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Dec. 1, 2023

Join the Community Center Conversation

Our beloved 73-year-old Barrett Community Center has been the heart of our community for generations, but it is now in dire need. The Center has been heavily used over the years, providing a space for gatherings, events, and activities that have brought us together as a community.

We are working hard to secure the continuity of the Community Center, which includes considering utilizing developer contributions from new construction and leveraging infrastructure grant funding. Should we also consider using the Community Center as an emergency relief center, we can also seek matching funds from the State or County.

But we can’t do it alone—we need your help. We welcome all to join us for The Community Center Conversations. Take the online survey or attend an upcoming open house:

Open House #1
Barrett Community Center, Room 19
1835 Belburn Dr.
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023
6-7 p.m.

Open House #2
Barrett Community Center, Room 19
1835 Belburn Dr.
Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2023
9-10 a.m.

For more information, click the button below. 

Join Citizens for a San Mateo County Gun Buyback and the Belmont Police for its upcoming gun buyback event on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 here in our city. 

To date, the group, in partnership with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, have held seven gun buyback events at which over 2,600 firearms have been turned in. 

This event will take place at 400 Harbor Boulevard. Take note that the funds are limited and subject to availability. The event starts at 10 a.m., Dec. 9 and runs until about 2 p.m.

Gun Buy Back
Dec. 9, 2022
400 Harbor Blvd.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Last City Council Meeting of 2023

Mark your calendars for Dec. 12, 2023 and join us for our end-of-year City Council meeting.

This is a special one where we get to celebrate those that have brought beauty to our city with the Beautiful Belmont Award winners, and those who have made our city a better place to live, the nominees and winners of our Community Service Awards.

We're a little biased, but it's our favorite council meeting of the year. Don't miss it. 

Reducing food waste this holiday season

As you’re out shopping for Thanksgiving meals, keep in mind that food waste increases by more than 25% during the holiday season. When that food waste decomposes in landfills, it emits greenhouse gases.

Diverting food from ending up in landfills is part of the city’s overall commitment to environmental sustainability, one of our core community values, and an important part of the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.

Here are some easy ways to reduce waste during the holidays:

• Plan ahead. Make a grocery list and reconfirm your guest list before shopping. Coordinate dishes with family and guests.
• Save scraps. Freeze scraps like vegetable peelings and meat trimmings for savory broths, hearty soups or future recipes.
• Share and reuse leftovers. Send party leftovers home with guests or freeze leftovers for future use.
• Compost. Any remaining food scraps that you can’t use should be placed in your green compost cart. That does not include fats, oils and grease, which are a whole different story …

Disposing of cooking fats, oil and grease

Fats, oil and grease play a role in many holiday recipes, but they can really do a number on your pipes. In some cases, they can block sewer lines and cause overflows into your property, your neighborhood and the bay.

Follow these tips to avoid holiday plumbing disasters and help protect our environment, too:

• Never put fats, oils or grease down your drain. That includes cooking oils, shortening, dairy products, sauces and salad dressings.
• Use your garbage disposal sparingly.
• Scrape oil and grease into the trash, NOT into your green compost bin.
• Do not rely on grease-cutting detergents or hot water to wash away grease.
• Wipe cooking pan residue with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.

Hoskin's Black History Pop-Up Museum - Holiday Hours

If you haven't yet experienced the incredible collection of American Black history collected and on display at the Dominic Hoskin's Museum, you have an opportunity during the holidays.  The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center is set to bring joy and celebration to San Mateo County this holiday season. The program, made possible by generous state funding advocated for by Senator Josh Becker and the tireless efforts of founder Carolyn Hoskins, promises to be a highlight of the community's festivities. Visit Santa alongside NFL Alumni Guests, 50 themed Christmas Trees, raffles, prizes and goodie bags. The Domini Hoskins Holiday Program opens Dec. 1, 2023 at noon in its new facility located at 890 Jefferson Ave., Redwood City, promising a season of joy, learning, and unity for residents and visitors alike. The Holiday Program will continue through Dec. 15, 2023 from Noon - 6 p.m. daily. The San Mateo County Event Center is honored to be a proud fiscal sponsor of the museum and sponsor the holiday program. The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center 890 Jefferson Ave. Redwood City, CA Dec. 1 - 15, 2023 Noon to 6 p.m. daily

Public Meetings

The Community Center Conversation Open House
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023
Barrett Community Center
6-7 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Commission
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023
7 p.m.

