South San Francisco City Council Special Meeting - February 4, 2026

The South San Francisco City Council held a special meeting on February 4, 2026, addressing a range of topics including crime statistics, a proclamation for Black History Month, and a resolution reaffirming the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion in response to federal immigration enforcement actions. The council also approved consent calendar items involving grant funding and a drone program donation.

Consent Calendar

• Item 4: Resolution accepting $157,722 from the California Department of Justice for the Tobacco Grant Program to fund personnel overtime, equipment, training, and compliance checks for tobacco enforcement and education. The grant covers 2025-2028, and any unspent funds can be rolled into subsequent fiscal years. The police department will conduct retailer education, student education, decoy operations, and compliance checks.
• Item 5: Resolution accepting $157,573.79 from an anonymous donor through the 100 Club of San Mateo County to support the police department’s drone program, with a corresponding budget amendment. The drone program includes both autonomous and manual capabilities, and has been used to respond to emergencies and recover firearms.
• Item 3: A motion to cancel the regularly scheduled city council meeting of February 11, 2026, was also approved on consent.
• All consent items were approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laura Fenucki (Hip Housing): Presented Hip Housing’s 2026 calendar and highlighted that a local youth, Kaya, was selected for a featured month. Thanked the city for its support, including the donation of an apartment building years ago. Also acknowledged the South San Francisco Elks Club and Fire Department for participating in the holiday adopt-a-family program.
• Lorraine Yin: Gave an impassioned speech detailing deaths in ICE detention facilities in January 2026, stating that eight deaths have occurred in 2026, 31 in 2025, and 11 in 2024. She noted that 73% of people detained by ICE have no criminal convictions. Urged the council to approve the resolution and enact an ordinance preventing ICE officers from using city property. Called on the council to take moral action.
• Isabella Tolentino (student, El Camino High School): Spoke about the unjust detention of migrants, inhumane conditions in detention centers, and the failure of the Filipino consulate to advocate for detained Filipinos. Urged the council to stand in solidarity with migrants.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation for Black History Month (February 2026): Vice Mayor Nogales presented the proclamation to Charles Stewart. The theme was “A Century of Black History,” marking the 100th anniversary of the celebration initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The city will raise the Black Lives Matter flag on February 6 at noon.
• 2025 Annual Crime Statistics Presentation (Chief of Police): The chief reported significant year-over-year declines across several categories:
  • Crimes against property: down 17%
  • Crimes against persons: down 14%
  • Crimes against society (e.g., drug offenses, weapons possession): down 23%
  • Violent assaults involving weapons: down 24%
  • Stolen vehicles: significant decrease, with ALPR cameras aiding recovery
  • Commercial burglaries: down 13%
  • Vehicle burglaries: substantial decrease, though an increase noted in 2026 targeting rental vehicles near SFO
  • Robberies: down 32%
  • Residential burglaries: down 42% (fewer than 10 involved actual home entries)
  • Sexual assaults: up 50% over three years, but all victims knew assailants; two cases resulted in prison sentences
  • Homicides: zero (last in 2023)
  • Illegally possessed firearms seized: 48 (up 100% due to proactive policing)
  • Mental health commitments: consistent after a 36% decrease from 2022-2024; a full-time mental health clinician works daytime hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Vehicle collisions involving pedestrians/bicyclists: down 20%
  • Calls for service: 124,974 telephone calls, 22,801 911 calls, nearly 50,000 documented incidents, and nearly 5,000 formal investigations. Councilmember Flores requested the presentation be shared with the Chamber of Commerce and hotel managers. Council discussed the use of drones and the mental health clinician’s hours.
• Administrative Business Item 6: Resolution Reaffirming Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, Expressing Grave Concern Over Recent Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions: Deputy City Manager Megan Woolley presented the resolution, which has three components: (1) controlling use of city property—if federal agencies use city property without authorization, staff can ask them to leave; if they refuse, the city will inform departments, the community, and the press; (2) entering city property—if unauthorized federal agents attempt to enter restricted areas without a judicial warrant, staff can ask them to leave; if they refuse (even with a warrant), the city will inform the community; (3) facial coverings—state law prohibits law enforcement from wearing facial coverings that obscure identity; if ICE officers do not comply, staff will request compliance and report non-compliance. The resolution clarifies existing laws (e.g., California Values Act SB 54) and policies. Staff noted that there have been no ICE detentions in San Mateo County in 2026, and no planned immigration enforcement for the Super Bowl. A rapid response hotline (203-666-4472) was shared. City Attorney Skye Woodworth explained the difference between a judicial warrant and an administrative warrant. Council members expressed strong support, noting the need to communicate with the community in Spanish and counteract rumors. The resolution was described as expressing South San Francisco’s values.
• Council Comments & Announcements: Councilmembers shared updates on events, including the League of California Cities meeting, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula Youth of the Year celebration, and the Thrive Alliance nonprofit networking event.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Resolution on Diversity and Inclusion and Immigration Enforcement (Item 6): Approved unanimously (5-0) with all council members voting yes. Councilmember Flores made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Coleman. The resolution reaffirms the city’s commitment to diversity, expresses concern over immigration enforcement actions, and clarifies existing policies regarding city property, warrants, and facial coverings.
• Proclamation: Accepted by Charles Stewart.
• Closed Session: The council entered closed session to discuss real property negotiations for 220 Linden Avenue and 226-246 Grand Avenue (APNs listed). City negotiators included the Housing Manager, Economic and Community Development Director, and City Attorney, negotiating with Synergy Community Development Corporation and 220 Linden Ave LLC.