San Carlos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Carlos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community mediation services partnership
PCRC offers free-entry mediation for neighbor, landlord-tenant, and business disputes. The city already refers 30-40 residents a year; the question is whether to fund a formal partnership, possibly at $5,000.
Regional transportation grant applications
The city is chasing state and regional money for major projects: the Brittan-Laurel smart corridor link, a traffic signal operations plan, the East Side streetscape plan, and the big Holly Street/101 interchange rebuild with a pedestrian overcrossing.
Measure G spending plan accountability
A Zoom commenter challenged the Council over donations to the Yes on Measure G campaign and the lack of a detailed spending plan for the estimated $84 million, 14-year measure.
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.
$46 Million Street Repair Investment
Councilmembers McDowell and Rak praised the public works team as paving crews work across town — a $44 million, five-year investment in smoother streets and safer sidewalks. Some residents, like those on El Sereno Drive, feel their streets have been overlooked.
$84 Million Sales Tax Criticism
The Council voted to send a half-cent general sales tax to voters on November 3, 2026. It would raise about $6 million a year for 14 years for general city purposes like streets, parks, and public safety. Supporters say it keeps local dollars local; opponents worry about the total tax rate nearing 10% and impacts on small businesses.
Downtown Parklet Program Extension and 700 Block of Laurel
Longtime residents are pushing the city to reopen the 700 block of Laurel Street to cars, arguing the pandemic-era pedestrian plaza is hurting nearby businesses and that other Bay Area cities reopened years ago.
Affordable housing at Cherry Street Commons and new proposals
Cherry Street Commons is nearly done and expects its first residents in December, with more housing proposed at 626 Walnut Street, 1562 El Camino Real, and the F Street apartments. The city is partnering with nonprofits and developers to serve seniors, lower-income families, and residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
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.
Winter Storm and Flood Preparedness
With a strong El Niño expected, the Council agreed to a public presentation on the city's storm preparations, including a joint appearance with OneShoreline.
Flock ALPR Camera Contract and Privacy
A resident urged the city not to renew its Flock license-plate camera contract when it expires in March 2027, citing privacy risks and data sharing with immigration authorities. Vice Mayor Rak asked for a full briefing before the renewal decision.
Tobacco Retailer Permit Zoning Update
The city wants smoke shops to get the required San Mateo County health permit before opening, and is adding that requirement to the zoning code so it's flagged early. Enforcement has been a problem — Sergeant Baker said most local smoke shops lack permits and have racked up hundreds of thousands in unpaid fines.