Nineteen people from nine different countries became U.S. citizens at a U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Oath Ceremony held at the San Mateo County History Museum on Nov. 19, 2018. A first for the County, the event was organized by the Office of Community Affairs with San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum delivering a keynote speech and Board President Dave Pine and County Manager Mike Callagy providing opening remarks. LEARN MORE

The holiday season is here — a time when people are busy planning all of their festivities and are susceptible to becoming stressed, distracted and a victim of crime. The unfortunate reality is that during the holidays thefts, scams and violent crime generally increase. Vehicle collisions also rise due to the change in weather conditions, distracted driving, as well as driving while intoxicated. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office offers safety tips to help make this holiday season as smooth and safe as possible. LEARN MORE

As smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to hover in the Bay Area, the County of San Mateo urges the public to take precautions by staying indoors and refraining from outdoor activity. Due to the wildfire smoke impacts, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert through Wednesday, Nov. 21. Check the Parks Department's website for trail and park closures. Up-to-date information on air quality and guidance to limit exposure is available at www.baaqmd.gov and airnow.gov. LEARN MORE

Civics 101, the nine-week class that provides San Mateo County residents an in-depth look at County of San Mateo programs, services and finances, held its last class of the season Nov. 14, 2018. San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Dave Pine handed out completion certificates to the graduates who later celebrated with a sit down dinner catered by the Human Services Agency's Vocational Rehabilitation Services Catering Connection. All participants who complete the program are encouraged to apply to one of the County’s boards or commissions as well as consider a career with the County. Next year's Civics 101 class will be held September through November 2019. LEARN MORE