs. Doing so is in violation of Belmont City Code: 16-34 BCC.
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Closed trails are Chapparal trail from Elevator to John Brooks, Rambler from John Brooks to Finch, and Rambler from Ohlone to Canyon Creek.
- Trail damage and conditions will be assessed as soon as possible.
- Stay off wet trails. If you leave a tire or footprint, it is too wet.
- Dogs must be on leash at all times.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Caltrain Weekend Service Shutdowns
Belmont to Menlo Park – April 8-9 & April 15-16
To finish critical Electrification construction and testing in time to begin passenger service in 2024, Caltrain will be suspending rail service in select areas on weekends throughout the year.
The next weekend shutdowns will be between Belmont and Menlo Park stations on the weekends of April 8-9 & April 15-16.
Riders should avoid Caltrain on the weekend and seek alternative transportation if they are planning to travel. Bus bridge service will be available to Caltrain-dependent riders, but passengers should expect delays and longer travel times.
Visit www.caltrain.com/status for the latest information about weekend impacts.
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Bike Trail Update: PG&E Gas Safety Work Closes Ralston- Canada Bike/Ped Trail Through July
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has worked with San Mateo County Parks to obtain a permit for the temporary trail closure of the Ralston Avenue Bike Trail in San Mateo from March 1 to July 31, 2023.
This closure is necessary to support an important gas pipeline safety test.
To support the safe and reliable operation of our natural gas system, PG&E is conducting a pipeline strength test and replacing a valve inside Ralston Station, adjacent to Ralston Avenue Bike Trail.
Strength testing, also known as hydrostatic pressure testing, entails filling a pipe with water, pressurizing the pipe higher than operational levels, and then monitoring the pipe for potential anomalies while at the increased pressure. These tests are one of the many ways PG&E ensures that its pipeline system is in compliance with all state and federal safety standards.
The safety test, a standard used throughout the pipeline industry, validates the safe operating pressure of the pipeline and helps identify an area where further evaluation may be necessary.
For any questions about this gas safety project, please email Daniel.LoForti@pge.com
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Need Help Feeding Your Pets?
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Pet Food Bank is Open
Striving to keep pets and their families together, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA created a Pet Food Bank to assist pet owners with food and other supplies for their pets.
Low-income county residents or those suffering financial hardship can register to receive pet food and litter from the food bank. Income verification is not necessary, but advance registration for the Pet Food Bank is required.
The Pet Food Bank occurs on the second Friday of each month and is 100% donor funded.
To receive pet food, applicants must:
- Be a resident of San Mateo County and experiencing financial hardship.
- Agree to use the food bank for personal companion animals in need.
- Understand that food is donated to Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and the same brand or type of pet food cannot be guaranteed each month.
- Enroll no more than four pets per household.
Please email Brian@PHS-SPCA.org for questions.
If you would like to donate unopened pet food
to the food bank, please call Brian Probst at 650-988-5280.
To register for the food bank and receive monthly provisions, click the button below.
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Meet Your Elected Officials - Tuesday, April 4
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Meeting Agendas
Public Safety Committee
April 3, 2023, 5:30, p.m.
City Council:
April 11, 2023, 7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
April 5, 2023, 7 p.m.
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 NEW!
Belmont Business Committee
Chamber San Mateo County is excited to announce the formation of the Belmont Business Committee, which will discuss small business initiatives, economic development, local government updates, and more.
All Chamber San Mateo County members are invited to join the Committee and/or attend its meetings.
Meetings will occur on Zoom the first Thursday of every other month, beginning in April.
Belmont Business Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 6, 2023
12 - 1 p.m.
Live on Zoom
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Counselors in Training Applications Due Soon
The Counselors in Training (CIT) Program provides teens ages 13-17 with work and leadership experience while they have fun in Twin Pines Park.
Program dates will be June 19 - Aug. 11, 2023, to align with Camp SOAR.
