Have questions about local government? Want to learn from department heads and other county leaders? Then Civics 101 is for you!
The Civics 101 Academy is a free course that provides an in-depth look at County programs, services, finances and initiatives. Participants learn from and interact with department heads and other leaders about topics such as health, public safety, human services, elections, parks, libraries, public finance, sustainability, the justice system and more. Refreshments are served.
Participants receive a completion certificate. More info below!
Registration for the 2026 program has closed.
Questions? Email Civics 101 host Eric Forgaard at eforgaard@smcgov.org
- Civics 101 meets on nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, from Sep. 2 through Oct. 28. Class runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a break in the middle. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: County Government Center in Redwood City. The Sep. 2 (opening night) and Oct. 7 classes will be held in the Regional Operations Center, located on the County Government Center campus next to the public parking garage. The seven other sessions will be held in Manzanita Hall.
Manzanita Hall is on the ground floor of the 500 County Center building. The entrance to Manzanita Hall is on the opposite side of the building as the 500 building entrance, near the corner of Marshall St and Middlefield Rd. It is not accessible from the 500 building's main entrance on the plaza side. - Parking is free after 5 p.m. on the ground floor of the public parking garage on campus, and there is metered street parking in the area.
PROGRAM:
Sep. 2 at Regional Operations Center. San Mateo County Government Overview: County Executive Officer Mike Callagy; Introduction to the County: Director of Strategic Communications and Community Partnerships Effie Verducci; 9-1-1 operations: Natasha Claire-Espino.
Sep. 9 in Manzanita Hall: Emergency Management, Director Shruti Daphodkar; Sustainability, Assistant Director Karen Wang
Sep. 16 in Manzanita Hall: County Justice System. Judge Rachel Holt; D.A. Steve Wagstaffe, Private Attorney's Office, Lisa Maguire
Sep. 23 in Manzanita Hall: Human Services Agency
Sep. 30 in Manzanita Hall: The Money; County Elections. Treasurer - Tax Collector Sandie Arnott; Assistant Assessor - County Clerk - Recorder and Chief Elections Officer Jim Irizarry; County CFO Robert Manchia
Oct. 7 in the Regional Operations Center: Sheriff's Office (meet a K-9!) : Sheriff Kenneth Binder and deputies
Oct. 14 in Manzanita Hall: San Mateo County Health (presenters will appear here when finalized)
Oct. 21 in Manzanita Hall: Equity and Economic Opportunity, Chief Equity Officer Shireen Malekafzali; Housing, Director Ray Hodges; Parks, Director Hannah Ormshaw
Oct. 28 in Manzanita Hall: Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo; County HR Director Michelle Kuka; Boards and Commissions presentation, including Q&A with current members