Sunday, December 15, 2013

Community Meetings - Jan 7 & 28

On Tuesday Jan. 7 and Tuesday Jan. 28 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the San Mateo Main Library I will be hosting an open community meeting to discuss what goals the City should be setting for our community in 2014.  

I hope you will be able I join me for this event!


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Holiday Party and Toy Drive - California Apartment Association

Thanks to the Tri-County California Apartment Association for letting me stop by their holiday party and toy drive.  

Over 200 toys were collected for distribution to kids through Samaritan House, a non-profit service provider for families in San Mateo County. 

Thank you CAA for your generosity!


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Holiday Events Downtown

Tonight at 5:45 at the Downtown transit station, join the Downtown San Mateo Association for a tree lighting ceremony and holiday train celebration!

And yesterday I enjoyed a pancake breakfast at fire station 21 to help gather toys for Shelter Network!

Happy Holidays!




Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Congrats to Mayor Ross and Deputy Mayor Freschet!

Congratulations to incoming Robert Ross and Deputy Mayor Maureen Freschet!  



It's going to be a great year for the City of San Mateo!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Endorsed by the San Mateo Daily Journal!


 
Editorial: Hugg, Lim and Ross for San Mateo City Council
October 04, 2013, 05:00 AM Editorial
 
 
The city of San Mateo is fortunate to have had both David Lim and Robert Ross on the council for the past four years. Both have proven to be incredibly diligent public servants in their council capacity.
 
Lim has been the epitome of responsible and responsive without any fear of asking questions and making waves. If there is a solution possible, Lim will seek to find it.
During the controversy over the new 7-Eleven on San Mateo Drive, Lim was indefatigable in his quest to find a solution for neighbors distraught by the planning process and took it a step further in determining that the city's Community Development Department may have needed some additional attention. When it came to considering a ban on leaf blowers, Lim went through the process in determining whether such a move was workable and backed off when he decided it was not. Councils often develop leaders but usually such a leader takes time to develop. Lim hit the ground running and has been hitting his stride ever since he first took office.
 
Ross has been a great complement to Lim in that both are not afraid to ask tough questions. Ross is also incredibly accessible and responsive to needs both great and small. He is a font of ideas and isn't afraid of sharing them and brainstorming. And his enthusiasm for the city is catchy.
 
Both started on the council when finances were shaken by the recession and have helped oversee large-scale cuts to ensure the city met its bottom line. That was done with aplomb and, as the city moves out of its economic hard times, both have the composure to ensure the city remains fiscally conservative and solvent. Both have provided steady and consistent leadership on the council.
 
With Councilman Brandt Grotte opting not to run for re-election, there is an opportunity to elect a new face to the council. The best candidate is Joshua Hugg, who has proven himself knowledgeable on city and regional issues. A proponent of affordable housing, Hugg has immersed himself in the Housing Leadership Council and brings a holistic point of view to the Planning Commission, where he now serves. He has a firm grasp on the city's budget and its challenges and is creative in his thinking about how the city can squeeze additional savings. As a member of the Home Association of North Central San Mateo, he has an understanding of neighborhood issues and how the city can partner in solving them.
 
Candidates Joe Goethels and Karen Schmidt also bring much to the table. Goethels recently started serving on the Peninsula Health Care District board and will continue to contribute there.
 
For this election, Lim and Roberts deserve to be re-elected and Hugg deserves to join them.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Sierra Club endorses Lim's re-election campaign!

Honored to be endorsed by Sierra Club! Looking forward to continued work on conservation and environmental issues with Sierra Club in San Mateo!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Meeting Neighbors on Labor Day

On this Labor Day I took some time to go door-to-door to meet and talk with my fellow San Mateo residents. My family and I took to the streets to meet our neighbors and talk about issues.

Look for us at your house soon, and Happy Labor Day!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

David receives endorsement of Democrats, Realtors, and Police Officers

Councilmember David Lim picked up the endorsements of the San Mateo County Democratic Party, the San Mateo County Association of Realtors (SAMCAR), and the San Mateo Police Officer’s Association in a flurry of activity that positions David’s campaign with the broadest level of support in the community among all candidates for San Mateo City Council.

 


The San Mateo Police Officer’s Association announced their endorsement of David early in the day.  In a formal announcement, the Police Officer’s Association noted, “The dedication and high level of service you have demonstrated during your first term on the City Council is recognized and appreciated by members of our association.” 

