Click here for the latest update on the retirement of Vice Mayor Gonzalez.
City Manager’s Update
Brian Dossey, City Manager
Are you interested in serving your community? Consider running for City Council! There will be two Council Member seats up for election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, which coincides with the Statewide General Election. Official nomination documents may be issued starting 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2022, and completed documents are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022. If you are interested in running for office or just learning more about it, please contact the City Clerk at 650.997.8311 or ccorley@colma.ca.gov or visit our website: https://www.colma.ca.gov/election-and-voter-information/
On July 18th, Vice Mayor Raquel “Rae” Gonzalez submitted her notice of retirement to the City Council, citing that she can no longer give 100% to her responsibilities due to recent changes in her health. Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s last day serving on the City Council will be September 5, 2022. Vice Mayor Gonzalez stated that “I have made great memories, have been part of positive change, and am grateful for the City Council and staff for their support and guidance. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of City Council and serving the community, and at this time need to focus my energy on battling stage IV ovarian cancer.”
Vice Mayor Gonzalez expressed her gratitude for the support and friendship she has received from the Colma community through the years, but kindly asked for privacy during this time.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez has had a remarkably long tenure with the Town. She first joined the Colma Family in 1989 as the Town’s Public Information Officer. In 2002, she was first appointed, then elected Treasurer, a position she held for 6 years. In 2008 she joined City Council, where she has served for 14 years, with two terms as Mayor.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s term is set to run out in 2024. At a future City Council meeting the Council along with staff and the public will consider the options on how best to fill the Vice Mayor’s vacated seat on the City Council for the remaining two years. Vice Mayor Gonzalez’s last City Council meeting will be on August 24, 2022.
August will be busy month for community activities. First, I invite everyone to support our local first responders by coming to National Night Out at the Colma Community Center on Tuesday, August 2 from 5:00—7:00 pm. Colma Police, Colma Fire Protection District, CHP, AMR Ambulance Services, food vendors, local community groups and local businesses will be available to chat with and learn about their programs and services. Also, watch for the children’s activities zone.
Recreation Services Department Update
Angelika Abellana, Recreation Manager
We are excited to bring back our annual outdoor summer concert series! On three Thursdays in August (4, 11 & 18) we will gather in the grass area at the Colma Community Center, located at 1520 Hillside Blvd. from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Bring your lawn chair, picnic basket and dancing shoes, and enjoy a night of music with your friends and neighbors. For more information on the musical lineup, please visit the Town’s website at www.colma.ca.gov and check out the Events tab.
Colma Families — Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 10, 2022, when the Town of Colma will celebrate this year’s Town Picnic at Sterling Park Recreation Center, 427 F Street. This year’s theme will take you back to the Sock-Hop era! This year’s event will include music, caricaturist, temporary tattoos, carnival-themed Kid’s Zone and more. The picnic will begin at 11:00am and end at 3:00pm. To keep everyone safe, we will host two sessions of Bingo in-person. Bingo will begin at 1:00pm for the first session, and 2:00pm for the second group. Upon Registration, please indicate your preferred time slot for Bingo. There is no cost for this annual community event, so pack up the kids, and stop by and celebrate the end of summer with your neighbors! To ensure there is enough food for everyone, lunch tickets will be handed out upon arrival to the Picnic. Please remember to R.S.V.P. and check in when you arrive. Please remember you must have a current Town of Colma I.D. to participate in the Town Picnic and to R.S.V.P. at (650) 985-5678 or (650) 991-3213 before September 7, 2022.
For fall and holiday programs please watch for the September – December 2022 Recreation Guide due to come out at the end of August. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Angelika Abellana at 650-985-5682 or aabellana@colma.ca.gov.
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