San Carlos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Carlos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Parks Master Plan and trail expansions
San Carlos now has a 20-year roadmap for its parks — about $90 million in wish-list improvements including an aquatic center at Laureola, a pump track at Arguello, more pickleball, and inclusive playgrounds. Nothing is funded yet, so the real test comes at budget time.
Harrington Park Project Costs and Bid Process
The city awarded a $6.2 million contract to rebuild Harrington Park — the first chunk of the downtown streetscape plan. Residents pushed back on cost escalation, a sole bid, and the vehicle closure of the 700 block of Laurel Street, which blocks people with mobility issues from reaching downtown shops.
Youth Sports Field Use Fee Reductions
San Carlos charges youth sports leagues the highest per-player fees on the Peninsula, and the proposed new $43 second-season fee drew sharp pushback from softball and Little League leaders. The council kept existing fees in place, removed the new fee, and ordered a deeper study with the leagues before September 1.
Library Makerspace Project
A new makerspace at the San Carlos Library, shaped by community input and backed by over $100,000 from the Friends of the Library, will be built in the coming months.
Youth Advisory Council Turnover
Eight new student advisors appointed and sworn in for the coming terms, with four retiring members honored for their service.
Community and/or aquatic center site selection
After hours of testimony, the Council picked Options 3 and 4 (Laureola-based concepts) for further study and will keep negotiating with the high school district over land. Operating costs run about $1 million a year with roughly 50% cost recovery.
New Community Events Funding
The city is putting nearly $194,000 over two years into a first-ever city-run Lunar New Year celebration and a bigger Hometown Days with rides, a laser show, and longer hours.
Cultural celebrations expansion — Lunar New Year and Diwali
Mayor Venkatesh wants the city's Lunar New Year and Diwali celebrations moved to weekends and expanded so more families can attend. Staff will proceed with the expanded weekend programming without another council vote.
Parks court lighting upgrades at Burton and Highlands
The council approved plans and specs to replace outdated halogen lighting at Burton Park's tennis and basketball courts and Highlands Park's tennis and pickleball courts, and authorized a call for bids. Night play should get safer and better lit.
Adult Community Center kitchen remodel design
The city is spending up to $223,900 to design a remodel of the senior center kitchen, which has struggled to keep up with a five-fold increase in meals since the pandemic.