👋 eNews: Nov. 21, 2025 - San Mateo on Ice, HVAC Rebates, Council Actions, Spare the Air Reminder, Winter Wonder Walk & Morel

Email from City of San Mateo Check out the latest from the City of San Mateo In today's edition: Take Advantage of Electric HVAC Rebates and Tax Incentives By Dec. 31 Spare the Air Reminder Winter Wonder Walk Coming Dec. 5 City of San Mateo DEI Spotlight: Honoring Native American Heritage Month Actions Taken at Nov. 17 City Council Meeting City Council Meeting & Reorganization on Dec. 1 Temporary Relocation of Public Meetings in December San Mateo On Ice Central Park Now Open! Registration for Winter 2026 is Open Parks and Recreation Thanksgiving Facility Closures Marianne Kent Performance and Book Talk The History and Architecture of San Francisco’s Chinese American Neighborhoods SMPL Book Discussion Group Meet the Small Pets at Hillsdale Library Thrive San Mateo: Smart & Safe Holiday Shopping Job Opportunities with the City Spread Holiday Cheer with Samaritan House’s Toy & Gift Card Drive City Manager's Office Take Advantage of Electric HVAC Rebates and Tax Incentives By Dec. 31 Having a gas furnace is like using a pager. When your old gas furnace finally bites the dust, it’s time to go electric! Ditch the carbon monoxide, fumes, and mystery smells—and embrace modern, all-electric HVACs that keep your home cozy, clean, and safe. Say goodbye to the continual on/off cycling of your old gas furnace. Modern electric heat pumps deliver the perfect temperature and humidity year round. Take advantage of rebates, as well as tax incentives that are anticipated to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Act now and find an installer in your area: Find an installer in your area. You can also explore additional rebates for electric applicances, rain barrels and more on our Sustainability webpage. Spare the Air Reminder Wood burning is not allowed indoors or outdoors during a spare the air alert. Wood smoke, like wildfire smoke, has negative health impacts. Wood burning devices are an inefficient way to heat the home and create unhealthy indoor and outdoor air quality. The Air District encourages residents to use cleaner, more efficient heating devices such as electric heaters or high-efficiency heat pumps. For more information 1-877-4NO-BURN and www.sparetheair.org. Winter Wonder Walk Coming Dec. 5 Join us for a festive stroll filled with sparkle, music, and family fun. Enjoy heartfelt holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and neighborhood businesses. Come for the lights, stay for the cheer — presented by the 25th Avenue Collective. Date: Dec. 5, 2025 Time: 5 - 8 p.m. Location: 25th Avenue (between Flores and Hacienda) Learn more here. City of San Mateo DEI Spotlight: Honoring Native American Heritage Month November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Native American communities. The San Mateo Public Library is promoting Native storytelling and history through its Kanopy partnership, offering the community free access to a curated collection of films and programs showcasing Native perspectives: Kanopy Native American Collection. City Clerk's Office Actions Taken at Nov. 17 City Council Meeting The following items were discussed by the San Mateo City Council on Nov. 17, 2025. Full meeting minutes are approved in subsequent Council meetings, and can be viewed and searched on the City's Agendas & Minutes Public Meeting Portal: Special Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Study Session Community Workforce Agreement for City Capital Projects The City Council provided direction for staff to proceed with negotiations for a Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) with several guiding principles in place. The Council expressed a preference for a project-specific approach beginning with five initial projects to allow staff to collect data on the benefits and challenges of a CWA, assess cost and bid impacts, and evaluate outcomes to guide future decisions. The Council expressed interest in making the CWA inclusive to additional union groups that are not part of the San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council. The Council also emphasized focusing on major capital projects that can be completed in the short-term to medium-term timeframe. Regular Meeting, 7 p.m. Ceremonial ReThink Waste “Trash to Art” Contest Winners — Recognition The City Council recognized the 2025 “Trash to Art” winners: 1st Place (Middle School): Penelope "Penny" D., 7th grade, Bayside Academy, “Compost Critters Doing Their Job” 2nd Place (Elementary): Minh N., 5th grade, College Park Elementary School, “Critters clean for us!” Honorable Mention (Middle School): Evie S., 7th grade, Bayside Academy, “Decomposers” Chris Eckert — Proclamation  Chris Eckert of Chris Eckert Real Estate received a proclamation for his outstanding contribution