Arts Commission Cultural Equity Statement

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.

Everyone counts: Why the census matters more than ever

The 2020 Census gets underway soon and it’s critical that every person living in the county is counted to secure federal funding for medical services, including clinics and children’s health insurance, housing, emergency preparedness, nutrition programs, infrastructure and a host of other services.

San Mateo County's Removal Defense Fund & Rapid Response Network

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. 

Powerful testimonial from Immigrant Legal Resource Center's Founder

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. 

July 2019 News Update: Potential ICE Activity in the Bay Area

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.  

Language Access Services Available at San Mateo County

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! 

Public Charge updates, information and resources

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

Immigration Tool Kit

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.

Seton needs new heroes

Whether you are an orphan, a prisoner, sick, a refugee, homeless or mentally ill, the Daughters of Charity for nearly 400 years provided charitable health care for the most vulnerable among us. They’ve been the heroes of the poor for centuries all around the world.