David noted, “I am honored to have the support of the police officers who keep our City safe, and look forward to working with them to keep public safety a top priority.”



Later in the evening, David received the endorsement of the San Mateo County Association of Realtors (SAMCAR).  David stated, “I am thrilled that the working professionals who make up SAMCAR have honored me with their endorsement.  I am excited to continue working with SAMCAR membership to maintain a robust housing market and create a thriving economy.” 


Finally, minutes after SAMCAR announced their support, David received the endorsement of the San Mateo County Democratic Party.  “The City of San Mateo has strong Democratic roots, and I am proud to have the endorsement of Democrats throughout the City of San Mateo.”   

The diverse nature of the organizations who endorse David highlights the broad support for David’s re-election campaign within the community.  “These three groups represent a variety of viewpoints throughout our City.  I will continue to be accessible and accountable to everyone in our community, and am humbled to have the support of a broad cross-section of our City.”

For a list of all supporters of David’s campaign, visit www.vote4davidlim.com.



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

San Mateo Chili Cookoff! Raising money for MDA

This past weekend I was happy to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) by acting as celebrity judge at the San Mateo City Firefighters 4th annual Chili Cookoff in San Mateo's Central Park. 

It was a beautiful day, with great music, great crowds, and great chili! 






Saturday, August 24, 2013

Proud to Have The Support of Organized Labor!

As my campaign for re-election to the San Mateo City Council swings into full gear, I'm proud to have the support of organized labor, including:

Carpenters Union Local 217
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 350
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 856
San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO
Heading into the end of August, I am proud that my campaign has the support of a broad group of community leaders from all walks of life in San Mateo.  To see all my endorsement, visit:

www.vote4davidlim.com



Thursday, August 8, 2013

Neighborhood Watch National Night Out - Aug 6

On Tuesday, Aug 6 over 49 neighborhood blocks held neighborhood block parties as part of "National Night Out", a nationwide event to promote Neighborhood Watch programs and public safety in all our neighborhoods.

As Mayor, I was proud to be out with our local police, fire and other city personnel to celebrate at the many diverse celebrations held throughout the City.

Here are just a few photos from a fun-filled evening!


.























Thursday, August 1, 2013

Official Nomination Papers Filed Today!

Today I formally filed my paperwork with the San Mateo City Clerk to officially begin my bid for re-election to the San Mateo City Council.

While this is the "official" start of my campaign, I have been honored to already receive numerous endorsements from a diverse cross-section of the community.  In the first six months of 2013, I've raised almost $7,000 for my re-election campaign, most of any candidate so far. 

To learn more about my campaign for City Council, click HERE

To volunteer for the campaign, click HERE.

To contribute to the campaign, click HERE

Thanks for your support!



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

San Mateo city manager announces retirement: Susan Loftus to leave in November after 25-year career with the city

San Mateo Daily Journal

San Mateo City Manager Susan Loftus announced her retirement in an email distributed to city staff last night.

A press release from her office was sent out at about 7:30 p.m. detailing the reasons for her retirement and listing her accomplishments over a more than 25-year career with the city.

“Serving as San Mateo’s city manager during the last five years has been both an honor and a challenge,” Loftus wrote in a statement.

She replaced Arne Croce as the city’s top boss when he retired in 2008 just as the economy started to tank, forcing the city to cut staff and drastically trim its budget.

Two temporary tax measures Loftus spearheaded, however, have helped reduce the city’s deficit and spared the need for additional layoffs the past couple of budget cycles.“

After accepting the city manager position in the summer of 2008, no one could have imagined the economic downturn which occurred. I am proud of the accomplishments of the City Council, executive team and organization during this time. With resident support of a temporary sales tax measure and combined with substantial budget restructuring, we have made significant progress in meeting our financial sustainability goals. I feel the timing is right to retire. I believe I am leaving the city in a good place to move forward,” Loftus wrote in the statement.

She was hired as San Mateo’s economic development manager in 1987 after working in the policy department of the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

She transferred to the City Manager’s Office in 1990.

In 1998, she pushed for the passage of Measure C, a hotel tax increase, that funded the construction of the city’s new police headquarters and the reconstruction of the city’s fire stations.

She is also a big proponent of shared services, entering into agreements with neighboring cities to consolidate some fire services.

She oversees a nearly $160 million budget and about 520 employees.