of time, effort and financial support for the Central Park Music Series. Small Business Saturday — Proclamation Erica Wood, Executive Director of the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, accepted a proclamation declaring Nov. 15, 2025 as “Small Business Saturday” in San Mateo. They encouraged attendees to support San Mateo's amazing local businesses by "shopping small" this holiday season! Public Hearing Housing Element Implementation, Tenant Protection Policies — Ordinance Introductions The Council introduced two ordinances that implement key policies in the Housing Element: Ordinance 1: Tenant Protection Ordinance. This ordinance extends certain provisions of AB 1482 at the local level by: Applying state just-cause eviction, noticing and relocation requirements. Requiring relocation assistance for no-fault evictions after 11 months of tenancy. Requiring landlords to notify tenants when a major remodel is finished. Note: State rules on rent increases are not included. Ordinance 2: Relocation Assistance Updates A second ordinance was introduced to amend the City’s Tenant Relocation Assistance policy for tenants displaced from unsafe or substandard units that: Moves appeals from the City Council to a hearing officer to streamline enforcement. Updates the relocation payment formula to better to better cover tenant costs during temporary displacement. Allows the City to change a relocation case from temporary to permanent. Ensures tenants return home quickly or receive help if repairs take over 90 days. Additionally, Council asked staff to collect voluntary rental property data and report back on the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Both ordinances will return for final approval at a future meeting and would take effect 30 days after adoption. Station Park Green Specific Area Plan — Amendment ​  The City Council approved updates to the Station Park Green Specific Plan to allow a different mix of office and retail uses. An environmental review addendum was also adopted under CEQA. If the project moves forward, it will: Convert some retail spaces on S. Delaware Street to office use. Move the community room to a new location along Concar Drive, Improve the exterior plaza and pedestrian pathway. Upgrade remaining retail spaces along Concar Drive. Additional conditions allow more flexible retail and nonprofit office uses, better signage, and improvements to public areas to create a more active and welcoming corner. The applicant is also voluntarily contributing to improvements for nearby neighborhood parks. The City Council also asked staff to: Include retail consultant review in future project assessments. Look at options for managing additional employee parking and more short-term spaces for pick-ups and food delivery. Public Meeting Portal Link City Council Meeting & Reorganization on Dec. 1 Join us at City Hall Council Chambers on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the appointment of our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor. A free reception with food and refreshments will be held in the Atrium after the Regular Meeting adjourns. Questions? Contact the City Clerk's Office, clerk@cityofsanmateo.org or call (650) 522-7040. Temporary Relocation of Public Meetings from December through Mid-January San Mateo City Hall Council Chambers will be closed from Dec. 2, 2025 through mid-January 2026 due to construction. During this time, the City Council, Planning Commission, and Sustainability & Infrastructure Commission will hold their meetings at the San Mateo Main Library: 55 W 3rd Ave, located in the Oak Room meeting space. Thank you for your understanding as we complete these improvements. For the latest updates and meeting information, please visit the Public Meetings Portal. www.cityofsanmateo.org/publicmeetings. Parks and Recreation San Mateo On Ice Central Park Open through Jan. 11, 2026 San Mateo on Ice at Central Park is now open daily through Jan. 11, 2026. This welcoming ice rink is the perfect spot for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy a fun, festive activity and create lasting memories. After your skate, keep the fun going by exploring downtown San Mateo, from local shops to delicious restaurants. There’s plenty to enjoy for a full day of entertainment. ⛸️Plan your visit: For hours, ice skating tickets, and more information, visit onicerinks.com. Don’t miss a season of skating and community fun through the holidays! Registration for Winter 2026 is Open Kick off your 2026 goals with our Winter class offerings! Get your heart pumping with our awesome dance and fitness classes like Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba ® Gold, or get into a Zen state of mind with yoga or tai chi. Keep your child engaged and active all winter with one of the many sports programs offered - Tennis, Basketball, Pickleball, Soccer, and more! Don’t miss out on a new year full of movement, creativity, and connection!