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Caltrain Weekend Service Shutdowns Begin
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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Egg Adventure Hunt Saturday
Join us Saturday for a mad dash for 13,000 eggs in Twin Pines Park.
Ages 3 - 10 are invited to bring their own basket to participate.
REMEMBER: Arrive early so you don't miss out, and stick around after to enjoy some refreshments, take family photos with our bunnies, and visit with our summer camp contractors.
Saturday, April 8
10 a.m. SHARP (arrive by 9:30 a.m.)
Twin Pines Park
1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont
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A Special Belmont Talks
How to Talk to Your Kids About Fentanyl (And Why They Already Know More Than You Do)
No parent WANTS to talk to their kids about opioids, but some parents can’t anymore. For this reason, we’re dedicating the upcoming Belmont Talks to providing local parents and guardians with the inside scoop on Fentanyl in our community.
It is possible your child has had more interaction with the lethal drug than they want to admit.
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Belmont Police’s School Resource Officer will demystify the opioid, explain where your kids are finding it, how easily it’s mistaken for innocent candy, and what you can do when you find it in your home.
Do you know how to recognize addiction in your child? Are you aware of the community resources available to you?
Come with your questions and be prepared for this frank – but lifesaving – talk.
April 13, 2023
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Belmont Library
1110 Alameda de las Pulgas
or on Zoom
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An Update to Our Volunteer Community
Belmont City staff continues to attend to storm damage in our parks and open spaces. As a result, volunteer activities such as park clean up days, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, etc., remain halted until further notice. We look forward to resuming these volunteer activities soon and are updating our guidelines and process for doing so. More information will follow.
In the meantime, volunteers are always welcome to go “Pliking” (“picking up litter while hiking”) in our parks and on our trails. There are also several one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities available, including the Belmont Historical Society (reopening to the public on April 30), Park Boosters Summer Concert Series, Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, Celebrate the Music (April 30), and more on the City’s website.
And scroll down for the specific call for volunteers this summer.
In anticipation of restarting our park clean up and open space volunteer efforts, if a volunteer organization would like to submit an updated flyer for posting at some of our park bulletin boards, please send it to parksrec@belmont.gov.
All flyers must include the City logo to be posted; please contact us for a digital copy of the logo. Flyers will be posted as space and time permits.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Open Space Status
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.
 New Activities for All Ages
Summer Camps & Classes
Starting today, registration for all summer classes and camps is live! Browse and register for 450+ activity listings for ages 3+.
New Classes for Adults Starting Soon
New classes starting soon with daytime and evening timeslots:
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Yoga Therapy for Brain Health: Mondays, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
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Comfortable Flow Yoga: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
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Tai Chi, Guan Ping Yang Style: Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
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Tai Chi, Chen Style: Thursdays, 9 - 10 a.m.
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Zumba: Thursdays, 7 - 8 p.m.
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American Line Dancing: Tuesdays, 9 - 10 a.m. and 10 - 11 a.m.
Celebrating our Library - We're National Finalists
April is National Poetry Month
This month, we’re so proud to celebrate the Academy of American Poets’ National Poetry Month and are delighted to see our very own Poet Laureate, Monica Korde, return with the Decode Poetry project again this year.
Here's Monica with our Vice-Mayor Davina Hurt, and councilmembers Tom McCune, Gina Latimerlo, and Robin Pang-Maganaris.
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You might see lawn signs throughout Belmont that provide a link to the featured poets. Scan the code in the sign to see the featured poets this year.
Want to benefit from poetry in your own life? Check out Monica’s latest installment at the Belmont Library, click the button below.
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There’s more. Monica hosts a plethora of poetry happenings in April. Check out her webpage and find your own way to celebrate poetry in Belmont in April.
Preschoolers Grab a Slice
On April 6, the children of the Belmont Community Learning Center went on a walking field trip to Village Host Pizza and Grill for lunch.
The children had so much fun eating together in a restaurant with their classmates and teachers.
Thank you parent volunteers: Rachel, Brittney, Leann, and Visishta, for all your help.
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Meeting Agendas
City Council
April 11, 2023, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission
April 18, 2023, 7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
May 3, 2023, 7 p.m.
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Welcome New Parks and Recreation Commissioners
Moments after being sworn in by the City Clerk, three new Commissioners joined the Parks and Recreation Commission from the dais on Wednesday.