Loftus could not be reached for comment last night.

The announcement of Loftus’ retirement follows news that the city’s current Community Development Director Lisa Grote will retire in September.

The Planning Division also had two high-ranking employees, Lisa Ring and Stephen Scott, resign earlier this year. The city has hired some contract workers in the meantime to fill those positions.

The City Council recently approved an audit of the Community Development Department following the controversial 7-Eleven approval that has landed the city in court and for other issues as well.

Mayor David Lim pushed for the audit earlier this year after what he said were several “gaffes” made by the city even beyond the 7-Eleven issue.

He praised Loftus, however, as did councilmen Brandt Grotte and Jack Matthews in last night’s press release.

“The legacy of Susan Loftus is that she has left the city of San Mateo well poised for great things as we head into the 21st century. The City Council and residents of San Mateo are forever grateful for her service and wish her well in all future endeavors,” Lim wrote in a statement.

Her last day with the city will be Nov. 1.

silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com
(650) 344-5200 ext. 106

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

San Mateo Firefighters' Association Chili Cook Off - August 24

I am thrilled to have been invited to be a Judge at the San Mateo Firefighters' Association's annual Chili Cook Off on August 24, 2013 from 11 am to 5 pm in San Mateo's Central Park.

Besides raising money to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), I have a great excuse to sample some awesome chili!

In addition to the chili, there will be great family events, live music, and cold beer! So please mark your calendar and join me on August 24 at Downtown Central Park!



Saturday, July 27, 2013

Celebrating 35 Years of Chinese Culture in America!

The Association of Northern California Chinese Schools was founded in 1978. Now celebrating it's 35th year, the ANCCS serves over 20,000 students in all nine Bay Area counties.

By offering Chinese language schools, as well as Chinese cultural classes, ANCCS ensures that future generations of Chinese Americans will honor and retain the traditions of the past, even as they look forward to the future of our great country. ANCCS also offers all Americans the opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of Chinese culture.

Tonight I had the honor of helping celebrate 35 years of ANCCS at the San Mateo Marriott. Congratulations!

Here I am with Ms. Myra Wu, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office:


Sister City Ambassadors in Toyonaka, Japan

Our San Mateo Sister City Ambassadors Sharon Borden and Cameron Hill returned home to San Mateo on Friday after a fun-filled trip representing our City as good will ambassadors.

Here are a few highlights from their trip to Toyonaka:













Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Update Website for "Lim for City Council 2013" Up and Running!

My updated campaign site is up and running at:

www.vote4davidlim.com

Going to the old site, www.votedavidlim.com, will automatically redirect you to the new site, as well!





Thursday, July 18, 2013

Lim for City Council 2013 - Off and Running!

As the filing period for the November 2013 San Mateo City Council race officially opens this week, San Mateo Mayor David Lim announced a strong start to his re-election bid for San Mateo City Council, with just under $7,000 raised in the most recent reporting period ending June 30.

David’s campaign also announced endorsements from a broad cross-section of the community, including State Senators Jerry Hill and Leland Yee, California State Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, San Mateo County Supervisors Don Horsley, Carole Groom, and Dave Pine, San Mateo City Councilmembers Robert Ross and Maureen Freschet, and San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School Board Members Lory Lawson, Audrey Ng, and Ellen Ulrich.

At a campaign kick-off event held July 7 at El Sinaloense Restaurant in San Mateo, over 50 enthusiastic supporters showed up to show their support for David’s run for re-election. Touting increased accessibility and accountability, David pledged to continue his work to make local government accessible to all members of the community, while continuing to keep public safety and sustainability issues at the top of his priority list.

“I am honored to have the support of so many wonderful neighbors and community leaders from throughout San Mateo,” said David. “I will continue to work with all members of our community to improve the quality of life for all San Mateo residents.”

In his first four years in office, David worked to maintain crucial city services in the face of the worse recession endured by our country in over 80 years. David helped maintain crucial staffing for police, fire, and parks and recreation services for seniors and children, while also increasing the city’s emergency reserve funds.

David helped set policies to pass sustainability initiatives to ensure a better future for our children by passing laws to increase recycling and composting within the City, allowing grey water recycling, and implementing bans on single-use bags and polystyrene containers.

David also worked with the community to create more affordable housing for young families and local workers. Transit-oriented development projects passed in the past four years will increase the City’s housing stock and make it easier for young families and retired couples to buy homes and maintain roots in San Mateo.