😊 🗓️ Registration is now open! Use this Thanksgiving break to browse all our offerings and secure your spot early! 🌐Register online at www.sanmateorec.org. Parks and Recreation Thanksgiving Facility Closures All of our recreation facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 & Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thank you to everyone who has attended our events and participated in our programs; we are truly grateful for you. Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Library Updates Marianne Kent Performance and Book Talk Thursday, Dec. 11 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Main Library, 1st Floor | Oak Room Vocalist, pianist, and author, Marianne Kent sets humorous stories to music with highlights from her memoir, "Famous in California." Registration is required. For more information, visit the website event page. The History and Architecture of San Francisco’s Chinese American Neighborhoods Saturday, Nov. 22 | 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m. | Main Library, 1st Floor | Oak Room Genealogist Grant Din will discuss the 19th century settlement and community formation of San Francisco's Chinatown and migration patterns to neighborhoods such as the Richmond and the Sunset in the mid-20th century. Registration is required. Find more information on the event webpage. SMPL Book Discussion Group  Thursday, Dec. 4 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Main Library, 1st Floor | Laurel Room For the December meeting, the group will discuss "The Lion Women of Tehran," by Mary Jay Kamali. For more information on the event page. Meet the Small Pets at Hillsdale Library Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12-4 p.m. | Hillsdale Library | Front Entrance Local Girls Scouts, with support from Cavy Hammy Haven and Rabbit Haven, share information about small animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits, and how to care for them as pets. Drop by and see the animals at the library front entrance. For more information on the event page. Thrive San Mateo Smart & Safe Holiday Shopping With holiday deals already in full swing, many of us are out and about picking up gifts, supporting local shops, or clicking “add to cart” maybe a little too often. As the season ramps up, here are a few quick reminders to help keep you — and your packages — safe. Stay aware while shopping Keep bags zipped and phones tucked away in busy areas. Park in well-lit locations and have keys ready before you walk back to your car. If you’re carrying multiple bags, make a quick drop-off at your car and lock items out of sight. Be sure to check and make sure no one is watching you load the car, or move your car so it looks like you're leaving. Be scam-smart online Stick to reputable retailers and avoid deals that look “too good to be true.” Don’t click on unexpected tracking texts or emails — many are spoofed. Use secure payment methods and avoid saving card numbers on unfamiliar sites. Protect deliveries Track packages so you know when to bring them in. Consider using a lockbox, designated delivery spot, or shipping to a trusted location if you won’t be home. If you’re traveling, ask a neighbor to grab deliveries until you return. A little awareness goes a long way this time of year. Stay safe, shop thoughtfully, and enjoy the start of the holiday season in San Mateo. Job Opportunities with the City Your Weekly Window into City Service and Job Opportunities Apply Now:  Plan Checker I/II/ Engineer Project Manager I/II Management Analyst I - Per Diem Community Service Officer I/II Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic I/II Senior Instrument Control Technician ...and more! A great way to make a positive impact with opportunities for growth and development. Check out the latest opportunities here and apply at www.calopps.org/city-of-san-mateo. Community Partner News and Events Spread Holiday Cheer with Samaritan House’s Toy & Gift Card Drive The City of San Mateo is proud to share Samaritan House’s Annual Holiday Toy & Gift Card Drive, helping bring joy to local families in need. No parent should have to choose between celebrating the holidays and putting food on the table. That’s why Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading nonprofits providing food, shelter, and essential services, is inviting the community to donate new, unwrapped toys for children and gift cards for teens.Donations are accepted online at: roonga.com/samhouseholiday2025 Help make the season brighter for families in our community, every contribution counts! 💙🎁 Want to Receive eNews Citywide Updates & Events Every Friday? Sign Up Below for eNews and Updates on Other Topics of Interest! 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