Health Officer Directs Health Care Personnel to Wear Masks during Respiratory Virus Season

Redwood City – San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana today issued a local health order requiring staff in patient care areas of health care facilities to wear face masks. Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2023, the order applies to paid and unpaid facility personnel and other professionals and does not apply to patients, visitors or individuals with medical or mental health conditions or a disability that prevents wearing a mask.

New Director for County’s Effort to Improve Literacy Among Young Learners

Redwood City – The County of San Mateo has selected Katharine Sullivan as the director of The Big Lift, an ambitious effort to prepare young learners for success. Sullivan comes to the County with more than 20 years of experience in improving educational opportunities and targeting resources to meet community needs. This knowledge will be key as The Big Lift aims to improve literacy with focused services.

County to Purchase Two Hotels to Convert to Supportive Housing: Key step in County’s “Functional Zero” Strategy

Redwood City – The Board of Supervisors today voted to purchase two hotels, one in Millbrae and one in South San Francisco, as key elements in the County’s strategy to combat homelessness.

“Share Hope Together” Campaign Aims to Prevent Suicide Through Community Connections

Redwood City – The County of San Mateo invites all residents to learn about the warning signs of suicide and share stories of hope in a campaign to prevent suicide.

Final Budget Changes Go to Board of Supervisors

Redwood City – The County of San Mateo today released a revised budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year that highlights the County’s commitment to ending homelessness, expanding mental health services and supporting financially vulnerable residents. “We want to ensure that every resident of San Mateo County has access to critical supports that make our community stronger and more resilient,” said County Executive Mike Callagy. “The goal is that everyone can truly thrive, not just survive.”

What to Know About Expired COVID-19 Test Kits

Redwood City – With kids back in school and end-of-summer travel at our near record levels (along with a lot of close contact), you might be wondering if it’s time to break out a COVID-19 test kit if you or a loved one gets a fever, sore throat or other symptoms.

“Finding Calm in the Chaos” – New Director of Emergency Management Embraces the Challenge

Redwood City – County Executive Mike Callagy today announced he has appointed Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar as the new director of the department tasked with coordinating countywide emergency planning, response and recovery.

We Asked You to Attend a Listening Session or Take a Survey: Now What?

Redwood City – What are your needs? That was the basic question residents we invited you to answer at a series of listening sessions and in a survey that focused on four key areas: housing and homelessness, emergency preparedness, children and families and mental health. The listening sessions concluded last week. The survey closed Monday at midnight.

Deadline Extended – Take the Community Needs Survey

Redwood City – To help ensure wide participation, the County has extended the deadline to complete a survey on key community needs through Monday, Aug. 28. The survey “survey seeks to understand what San Mateo County residents need for themselves, their families, and their communities to thrive.”

Public Invited to Share Your Needs at New Listening Session Added in San Mateo

San Mateo – Residents are invited to share their needs in four key areas at a newly scheduled listening session this Thursday, Aug. 24, in San Mateo. The session will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at College Park Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room, 715 Indian Ave., San Mateo. (Google map link.)

Share Your Needs at Upcoming Listening Sessions

Redwood City – After watching flood waters rise during the New Year’s storms, Lesley Lopez, 22, wants to find ways to help local communities withstand the impacts of climate change. Isaac Stevenson, 74, is on a mission to better connect seniors with key news and information.