The Deputy Who Became an Advocate for Mental Health: Don Horsley

He grew up resenting the concrete, cold to the touch and cold to the soul, that walled in his grandmother at a mental health hospital.

Seven Ways Carole Groom Changed San Mateo County

Carole Groom was in line buying groceries when she heard a cross voice. Another customer wanted to know – asking no one in particular but wanting to share his views – who the so-and-so was who did away with plastic shopping bags.

County Awards $54 Million in Housing Grants

Redwood City – Board of Supervisors President Don Horsley today announced 11 projects will receive a total of $54 million to create more affordable housing across San Mateo County. The award – $54,361,963 – is a County record for investing in housing. A total of 1,069 affordable housing units will be created or renovated with these funds.

With Respiratory Viruses Circulating, 12 Bay Area Health Officials Recommend Actions to Stay Healthy for the Holidays

This holiday season, another surge in COVID infections, along with high levels of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are straining healthcare systems and impacting families. The good news is that there are easy actions everyone can take to stay healthy this season. Twelve Bay Area health officers recommend the following steps: Get Vaccinated Against Flu and COVID.

Jorge Argueta, a Poet, Writer of Children’s Books, Selected as County Poet Laureate

Redwood City — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today appointed Jorge Argueta of Daly City as the County’s poet laureate, citing his ability to use poetry to create bridges among diverse communities.

Redwood City, Millbrae and Half Moon Bay Awarded Grants to Help End Homelessness

Redwood City — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today awarded three cities a total of $2.4 million to help end homelessness.

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.

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: