The San Mateo County Elections Office announced that the voting period began this week for the Nov. 6, 2018 Statewide General Election. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, was also the first day that official ballots were mailed to all registered voters in San Mateo County and four vote centers were opened as well. The Nov. 6, 2018 Statewide General Election will be the second election conducted under the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA). LEARN MORE

"Call if you can—text if you can't" is the message public safety officials want to get out when it comes to San Mateo County's new 9-1-1 system. According to the San Mateo County Police Chiefs' & Sheriff Association, all San Mateo County law enforcement and fire agencies’ 9-1-1 dispatch centers are now equipped to receive and respond to mobile phone text to 9-1-1 messages. This new service allows people who are unable to speak to reach 9-1-1 and request emergency services. LEARN MORE

From housing and transit to water and energy, Supervisor Dave Pine, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, will explore some of the biggest challenges the region faces and what we are doing to ensure San Mateo County continues to be a great place to live, work and play for everyone. The event, to take place on Oct. 24, 2018, in Burlingame, is free of charge, but registration is required. LEARN MORE

On Oct. 18, 2018, County of San Mateo employees will "drop, cover and hold" for two minutes to simulate response to an earthquake. The statewide exercise is at 10:18 a.m. but the County is holding its drill at 11 a.m. to also conduct a building evacuation of all County facilities to practice exiting sites in the event of a real earthquake or other disaster. Schools, businesses, residents, and organizations in San Mateo County are encouraged to participate in this an annual earthquake preparedness drill at their location. LEARN MORE

One of the greatest challenges residents face in San Mateo County is the high cost of housing. In response to the affordability challenge, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has made a commitment to attack the problem on numerous fronts, including allocating Measure K funds, the countywide half-cent sales tax. The investment includes more than $100 million since 2013 to create new housing, protect existing affordable housing, prevent displacement and other initiatives. LEARN MORE