Heading into the summer and fall campaign season, David has $8,320 cash on hand.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Congratulations to Mi Rancho Market

Had one of my most enjoyable City Council meetings last night, helping two great downtown organizations work together for the greater community good.

Congratulations to Mi Rancho Market on your new store. The new larger complex will be able to better serve our community, and replaces an old vacant site in downtown that has sat empty for far too long.

And thank you to the Peninsula Italian American Social Club for working with your new neighbor to make it happen.

San Mateo has a rich cultural history that will only be enhanced with these two new neighbors!



Saturday, July 13, 2013

Campaign Kick-Off: Lim for City Council 2013!

Thanks to everyone who attended my campaign kick-off last Sunday at El Sinaloense at 1622 Palm Ave.

Hosted by owner Mario Perez and a great campaign committee including Planning Commissioner Josh Hugg, Community Relations Commissioner Randy Torrijos, and Heather Stewart, the event was attended by over 50 guests.

I was honored to have California State Senator Jerry Hill give some introductory remarks before I laid out my vision for the next four years.

As the nomination period officially opens up this Monday, I look forward to sharing our accomplishments over the past four years and discuss plans for the next four years and beyond!

To find out more about my re-election campaign, go to my website at www.votedavidlim.com






Thursday, July 11, 2013

Sister City Ambassadors off to Toyonaka, Japan!

Tonight we held a "farewell" pizza party at City Hall for our San Mateo Sister City Ambassadors Sharon Borden and Cameron Hill.

On Saturday they are off to our sister city Toyonaka, Japan for two weeks on a cultural exchange program! Join me in wishing them a safe and fun trip as they represent San Mateo!



Monday, June 17, 2013

Ensuring Good Contracts for Your Taxpayer Dollars

At tonight's City Council meeting, I moved to delay the decision on awarding a $364,000 contract for graffiti removal services to Graffiti Protective Coatings, Inc. after I learned that in November 2012 one of the company employees was arrested in Burbank, California, for creating his own graffiti to increase his overtime pay.

You can read about the incident in Burbank by clicking here

As a steward of your taxpayer dollars, I want to ensure that all your hard-earned money is used to deliver top-quality services to all our residents. 

That is why I personally research every item and contract that comes before me as a City Councilmember.

In this case, I asked for additional time to do further background research on the company.  If I am satisfied that the incident in Burbank was a one-time incident, I will be happy to approve a contract that helps keep our City free from graffiti. 

The contract award will be back before the City Council in July. 

Senator Jerry Hill comes to the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market at the College of San Mateo

Senator Jerry Hill comes to the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market at the College of San Mateo on Saturday, June 22, as part of his summer “mobile office hours” visits at farmers’ markets on the Peninsula and in Silicon Valley.

No appointments are necessary. Drop by to share your ideas and concerns about legislative issues in our community or just come to say hello on:

Saturday, June 22
11 a.m. to noon
Pacific Coast Farmers‘ Market at the College of San Mateo
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
 
Can’t be there from 11 a.m. to noon? A member of Senator Hill’s staff will be on hand from 9 a.m. to noon to provide information about the constituent services available from the senator’s District Office.

For more information about Senator Hill’s mobile office hours at farmers’ markets, call the District Office at 650-212-3313.

 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Lobbying for Jane Baker Park

This Monday, June 3, I will ask my fellow Councilmembers to support my efforts to rename Laurelwood or Sugarloaf Park "Jane Baker Park". 

In the early 1970's Mayor Jane Baker was a community activist who led the fight to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain as an open space.  She eventually ran for a seat on the San Mateo City Council, where she served for 20 years and was San Mateo's first female Mayor.

Last week, her family gave a $50,000 gift from the trust of Mayor Baker.  It was her desire that the money be used to preserve and maintain Sugarloaf Mountain. 

I believe Mayor Baker deserves a park in her honor.  I can think of no better tribute than to name one of the two parks at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in her honor. 

I will be encouraging my Councilmembers to support an effort to rename one of the two parks in her honor.

If you have an opinion on this matter, I would love to hear from you. 

Mayor Jane Baker


***********
 
San Mateo gets gift for park preservation: Jane Baker trust gives city $50K to maintain Sugarloaf Mountain
 
May 24, 2013, 05:00 AM By Bill Silverfarb Daily Journal

San Mateo’s first woman mayor, Jane Baker, spent years of her life in a passionate effort to save Sugarloaf Mountain from development.