Applications are due to the City of Belmont, Parks and Recreation Office, 30 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA, 94002, by April 23, 2023, at the very latest. You can drop them off in-person or mail them in.
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Summer Aquatics Hiring
We are now accepting applications for Lifeguards and Pool Managers. We are looking for energetic, driven individuals with a passion for aquatics and helping the youth of Belmont. Get more information and apply here.
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Summer Activity Guide Coming Soon
Mark your calendars. The Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Guide will be hitting your mailbox the week of April 3, 2023.
Registration for all summer classes and camps opens on Friday, April 7, 2023.
We will be offering our usual swim lessons and Camp SOAR, as well as new options such as an All Sports Camp, Pop Pilates, private violin lessons, senior day trips, and an art extravaganza class.
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Egg Adventure Hunt
Join us at our annual Egg Adventure Hunt on Saturday, April 8 in Twin Pines Park. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. SHARP, but be sure to arrive by 9:30 a.m.
13,000 eggs will be hidden throughout the park for ages 3-10.
Don’t forget to bring your own basket and be sure to stick around after the hunt to enjoy some refreshments, take family photos with our bunnies, and visit with our summer camp contractors.
Saturday, April 8
10 a.m. SHARP
Twin Pines Park
1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont
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Jazz at the Library
Belmont Library is hosting an exciting calendar of Jazz events in April.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy inspiring music and joyful entertainment right here at home.
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Poetry in Belmont
April is National Poetry Month and to celebrate our Poet Laureate, Monica Korde, is bringing back her 'Decode Poetry' project. Be on the lookout for signs all around Belmont parks that have QR codes that showcase beautiful poems written by local poets. More information here.
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Learn to Use Your iPhone
Do you have an iPhone that you want to learn how to use better or are you thinking about getting one? Then this class is perfect for you.
Members of the Belmont Youth Advisory Committee want to help you understand how to use your iPhone and the features on it you might find useful. They will show you the basic apps, how to adjust your settings, and how to scan QR codes.
Come with your phone fully charged and your questions.
This event is free, but please RSVP at 650-595-7444.
Thursday, April 13
10:30 a.m.
Twin Pines Senior and Community Center
20 Twin Pines Lane
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Older Adult and Senior Tech Help
In partnership with the Belmont Library and Carlmont High School, our Parks and Recreation Department is offering technology assistance to older adults.
Carlmont students will be available to provide computer, tablet, and phone help. Free to all.
No registration required.
Starts April 1, 2023
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month
1 - 3 p.m.
Belmont Public Library
1110 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002
New Spring Adult Classes Starting Soon
Our Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to be offering a full schedule of adult classes this spring.
Join in the lessons on everything from our popular comfortable flow yoga and Tai Chi and check out our new offerings such as a senior trip to San Francisco and Nighttime Zumba.
Registration is required for all classes.
LOCAL BUSINESSES WANTED:
Wedding Fair in the Park
We’re looking for some local businesses in the wedding industry to participate in our upcoming "Wedding Fair In the Park" event this June.
This event is FREE for both the public and all vendors, so another reason to say “I do!”
Interested? Email ccortes@belmont.gov to find out how you can get your business involved.
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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.
Residential Electrification Guidelines
Peninsula Clean Energy has published guidelines for how to electrify homes that have 100 amps of electrical capacity.
Most homes in the service territory have 100 amp service. Avoiding panel and service upgrades can significantly reduce the costs of electrification however, the methods for doing so are not widely practiced.
Developed with input from experienced practitioners, the guidelines outline innovative methods to avoid costly service upgrades while ensuring a “no compromises” home experience.
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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.
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UPCOMING ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
 Street Paving Maintenance
Expect our Public Works crews near the 2100 Block of Forest Avenue from Tuesday, April 4 to Thursday, April 6 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The team will need to close Forest Avenue to through traffic during work from Alameda De Las Pulgas to Cipriani Boulevard. Signage for a detour route will be placed to guide traffic on Alameda De Las Pulgas and Cipriani Boulevard.
