City Manager’s Update
Brian Dossey, City Manager
At the March 24 Council meeting the Mayor, City Council and Staff demonstrated their commitment to stand in Solidarity with the Asian Community. “We are all dismayed to witness the rise in violent attacks against the Asian American, Pacific Island Community, in particular, March 16th shootings that left eight people dead in Atlanta, Georgia, that appeared to target the Asian American Community”, said Mayor Colvin. Please remember, Colma condemns racism and hate of any kind in our community and has zero tolerance against hate crimes. Please look to take care of one another and protect our community against violence, hate and racism.
As we enter further into Spring, and as more and more people receive the Covid 19 vaccine, and the County case rates continue to go down, more opportunities to gather with friends and family become possible. Slowly we are starting to gain a small sense of normalcy as more businesses continue to open and we can now dine in a restaurant once again. But please do not let your guard down, continue to social distance, wear your face covering when in public, and wash your hands. As Dr. Fauci recently said, “were so close, let’s not spike the ball on the 5 yard line.”
For more information on how to find out when and where you can receive your Covid 19 vaccine, I encourage you to go to the California Department of Public Health website at https://myturn.ca.gov/landing or the San Mateo County Health Department website at https://www.smchealth.org/covidvaccine.
Also, as we move into Spring that means it’s Budget season for the Town of Colma. Staff is currently working on the upcoming Fiscal Year 21-22 budget. The Town felt the economic impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic in Fiscal Year 19-20 with a $2.3 million budget shortfall, and an estimated $2.2. million budget shortfall this current Fiscal Year 20-21. The Town will also have its budget challenges looking ahead into Fiscal Year 21-22 due to the continuing economic effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. The good news is, Colma has seen many new businesses open over the past several months, which will help increase the Town’s revenue streams. In just the past year, Colma has welcomed House of Bagels, YiFang Fruit Tea, Tesla auto dealership, Panda Express, Cadillac auto dealership, and Wingstop. Also, the Town will soon welcome Philz Coffee and Pet Club. For more information on the Town’s budget, I encourage you to visit https://www.colma.ca.gov/budget/ or join us for our April 28 City Council meeting as the Council will hear the first of three budget presentations over the next couple of months.
Now that the weather is changing and everyone wants to be outside once again, as a friendly reminder, please remember to clean up after your furry family members as you are walking with them through the neighborhoods. The Town provides dog waste bags throughout the community to make it easier for dog owners to pick up the waste. After all it’s just good petiquette!
Recreation Services Department Update
Angelika Abellana, Interim Recreation Manager
As we transition into the Spring season, we are happy to announce some great events that we have scheduled for the community. Although we are not hosting our normal Town Clean Up Day, we encourage you to take some time in April to keep the streets in front of your home clean by disposing of any trash or debris you may see.
This Spring some events we have to offer are:
- Earth Day Celebration at home– Monday, April 19, 2021
This year, we’ve created a take home kit to kick off our Earth Day Celebration. The kit includes a planting project, coloring pages and other goodies. Please register early, to ensure we have enough goodies for everyone.
- Compost Giveaway – April 28, 2021 to May 5, 2021
Stop by the Colma Community Center during our free compost giveaway. Use compost to build healthy soil without pesticides, and help soil retain water. Bring your own shovels, gloves and containers. Please practice social distancing and masks are required.
- E- Waste and Shredding Event – Saturday, May 1, 2021
We are partnering with Republic Services to bring the community an environmentally safe way to remove your unwanted electronics. In addition, there will be a shredding truck, to shred your paper items. This event is for Town of Colma Residents, Colma ID’s will be checked. Face coverings are required, and residents will queue in their vehicle and be responsible for unloading materials.
Also don’t forget to join the Colma Recreation Staff for Virtual Family Bingo on April 23, 2021! We are bringing a Colma Family Game Night favorite to you. Bingo games will be hosted on Zoom. Sign up the whole family, make memories and play for a chance to win prizes. Please R.S.V.P by calling the Colma Community Center at (650) 985-5678.
Information on programs listed above are in the May – August 2021 Recreation Guide which will be on our website
mid-April. If you have any questions, suggestions for programs, or comments regarding the Recreation Services Department, please feel free to contact me (650) 985-5682, or at angelika.abellana@colma.ca.gov