Fourth of July 2026
Dear Colleagues,
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Independence Day offers more than an opportunity to celebrate. It’s also a chance to reflect on the role each of us plays in shaping our nation, our county and the legacy we will leave to future generations.
I’ll start with what Fatai Heimuli said at the ribbon-cutting for Colibri Commons, a new affordable housing community in East Palo Alto.
“To me, this is what the American dream looks like. It looks like having a safe place to come home to in the city I love. I feel safely nestled among loving family units. I can hear children’s laughter daily, and it makes me smile knowing another generation has secured a life here in this beautiful city.”
Ivan Rugerio, his wife, Janet Gonzalez, and their sons, ages 15, 8 and 5, recently moved into the Middlefield Junction affordable housing development in North Fair Oaks.
“The most important thing is to give your kids a better future,” he said. “That’s why this place opens up big opportunities and gives us a chance to plan a bright future for our kids.”
Recently, 94-year-old Ruth Green rose from her wheelchair on the cold and windy tarmac at San Francisco International Airport to place her hand on the coffin of her uncle, Marine Pfc. Helmut Behlert.
Green expressed gratitude that the uncle she described as playful and kind was finally “back home where he can rest” after his remains were identified more than 80 years after he was killed in World War II.
Just last week, Cesi Canales was among those receiving a proclamation from the Board of Supervisors honoring Immigrant Heritage Month. She came to the United States from Mexico in 1989 and became a citizen in 2015 — an achievement she worked toward while raising her daughters here.
She speaks proudly of her daughters, their education, and the opportunities that opened up to them.
Her wish is simple: that the United States could feel the way it did when she first arrived — a place of opportunity.
Each story is different, yet they share something in common.
Fatai wasn’t talking about plywood and concrete. As she put it, “It’s about giving people the opportunity to remain rooted in the places that shaped them.”
Ivan was thinking about his children’s future.
Cesi was describing the opportunities that changed her family’s life and her hopes for future generations.
Ruth was honoring a sacrifice that was never forgotten.
Different stories. Yet each reminds us that actions today can impact generations.
Every day, you perform vital work that extends far beyond any one moment or day.
You help families find stability. You answer calls for help. You protect public health and safety. You build and maintain the infrastructure people rely upon to go to work, to go to school, to see their families.
You help keep our operation running smoothly so we can be there when the public needs us most.
Some of that work occurs in public view. Much of it does not. All of it matters.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, perhaps the most meaningful way to honor that milestone is to consider what we are building here, together, in San Mateo County.
Homes where families can thrive. Opportunities for the next generation. Commitments that endure. Thank you for all that you do every day for our most vulnerable.
Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Mike Callagy
County Executive