City Manager’s Update
Daniel Barros, City Manager
May is Mental Health Month! For the second year in a row, the Town of Colma joins San Mateo County and others in celebrating Mental Health Month. One of the ways the Town is participating in bringing awareness to Mental Health is the green lights that illuminate Town Hall this month in the evening. Green is the universal color of Mental Health Month and the Town is proud to do its part in promoting Mental Health and the services available to our community. Mental Health Month is one of the best times of the year to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions. Each year, the County partners with local agencies and community members to promote events free and open to the public throughout the county. For more information on these upcoming events and services, please visit smchealth.org/mental-health-month.
The spring is often a busy time for staff as we work to prepare the upcoming year’s operating budget. We look forward to the first city council meeting this month on May 14th where staff will present this year’s operating budget to council as part of our first budget study session.
Staff will present the proposed Capital Improvement Plan budget to City Council for review on May 28th, and then bring the proposed operating and CIP back to the City Council for final review at an upcoming June City Council meeting. We would like to hear your input and feedback on the budget, so we hope to see you at our May City Council meetings.
Additionally, as many of you may be embarking on a little spring cleaning this time of year, it is time to start thinking about removing old Household Hazardous Waste products. Household hazardous waste are items such as paints, chemical cleaners, fertilizers or pesticides, and automotive supplies like oil and fluids. San Mateo County hosts FREE household hazardous waste drop-off events all over the County each month. All drop off events require appointments, for more information on how to dispose of household hazardous waste or make an appointment, please visit smchealth.org/hhw or call 650-372-6200.
Colma Residents! Get Great Rebates to Upgrade Your Old Gas Water Heater to an Efficient Electric Water Heater
Kathleen Gallagher, Sustainability Manager
Spring is officially here, and we’re kicking off the season with a lineup of exciting events for all ages! Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, help out with a local clean-up, or enjoy some family fun in the sun, we’ve got something for everyone. We’re celebrating the beauty of the season and giving back to the community with some fantastic activities. So, gather your friends and family and get ready to make this spring unforgettable! Check out all the events we’ve got lined up this season
Switching to electric saves money, is healthier for your family
& reduces carbon pollution.
Thinking about switching out your old gas water heater for a more efficient electric water heater? Great! Removing your old gas water heater for an electric water heater (known as an electric heat pump water heater) will save you money, is healthier for your home, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Below are great reasons to switch to an electric water heater:
- Cost Savings Big rebates and a tax credit make it cost effective to install an electric water heater instead of a gas water heater. You’ll also save on your utility bill because gas prices continue to increase. If your water heater is old and performance is decreasing, planning to replace it before it fails could save time, money, and inconvenience.
- Safer & Healthier for Your Family Gas water heaters have flammable gas that poses risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and of housefires; gas water heater malfunctions cause 10% of all home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fuel for gas heaters is methane which increases illnesses such as asthma and other respiratory diseases; the American Medical Association now includes warnings about gas cooking in the home.
- More Efficient Electric heat pump water heaters are 2 to 4 times more efficient than gas water heaters, so they’re cheaper to operate and cause far less pollution. The better and safer option is the electric water heater because they are safer and cleaner using renewable energy sourced electricity which is 100% greenhouse gas free.
- $2500 Rebates for Colma Residents Peninsula Clean Energy offers rebates of $2,500 to help customers make the switch to a heat pump water heater. These rebates can be ‘stacked’ or used in addition to other rebates and incentives!
As of April 2025, rebates for Colma residents (and any San Mateo County resident) can get their water heater and installation costs significantly reduced. Thanks to Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) rebate of $2,500, Golden State Rebate of $900, and a 30% tax credit for any remaining cost from the Inflation Reduction Act your out-of-pocket costs go down significantly! Rebate details: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/residential/rebates-offers/
Want additional ideas to go electric with rebates for electric heating (HVAC), electric vehicles, solar and more? Below are exclusive to San Mateo County Peninsula Clean Energy customers: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/residential/rebates-offers/residential-rebates/
If you have questions about electric water heaters, rebates or any other sustainability programs please contact Colma’s Sustainability Manager at kathleeng@csgengr.com
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