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Wildfire Mutual Aid & Emergency Preparedness
This week, our hearts go out to our friends and neighbors in Los Angeles as they face devastating wildfires. We are grateful to our San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department and their willingness to provide mutual aid to Southern California during this challenging time. Currently, 12 firefighters, one battalion chief, and four fire engines have been sent to the front lines, supporting efforts to contain the fires. Despite their deployment, our fire stations remain fully staffed and ready to serve and protect the communities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo.
This week has served as a reminder to continue our efforts in emergency preparedness. Residents can sign up for SMC Alert, San Mateo County’s primary alert and warning system. SMC Alert is used to contact you during urgent or emergency situations, which may include life safety, fire, weather, accidents involving utilities or roadways, or disaster notifications. It's free, and you can choose your language preference. The County of San Mateo also offers resources to help you create an emergency preparedness plan.
We encourage all residents to sign up for SMC Alert, learn your evacuation zone through Know Your Zone, create a "Go Bag" using CAL FIRE's checklist, and learn about other fire prevention resources.
How You Can Help
Many residents have asked how they can assist our neighbors in Southern California. While several relief efforts are underway, we urge you to thoroughly vet any organization before donating to avoid scams. One trusted option is the American Red Cross, which has a dedicated Wildfire Relief Fund. Your contributions can help provide shelter, food, and other essentials to those in need. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe and helping those affected by this disaster.
Reflecting on 2024 & Looking Ahead
Leadership in local government isn’t just about budgets—it’s about building a resilient, connected community that can weather any storm. In 2024, together, we proved exactly that.
Thanks to your unwavering support, we achieved significant milestones this past year, from improving our roads and public safety to enhancing our parks and open spaces and investing in housing solutions. Explore the highlights of our collective achievements in Belmont's 2024 Year in Review.
As we enter 2025, our commitment remains unwavering. We'll continue to focus on what makes Belmont truly special: our ability to innovate while never losing sight of our community's heart. Whether it's integrating new technologies to improve public services or implementing projects that connect our neighborhoods, we’re always guided by our shared vision for a stronger, more connected Belmont.
To our incredible Belmont community, thank you for showing up, supporting one another, and proving that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but about how we rise to meet them together. Here’s to a bright and successful year ahead!
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See Something, Say Something: A Friendly Reminder for the Community
There has been an increase in criminal activity over the past five weeks, ranging from petty theft and fraud to burglaries and stolen vehicles. We are actively investigating each case and urge residents to stay vigilant.
Keep an eye on your surroundings, whether at the park, downtown, or even running errands. Please report any suspicious activity immediately. Be sure to secure your belongings by locking your doors, secure your packages, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
For crimes in progress, call 9-1-1 and stay on the line so officers can respond and investigate. If you see something, say something—it’s simple and works.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry and Essay Contest
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry & Essay Contest is currently accepting submissions from Belmont youth in 3rd to 12th grade until Feb. 3. Finalists will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. held in the Twin Pines Lodge. Winners and finalists will receive a monetary prize for participating, donated by our generous event sponsors!
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Public Meetings
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Closed Session: 6:15 p.m.
Regular Business: 7 p.m.
Planning Commission
Tuesday, Jan. 21
7 p.m.
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Find Your Future Here
Belmont Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for various summer positions (recreation leaders, counselors in training, lifeguards) to support our summer camps and aquatics program.
Explore these and other opportunities to join team Belmont by clicking below.
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Mark Your Calendar
Fireside Poetry Open Mic
Step into a night of renewal and poetic inspiration at a cozy Fireside Poetry Open Mic in Belmont's historic Twin Pines Manor on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Whether you're a seasoned poet or stepping up for the first time, bring an original poem or a favorite one to read. Bilingual readings are warmly encouraged and celebrated! Open to all ages and experiences. Warm up with hot chocolate and refreshments provided for all attendees. Open mic sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis.
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Infrastructure Insider
Public Works Highlights
The Public Works Operations team hit the ground running this year, addressing various service requests and maintenance needs. This included filling potholes, removing a dead fallen tree entangled in overhead streetlight wiring, and replacing street and traffic signs. The team also repaired over 3 tons of failed asphalt and resolved a traffic signal vehicle detection issue at Ralston Avenue and Sixth Street, which is expected to reduce traffic delays in the area.
Additionally, staff collaborated with the Parks and Recreation Department to remove several benches and their foundations in Twin Pines Park. They are also partnering with engineering staff on a project to construct retaining walls around a newly relocated traffic signal control cabinet at Ralston Ave. and Cipriani Blvd.
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Twin Pines Park Belmont Creek Restoration Project Update
The Twin Pines Park Belmont Creek Restoration Project started tree removal work, including several invasive Eucalyptus trees, on Jan. 6. It will be complete by the end of February, weather permitting. The work will be occurring in Twin Pines Park in the immediate vicinity of the Redwood Picnic Area pedestrian bridge. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The westernmost paved trail access off Ralston will be closed during work hours. Access from Paloma Ave into the park will be closed for the duration of the work. The remainder of the park outside the work area will remain open during construction. Please proceed with caution near the work area. For more information, please contact the Belmont Public Works Department via email at pworks@belmont.gov, call (650) 595-7425, or visit www.belmont.gov/CreekRestoration.
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In Our Community
Mid-Peninsula Water District Board Vacancies
The Mid-Peninsula Water District is seeking two community members to join its Board of Directors. The positions are in Divisions 4 and 5. Applicants must reside in one of these divisions and be registered voters to qualify. This is a great chance to contribute to the District’s vital water services and support community and environmental priorities.
Maturing Gracefully: Fresh Start-Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change
Research shows that the best way to set yourself up for success and make healthy lifestyle changes is to set small, specific, realistic time-based goals. Learn more from Janel Jurosky about making lasting healthy changes at the Maturing Gracefully: Fresh Start-Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change talk on Jan. 13 from 1-2 p.m. at the Belmont Public Library in the Taube Room.
Dental Care Tips for Healthy Aging
Carlmont Dental and Health Plan of San Mateo will present an oral health seminar on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center. The seminar will cover dry mouth and cavities, dental implants and technology, oral health and systematic diseases, and cosmetic dentistry. This event is free but requires an RSVP by calling (650) 595-7444.
Samaritan House Gala Tickets Available
The Samaritan House invites the community to its annual gala fundraiser, A Night in the Enchanted Garden, on March 21, 2025. Tickets are currently available for purchase and do sell out. If you are interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, please email Beth Hefner at bhefner@samaritanhousesanmateo.org.
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