Event Coverage

South San Francisco business climate is thriving, says the Honorable Mayor Rich Garbarino

South San Francisco is a growing and thriving, Mr. Rich Garbarino, the Honorable Mayor of South San Francisco, told SAMCAR Realtors and affiliates at the Jan. 23 Central Tour Meeting.

It’s easy to see why South San Francisco’s Mayor is upbeat. South San Francisco is generating revenue as new businesses settle and relocate to this city. Mayor Garbarino listed some of these businesses: Lowe’s, Home Depot, HPW Perkins, Peet’s Coffee, another Starbucks, Commercial Bank, FedEx Home Delivery, Home Maid Ravioli.

The 2000 Census pegged South San Francisco’s population at 60,552 people, with 19,677 households, and 14,659 families residing in the city. South San Francisco’s proximity to the UCSF, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley - all of which are within a one hour's drive, makes it an ideal location for businesses. In fact, South San Francisco is considered to be an important hub of the biotech industry.

Mayor Garbarino indicated the city is home to Genentech, one of the world's largest biotech companies and a satellite office of the world's largest Biotech. Many other biotech companies have also started or have moved to the city, he said, because South San Francisco's office parks and industrial zoning are favorable to and meet the needs of the biotech industry.

“When we say we are the home of biotech and its birthplace, we are,” Mayor Garbarino said proudly, noting there are currently 70 biotech companies in the city, with more companies planning to move to the area.

Mayor Garbarino also talked about Genentech’s billion dollar 10-year master plan which incorporates a research facility. Another plan which is funded and supported by biotech will involve cultivating an interest in sciences among the city’s fourth through seventh graders and high school students. The objective is to develop young scientists who could, perhaps, eventually work for these companies in the future, said the South San Francisco Mayor.

In terms of housing, Mayor Garbarino said majority of construction involves approximately 600 units of condominium housing and affordable housing in developments like Grand Oaks, South City Lights, Fairfield Transit Village and through Peninsula Habitat for Humanity.  

South San Francisco’s Mayor has also observed numerous resale opportunities.

“I see For Sale signs going up and I don’t see them staying up very long,” he remarked.

“Weather aside, South San Francisco is a real good place to live. I’m certainly confident we will continue to provide a strong economic base for businesses, and we will continue our commitment to work with businesses,” Mayor Garbarino concluded.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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