Special Notes: Work will take place in multiple locations throughout the work zone Emergency services and residents will have access at all times
Please drive with caution through the work zones.
 SamTrans wants to hear about your experience using bus stops and learn what improvements—such as seating, shelter, real-time bus arrival information, and trash cans—are most important to you. Your input will help SamTrans develop the Bus Stop Improvement Plan (BSIP), which will create new bus stop design guidelines and establish a process with local governments to improve bus stops throughout the SamTrans service area.
Take the 5-minute survey here:
www.SamTrans.com/BusStopSurvey.
The survey is open until April 30, 2023.
You can also share your thoughts at an upcoming virtual community meeting:
Bus Stop Improvement Plan Virtual Community Meeting
Thursday, April 20, 2023,
5:30-6:30 pm
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82286234287
Call-In Option: (309) 205-3325
Webinar ID: 822 8623 4287
Languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog
Learn more about the SamTrans Bus Stop Improvement Plan by clicking the button below.
MTC Wants to Hear From You
Deadline for Input is April 10, 2023
This is a reminder that the public comment period for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Draft 2023 Public Participation Plan is open now through 5 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft document and provide feedback online. Feedback also can be emailed to info@bayareametro.gov with the subject line “PPP 2023,” or mailed to MTC Public Information Office, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Whether tackling congestion or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Bay Area must consider many priorities in planning the next three decades for transportation, housing, economic development and environmental resilience. Policymakers rely on continued conversation with members of the public to inform a shared, sustainable vision for the Bay Area’s future.
The public comment period offers community members the chance to review and provide feedback on the proposed framework for how MTC will conduct public engagement activities. The draft plan proposes enhancements geared toward better reaching Equity Priority Communities, more comprehensive public engagement techniques and a refinement of the guiding principles for engagement.
Following the public comment period, MTC staff will review the input received and update the draft plan as needed before bringing it to the Commission for final adoption, which is slated for early summer 2023. To request a printed copy of the draft document, please call MTC’s Public Information Office at (415) 778-6757.
To request translation of any part of the plan, or request other assistance, call (415) 778-6757 or email info@bayareametro.gov.
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Highway 101 Express Lanes Program
Applications are Open
The new San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Community Transportation Benefits Program helps cover transportation costs for qualifying individuals in San Mateo County. The transportation benefits program is a first of its kind transportation equity program in the U.S., sponsored and funded by the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority.
Participants can choose from one of two transportation benefit options: either a $100 transit credit on a Clipper Card or a $100 toll credit on a FasTrak® toll transponder.
To qualify for the transportation benefits under this program, a participant must meet these three qualifications:
- A resident of San Mateo County
- Age 18 or older
- Earning an individual income at or below $78,300 (for 2022)
Eligible participants can enroll in the Community Transportation Benefits Program at the eight County of San Mateo Core Service Agencies, which are listed on the program website.
Visit the Community Transportation Benefits Program website by clicking on the link below.
Have questions? Email the program at info@smcexpresslanes.org or leave a voicemail at 650-523-0831.
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Adopt a Drain
One Small Step Toward Flooding Prevention
All storm drains in Belmont go directly to Belmont Creek and into San Francisco Bay.
In order to keep them flowing properly and to minimize localized flooding during rain events, protecting our waterways and keeping them clear is key to water pollution prevention and flooding prevention.
Sign up today to Adopt-A-Drain in Belmont.
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Anonymous Gun Buy Back
May 6, 2023
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1050 Mission Road, South San Francisco
Funds are limited and subject to availability. Please transport your firearms unloaded and in the trunk of your vehicle. 3D and homemade guns will be evaluated for value on the day of the event.
Have questions? Call 650-363-4800. This is a San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and Citizens for a San Mateo County Gun Buyback event.
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