Lorena Thompson's Legacy

When Lorena Thompson left her house the day after Halloween, she gave her young son and daughter each a kiss. “She loved us, and we knew we were loved,” said her daughter, Deborah Kemper. “That was really key for me growing up because I was angry after she was murdered, and I could have taken a bad turn in life.”

Gun Buyback: Give the Gift of Safety this Holiday Season

Redwood City – The County of San Mateo and its partners are holding a gun buyback on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. The event will be held at 1000 Skyway Road in San Carlos from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants must transport firearms unloaded in a vehicle trunk or, for trucks and vans, in a locked container.

Residents Urged to Sign Up for New SMC Alert System

Redwood City — Thanks to an improved emergency alert and warning system, those who live and work in San Mateo County can now get messages via text, email and voice that include maps, images and multiple languages.

Draft Plan Charts Course for Locating New and Protecting Existing Housing

Redwood City — As the Peninsula faces an acute housing shortage, the County of San Mateo is exploring where to plan for growth and ways to expand and protect the supply of affordable housing into the next decade. The final plan will help shape the region’s future: communities that long relied on relatively affordable housing to draw new residents who fueled job and economic growth can no longer count on that advantage.

County Launches Effort to Expand Parks Access

Redwood City — The Board of Supervisors today voted to provide an annual County Parks pass to individuals and families with low incomes. The 5-0 vote will ensure all residents regardless of means have access to all County Parks.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Approves Minimum Wage Hike to $16.50 an Hour

Redwood City — In a victory for workers, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today voted to increase the minimum wage to $16.50 an hour beginning next spring.

County Honors Marine as Veteran of the Year

The County’s Veterans Commission today a honored U.S. Marine and former firefighter as the San Mateo County “Veteran of the Year.” George Smith was honored before 250 attendees during the 7th annual Veterans Recognition Event for going “above and beyond” in service to his community.

RFP: Youth Activities and Mental Health Services

The San Mateo County Probation Department seeks qualified providers of programs and services for youth in custody at the Youth Services Center-Juvenile Hall and/or Camp Kemp, as well as those who have been released back to their communities.

RFP: Youth and Family Programs

The San Mateo County Probation Department seeks qualified providers of community-based youth and family programs for juvenile probationers and at-risk youth.

Investing in the Arts

The County's new Office of Arts and Culture will see an infusion of $100,000 to help launch countywide programs and projects. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, voted 5-0 to allocate the funds from the Measure K local half-cent sales tax. The funds will be used as a match for specific grants as well as to support numerous programs and projects, as outlined here: