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:

To End Homelessness, A Focus on Prevention

Millbrae – County of San Mateo leaders today announced a bold local strategy to  reinforce the safety net for the county’s most vulnerable residents: $4 million annually to prevent evictions. “We will end homelessness in San Mateo County,” Mike Callagy, the County’s chief executive, said to an audience of more 300 at the “Our Year of Working Together to End Homelessness” Summit in Millbrae.

Planning for Climate & Habitat Resiliency in Pescadero Creek Park

We are excited to share the Pescadero Creek Park Climate & Habitat Resiliency Plan. Read the Plan summary and join us at two events planned for the first week in November.

Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project Presented to Planning Commission, Oct 26

On Wednesday October 26, the Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project will be presented to the Planning Commission to be considered for a Coastal Development Permit.

People v. Jowy Omar Roman

On October 21, 2022, after 40 minutes of deliberation, a jury convicted Defendant Jowy Roman of Assault on A Peace Officer. On January 22, 2020, police went to the Defendant’s home to serve an arrest warrant and search warrant stemming from the Defendant’s years-long molestation of a minor victim. When officers arrived, the Defendant hid in the shower with a knife. Officers entered bathroom and the Defendant stabbed one officer in the chest which resulted in minor injuries. The knife did not penetrate the officer’s Kevlar vest. During the Defendant’s attack, a second officer shot the Defendant once in abdomen. The jury trial began with the Defendant facing 28 counts related to the molestation of the minor victim, with the 29th count being Assault on A Peace Officer for the January 22, 2020 incident. Midway through the victim’s testimony, the Defendant pled guilty to all 28 counts relating to the molestation. The Defendant is facing a minimum of over 100 years in prison on those counts alone. The trial continued on the one count concerning the Assault on A Peace Officer. The prosecutor was Sexual Assault DDA Nicole Sato, and the Investigating Officer was Clara Leong of the Foster City Police Department.

To Reduce Gun Violence, County Launches “Cutting-Edge” Effort to Remove Guns from the Hands of Felons, Stalkers

Redwood City – A coalition of top local elected and civic leaders today launched a new initiative to improve public safety by boosting efforts to remove guns from the hands of felons, stalkers, and other people prohibited from firearm possession. The launch of the new San Mateo County Gun Violence Prevention Program comes with a pledge of $2 million in funding over the next two years.

RFP for Midcoastside Transportation Demand Management Plan Consulting Services

The County’s Planning and Building Department seeks consultant services to support the creation of a collaborative Midcoastside Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan (Plan) for the unincorporated Midcoast and City of Half Moon Bay.

Public Health Officials to Conduct Door-to-Door Survey in East Palo Alto

East Palo Alto – Local public health officials will be in East Palo Alto next week to learn what climate-related challenges residents are facing in their community and to help identify gaps in preparedness. In English, Spanish or both, survey teams will ask a series of questions focusing on threats posed by mosquitoes, extreme heat, sea level rise, fires and air quality, for instance. Teams will also ask about emergency preparedness.

What's New: Board Approves Six Measure K Proposals

The Board of Supervisors approved the following regarding Measure K on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022:

With avian flu, County Health advises precautions for backyard flocks, handling of dead birds

Redwood City — With the presence of avian flu in the Bay Area, San Mateo County Health is advising residents who keep backyard birds or domestic flocks to protect them from contact with wild birds and for the public to take precautions when handling dead birds.

County of San Mateo Awarded $340,000 to Help Foster Youth With Housing Costs

Redwood City – The County of San Mateo has been awarded $340,677 to provide housing assistance to youth who are transitioning out of foster care and are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The funding was awarded through the federal Housing and Urban Development’s Foster Youth to Independence Initiative.