Belmont City Council
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023
7 p.m.

Unless otherwise noted, all public meetings take place at Belmont City Hall, One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA. 

Shop Local

As we enter the busy holiday shopping season, we hope you'll take full advantage of our amazing eateries, take-out hotspots, and local businesses on the Peninsula.

We are proud members of Chamber San Mateo County and are delighted by the many visitors who come to our city just to visit our unique businesses. 

Get to know Belmont businesses by clicking the button below, and shop local this holiday season. 

Bay Area Health Officers Recommend
Actions to Stay Healthy

With Respiratory Viruses Circulating, All Bay Area Health Officers Recommend Actions to Stay Healthy for the Holidays.  As levels of circulating respiratory viruses increase and people spend more time indoors for the holiday season, it’s important to know all the ways to stay healthy this winter. “Staying up to date with vaccinations for COVID-19, flu and RSV is the most effective tool for protection. Stay home if unwell, consider testing before gatherings and seek prompt treatment if needed,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, health officer of San Mateo County Health.  Click on the link below for full details and recommendatons.

Home for the Holidays

No need to travel far to celebrate Christmas this year, Belmont has a number of community events you don't want to miss. 

Best of all, each event is geared toward our community and getting to spend some of your holiday with neighbors. Check out the list of events in the button below. 

Safeguarding Your Holiday Deliveries: Tips to Prevent Package Theft

The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, but unfortunately, it also brings an increased risk of package theft. Belmont Police are diligently patrolling neighborhoods to curb this threat, but community involvement is crucial in ensuring a safe holiday season. Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent falling victim to package theft: 1. Delivery Scheduling: Opt for delivery times when you or a trusted individual will be at home. This reduces the window of opportunity for thieves to strike. 2. Package Tracking: Stay informed about the whereabouts of your packages by utilizing the tracking features provided by delivery companies. Knowing when your deliveries are expected allows you to promptly retrieve them upon arrival or seek assistance from a neighbor. 3. Secure Delivery Options: Explore the use of delivery lockboxes or lockers. Many companies now offer secure storage solutions, ensuring your packages remain safe until you're ready to collect them. 4. Signature Confirmation: Request that a signature is required for delivery. This additional layer of security ensures that packages aren't left unattended and provides accountability for the delivery process. 5. Surveillance Measures: Consider installing security cameras around your property. The presence of cameras serves as a deterrent,thieves may think twice before stealing packages if they know they're being recorded. Additionally, recorded footage can be valuable in identifying and apprehending culprits. Remember, community safety is a shared responsibility. If you observe any suspicious activity, don't hesitate to report it to Belmont Police's non-emergency line at 650-595-7400. In case of emergencies or crimes in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. By taking these proactive measures, you contribute to creating a secure environment for yourself and your neighbors during this festive season. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and enjoy the holidays without the worry of package theft.

Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive Starts Today

New, Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at every SMCFD Fire Station (Belmont, Foster City, San Mateo) Look for the bin. Donations of New Unwrapped Toys, Gift Cards or Cash are also being accepted at certain locations & events: Hillsdale Mall Firefighters' Toy Drive Booth Noon - 7:30 p.m. In Belmont, Santa at the Firehouse Thursday, Dec. 14, Fire Station 14, 5- 7:30 p.m. Bring a New, Unwrapped Toy to donate.

