Housing task force launches: Group to brainstorm solutions to gap between jobs and housing

By Bill Silverfarb, San Mateo Daily Journal. With the economy in boom, San Mateo County has added tens of thousands of jobs in the past few years but only a fraction of the housing needed to accommodate them. With rents up 50 percent in four years to an average of more than $2,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, many low-wage earners can no longer afford to live in the county while a new glut of high-tech workers and other professionals can.

County of San Mateo Convenes Jobs/Housing Gap Task Force

The Closing the Jobs/Housing Gap Task Force, a group of diverse stakeholders working to preserve and increase housing at all price levels in San Mateo County, held its inaugural meeting this morning with Assemblyman Rich Gordon, D-Menlo Park, as the keynote speaker.

Bye, Bye, Bill! Thank you for your service!

Bill Lowell, a 23-year veteran county employee who is known for his big-picture ideas, creative solutions, and unique ability to get things done, has decided to retire. He began working for the County in 1993 for the Alcohol and Drug program, then moved to the San Mateo Medical Center as a Management Analyst, and was later recruited to serve as the Deputy Court Executive Officer. That's when I first worked with Bill; he was a standout.

Dignity on Wheels

What is dignity on wheels? Summed up best in the tagline...Rebuilding the lives of the homeless, one shower and laundry load at a time.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Approves $2.5 Billion Budget

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved its $2.5 billion recommended budget after first making $21.4 million in September revisions, including $9 million for initiatives funded by the voter-approved Measure A half-cent sales tax.

Citizenship Workshop

"When legal permanent residents become citizens, we all benefit. Their lives become more stable and their futures more secure." - Supervisor Warren Slocum. That's the purpose of the Citizenship Workshop - to help our neighbors on their pathway to citizenship.

PARK(ing) Day in North Fair Oaks!

We celebrated the 2nd Annual “Park(ing) Day” in North Fair Oaks! “Park(ing) Day” is a one-day event where parking spaces are transformed into temporary community places. "PARK(ing) Day" is a way to promote green spaces, healthy lifestyles, and build community in urban areas! It is celebrated by cities all over the world on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015.

Ravenswood Bay Trail Connection

The Ravenswood Bay Trail connection will close the half-mile gap in the Bay Trail, located at the boundary of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. When completed, this project will create an 80-mile segment of continuous trail and will link three counties and a toll bridge!

Child Support Awareness Month Marks New Service for Making Cash Payments

August is Child Support Awareness Month serving to remind parents that providing child support is one of the many ways they demonstrate love for their children. This year’s theme is “Giving them roots to reach for the sky.”

Parking Enforcement Officer

The single biggest issue faced by the merchants and residents in North Fair Oaks is the lack of parking. Abandoned vehicles, operational vehicles that stay longer than the time permits, and businesses that "borrow" public parking spaces further reduce the number of available parking spaces. Read more...

14th Annual North Fair Oaks Festival

The 14th Annual North Fair Oaks Festival was held Sunday, August 16, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Middlefield Road between 1st and 5th Avenues. It started with a fabulous hour-long parade filled with performing arts groups, bands, classic cars, sports teams, and specialty vehicles from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office! Read more here...

Summer Learning Programs in East Palo Alto and Fair Oaks Libraries

This year, children from North Fair Oaks and East Palo Alto participated in the San Mateo County Library's Summer Learning Program. This intensive, fun-filled learning program combined science, math, reading, yoga, art, technology skills, and fun. They also were provided nutritious snacks and lunch! All had a great time. Read more...