On Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at approximately 3:40 a.m., a Belmont Police Department Officer, on routine patrol in the area of El Camino Real and Ralston Avenue, noticed the strong odor of smoke in the air.

Officers conducted an area check and found smoke coming from the abandoned gas station at the corner of Hill Street at El Camino Real.

The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.

The initial investigation determined it was likely the fire was intentionally set. Officers began an area check for a male subject seen in the area walking west on Ralston Avenue immediately prior to the fire being located.

During the area check, a grass fire was located on the north side of Ralston Avenue at Christian Drive. While SMCFD and Cal Fire responded and began to extinguish the fire, BPD Officers located an additional fire in the center median of Highway 92 just west of Ralston Avenue.

Believing the fires to be connected and associated to the same suspect, multiple BPD officers responded to the area. An Officer observed a subject begin two additional fires on the hillside of westbound Highway 92 at northbound Highway 280. While Officers conducted an area check for the suspect, a fire was found in the center median of Highway 280 near the Highway 92 interchange.

Nicholas Elward was contacted walking northbound on Highway 280 and was in possession of items linking him to the fires. Elward was placed under arrest and transported to the Belmont Police Department where he became combative and had to be placed in restraints, however, no Officers were injured during this incident.

Elward was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on the charges listed below.

Upon further review, there was only minimal interior structure damage to the gas station and due to the quick response of BPD locating the additional fires coupled with the immediate response from SMCFD and Cal Fire no homes or other property damage was sustained from any of the additional fires.

The largest burn area was the fire on the north side of Ralston Avenue near Christian Drive which burned less than a quarter of an acre. The other fires were smaller in size.

The Department is working with Cal Fire arson specialists to complete this investigation.

ARRESTED:

Nicholas Elward, 32 years old, San Mateo resident

451(d) PC: Arson, Felony

148(a)(1) PC: Resisting arrest, Misdemeanor

602(j) PC: Malicious mischief, Misdemeanor

The Measure I Committee was established to report annually to the Belmont City Council regarding the collection and expenditure of revenue from Measure I, the Belmont Streets and City Services Measure, a ½-cent transaction and use tax.

Applications are now open for new members. 

Residents of any length of time are encouraged to apply for the volunteer position.

The committee meets twice a year, once to be briefed on the annual budget (mid-year) and again to review the Measure I Audit Report.

The committee’s duties are to review and evaluate Measure I annual reports and the general scope of the associated audit work. Based on the committee's review and the audit opinions of the independent auditor, the committee shall give reasonable assurance that the Measure I money is being properly spent and reported on. In order to preserve the integrity and independence of the advisory process, committee members shall not have a role in determining the use of revenue generated by Measure I.

Council will select two members for two-year terms and three members for three-year terms.

Interested residents should complete the application form linked in the button below.

Want to learn more? Click here for more details about Measure I.

The new members must be seated by October 2023, apply now.

San Mateo County Health continues to conduct COVID-19 surveillance by monitoring wastewater data, hospitalizations, severity of disease, and other circulating infections, such as influenza and RSV.

With the new COVID-19 vaccine a few weeks away, residents can still protect themselves by staying home if sick, accessing testing and treatments, ventilating indoor spaces, and wearing a mask.

The California Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website offers additional information on protective measures. Health care providers and pharmacies will offer the new COVID-19 vaccination this fall.

County Names New Director of Emergency Management 

County of San Mateo has announced the appointment of Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar as the new director of the Department of Emergency Management. 

Dhapodkar will play a key role in addressing challenges from earthquakes, wildfires, tsunamis, pandemics, climate change and other threats and crisis, both natural and human-caused. 

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Supervisors. A vote is expected at its Sept. 12 meeting. An emergency manager in San Mateo County Health since 2017, Dhapodkar played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency response.

Belmont Talks: Resolving Trauma 
The path of Transformative Healing

Trauma can be disruptive, even disabling, to individuals and families. But it can also open doors to explore new resources and gifts within ourselves. Join Janene Heldman, MA, MFT (retired) on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. as she goes over the four levels of healing trauma—shock, expression, reconstruction, and transformation. 

This talk will incorporate the latest scientific research in neurology and clinical interventions, as well as describe tools and exercises for each of the healing stages and the treatment modalities available.

