Twin Pines Park: We are so happy to announce that Twin Pines Park has reopened today. All barriers and signs have been removed. Rain is in the forecast again next week, so we may have to close the park again. We will share updates as they become available.

Open Space: At this time all Belmont open space will remain CLOSED until further notice. Staff will assess the areas as soon as it safe and possible to do so. Please continue to stay off of all wet trails.

Need Help Feeding Your Pets?
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Pet Food Bank is Open

Striving to keep pets and their families together, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA created a Pet Food Bank to assist pet owners with food and other supplies for their pets.

Low-income county residents or those suffering financial hardship can register to receive pet food and litter from the food bank. Income verification is not necessary, but advance registration for the Pet Food Bank is required.

The Pet Food Bank occurs on the second Friday of each month and is 100% donor funded.

To receive pet food, applicants must:

• Be a resident of San Mateo County and experiencing financial hardship.
• Agree to use the food bank for personal companion animals in need.
• Understand that food is donated to Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and the same brand or type of pet food cannot be guaranteed each month.
• Enroll no more than four pets per household.

Please email Brian@PHS-SPCA.org for questions.

If you would like to donate unopened pet food
to the food bank, please call Brian Probst at 650-988-5280.

To register for the food bank and receive monthly provisions, click the button below. 

NOVAworks and Biocom California invite you to a virtual workshop to explore career opportunities in the Bay Area’s life science industry.

The Bay Area is home to 5,000 life science establishments and directly employs over 140,000 people in the region. Companies in this sector research, develop and manufacture therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices and equipment, digital health technologies and many other healthcare solutions for patients around the globe. They provide a range of jobs – both scientific and nonscientific - for all educational levels and many are hiring now."

This workshop will feature:

• An overview of the life science industry in the Bay Area – what types of companies are here and where they are located
• A panel discussion with professionals working in life science companies that will showcase various career pathways
• An interactive discussion with life science HR professionals who will provide insight into the variety of roles within a typical life science company, what makes a successful job candidate when transitioning into the sector, training/ experience/ certifications that are advantageous, and job-search resources available

Tuesday, March 28
10:30 a.m.
To register for the
virtual event, click the button.

The Counselors in Training (CIT) Program provides teens ages 13-17 with work and leadership experience while they have fun in Twin Pines Park.

Program dates will be June 19 - Aug. 11, 2023, to align with Camp SOAR. 

Applications are due to the City of Belmont, Parks and Recreation Office, 30 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA, 94002, by April 23, 2023, at the very latest. You can drop them off in-person or mail them in.

Summer Activity Guide Coming Soon

Mark your calendars. The Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Guide will be hitting your mailbox the week of April 3, 2023.

Registration for all summer classes and camps opens on Friday, April 7, 2023.

We will be offering our usual swim lessons and Camp SOAR, as well as new options such as an All Sports Camp, Pop Pilates, private violin lessons, senior day trips, and an art extravaganza class.

Egg Adventure Hunt

Join us at our annual Egg Adventure Hunt on Saturday, April 8 in Twin Pines Park. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. SHARP, but be sure to arrive by 9:30 a.m.

13,000 eggs will be hidden throughout the park for ages 3-10.

Don’t forget to bring your own basket and be sure to stick around after the hunt to enjoy some refreshments, take family photos with our bunnies, and visit with our summer camp contractors. 

Saturday, April 8
10 a.m. SHARP
Twin Pines Park
1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont

Camp SOAR Scholarships Now Available

We are so excited to announce we were accepted for the San Mateo County 2023 Summer Enrichment Grant and will be offering scholarships of up to $330 per week of Camp SOAR this summer. 

Applicants must be Belmont residents.

Learn to Use Your iPhone

Do you have an iPhone that you want to learn how to use better or are you thinking about getting one? Then this class is perfect for you.

Members of the Belmont Youth Advisory Committee want to help you understand how to use your iPhone and the features on it you might find useful. They will show you the basic apps, how to adjust your settings, and how to scan QR codes.  

Come with your phone fully charged and your questions.