Friends of the Belmont Library
Annual Holiday Book and Media Sale

Belmont Library boasts a wide selection of holiday books for your enjoyment and gift-giving.  Its annual sale is a great opportunity to stock up or get a start on your holiday shopping. All books, CDs & DVDs - 20 to 50 percent off selected Children's Books - 50 percent off selected paperbacks at 10 for $1.00. Come early before everything is gone. All proceeds benefit Library programs.  Dec. 9, 2023 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Belmont Library 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont, CA

Diwali Celebration Recap  Our first Diwali celebration, co-hosted with the Belmont Library, was a great success.  The Community enjoyed poetry from our Poet Laureate, Monica Korde, and other local poets, an Indian Classical Dance performance by Pagrav Dance studio, and vocal performance from Piyush Nagar – all celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.   In the photo here, Monica Korde (second from right) put it best:  "Festivals are at the root of every culture. Every tribe, our ancestors, each new generation has grown and thrived and found each other again & again, through community songs, food & stories that are at the heart of any cultural celebration. Festivals are a fantastic way to preserve old traditions while making way for new experiences- they are a way to keep us grounded in our own cultures while celebrating, learning & experiencing someone else’s heritage. And I’m proud to live in a community that understands this & celebrates the diverse cultures we all come from."

Peninsula Clean Energy Launches Incentive Grants for EV Chargers

Peninsula Clean Energy staff is recommending award of incentive grants to Belmont customers applying for EV charger installations for seven multifamily properties. In total this adds up to 182 charge ports, and $786,000 in total local awards. In December 2018, the PCE Board approved a four-year $16 million EV charging infrastructure program intended to accelerate EV adoption in San Mateo County. The funds include $12 million in incentives, technical assistance, workforce development, and other program costs, and was named the EV Ready Program. In October 2023, the Board of Directors authorized a contract amendment with CLEAResult, which is providing technical assistance services for an updated contract total of $2,524,500 and timeline extension through December 2026. To learn more about the program and incentives, click the button below:

Paws for Tales - Kids Reading to Dogs

Do you have a reluctant reader? Sign your child up to have a session to practice reading with a therapy dog at the Belmont library. Studies show that children who may not want to read in front of their peers are much less anxious with an animal present. Children don't perceive animals as judgmental, and reading to an animal helps them become more confident readers. We want to thank our partners for making this possible: Pet Assisted Therapy teams and their handlers from the Peninsula Humane Society & the SPCA's Paws for Tales program. Registration is required and space is limited, so register early for your 10-minute slot.

Seasonal Off-Leash Hours Pause for Winter Off-leash dog hours at the Barrett Field have ended for the season. No dogs are permitted on the field at any time. Off-leash dog activity will resume March 1, 2024. Don't despair, Belmont's permanent dog park is always available for your furbabies to enjoy. If you don't already know about it, click the button below to get informed on our Cipriani Dog Park.

VOICES Food Drive Wraps Up Thank you to everyone who contributed to the VOICES Holiday Food Drive, hosted in partnership with Samaritan House.  As a community, we filled up nine barrels of food for families in need this holiday season.

Forty Trees Delivered to Belmont Homes This week, forty trees were delivered to residents as part of our annual Tree Give-Away. Each year, trees are delivered to applicants in late November, along with instructions on planting, watering, and care. Since 2007, the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Belmont as a Tree City USA for our commitment to preserving and enhancing its urban forest, and these tree plantings help maintain that distinction. To participate in this program, residents can fill out an online form beginning the first Monday in August. Mark your calendar for next year, trees sell out quickly.

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

Business Spotlight: Beautique Beauty Bar

This month, we focus on a longstanding local business in the Carlmont Shopping Center.  Beautique Beauty Bar is a family-run beauty product store and hair salon that features a wide array of hair, skin, and makeup products for both women and men, and carries a variety of beauty tools, candles and accessories. Diane, the owner, created Beautique in 1994, with the goal to cultivate the very best in beauty products. Learn more about this local business by clicking the button below.

To recommend a business that should be spotlighted, email econdev@belmont.gov. 

Transportation Resources in San Mateo County Come learn about different transportation options in San Mateo County. Information presented will be beneficial to individuals who prefer not to drive, are unable to drive, or just want to be prepared for future transition.    We will cover options available through public transit such as SamTrans and Caltrain (including free 1-on-1 training on “How to Ride” by trained Mobility Ambassadors), free or low-cost transportation programs available through community groups, as well as private services. We will be distributing the latest issue of the Senior Mobility Guide.  Please RSVP to 650-595-7444. Free to join.  Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m. Twin Pines Senior and Community Center 20 Twin Pines Lane Belmont, CA 94002