Please join us in welcoming (from left to right): Commissioner Adar Emken, and Youth Commissioners Aiden Lee and Rowan Sheng.
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Local School District Winners Announced
The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 5 recognized ten San Mateo County administrators at its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 5, for their achievements and dedication to public education.
Congratulations to Ching-Pei Hu, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services at Belmont-Redwood Shores School District, for earning the achievement in "Curriculum and Instruction."
The Association of California School Administrators is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States. ACSA’s Region 5, which encompasses San Francisco and San Mateo counties, serves 25 districts and more than 300 schools educating 158,000 students.
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Athletic Field Prep Underway
Park maintenance workers have been hard at work getting the fields in order for Belmont’s Youth Sports. We’re just as eager as you are for the kids to "Play Ball!"
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Volunteers Needed: Summer Concert Series
Volunteer are needed at one or more Belmont Park Boosters summer concerts in Twin Pines Park this summer. Concerts will occur on Sundays: June 18 and 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Volunteers typically arrive at 11 a.m. for setup and depart around 4:30 p.m. after cleanup. Partial available based on the volunteer's availability.
All ages welcome, and no experience necessary.
Interested? Email Karl or call (650) 714-9132.
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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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Senior Tech Help
In partnership, the Parks and Recreation Department, Belmont Library, and Carlmont High School students will be offering technology assistance for older adults. Need help with your computer, tablet, or phone? We are here to help! Drop-in and join us free of charge.
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month
1 - 3 p.m.
Belmont Public Library
1110 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont
Learn to Use Your iPhone
Do you have an iPhone that you want to learn how to use better or thinking about getting one? 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. If you have an iPhone, you're sure to learn something new! Free with RSVP to the Twin Pines Senior Center at (650) 595-7444.
Thursday, April 13
10:30 a.m.
Twin Pines Senior and Community Center
20 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont
Counselor in Training Application Period Closing
The Counselors in Training (CIT) Program provides ages 13-17 with work and leadership experience while having 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 by April 23 at the latest. You may drop them off in-person or mail them.
Work at Carlmont Pool This Summer
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.
Planning Commission Meetings
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
7 p.m.
Council Chambers
1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont
Welcome New Business:
Tacos El Grullense Opens on Ralston
Welcome to Belmont Tacos El Grullense at 575 Ralston Avenue.
The addition to our selection of good eating continues to grow in Belmont. On Tuesday, at 10 a.m. the new El Grullense opens.
Be sure to check out their menu and welcome the crew to town.
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Call for Wedding Vendors
Join Our First Wedding Fair in the Park
We’re looking for local businesses in the wedding industry to participate in our upcoming Wedding Fair on Sunday, June 11 in Twin Pines Park.
This event is FREE for vendors and the public. Click the button below to email us about adding your business.
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Peninsula Restaurant Week
Coming to Belmont This May
Save the date--and your appetite! Peninsula Restaurant Week returns May 19-27, highlighting the culinary delights of Belmont and beyond.
Have a favorite spot? Encourage them to participate for free! Six Belmont restaurants are already onboard: Capo Greek Kitchen, Dream Dinners, Thai Tamarind Restaurant, The Tavern, Vivace Restaurant, and Yama Sushi.
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Free Yoga Therapy Demo
Join certified Yoga Therapist Susana Laborde-Blaj for a morning of movement, conscious breath, dance, and play. Susana will provide a free demo class ahead of the start of her 6-week class “Yoga Therapy for Brain Health” this spring and “Yoga Therapy for Spine Health” this summer.
No registration required for the free demo class. Bring a yoga mat, notebook, and pen and wear comfortable clothing. Click on the button below to find out more.
Monday, April 10
10:30 a.m.
Twin Pines Lodge
40 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont
The Street and Traffic Divisions have continued filling potholes in the aftermath of the storms.
This week, staff removed and replaced five tons of failed asphalt on the 2100 block of Forest Avenue where pothole filling measures were no longer viable.
Staff have also been busy replacing knocked down street signs, street lights and repairing traffic signals, like the one pictured above.
Thank you to our community for their patience and cooperation as we continue to make progress on recovering from our winter/spring storms.
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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 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 APPROACHING: 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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