This event is free, but please RSVP at 650-595-7444.

Thursday, April 13
10:30 a.m.
Twin Pines Senior and Community Center
20 Twin Pines Lane

Womens History Month
Staff Reflections

To celebrate Womens History Month in March, we asked our staff to share a selfie with women who inspire their every day. Brigitte Shearer, our Parks and Recreation Department director, sent us these great images and reflections. Read below about the women who inspire her (in no particular order).

Leslie Knope played adorably by Amy Poehler; Leslie Knope embodies the passion we in Parks & Recreation bring to our jobs every day.

Favorite Leslie Knope quotes:

“What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring really loudly at me.”

"Maybe it's time for more women to be in charge."

"Now go find your team. Get to work. Whatever that work is that you find worth doing. Do it, and find some people to love who'll do it with you."

RBG! Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Supreme Court Justice from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was the first Jewish person and only second woman to be seated on this Country's highest court. Justice Ginsburg dedicated her career to rights for all, but particularly advocated for equal rights for women.

Favorite RBG quote: 

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.”

Belmont's diverse city council and gender- balanced senior management team is a testament to this city's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sacajawea, a Lemhi Shoshone woman, captured and married to a fur trader. She joined the Lewis & Clark expedition, serving as translator, negotiator, guide and naturalist. She gave birth to a son while on the journey.

Sacajawea was instrumental to the group's successful expedition and given an equal right to vote on critical decisions. However, she was the only member of the expedition to not receive payment from the US Government for her service.

Read more about Sacajawea in "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose. Learn more about the indigenous peoples of San Mateo County and Belmont in particular by visiting the Belmont History Room when it reopens to the public on April 30, 2023.

Happy Womens History Month, who inspires you? 

Residential Electrification Guidelines

Peninsula Clean Energy has published guidelines for how to electrify homes that have 100 amps of electrical capacity.

Most homes in the service territory have 100 amp service. Avoiding panel and service upgrades can significantly reduce the costs of electrification however, the methods for doing so are not widely practiced.

Developed with input from experienced practitioners, the guidelines outline innovative methods to avoid costly service upgrades while ensuring a “no compromises” home experience. 

Electric Home Upgrade Rebates & Zero Percent Loan

Program Details
Peninsula Clean Energy is providing homeowners in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos interest-free financing and new rebates to install electric water heaters and heating and A/C equipment.

Zero Percent Loan program
This new program will provide interest-free financing of as much as $10,000 per home for projects that include installation of electric heat pump equipment, including water heaters and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units.

The loans will range from two to 10 years and be repaid on monthly electric bills. They do not require a credit check but do require the customer to have a zero past-due balance on their previous three PG&E billing statements.

New rebates for HVAC equipment
Residents can get a $3,500 rebate for installing an electric heat pump HVAC system. If an electrical panel upgrade is required, they may get up to $1,500 to assist with that cost.

Expanded rebate for heat pump water heaters
Heat pump water heater rebates are increased to $3,000. If an electrical panel upgrade is required, they may get up to $1,500 to assist with that cost.

You may also qualify for a BayREN rebate of $1,000 (requires working with a BayREN contractor).

Residents who participate in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs qualify for an added $1,000 rebate.

San Juan Sanitary Lift Station Slope Stabilization

The failed creek bank adjacent to the lift station is steeply sloped along the edge of the driveway and is heavily eroded due to rain events and soil type. The project will stabilize and repair the embankment, while ensuring water quality in East Laurel Creek.

Four (4) bids received
Engineer’s estimate: $375,000
Lowest responsible bid: $284,606

Davey Glen Road Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Improvements

In response to a complaint by a person with disabilities, this project will incorporate accessibility improvements of existing facilities mainly within the public right-of-way including curb ramps, sidewalk, driveway approach, cross-gutters, and grade adjustment of manholes and utility boxes along Davey Glen Road.

