City Manager’s Update
Daniel Barros, City Manager
The City Council adopted the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan in March 2023, directing staff on the goals and priority programs for the next three years. At a special February 21st City Council meeting, staff presented the annual Strategic Plan Update. Staff updated the Council on the five Priority Program Areas: Resiliency, Operations, Economic Development, Community, and Capital. The update reported progress on critical Town initiatives, accomplishments, and goals for the upcoming year. To view the adopted Strategic Plan and the corresponding updates, please visit the Town’s website at: https://www.colma.ca.gov/strategic-plan/ .
One of the main areas of focus for the future, and one that remains a top priority of the City Council is Economic Development. Earlier this year, the Town was fortunate to have adopted the Housing Element Update along with the Zoning Code Update. These two documents have been years in the making and will serve as the catalyst for future economic growth throughout Town, providing an avenue for potential development of both much need housing in the region along with additional businesses to the Town.
Additionally, the Town remains focused on other priority areas as well. This year’s emphasis on Community will surround the upcoming events that celebrate the Town’s 100 year anniversary. Operationally, the Town is motivated to fill some critical vacancies including Administrative Services Director and City Clerk. Efforts to improve capitol infrastructure and maintain financial health remain diligent as the Town focuses on resiliency and a sustainable future for years to come!
Auto Theft Safety
John W. Munsey, Chief of Police
The Colma Police Department has experienced several auto thefts over the last few months and would like to advise residents of ways to keep their vehicle safe. Not all recommendations will deter theft 100%, but we hope by taking the following recommendations into account, there is a better chance of your vehicle not being stolen.
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving. Unlocked doors are easy targets.
- When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Ensure windows are fully closed to prevent a thief from trying to open the door from the inside.
- Never leave your car running and unattended. Even if your doors are locked, a carjacker only has to break a window to get in.
- Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle. Keep high-value items like phones, purses, or other valuables hidden. Put valuables in your trunk before you get where you’re going.
- Do not leave your vehicle title in the car. Too often a car thief is pulled over and gets away from the police because he or she can produce the auto registration. (If multiple drivers use the vehicle, the best suggestion would be to hide the registration in a secret location in the car that only the owners know.)
- Know where you’re going. Avoid known high crime areas even if the alternate route takes longer.
- Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn’t have one. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles if they know the cars can be recovered quickly. Many insurers offer discounts for the types of systems listed below.
- Thieves prefer to work in the dark. Be particularly cautious at night about where you park your car. Park it in a well-lit area if possible.
- Look around, especially in garages, parking lots and gas stations. If you notice someone loitering, consider moving your car.
- Have your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on each of the windows. Car thieves want to get off cheap. They don’t want to go to the expense of replacing all the glass.
- On an incline, leave your car in park or in gear with the wheels turned toward the curb or some other obstruction. This makes it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle.
- If confronted by a carjacker, do not resist. Cars can be replaced; you can’t.
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