Mayor Frank Gonsalves (1927 - 2023)

Frank served as Mayor of Belmont in 1977 and led a full, productive, and remarkable life.

A hard working, responsible 'Depression baby', born and raised in Oakland, CA. Longtime resident of Belmont, CA. Married for 73 years to Greta (pictured here with Frank), his dear wife who he lost last year, sharing a love for music, dancing, design, gardening, and most of all, their 5 children who survive him: Robin (John); Panda (Ken); Denny; Charmaine (Matt); Derek (Tatiana). Plus three grandchildren: Janelle, JP, & Adrianna.

Frank, the 9th of 10 children born to Portuguese parents, excelled in sports and academics. He was a proud WW2 Navy vet & UC Berkeley graduate. Practicing architect for 64 years who contributed to part of Belmont's design including the corner commercial development on Ralston and El Camino. 

Frank was a Belmont Planning Commissioner, City Councilman & Mayor.  A talented artist, designer, and builder. Huge history buff and Cal football fan. He was smart and ambitious and had strong ethics and values reflective of the Greatest Generation. A good, decent ‘self-made‘ man. There was nothing Frank couldn't do with Greta by his side. Together Frank and Greta were one formidable force, supporting and complementing each other to build a lasting partnership and family. They had immense love for one another and their family and had fun dancing Swing together for over 70 years.

Thank you, Frank, for all of your service to Belmont. You will be missed. 

John Violet (1946 - 2023)  

John served as a Belmont Finance Commissioner for nine years. He was elected as the City of Belmont Treasurer in 2003 and served the City of Belmont citizens in that capacity for 16 years, leading by example and exhibiting the highest level of ethics and superior moral character. He selfessly served a very successful 25-year tenure of public service in municipal finance with the City of Belmont. 

In 2019, he received the 2019 Belmont Community Service Award for his passion and advocacy for civil engagement, service to others, and his commitment to the betterment of Belmont.

John has a lifelong commitment to Cub and Boy Scouts, leading Troop 61 as Den Master in the 80's. Even when his young son John David passed away, John remained connected to Troop 29, and participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for other children.

John was born in Kansas City, Missouri and came to California when he was seven years. He never left California after that. He served in the US Army Reserve for six years as a crew chief on helicopters.

John was recently also appointed as a Measure I Advisory Committee Member. 

John's contribution to Belmont will not be forgotten. Thank you! 

Belmont to Menlo Park – 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 shutdown will be between Belmont and Menlo Park stations on the weekends of 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. 

This week, we took a moment to say THANK YOU to our Belmont staff who steadfastly delivered excellence in the face of our winter storms. 

We're so grateful to work with a wonderful team of professionals who are undaunted by the challenges they face. 

Thank you, Little Belmont Cafe, for catering the event. 

Document Shredding and E-waste drop-off will be available at our Corporation Yard at 110 Sem Lane on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Up to three banker boxes of documents per residence.

For E-Scrap, accepted items include: TVs, computers, printers, monitors, laptops, cables/cords, cell phones, MP3 and DVD players, and more (working or not).

Unacceptable Items: household appliances like fans, floor heaters, smoke detectors, vacuum cleaners, cooktops, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, or any household hazardous waste.

Celebrate Earth Day by Planting a Tree

Speaking of Earth Day, another way we protect our environment is by supporting the development of our urban forest.

On Tuesday April 25, 2023, Belmont City Council will issue a proclamation recognizing Arbor Week (April 23-29) and we’re celebrating with volunteer tree planting events later this month. 

Watch this space for more details in next week's ENews. 

Egg Adventure Hunt One for the Books

With over 2,000 attendees this year, it's safe to say that the Egg Adventure Hunt was a massive success. Belmont residents and non-residents alike got to hunt for easter eggs, take photos with the two bunnies, meet a variety of class contractors, count jellybeans, and so much more. 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the staff and volunteers that made this event possible. It could not have happened without them. We are already looking forward to next year, see you then. 

Barrett Off-Leash Hours Update

Barrett off-leash hours are ONLY in the morning, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m., Monday -Friday. Evening off-leash hours will begin on June 19. Signage has been updated. We apologize for any confusion.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Did you know? Belmont is a proud member of the Resource Conservation District Compost Broker Program.

Why? The compost collected in Belmont helps farmers and ranchers all over San Mateo County get reduced-cost compost, helping our local farmers thrive and stay local.

How Can You Help? It’s easy, always compost in the green bin. Your efforts to discard your yard scraps and food-based waste in the correct bin helps Belmont to meet its SB1383 goals while supporting county farmers to grow the best, healthiest, and local foods.