Although she died nearly two years ago at the age of 88, her legacy to preserve the hillside between San Mateo and Belmont will live on as the city just received a $50,000 gift from her trust to preserve and maintain Sugarloaf Mountain.

The gesture prompted Mayor David Lim to request a study session to consider renaming Laurelwood Park to “Jane Baker Park” along with a plaque that highlights her efforts. “Sugarloaf would not be there without Mayor Baker’s efforts, so naming the park in her honor would be a fitting tribute,” Lim wrote in an email.  

Her husband Bill Baker unexpectedly paid a visit to City Hall Wednesday and asked to see City Manager Susan Loftus. He handed Loftus the check and a note that read the money was a gift, including the principal and any interest earned, for the maintenance and preservation of the city-owned area known as Sugarloaf to keep it in its natural state.

Loftus asked Bill Baker to come to a City Council meeting for recognition of the gift, but he declined. He told Loftus he just wanted to make sure the money went to good use.

The city had already planned to acknowledge the Sugarloaf volunteer trail makers at a City Council meeting in July since it will be Parks and Recreation Month and will likely recognize the Baker gift at that meeting.

Baker was first elected to the City Council in 1973 and served on it for 20 years.

Called a “trailblazer” by her former colleagues, Baker was the likely impetus for term limits in San Mateo after winning five elections.

She also lobbied hard to be called a “councilwoman” rather than “councilmember” as her male counterparts on the council took the title of “councilman.”

She was known to be anti-development and began her political career in the campaign to save open space on Sugarloaf Mountain in San Mateo in the early 1970s.

She was only the second woman to be elected to the council and was appointed mayor six times.

Before moving to San Mateo, she was the hostess and producer of a television cooking show in San Francisco.

silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com (650) 344-5200 ext. 106


Thursday, May 23, 2013

OP-ED: Questions and answers about city’s role with Ice Chalet

Over the past two weeks, I have received a great deal of correspondence from neighbors about the pending closure of the Ice Chalet at the Bridgepointe Shopping Center.  Today, the following Op-Ed article was published in the San Mateo Daily Journal:

********************

Over the past seven months I’ve met with members of the ice skating community associated with the Ice Chalet at Bridgepointe Shopping Center.

I’ve met in coffee shops, restaurants, over the phone, even in my own home.

I’ve spent long hours researching what role the city of San Mateo could legally play in this issue.

As the date for the closure of the Ice Chalet approaches, I’ve been contacted by many members of the community asking me to intervene.

In meeting with people, questions are raised about the ability of the San Mateo City Council to respond to this issue.  Below are answers to some recurring questions based on my understanding of the issues.

These conclusions are based on my analysis of the situation, and do not represent the City Council or the city of San Mateo.

1). Can the City Council force Bridgepointe to keep the Ice Chalet open?

No. The Ice Chalet sits on private land, and is not owned or operated by the city of San Mateo. Under a 1998 master plan amendment with Bridgepointe, the owners are required to have an ice rink or an “alternative recreational facility” on site.

The “alternative recreational facility” is subject to approval by the San Mateo Planning Commission, a decision-making body independent of the City Council.  The language of the 1998 amendment means Bridgepointe cannot be forced to keep an ice rink at their site. Bridgepointe has not applied to the city for an “alternative recreational facility” on their site, and it would be premature for the Planning Commission to rule on this issue without a formal application from Bridgepointe.

2). Can the City Council amend the master plan to remove the term “alternative recreational use” and force Bridgepointe to keep an ice rink?

No. This would be illegal “spot zoning.” Courts would most likely see such a move as an arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable use of city power against a private property owner.

If the city tried to force a unilateral change in the use of Bridgepointe, we would most likely be sued and needlessly waste taxpayer money on a losing cause. As a public servant entrusted with safeguarding taxpayer dollars, I will not commit to this course of action.

3). Since the City Council voted to close the 7-Eleven, can’t it vote to keep the Ice Chalet open?

No. The closure of 7-Eleven on San Mateo Drive earlier this year was a different land use issue entirely.  The property at 7-Eleven was zoned “residential.” A permit for the 7-Eleven business was issued by city staff in error.

