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June 16, 2023

Sunday is Father's Day

Dads come in all shapes, sizes, makes, and models. If you're a dad to a brood, to one, to a furbaby, to a too far away grown-up kid, or a kid thisclose who never wants to leave your side, we salute you. 

Being a loving parent has its rewards and no matter how you express your parenting style, we hope that this Sunday you get to see how much it is appreciated. 

Have a dad to celebrate? Choosing a walk in any one of our parks or open spaces might just be the perfect time well spent. Click the button below for locations to wander this Sunday. 

To everyone whose dad is in their hearts but not able to be by your side, we hope Sunday brings cherished memories and a day of reflection for the joy they brought to your life. 

In the collage above, we're celebrating the dads on our City staff and staff who love their dads, all who volunteered a glimpse into their lives to share with you. 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Celebrating Juneteenth on Monday

Monday, June 19 is Juneteenth across our nation. At Tuesday’s council meeting, local poet Lois Fried shared the history, and her original poem, recognizing Juneteenth as she accepted our proclamation marking the national celebration. Click on the button below to hear Lois describe what the occasion means for our country and her poem paying homage to the founders of the national observation.

Mayor for the Day

When local student Kevin Li entered City Hall on Tuesday, little did he know that his day would conclude with banging the gavel in the council chambers. That's what happens when you are Belmont's Mayor for a Day. 

Redwood Shores Elementary School was proud to share its student with us on Tuesday, June 13. His family joined in on the tour of City Hall meeting staff from each department and getting an inside scoop of city operations during a normal working day. 

"My favorite was the police and parks departments," Mayor Kevin told Belmont City Council when asked what his favorite places were in City Hall. He's pictured here sitting in Mayor Julia Mates chair, at her invitation. 

Congratulations Kevin. We hope you'll come back and visit again. 

Historical Society Archives Re-Opens

The Belmont History Room is open this summer Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Stop by during the free Concerts in the Park, starting Sunday and every Sunday through July 30.  Historian Rose Laflin and Belmont Historical Society President Karl Mittelstadt have completely remodeled the history room.  Stop by to see the vast collection of archives telling Belmont's story.

Meeting Agendas

City Council Special Meeting
June 27, 2023, 6:30 p.m. 

City Council Regular Meeting
June 27, 2023, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission
June 20, 2023, 7 p.m.

What Allyship Means

We believe in being an ally to our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors here in Belmont and throughout the Peninsula. Being an ally strengthens our community. 

This June, to celebrate Pride Month, you may see City staff wearing a pin like this one. It's our commitment to a kinder world and our way of telling our community that you can be yourself with us. Happy Pride, Belmont. 

Community Survey

Starting May 30, you may get a call, text, or email about a City survey.   We commissioned independent research firms to conduct research on issues in our city. Respondents to the survey were randomly selected.  Need to check or have questions about the survey? You can always call us at 650-595-7408 or email city_manager@belmont.gov with your questions. Click on the link below for more information on our surveys.

Concerts in the Park are Back
Music Series Starts Sunday

Want to support Belmont's parks while enjoying live music outdoors? Starting Father's Day, the annual Free Concerts in the Parks kicks off with the rock 'n' roll dance band, Brother Buzz. 

The concerts continue every Sunday until July 30. The music is live from 1 - 4 p.m. in Twin Pines Park at 10 Twin Pines Lane in Belmont. 

This is the 45th season of the annual summer concerts series.

Concessions are available for sale and proceeds help to support parks improvements throughout the year. New this year is freshly-made popcorn in a brand-new popcorn machine.

Learn more about Belmont Park Boosters by clicking the button below. 

Free Concerts in the Park Calendar

JUNE 18

BROTHER BUZZ A Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Band
Sponsor: RECOLOGY

JUNE 25

PURE ECSTASY Motown and More
Sponsor:DIVINO’S RESTAURANT

JULY 2

FRED McCARTY & CO. Country
Sponsor:FOX, SHJEFLO & BABU, LLP

JULY 9

THE MICHAEL O’NEILL GROUP Jazz/Blues
Sponsor:STANFORD UNIVERSITY

JULY 16

TOM RIGNEY & FLAMBEAU Cajun Fiddlin’
Sponsor:KENSON VENTURES & THE MADISON GROUP

JULY 23

HIGHWATER BLUES Rhythm & Blues
Sponsor: WINDY HILL

JULY 30

BLUE California Good Time Music
Sponsor:JANET PEPE DAVIS, HOMETOWN REALTY

Make A Splash This Summer
Recreation and Lap Swim Starts Tuesday

Mark Tuesday, June 20 as the beginning of our Recreation and Lap Swim Programs at the Carlmont High School pool. Stop by to practice your backstroke, perfect your diving, or just float around the pool. The Recreation and Lap Swim Programs are open to all ages. However, please note that children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and remain within arm's reach. Program times and location are as follows: Recreation Swim: 1 - 2:50 p.m. Lap Swim: 12 - 2:50 p.m. The 2023 admission fees are: Drop-in pass: $7 per person 10 visit passes: $60 per person 20 visit passes: $120 per person  Debit and credit card payments are preferred, but cash and checks will be accepted. You can buy passes at the pool or our Parks and Recreation office in Twin Pines Pine during regular business hours. The pool is open until August 4, weekdays only, with one exception, we are closed Tuesday, July 4. Carlmont High School Pool 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont, CA

Survey: How Do You Get to Work and College? 

