Ratatouille (rat-tat-too-wee) isn't just an animated film, it's an amazing vegetable stew that is full of flavor (and fiber!). Ratatouille is a dish that originated from the Provence region of France and is quite a popular way to use extra vegetables. It's easy to prepare and consists of seasonal summer vegetables, garlic, and olive oil. It's definitely a great dish to make with your farmers' market veggie surplus or veggie leftovers! There are a few ways to prepare it, all leading to the same end product:

Recently the State of California Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Social Services issued a Request for Applications and they have announced their Awardees!

Frigid temperatures and gusty winds can cause pipes to freeze. Property owners and residents can take some simple precautions to prevent the inconvenience and expense of frozen water pipes.

For Immediate Release        Belmont, CA – San Mateo County wants to raise awareness of the benefits and discounts available for veterans, and simplify access to them.  In issuing a standardized identification card, the Human Services Agency hopes to meet and assist the 33,000 veterans and their families residing in San Mateo County.

Belmont, CA –  As preliminary results become available on the County’s Homeless Census, a significant decrease in homeless living on the streets and in the homeless population as a whole, is welcome news. Early numbers show a potential 47% reduction in the number of unsheltered individuals and families countywide, compared to 2013 counts, including zero families with children. Fewer sheltered homeless were found, as well.

Redwood City, CA – Over 8,000 individuals owing child support to San Mateo County residents have another convenient option to make their cash payments. Thanks to a collaboration between the State of California and Moneygram, those owing child support can now go to any of the thousands of locations nationwide to send payments.

Belmont, CA – In the early morning hours of January 22, 2015, San Mateo County will participate in the National Homeless One Day Count by conducting a tract-by-tract count of homeless individuals, families and encampments. 

The Children’s Fund of San Mateo County needs help providing approximately 1,000 children with new backpacks and school supplies in time for the new school year. “Low-income and foster children need our help to ensure they start the school year prepared and ready to learn,” stated Children’s Fund Coordinator Rebecca Asch. “Every child should have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom and not be held back by circumstances over which they have no control.”

For Immediate Release Belmont, Calif. - In the early morning hours of January 24, over 200 volunteers set out on foot and in cars to count the number of homeless individuals and families in San Mateo County. Working out of 12 deployment sites, the volunteers covered every county census tract in four hours.