The San Mateo County Arts Commission, which views the arts as an essential part of a healthy and vibrant community, champions policies and practices that promote social and cultural equity. We strive to promote inclusive and diverse programming and to ensure equitable access to arts and culture for all, with consideration for race, ability, sexual orientation, age, gender, economic status, and cultural background. We also commit to partnering with artists and arts organizations that represent and celebrate the diversity of our county, through the fair and equitable distribution of programmatic and financial support. Through these actions, arts are a vehicle for social change.

The federal government has continued to increase the extent of immigration enforcement in San Mateo County, continuing a trend of more immigrant residents of the County being placed in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review.  Many immigrants in such proceedings lack the resources to secure legal representation in such proceedings. 

Due to state stormwater pollution prevention requirements and recent instances of tree damage and unauthorized tree removal, we have instituted an Erosion Control and/or Tree Protection Pre-Site Inspection Requirement for construction or demolition on specific site types.

Multiple accounts have surfaced regarding the conditions of detained families along the U.S. and Mexico border, but Professor Bill Ong Hing's detailed testimonial from his visit to the border patrol processing facility in Clint, Texas has truly highlighted the dire conditions in which these children are being held in as well as the urgency for services and resources for our immigrant community. 

As reported by various news sources, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to initiate nationwide raids this weekend.  The Office of Community Affairs encourages everyone to become aware of their rights and to share important resources with everyone in the community.  

With support from the Board of Supervisors, all County staff now have access to interpretation services for over 200 unique languages. Residents can visit any County department and be helped with the language of their choice. Look for a language idenitification card or ask for interpretation services. The new service is easy, quick and efficient! 

English

English Spanish Tagalog Chinese Potential Changes in “Public Charge” Assessment  

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created this toolkit in English and Spanish which includes information about rights and resources for immigrants, as well as immigration options.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation's Philanthropy Now podcast series, highlights the Immigrant Support and Coordination services

The San Mateo County Arts Commission has received 25 grant applications for the 2017 year. San Mateo County nonprofit arts organizations applied for either Project/Program Support or Organizational Support. A meeting to review the applications is open to all applicants and members of the public.