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Emergency Officials Provide Winter Storm Prep Tips
Stormy weather with heavy rain and high winds is expected to last through the weekend, prompting safety warnings from local emergency officials. A flood watch is in effect through 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. “Fast-rising water can quickly turn deadly. Two feet of water can sweep a car, truck or SUV off the road,” warned Ryan Reynolds of the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management. “We can’t stress enough: Never drive into flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.” Other tips include avoiding downed power lines, using sandbags and signing up for emergency alerts.
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County Supervisors Approve Mid-Year Budget Update
The mid-year financial update for 2024-25 was presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The report shows that San Mateo County has sufficient revenue to continue funding its vital health and social services, which remain central to the County’s mission. Projections from property and sales taxes, combined with careful financial management, enable the County to face emerging challenges while maintaining essential services. The 2024-25 mid-year budget update highlights the County’s ability to navigate financial hurdles despite broader economic pressures.
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Honoring Black History Month With Exhibit, Proclamation
San Mateo County supervisors at their Feb. 11 meeting proclaimed February as Black History Month. Carolyn Hoskins, founder and chief curator of the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City, received the proclamation with Maurice Goodman, president of the San Mateo NAACP. Located at 890 Jefferson Ave. in downtown Redwood City, the museum features objects and exhibits designed to encompass the African American experience. “I would like to express my gratitude to Carolyn Hoskins for her dedication to preserving Black history,” said Supervisor Lisa Gauthier.
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Cases of Bird Flu Highlight Need to Prevent Spread
The recent discoveries of bird flu in a backyard flock and in a stray cat in San Mateo County highlight the importance of preventing the spread of H5N1. The County’s Department of Ag/Weights & Measures is advising backyard poultry owners to watch for signs of bird flu in their flock and to take appropriate measures such as washing hands before and after handling birds and disinfecting footwear to reduce the risk of spreading H5N1. San Mateo County Health says residents whose pets show signs of illness should contact their veterinarian. There are no human cases of H5N1 related to these detections.
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Vote Centers Open, Ballots Mailed for Special Election
Two Vote Centers are now open: 555 County Center in Redwood City and 40 Tower Road in San Mateo. Six more Vote Centers will open Saturday, Feb. 22. Fifteen Vote Centers will be open on Election Day, March 4, 2025. The Sample Ballot & Voter Information Pamphlet mailed to voters lists the Foster City Community Center as a Vote Center, but due to a malfunctioning elevator, the Elections Office will use the Foster City Emergency Operations Center instead (610 Foster City Boulevard). Voters can find the full list of drop boxes and Vote Centers here.
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Sheriff’s Office Releases 2024 Year-End Crime Statistics
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office released its 2024 year-end crime statistics. The report highlighted an overall decline in both violent and property crimes throughout the communities where the Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services. The statistics compare data from 2024 to 2023. Violent crime decreased by 14 percent, with 149 fewer cases reported, while property crime dropped by 15 percent, amounting to 487 fewer incidents. Throughout the year, community members can view crime data by visiting the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Transparency Portal.
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