Ten (10) bids received
Engineer’s estimate: $413,000
Lowest responsible bid:$268,452

2023 Sanitary Sewer Project

The project evaluated existing sanitary and storm sewer pipes, drain inlets, and manholes to replace/repair approximately 3,500 linear feet of sewer mains underneath seven streets (Arbor Avenue, South Road, Middle Road, Hillman Avenue, Lyon Avenue, Alameda de las Pulgas, Villa Avenue). Many of these streets are slated for repaving efforts soon, and this project will ensure that the underground work precedes surface repairs.

Six (6) bids received
Engineer’s estimate: $960,300
Lowest responsible bid: $834,480

Ralston Traffic Cabinets

In partnership with the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG)’s Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) program, San Mateo County and Caltrans, Belmont recently completed the Ralston Avenue Adaptive Signal traffic control update.

This project optimized the signal timing on Ralston Avenue to reduce vehicular delay in real time as traffic volumes change. As a part of the project, the traffic signal cabinets at the intersections of Ralston Avenue/Belmont Canyon Road and Ralston Avenue/Cipriani Boulevard were designed to be relocated and modernized to house new equipment and improve cabinet access and public safety workers maintaining the Ralston Ave Signals, and people driving along the corridor.

Three (3) bids received
Engineer’s estimate: $352,000
Lowest responsible bid: $355,000

Ralston and Tahoe/Hallmark Traffic Congestion

You might wonder why there is extra traffic congestion on Ralston Avenue at the Tahoe and Hallmark intersections lately. We're working to fix the issues detailed below: 

Traffic signal at Ralston and Tahoe:
• GridSmart camera wiring experienced moisture and has been sent for repairs. 
• While the camera is out for repair the intersection will continue to work in recall, that is all directions will get maximum designed green time (up to two minutes about) regardless of traffic flow.

Traffic signal at Ralston and Hallmark:
• There are no problems at this intersection that we can confirm.
• If you experience any delays or issues at this intersection, please note the date and time and share that information with Public Works by email or phone at: 650-595-7425
Pworks@belmont.gov

MTC Wants to Hear From You
Deadline for Input is April 10, 2023

This is a reminder that the public comment period for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Draft 2023 Public Participation Plan is open now through 5 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft document and provide feedback online. Feedback also can be emailed to info@bayareametro.gov with the subject line “PPP 2023,” or mailed to MTC Public Information Office, 375 Beale Street, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94105.

Whether tackling congestion or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Bay Area must consider many priorities in planning the next three decades for transportation, housing, economic development and environmental resilience. Policymakers rely on continued conversation with members of the public to inform a shared, sustainable vision for the Bay Area’s future.

The public comment period offers community members the chance to review and provide feedback on the proposed framework for how MTC will conduct public engagement activities. The draft plan proposes enhancements geared toward better reaching Equity Priority Communities, more comprehensive public engagement techniques and a refinement of the guiding principles for engagement.

Following the public comment period, MTC staff will review the input received and update the draft plan as needed before bringing it to the Commission for final adoption, which is slated for early summer 2023. To request a printed copy of the draft document, please call MTC’s Public Information Office at (415) 778-6757.

To request translation of any part of the plan, or request other assistance, call (415) 778-6757 or email info@bayareametro.gov.

Highway 101 Express Lanes Program
Applications are Open

The new San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Community Transportation Benefits Program helps cover transportation costs for qualifying individuals in San Mateo County. The transportation benefits program is a first of its kind transportation equity program in the U.S., sponsored and funded by the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority.

Participants can choose from one of two transportation benefit options: either a $100 transit credit on a Clipper Card or a $100 toll credit on a FasTrak® toll transponder.

To qualify for the transportation benefits under this program, a participant must meet these three qualifications:

1. A resident of San Mateo County
2. Age 18 or older
3. Earning an individual income at or below $78,300 (for 2022)

Eligible participants can enroll in the Community Transportation Benefits Program at the eight County of San Mateo Core Service Agencies, which are listed on the program website.

Visit the Community Transportation Benefits Program website by clicking on the link below.

Have questions? Email the program at info@smcexpresslanes.org or leave a voicemail at 650-523-0831.