State Awards $42.8 Million to Spur Local Affordable Housing, Including for Farmworkers

Note: This is a revised version posted at 5 p.m. Redwood City – The state has awarded $42.8 million to spur development of three local affordable housing projects, including coastal apartments reserved for farmworkers and their families. The funds will go to helping build a total of 212 units for residents with low incomes in projects in Daly City, Burlingame and Moss Beach, where 18 new apartments will be dedicated for farmworkers.

County Launches Task Force to Improve Living Conditions for Farm Laborers

Half Moon Bay – The County of San Mateo today announced the launch of a task force that is committed to improving the living conditions of farmworkers who reside in employer-provided housing. The task force will ensure compliance with local and state rules and regulations that affect the health and safety of employer-providing housing for farmworkers and their families.

COVID-19: What You Need to Know Today

The emergence of the Omicron variant in late 2021 has stressed the local, state and national health care systems. This is a confusing time. We are providing information below to the best of our ability that is current as of today, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.

County of San Mateo Expands COVID-19 Testing Options

Redwood City — In response to the surge in the Omicron variant, the County of San Mateo is expanding opportunities for COVID-19 testing.

Pediatric vaccines available at eight County-run clinics in January

San Mateo County Health is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at eight sites throughout the county during the month of January. Free and open to the public, these clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 5-11. Boosters and vaccines for other ages will not be available.

County Urges Testing, Vaccines as Holidays Continue and School Return Looms

Amid sharp increases in new COVID-19 cases during this holiday season, County Health is urging residents to seek out testing and get vaccinated, especially those traveling or anticipating a return to in-person schooling.

Longtime Deputy County Manager Named as Second in Command

Deputy County Manager Peggy Jensen, a skilled leader who is heading the County’s COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts, is nominated as the County of San Mateo’s second-in-command.

County Revenues Up Due to One-Time Federal COVID-19 Grants: Annual Financial Reports for FY 2020-21

The County of San Mateo’s revenues increased by $224 million in Fiscal Year 2020-21, mostly due to one-time federal grants received to help address COVID-19, according to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) which is now available.

A Vaxiversary Feature: After I Received the COVID-19 Vaccine, I Could...."

What we heard back: The joy of being able to hug loved ones. Feeling safer about kids returning to school. Worries over whether the pandemic will ever end. What we learned is that the past year has been one of hope, strength and struggle. We invite you on a journey that no one knows when will end. (View the story below on its own web page.)

Bay Area Health Officers Urge Boosters to Protect Against Omicron Variant

Public health agencies across the Bay Area urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated and, if eligible, get a booster shot right away to protect against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

State Awards County $68 Million to House Homeless

The County of San Mateo will soon house hundreds of vulnerable residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness as early as next year thanks to $68 million in state Homekey funds.

A New Name for an Expanding Mission: Department of Emergency Management

The County of San Mateo’s Office of Emergency Services is now the Department of Emergency Management, or DEM. The promotion to a County department reflects the importance of emergency planning and preparedness as well as emergency response. County Manager Mike Callagy said the “frequency and complexity” of emergencies prompted the change.