Advanced Healthcare Directive/Power of Attorney Clinic  In partnership with Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, volunteer attorneys will be available to discuss your needs and help you prepare these two important forms. Available for those age 60+ living in San Mateo County.  RSVP to sbilinski@legalaidsmc.org or by calling 650-595-7444.  Tuesday, Dec. 5 Starting at 9:30 a.m.  Twin Pines Senior and Community Center 20 Twin Pines Lane Belmont, CA 94002

Twin Pines Book Club  Connect with others over lively conversation while we adventure together through our reading choices. The Belmont Library and the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center are partnering to offer a new book club that will meet on the first Thursday of the month at 2:30 p.m.  “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge will be discussed at the first meeting on Nov 2, along with what the group envisions for the book club moving forward.  Whether you have time to read the book or not, you’re welcome to join us. Thursday, Dec. 7 2:30 p.m.  Twin Pines Senior and Community Center 20 Twin Pines Lane Belmont, CA

A reminder to all that there will be NO Recycling, Compost, and Garbage collection services Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023 and New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

If your regular collection day falls on the holiday, your service will be the SATURDAY BEFORE on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 and Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.

This schedule change applies only if your regular collection day is Monday.

Navigating Rainy Weather: Essential Safety Tips
Be Safe in the Rain

Did you know some traffic laws actually change during wet weather?

Weather-Related Traffic Laws:

• Drivers must use windshield wipers when it’s raining, and they must be in good working condition.
• Headlights must be turned on.
• When a traffic signal is not working, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Flooding Concerns: If flooding is a concern, stock up on sandbags for added protection. Report flooding to 650-595-7425, and immediate life safety threats to 9-1-1.

To report non-life-threatening emergency (Mudslide, tree fell, road blocked, etc): 650-595-7400

Downed traffic light, street pole, power pole: 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000

Flooding Report: 650-595-7425 please leave a message.

Find storm resources by clicking the button below. 

Introducing NEW Back-in Angled Parking
1325 Old County Road – Northbound between Karen Road and O’Neill Avenue

Some residents have already noticed the new back-in angled parking on Old County Road. While it may take some time for roadway users to get used to, and some drivers may initially incorrectly drive forward into a back-in parking stall, there are actually several benefits to the innovative design that are worth noting.

Your patience, understanding, and cooperation is appreciated as everyone familiarizes themselves with back-in angled parking.

• Is back-in angle parking safer? Yes. Tucson, Arizona reported an average of 3-4 bike/car crashes per month before back-in angled parking and none in the five years following implementation.
• Improved visibility and increased field of vison. Superior sight lines when pulling out. When leaving the parking space, motorists are able to see oncoming traffic.
• Backing in takes the same amount of maneuvering as backing out. Only, it’s done upon arrival instead of departure, and is easier than parallel parking.
• Decreased number of collisions. Motorists no longer have to back out blindly from their parking space. This is a big cause of collisions with people riding bikes or driving.

Improved safety:

a. For children. Car doors open in a manner that directs children to the back of the vehicle, ushering them towards the sidewalk rather that the street.

b. For cyclists. As vehicles exit their parking stall, they are able to see cyclists in the roadway.

• Improved loading and unloading: Trunks are adjacent to the sidewalk and open car doors offer protection from the street, allowing loading and unloading to occur outside of the traveled roadway.
• Improved handicapped parking: Handicapped parking spaces can be placed adjacent to curb ramps.

Maintenance Work This Week

This week, our Street and Traffic Operations continued preparing for the 2024 Slurry Seal Project by replacing 16 tons of failed asphalt on Lori Court and on Coronet Boulevard at Alameda De Las Pulgas.

Staff also replaced a HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signal activation button on Ralston Avenue at Elmer Street. Additionally, staff fulfilled pothole requests (Marsten Avenue and Lori Drive), trimmed vegetation for street sign visibility (Notre Dame Avenue at Valley View Avenue), and continued working on street light outages (Notre Dame Avenue at Notre Dame Place and Hallmark Drive at Comstock Circle).

Lastly, in partnership with Recology to enhance safety for trash collection vehicles and residents, staff installed four No Parking signs for Mondays from 6-10 a.m. on Manzanita Avenue.