Friends of Sign Hill Look Forward to Progress

Del Shembari, a resident of South San Francisco and co-founder of San Francisco Peninsula Open Space Coalition, is  an open space advocate who has been working behind the scenes to find ways to preserve  the 46 acres on Sign Hill.

After an extended letter campaign, Shemari's work has met with encouragement as South San Francisco Mayor Rich Garbarino has agreed this matter should be discussed with City Manager Mike Futrell.  In addition, SFPOSC co-founder  Kamala Silva Wolfe spoke with Futrell who agreed the time has come to meet Shembari and examine what possiblities may exist. The area of immediate focus is the two parcels currently owned by the Syme Trust, parcel numbers #012-351-020 and #012-351-030 which borders Larch Avenue in the Sterling Terrace neighborhood.  At the February SSF City Council meeting Mr. Kirk Syme, Representative of the Syme Trust, stated he would be interested in discussing any properties the City might want to 'trade' for the Sign Hill lots.

Vice Mayor Mark Addiego agreed to meet with Mr. Syme as he believes this could be a win - win situation for both the Syme Trust and the residents of South San Francisco. As the City sees more and more developments coming into town the need for balance with preserving untouched open space is more important than ever.

Due to lack of pro-active movement, and funds, the City lost the opportunity to purchase the 14 acre parcel #012-351-050 while it was in foreclosure for just $750K  2 years ago. Once again this parcel is up for sale, priced at $1.2M . The potential for development would litter the eastern ridge line above Diamond, Rocca, Franklin, Ash, and Spruce Avenues.  Neighbors in the area wrongly believe this area is already preserved and outreach continues to be done by the Friends of Sign Hill.

The meetings are expected to take place within the next week or two and more information will be available at that time and this website will be updated accordingly.