Commute.org wants to hear from the Belmont community.  The public agency works to reduce single-occupant vehicle trips throughout San Mateo County. It is conducting a survey to better understand how people who live or work in Belmont and San Mateo County commute to work or college. The Commuter Survey will allow the agency to learn more about travel patterns, transportation choices, and interests in alternative travel modes. The survey should only be completed by individuals who are currently employed (full-time or part-time) or attending college. Survey participants will have the opportunity to be entered into a raffle for one of four $250 e-gift cards. Entry into the prize drawing is optional and will require you to provide your email address or phone number at the end of the survey. The survey will take approximately ten minutes to complete. Survey responses will be accepted through Friday, June 30, 2023, so please complete the survey as soon as possible. Click the link below for access to the survey in English or Spanish.

Romance was in the Air
Our first-ever Wedding Fair Attracted a Crowd

Happy couples and curious visitors wandered into Twin Pines Park on Sunday for our first-ever Wedding Fair in the Park. Attendees had the opportunity to meet local wedding vendors, all while touring our beautiful facilities and picnic areas. It was a great chance from them to get inspired for their big day. Vendors included Divino, Greedy Ant, Lolita Bakery, Sweet Torta, LC Photo Booths, Glam Photo Booth, Earthside Candles, Petite Posey, Beloved Flower Garden, Chairs for Events, and Unica Party Rentals. There was a steady stream of visitors making this event’s debut quite impressive. From free photo booths to delicious food, and inspiring decor, it was a day to get excited for everyone planning their nuptials. It’s never too late to take a look at the wedding or celebration venues we offer, click the button below.

Senior Tech Days at the Library Expands 

Seniors in Belmont can now take advantage of the Senior Tech Help program at Belmont Library, available every Saturday from 1-3 p.m.

Youth volunteers from Carlmont High School offer personalized one-on-one assistance and guidance on various technology-related topics.

Volunteers will be on hand to help seniors navigate smartphones, tablets, computers, email, social media, online safety, and more.

Whether seniors are beginners or need help with specific tasks, the Senior Tech Help program provides the support needed to gain confidence and thrive in the digital age. The program is free, no reservations required, just drop in with your questions. 

Saturdays
1 - 3 p.m.
Belmont Library
1110 Alameda de las Pulgas
Belmont, CA

Looking For A New Start?
Check Out the Jobs We Have Open

We have a diverse selection of job openings and we hope that one is just right for you.

Here’s just a snapshot of the jobs we have available. For complete job descriptions, visit the link at the bottom of this post.

IT MANAGER: You’re passionate about managing the planning, budgeting, implementation, maintenance and security of citywide information technology tools. Your leadership ensures that systems development proceeds in a logical, integrated fashion to meet the needs of Belmont’s operating departments.

BUILDING ATTENDANT: Excellent set up and breakdown for events matters greatly to you. You take pride in ensuring facilities are ready for their scheduled meetings and closed up safely when not in use. You’re a ready-to-serve customer service professional and are keenly aware of the necessity to follow City policies and procedures. You go above and beyond to make sure our facilities are destination resources for community meetings, milestone functions, and special events.

PAYROLL TECHNICIAN You’re a talented, detail-oriented, technology-savvy Payroll Technician (Accounting Technician I/II/III) seeking an opportunity to prepare, administer and maintain city staff payroll transactions and records.

Advertising Opportunity
Chamber Launches New Community Guide

Chamber San Mateo County is excited to announce the all new Chamber San Mateo County Community Guide and Membership Directory. This is first-ever four-city publication will represent the communities of Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, and Menlo Park. The guide will include economic demographics, area highlights, and community and civic information, as well as a membership directory. To secure a marketing space in the inaugural publication or for more information, please email Felicia Basques at felicia@chambersmc.org or Maggie Fahey at maggie@chambersmc.org. Pricing for ad space starts at $600.

Housing Resources Available

Our growing list of resources can help locate affordable housing, build self-sufficiency, fund energy-efficient upgrades, and more.

Planning Commission Meetings

1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
7 p.m.
Council Chambers
1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont

Planned Tree Removals on Ralston Avenue

We are working once again with a tree service contractor to remove multiple trees along Ralston Avenue, stretching from Lassen Drive to Pullman Avenue. The work will begin later this month. 

Eight trees have been selected for removal due to their poor health and their significant impact on the deterioration of the road's asphalt and concrete.

An arborist has determined that the trees are in overall poor health and at a higher risk than normal to fall. The tree species include Stone Pine, Redwood, Black Bark Eucalyptus, and Black Acacia. 