The council did not revoke the permit because we “disliked” 7-Eleven, we revoked their permit because no business could lawfully operate on that land since it was zoned for houses.  The Ice Chalet sits on property already zoned for business. As stated previously, the city can not unilaterally force Bridgepointe to operate an ice rink. 

4). Can the mayor use his powers to force the ice rink to stay open?

No and Yes. As mayor, I’ve no authority to tell a private property owner what to do with his property outside of zoning laws.

However, as a community leader concerned over the loss of a recreational facility for children and families in our city, I’ve informally acted as a mediator between private investors from the ice hockey community and Bridgepointe.

For more than seven months, I’ve worked with these ice hockey investors to mediate discussions to try to secure new land for an ice rink on the Peninsula and extend the Ice Chalet lease currently set to expire on June 1.

Although my efforts have not yet been successful, I continue to be in contact with both sides seeking an equitable solution to preserve vital recreation services for our community.

5). The City Council and Planning Commission have already accepted an off-site use for alternative recreational facilities.

There has been no decision on this issue by the city of San Mateo. Without a formal application, there are no grounds to rule on any issue. It is also illegal for a member of the City Council or Planning Commission to pre-judge how they would decide a land use issue ahead of time.

***

I continue to monitor other concerns raised by the community. I’ve confirmed that no demolition of the ice rink building or interior will be allowed without permits.

I’ve also asked city staff to research whether Bridgepointe is required to have an “alternative recreational use” in place if the Ice Chalet closes its doors on June 1.

I do not pretend to have all the answers or to be 100 percent correct in my analysis. The best I can promise the community is to do my homework, listen to people and make the best decisions governed by the laws I am sworn to uphold. 

I will continue to seek input and suggestions from all parties, and welcome comments from anyone who would like to discuss this issue in more detail.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Marcus Clarke - New Economic Development Director

San Mateo's new Economic Development Director is a familiar face. Welcome back from Motown Marcus Clarke!


Attached below is a press release from the City of San Mateo:

****************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susan M. Loftus, City Manager, City of San Mateo – (650) 522-7000 – sloftus@cityofsanmateo.org



Marcus Clarke Returns to City of San Mateo

As City’s New Economic Development Manager
 
San Mateo, CA, May, 2013… The City of San Mateo is pleased to announce that Marcus Lee Clarke, San Mateo’s former Business Liaison and Economic Development Specialist, will return as San Mateo’s new Economic Development Manager.

Clarke is a visionary economic development leader bringing a spirit of collaboration and focus on results to San Mateo’s economic development program. Clarke previously served in the City’s Economic Development Department from 2007 to 2011. During his tenure, Clarke created strong relationships throughout the community while leading the City’s business attraction, retention and expansion efforts and working closely with the Downtown San Mateo Association, Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.
Some of his previous successes in San Mateo include assisting hundreds of new and existing businesses, building an energetic buzz about doing business in San Mateo, preserving the 25th Avenue Farmer’s Market and initiating the need for faster internet service throughout the downtown.

Clarke left San Mateo in 2011 to further expand his economic development skill base as an esteemed Detroit Revitalization Fellow, serving as a Business Development Manager for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. During his time in Detroit he created a city-wide business-to-business program, entitled "D2D." It has the potential to create 7,700 jobs and generate $2.5B in local business revenue over the next ten years. The program launched in March 2013 and has already generated national attention.

Clarke holds a Master’s Degree in City Planning with a concentration in Community and Economic Development from University of California, Berkeley. He is a Bay Area native and has worked with community and economic development non-profits in Oakland, San Francisco and the Central Valley. He is a published author, researcher and former Hillsdale High School Track Coach.
"I am honored to serve the City of San Mateo in the capacity of Economic Development Manager and for the opportunity to work with City Council, City staff and the local business
community," says Clarke, "I intend to continue a strong legacy of the City’s economic development efforts in order for San Mateo to reach its full potential."

"We are excited to welcome Marcus Clarke back to San Mateo," says Susan Loftus, San Mateo City Manager, "Marcus has a proven track record of collaboration and working well with the Chamber, Downtown San Mateo Association and business community. Marcus’ upbeat, "can do" attitude is contagious. Along with his great people skills, his time in Detroit has further honed his economic development and management abilities. Marcus has the right combination of collaboration, innovation and leadership to take our Economic Development efforts to the next level."
 

Friday, May 3, 2013

New Bike Racks In Downtown San Mateo

This week as part if the City's Bicycle Master Plan, the City started installation of these cool new bike racks.

