Rob Newsom is not the bragging type so he asked me to write “presumed new mayor” since the selection of mayor and vice mayor is not scheduled until Monday, Dec. 9.
Usually the reorganization meeting occurs the first Monday in December but it was moved ahead this year because the election won’t be certified until this week.
Newsom and his wife, Jen, have two daughters who attend public high school in San Mateo. One, age 16, is very interested in politics. She told her dad that if he did not do a good job she would run against him in two years.
She is very proud of Newsom so that scenario is unlikely. However a father and son in Rhode Island who disagree about President Donald Trump are running for the same office, one as a Republican, the other as an independent.
Newsom was born in San Francisco. His parents moved to San Mateo when the future mayor was in second grade. He attended St. Matthew Catholic School; Borel Middle School for seventh and eighth grades; St. Ignatius Prep; and Cal Poly.
Prior to joining the council, he served on San Mateo’s Personnel Board and was the vice president of the Sunnybrae Neighborhood. Association.
As mayor, he wants to continue positioning downtown San Mateo to be the premier destination for residents and visitors; and prioritize affordable housing and public safety. He is especially interested in improving the city’s parks and involving more young people in city activities.
As for his colleagues on the council, he has nothing but praise for each of them. The new council will include three women and two men. Since Newsom lives in a house where he is the only male, that should not be a problem.
Lisa Diaz Nash, the outgoing mayor told me, “Rob will be a great mayor. He is very involved in the community and sees it as his job to find solutions to the issues of residents and businesses. He shows up when it counts for San Mateo.”
New councilmember (in December) Nicole Fernandez said. “Rob Newsom is simply one of the kindest, most community-oriented people I know. He is so proud to be a San Mateo ‘hometown boy’ and our city is lucky to have him as our next mayor. I can’t wait to serve with him.”
Sounds like happiness reigns on the San Mateo City Council. Let’s hope it lasts.
***
It’s not even worth mentioning but the ridiculous recall talk by a few disgruntled residents is out of line. A few are unhappy about Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash because she is trying to preserve what is so special about the Baywood neighborhood. If Frank Elliott and Jay Kuhre want to tear down historic single-family homes and replace them with mega mansions or apartments, they will not have much support.
***
When you read this column on Monday, your refrigerator has probably seen the last of your Thanksgiving turkey. Maybe you used leftovers for sandwiches or soup or so many other treats you never imagined. Just check leftovers on the internet.
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It means good food and family gatherings. When I was a little girl growing up in New York City, my parents and I would visit Hackensack, New Jersey for Thanksgiving. For me at 4 years old, Aunt Rose was my grandmother. My birth grandmothers were both dead. Aunt Rose looked the part. She had white hair combed into a bun. She wore plain eye glasses. She had wrinkles but a kind and beautiful face.
She lived in a small one-story house with a front porch and I can picture a rocking chair on the porch. The house always smelled of delicious food.
I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday!
Sue Lempert is the former mayor of San Mateo. Her column runs Mondays. She can be reached at sue@smdailyjournal.com.
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(11) comments
The state agency guided us through their protocols. I do not know who Terence Y is, but thank you for supporting the voice of the majority of Baywood residents and the disposition of their private property. The votes are still coming in! Stay tuned for more updates from Sue Lempert. No Consent….No Historic!
The truth always comes out.
The truth has already come out! You are just in a state of denial.
Are you perhaps referring to the reality that less than 2.5% of Baywood residents support your Historic District, while over 50% are opposed to it? I’d kindly suggest you take a moment to reflect on that. It’s clear the majority doesn’t share your enthusiasm for this.
GasCar1956, thanks for your comment and especially, your well-timed informative summary of observations from last week. I’d recommend you update/copy/paste as needed in case some folks missed it.
Sue - Wow! So many of us in Baywood have wondered why there has been so much fear mongering and lies told about what it means to be a historic district. It’s now clear why they are so opposed to Baywood becoming a historic district and want to be sneaky about it. Why just not propose the development? Is it because there are plans for building at 3rd and Eaton as well as Parrott and Jackson? That would make this desperation by the developer, contractor, and financier who lead Less Red Tape clear! I wonder how Baywood neighbors will feel about being duped for personal financial plans?
Connie Weiss: You are just sore that SMHA has lost! The votes are in! All sworn statements. Sounds like sour grapes to me!
Sorry, Anna, but you are not in charge of the state’s process. You don’t want to follow the process, but others will.
Say anything you want but Historic district is dead in Baywood! Accept the truth. Michael Nash and Lisa Nash held fund raisers in their home, so I would guess their cash donors will feel duped. Shame on all of you for trying to force this on the good people of Baywood. Accept the facts. You have lost! Oh, I heard many neighbors who attended the Nashes Christmas decorating party, were saying that they sent in their sworn statements! No Consent...No Historic!
Hi Sue, The votes are in at the state agency the OHP. Over 51%, penalty of perjury, statements have been sent in by Baywood residents. The historic district is dead. These votes do not expire. But all is not lost for you. You can apply for your own personal historic designation and preserve your own personal property forever. That has always been the case. Forcing the intelligent, educated and committed residents of Baywood into a historic district is flagrant abuse of an otherwise honorable process. No Consent…No Historic! Your Friend, Anna Kuhre
Thanks for the update, anna kuhre, and advice for individuals who want historic designation. This is the first time I've heard that Frank Elliott and Jay Kuhre wanted to tear down historic single-family homes and replace them with mega mansions or apartments. Or more inflammatory rhetoric and/or fake news from Sue? Similar to what SMHA supporters release on a somewhat regular basis?
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