These trees' shallow root growth near Ralston Avenue has resulted in the road's damage, potentially affecting the safety of travelers in that area.

We have the removals scheduled for June 27 through 29. Next week, expect detailed traffic advisories on Ralston Avenue and some delays. 

Once the trees are removed, asphalt and concrete repairs will be completed before the start of the fall school session.

To make up for the removal of these trees, our Parks Department plans to plant sixteen large native trees in a more suitable location within Belmont, such as a city park or open space. If you have any inquiries, please email pworks@belmont.gov.

Maintenance Projects This Week

Seagate Way Gate Repaired

Our staff made some necessary gate repairs this week, namely a gate on Seagate Way between Belmont and San Mateo. Staff welded the gate back together and secured it to a newly installed post to return the gate to its original condition.

Hiller & Ralston Pedestrian Barricade Improved

Staff also repaired the often-damaged pedestrian barricade at the corner of Ralston Avenue and Hiller Street (near the Belmont sign).  Large vehicles unsuccessfully making a tight right turn from westbound Ralston Avenue on to northbound Hiller Street have been the ongoing source of the damage.  In its upgrade, staff used large, tall, concrete/rebar-filled steel bollards for legs with the hope that these reinforcements will withstand any ambitious attempts at shortcuts.

Summer Infrastructure Projects

Hastings Drive Service Connection Improvements Project

We’re working with our partners at Mid-Peninsula Water District on the Hastings Drive Service Connection Improvements Project. Our contractor, Bond Blacktop, Inc. is finishing up its project work next week

The Hastings Drive Service Connection Improvements Project represents a significant stride in enhancing water services for the Belmont community. We greatly appreciate the understanding and patience of residents during this period.

Please note these anticipated road or lane upcoming closures: 

Monday, June 19

HASTINGS DRIVE: Morning southbound lane closure, afternoon northbound lane closure (Cliffside Court to Ridgewood Court). The work requires temporary closures and lane restrictions. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Residents are advised to follow detour signs and adhere to traffic instructions during the construction period. To bookmark this information, click on the button below. 

Ralston Avenue Pavement Project Starts Monday

Starting June 19, 2023, Belmont's Public Works will begin its Ralston Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project, expected to conclude in late August. During the project's work hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., expect reduced traffic lanes and some closures on side streets off Ralston Avenue. Short closures of driveways may be required, but emergency access will be provided at all times.

The work will take place on Ralston Avenue between South (pictured above, westbound Ralston Avenue at South Road) Road and Villa Avenue (pictured at right, eastbound Ralston Avenue at Villa Avenue.  Did You Know? The project will use a sustainable cold-in-place recycled method of pavement rehabilitation, which involves pulverizing and reusing the existing asphalt layer.  This method of repaving greatly reduces truck trips for off-haul and import of material, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is more sustainable while ensuring a smooth surface and long pavement life. Click on the button below to learn more about this project.

Sewer Rehabilitation Project Update
Middle Road to see Limited Lanes Next Week

Next week, expect workers on Middle Road (from Cypress to Laurel) for the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Neighbors would have received a notice in May about upcoming sewer rehab work. Starting Monday, Casey Construction will be working on replacing the sanitary sewer main line running through Middle Road. In order for the contractor to do the improvements, a portion between Cypress Avenue and Laurel Avenue will have limited one-way access with flaggers present to move traffic through the construction site. Please be aware that cars may have to queue up to five to ten minutes before being allowed to move through. Emergency access will be given to Fire and Police. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.

We're working to improve our aging sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure. Pictured here, crews this week excavating and installing pipe then repaving a section of Hillman Avenue. 

Until the end of July, expect work crews in various locations in our city performing work on existing pipes, rehabilitating manholes, conducting pipe replacement, and reconnecting service laterals. 

The work will include pipe fusing, sawcutting, CCTVing, pipebursting, and some open trench work, pictured here. 

Residents near the project zone would have already received a notification about the upcoming work. Traffic control will be in place.

For any questions regarding this project, call Senior Civil Engineer Bozhena Palatnik at 650-585-7463 or email at pworks@belmont.gov.

Demolition of Vacant City-Owned Buildings Starts in July

We’re working to safely demolish the vacant buildings at the north and south corners of Hill Street and El Camino Real, pictured here.

In July, residents can expect to see contractors, Selway Construction, Inc., begin the demolition that will conclude by the end of the year.

Our Public Works team is working with agency partners to address noise, traffic control, environmental concerns, and debris removal.

Neighbors in the area will receive notices in advance of the demolition work which specific hours and dates of planned work. Schedules can change, and we thank our neighbors for their patience and cooperation during this necessary work.

During work hours and while the project is active please drive, walk, or bike with caution when traveling through the work zone.

Did you know: The demolition of the existing buildings is only the first step to seeing an affordable housing development project come to fruition. We are working with a developer (LINC Housing) to develop the parcels into a 37-unit, 100 percent affordable housing project.

We will continue to update you here on the progress of this and other development projects. To learn more about the LINC Housing project, click on the button below.