Joining this discussion is not intended to replace individual therapy, but instead to provide an optimistic and empowering understanding of trauma, leading to increased strength and wisdom made possible from what clinicians call post-traumatic growth.

The event will be in-person at the Belmont Library and virtually, via Zoom. Click the button below to get more information and register. 

Thursday, Sept. 14
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Belmont Library 
1110 Alameda de las Pulgas
Belmont, CA

High School Fair
See What School is the Best Match for You

Our annual High School Fair returns on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Middle schoolers and their families will have the opportunity to network with local public and private high schools and learn about all they have to offer for incoming students. This event is free and is open to all Belmont residents and non-residents.

Attending schools include Design Tech High School, St Ignatius College Preparatory, Carlmont High School, Junipero Serra High School, with more to be added.

Click the button below for more information. 

Wednesday, Sept. 18
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Twin Pines Senior and Community Center
20 Twin Pines Lane
Belmont, CA

Safe Kids Community Car Seat Check Event

Mark Wednesday, Sept. 20 in your calendar to join Belmont Police Department and Stanford Medicine for an event to check the safety of your child's car seat. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, click the button below to register for the free event. Have questions? Email:  carseat@stanfordchildrens.org

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023
1 - 4 p.m.
Twin Pines Park
One Twin Pines Drive
Belmont, CA 94002

Movies in the Parks September 

Our Movies in the Parks series continues Friday, Sept. 22 at Alexander Park with “The Parent Trap” (1998). This is the first time we will be presenting at Alexander Park. We look forward to seeing our neighbors in this area of our city.  
Remember to bring a blanket, or chair to enjoy the movie night under the stars. Light snacks and refreshments will be available for sale.

Dogs are welcome to join the event but must remain leashed at all times.

The movie will begin around sundown, about 7 p.m.

See our other dates and locations by clicking the button below. 

Friday, Sept. 22
7 p.m.
Alexander Park
400 Block of Yorkshire Way
Belmont, CA

Artist Studio Available for Rent
Only One Space Left

Are you an artist looking for a private space to paint, draw, or sculpt?

We have one available studio spaces at the Manor Building here in Twin Pines Park. The studio is on the second floor with a window that receives natural light.

The studio is approximately 68 square feet and rents for $173 per month.

If interested, please contact Cody George at cgeorge@belmont.gov. 

Join the Hideout Team

We are hiring for the Recreation Specialist I position within the Parks and Recreation department. This part-time position helps to provide mentorship and guidance to middle school youth at our after-school program, the Hideout.

Find more information and apply by clicking the button below. 

AARP Driver Safety Course
Staying Comfortable Behind the Wheel

Join AARP at the Twin Pines Lodge on Monday, Sept. 18 and Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for a driver safety course to help older drivers maintain independence, minimize crash and collision risks, and get an overview of the rules of the road. Plus, when you take the AARP Smart Driver course, you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance.

$20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Fees payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Cash or check only.

 Reserve your spot by calling 650-595-7444.

Monday, Sept. 18 and Tuesday, Sept. 19
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Twin Pines Lodge
40 Twin Pines Lane 
Belmont, CA

Front Desk Volunteers Needed

As the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center grows, we need your support at the front desk. 

Volunteers at the front desk help with welcoming participants and guiding them to their activities, answering the phone, taking program sign-ups, and other administrative tasks. 

It is a fun and engaging way to give back to your community. 

Here are some available times, but there is flexibility depending on your availability:

Mondays: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays: 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Thursdays: 9 – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, stop by the Senior Center or call us at 650-595-7444.

Twin Pines Senior and Community Center
20 Twin Pines Lane
Belmont, CA

Are you age 60+ in our community? If so, come enjoy a hot, nutritious meal at the Senior and Community Center.

Lunch is served every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and is dine-in only, but advance reservations are required. A suggested contribution is $6 per meal.

Reservations must be made at least one week in advance by calling 650-595-7444 or by stopping by the Senior and Community Center.

Our Senior and Community Center is located in Twin Pines Park. Free parking is available.

Check out the menu and by clicking the button below. 

Affordable Housing Interest List

Development is happening in Belmont! Join the Affordable Housing Interest List to receive information on preleasing opportunities and other updates.

Housing Resources

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