If you haven't ever left your car at home and ridden a bike to downtown, what are you waiting for?!?




Friday, April 26, 2013

San Mateo Mayor David Lim talks bees, rail and 7-Eleven

April 26, 2013,  By Bill Silverfarb Daily Journal

San Mateo City Manager Susan Loftus is searching for an independent auditor to review the city’s Community Development Department after a number of “hiccups” it has had over the past several months, Mayor David Lim told a group of business leaders Thursday.

Lim sat down with a slew of tenants who call the Borel Estate Building home including lawyers, financiers and bankers in a meet and greet hosted by Linda Asbury with the Economic Development Growth Enterprise, an initiative of the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lim fielded questions about why the city does not allow for beekeeping, whether a public plaza should be built downtown, what the impacts of high-speed rail will be on the city and what the status of some of the city’s newest developments are, including Bay Meadows and Station Park Green, to be built on the current site where Kmart sits on Delaware Street.

A review of the Community Development Department will be undertaken because it oversees the city’s planning and building divisions and other city functions such as code enforcement, Lim said. Loftus should have an auditor picked within two months, he said.

 “We are doing more with less,” Lim said about city staff.  The 7-Eleven situation on San Mateo Drive is one of the hiccups to which Lim was referring. 

“The permits were issued in error. It was glaring. There were two different planners and no file,” he said.

Code enforcement also caused a stir for a group of mechanics and auto body shops on Claremont Street last year for being cited for violations they were unaware of, Lim said.  The proposed fines for the violation were exorbitant, Lim said. 

He was also asked whether the city is “welcoming” the California High-Speed Rail Authority project. The already approved “blended system,” Lim said, will electrify Caltrain and bring other benefits to the area and be less intrusive than the authority’s original proposals.

San Mateo will hopefully get a grade separation at 25th Avenue out of the deal, he said.

“We got to get what we can get,” said Lim, who is not convinced high-speed rail trains will ever actually access the Caltrain corridor.

Lim told the group that he’s most proud of his work on the council the past three years for his advocacy for small business.

He helped Silver Lake Seafood restaurant get a loading zone approved after it applied for one two years before. The restaurant owners called Lim who then found out that their permit application had simply been misplaced the whole time.

He also helped the owners of a building on 38th Avenue and El Camino Real where a Starbucks is located find another tenant for the two-storefront building after being told there was not enough parking on the site to accommodate another tenant. City staff had simply miscalculated the parking requirements, Lim said. The Shred Center now occupies the other storefront.

 Moving forward, the mayor envisions moving the tennis courts at Central Park in favor of building a community center on the site. He looks to enhance downtown with more cultural arts in the future, also.

Lim even fielded questions about bees, which the city limits.

The Beekeepers Alliance of San Mateo County approached the city recently about allowing for keepers to keep more bees on their properties.

The city limits one hive, or box per resident, however, Lim said, and that will not change.

Some who attended the meet and greet included Vince Cirigliano with Borel Financial Inc., Kenyon Mark Lee with Lee Law Offices, Timothy Martin with Martin Family Law firm, Daniel J. O’Brien with California Bank & Trust and Walter R. Chao with Dragon Financial Group.

silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com (650) 344-5200 ext. 106


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Meeting With The Community

Part of being an effective Mayor is getting out into the community to meet with neighborhood groups.  Over the past week I had the opportunity to meet with two distinct yet equally important groups.

On April 16, I met with residents of the Sunnybrae Neighborhood Association to discuss development trends, train noise, and public safety.

Then today, I had lunch with business leaders in San Mateo to discuss economic and development trends, as well as the general state of the City.

If you organization would like to meet with me, feel free to contact me at dlim@cityofsanmateo.org to arrange a meeting!



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

In Memory of the Victims in Boston

Following the horrific attacks at the Boston Marathon yesterday, following a directive from the President of the United States, I have requested all flags over City buildings and property in San Mateo be lowered to half staff in memory of the victims of this senseless act of terror. The flags will remain at half staff until April 21.

The City of San Mateo offers condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, and stands united behind the People and City of Boston during this troubling time.



Saturday, April 13, 2013

Progress Seminar - Monterey

At the Progress Seminar with San Mateo elected, business and community leaders discussing regional issues.

Attending on my own dime -- no taxpayer funds used.