San Carlos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Carlos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Restricting oversize vehicle parking on city streets
Roughly 15-20 RVs park long-term on east-side commercial streets, drawing complaints from businesses about parking, trash, and safety. The council wants a citywide RV parking ban with exceptions, higher fines than the current $50 citation, and a fix for the $3,500 tow release fee.
Regulation of E-Bikes and Electric Conveyances
Council heard a study session on unsafe e-bike and scooter riding, especially among kids downtown and on El Camino. No ordinance was adopted — the council is waiting on a state pilot program and the new county ordinance, and wants more parent education and school district partnership.
Pedestrian Safety at Arundel Elementary
Resident Grace Harvey warned that a school gate closure will funnel more families onto Phelps and Arundel Roads, which already have missing sidewalks and dangerous drop-off traffic — right before school starts. She wants safety fixes before the fall.
Sheriff's Services Contract and Overtime Priorities
After four police chiefs in roughly as many years under the Sheriff's contract, Vice Mayor Rak proposed — and the council created — a subcommittee to build stronger ties between the community, the council, and the Sheriff's Department. Rak and Layton will serve, with the focus on community connections and level of service, not oversight.
Crestview-Hallmark Emergency Access Gate
The narrow gate between San Carlos and Belmont leaves only nine inches of clearance on each side of a fire engine — a serious wildfire evacuation risk. The two cities will split a $45,000 project to widen it to 20 feet, with Belmont building and maintaining it.
El Sereno Drive Street Safety
Four residents described a 12-foot-wide cul-de-sac street with a blind curve that's about to lose its only passing pullout to an approved SB 9 lot split. They want the hedge and brick pillars removed, the street repaved, and a red-curfed no-parking zone for emergency access. Vice Mayor Rak asked staff to brief the council.
Police Department Dissolution
San Carlos just scrapped its 85-year-old police department, completely changing how neighborhood safety works. You'll likely see a totally new approach to local law enforcement starting now.