Due to tree work in Twin Pines Park, The Buckeye and Redwood picnic areas, both playgrounds, and the path leading to the Redwood picnic area will be closed Monday, Sept. 18 – Thursday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please stay away from this area and follow all posted signs.

Belmont Police Department gathered this week to honor the sudden passing of one of their own, Robert (Bob) Gorran, who had just celebrated his 100th birthday in June. 

Bob was born on June 11, 1923, in New York City and moved to Los Angeles with his family at the age of five. He attended Los Angeles City College and had a short stint in the US Navy during World War II.  Bob then attended U.C. Berkeley where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. There, he met and began dating the love of his life, Tina, and they later married in 1950.

From 1950 to 1956 Bob worked as a San Mateo Police Department Reserve Officer, while working full-time as an accountant.  As a SMPD Reservist he specialized in teaching marksmanship to teenagers.  At one point, Bob had two rifle teams he supervised.  During this period, Bob and Tina had two children, Steve and Laura.

Bob and his young family moved to Belmont in 1957 and started his career at the Belmont Police Department as a “relief patrolman” in 1959. 

Bob preferred to work the night shift which he did 18 of the 27 years he worked.  While working as a full-time police officer, Bob also worked as a bus driver for the school district and continued his business as an accountant.  Bob explained that he worked as a police officer from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and then would drove a bus for the children from 7 to 9 a.m. After sleeping from 9 a.m. to noon, he worked his accountant job until, he returned and drove the school bus from 3 to 5 p.m.  Bob came home and worked his accountant job from 5 to 8 p.m., slept a few more hours and did it all over again starting at 11 p.m. 

Bob retired from the Belmont Police Department in 1983 but he was asked to come back two times to help with staffing and with big investigations.  After his retirement with Belmont Police, Bob worked an additional five years as a San Mateo County Reserve Officer.  As if nearly 40 years of law enforcement was not enough, Bob has maintained his Public Accountant Enrolled Agent business for 70 years.  Bob explained he has had some of the same clients for over 40 years.

Bob turned 100 in June of 2023 and continued to travel and help his clients.  In July, Bob and Tina took a two-week Alaskan cruise, what would be the last of over 70 cruises the couple took together. 

Bob and Tina live in the same house in Belmont that they moved into in when it was new in 1957.  Bob’s son, Steven lives in Folsom and his daughter, Laura, lives in San Carlos.  Bob explained he remained fit and healthy throughout his life by completing the Canadian Royal Air Force 5B Exercises every day.    

When Bob was interviewed in 2022 for a Belmont POA article and asked what he wanted to tell officers today, Bob said “know where the sun is to keep yourself safe while working traffic and just do your job.”   Sound advice from someone who has not stopped working since 1950.

Bob lived a colorful and full life.  Even our newest employees knew Bob, he always introduced himself and was happy to tell “war stories” of his time with Belmont PD. 

In true Bob fashion, he called the police department himself on Sept. 5, 2023, to let us know he would not be around much longer and to request the presence of the police department. 

Bob passed peacefully the next morning on Sept. 6, 2023. 

We thank Bob for his many years of dedicated service to Belmont and San Mateo County.  Bob was a true legend and his memory lives on in both his children and the following generations of Belmont PD officers. 

San Mateo County Health officials urge residents six months and older to get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 shot, which was approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Fall and winter mark the traditional flu season, as more activities take place indoors and holiday travel is popular.

COVID-19 is also more transmissible in confined spaces, so there is increased risk for respiratory viruses during this period.

The CDC recommends getting the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time.

For September’s Suicide Prevention Month, San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, Star Vista and partners are offering suicide awareness and prevention trainings and events and promoting the statewide theme, “Share Hope Together."

The act of sharing — of hope, stories, time, resources, or experiences — can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention.

Belmont City Council at its Sept. 12 meeting presented a proclamation declaring September as Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and remind individuals, friends and families about resources that are available.

Click the button below to find an event or training near you. 

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.

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

Join the project team at an upcoming Pop-Up to share your thoughts on guiding principles for the Belmont Harbor Industrial Area Specific Plan. 

Harbor Industrial Area staff will be on hand at the Sept. 22 Movies in the Park event to hear your thoughts on the neighborhood plan. 

Look for staff from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Alexander Park. More pop-up dates to come and will be announced here. 

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.

San Juan Pump Station Slope Repair Project Completed

In February 2019, a small section of the east bank of Laurel Creek eroded and slid into Laurel Creek.

To repair the damages, this project installed steel beams and a retaining wall to stabilize the slope.

The project successfully was completed ahead of schedule with no impacts to the creek or the San Juan Pump Station.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the project’s duration.

Expect continued construction work in the Sterling Downs neighborhood next week as the fiber installation comes to a conclusion. 

This week, our crew removed existing striping on Hill Street at O'Neill Avenue and moved on to slurry seal work. 

Next week, expect the following road closures: 

Monday, Sept. 18

Slurry seal on Hiller and O’Neil. Lane closures: