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Dear Equity Ally,
As 2025 draws to a close, we are reminded that building inclusive systems where everyone can thrive is both urgent and ongoing. Across the County, we have seen teams, partners, and community members actively working to dismantle systemic barriers and build structures that promote fairness and foster belonging. Progress this year has come not only from policies or programs, but from the daily commitment to listen, learn, and act in ways that prioritize fairness, access, and opportunity for all.
In the spirit of renewal, we encourage everyone to pause, reflect, and care for themselves and the communities around them. Renewal is not a pause from our work; it is a vital part of sustaining it. When we care for our own well-being, we gain the resilience, creativity, and clarity to continue dismantling inequities in the systems that shape our lives and those of our neighbors.
This year, some highlights from our work together include:
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Launch of the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement (OLSE): OLSE enforces Minimum Wage Laws to advance fair labor practices across the County.
- “We envision a San Mateo County where all workers are paid a fair wage and treated respectfully, and responsible employers are not undercut by competitors who do not follow the law.” Learn more about OLSE
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Local and Small Business Preference Program: Applied to local, local small, and local micro vendors for goods or professional solicitations of $10,000 and above, this program supports local businesses, strengthens the local economy, preserves jobs, and increases retention of tax dollars. Learn more here.
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CEO Guidance on Performance Measurement Tracking: Tools and guidance to monitor the impact that County programs and policies have on all residents and sectors of the population that are farthest from achieving their full potential. Guidance on Performance
As we enter 2026, we carry forward lessons learned, renewed energy, and a shared commitment to a just and fair government that goes beyond compliance or policy. We look forward to sharing all the great progress we make in 2026!
In solidarity,
The Office of Racial and Social Justice
Shireen Malekafzali Taidi, Chief Equity Officer
Belén Seara, Equity and Belonging Manager
Andrew Knaack, Equity and Belonging Associate
Caline Salame, Equity and Belonging Associate
Shane Ross, Labor Standards Manager
Michelle Flores Pulido, Labor Standards Associate
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San Mateo County has released an update on a notable wage-theft case in Half Moon Bay, highlighting the meaningful work of the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement in protecting workers and promoting fair labor practices. Their ongoing efforts continue to strengthen accountability and support our community.
A new episode of the County’s ‘Open Mike’ podcast released on Thursday, Nov. 20, hosted by County Executive Mike Callagy. The show brings to life the behind-the-scenes work of local government and connects the dots between County services and the people they serve. This episode features Natasha Claire-Espino, director of the Office of Public Safety Communications, who shares what life is like behind the 911 headset and explains the team’s vital role in law enforcement, fire and medical dispatch.
Watch or listen at www.smcgov.org/openmike or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and send feedback or suggestions to openmike@smcgov.org.
The research report Exploring the Divide: American Views on Fairness and Equal Protection by PolicyLink highlights how people across backgrounds share a belief in fairness but often define it differently. Some view fairness as treating everyone the same, while others emphasize addressing barriers that limit equal opportunity.
The report finds that while people across ideologies share broad visions of fairness and equal protection, they often differ on whether fairness is achieved through equal opportunity, consistent processes, or equitable outcomes. This insight reminds us that advancing a fair and just government requires understanding these varied perspectives so we can maximize the impact of our work. This analysis is helping us in our Narrative Strategy project, where we hope to develop an effective strategy for sharing our vision of an inclusive and just county.
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San Mateo County Health, in partnership with Get Healthy San Mateo County, has developed the 10 Key Components for Building Healthy, Equitable Communities, a framework for creating systems that support belonging, opportunity, and well‑being. These components focus on areas like Healthy Housing, Thriving Neighborhoods, Inclusive Economy, and Sense of Community, addressing the systemic barriers that affect health and equity. Read more
Building on this foundation, the County has released its first Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) 2024–2026, developed through a seven-month process with more than 90 partners across sectors. The CHIP outlines collective strategies in three priority areas:
- Access to Health Care Services
- Social Determinants of Health
- Mental Health
Together, these efforts align long-term community vision with concrete goals and coordinated action to advance health and well-being across San Mateo County.
 In November, the Board of Supervisors designated November 14, 2025 as “Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day” in San Mateo County. The day honors Ruby Bridges, who at age six became a symbol of the civil‑rights movement when she integrated her New Orleans school. The initiative highlights safe, active travel to school while celebrating justice, inclusion, and youth empowerment.
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This season, there are meaningful ways to engage with and support your community, while keeping focus on systemic equity:
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Volunteer Opportunities: Participate in initiatives like food distribution, toy drives, or coat collections. Each action strengthens the networks that connect us, fosters inclusion, and demonstrates how collective effort can address immediate needs while advocating for long-term solutions.
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Building Agency: These initiatives are about exercising agency, supporting community-led solutions, and amplifying the power and voice of historically marginalized communities.
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Amplifying Systems Change: While hands-on support is important, these actions are part of a larger movement to influence policies, improve resource distribution, and create sustainable systems that prevent inequity from recurring.
By engaging thoughtfully, residents and partners play an active role in shaping a culture of belonging—where communities are empowered to thrive, and systems are held accountable to serve everyone equitably.
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A moment of centering: Reflect on this month’s themes with two short questions:
- What is one way to practice gratitude in your daily work?
- How can you help create a sense of belonging for others?
Have feedback? We would appreciate feedback about what information you most want to hear from us. For feedback, please email us at equitysmc@smcgov.org.
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