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Supervisors Appoint Ken Binder as County Sheriff
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors appointed Ken Binder as the County’s 27th Sheriff, concluding a public selection process that included community forums, candidate interviews and extensive opportunities for residents to provide input. Binder, a former undersheriff in Santa Clara County and recent interim police chief in Gilroy, was sworn in the same afternoon. He now leads the County’s largest law enforcement agency, overseeing more than 800 staff who serve approximately 750,000 residents & partner jurisdictions.
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Cities Join County Lawsuit to Recover $38M in State Funds
All 20 cities in San Mateo County have joined the County’s lawsuit against the State of California, seeking to recover nearly $38 million in local funds withheld under the state’s Vehicle License Fee formula. County officials say the shortfall threatens essential services, from public safety to health care. With similar impacts reported in Alpine and Mono counties, leaders emphasized the unified effort to restore funding and secure a long-term fix. The case is pending in San Francisco Superior Court.
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Ordinance Clarifies Role in Immigration Enforcement
San Mateo County supervisors have introduced an ordinance to strengthen rules governing how local officials interact with federal immigration authorities. Aimed at boosting transparency and protecting immigrant communities, the measure restricts federal agents’ access to County facilities, formalizes quarterly reporting and bars employees from wearing face coverings that obscure identity. The Board approved the measure on its first vote, with final adoption expected at a future meeting.
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County Secures Pay for Victims of Wage Theft
San Mateo County’s Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office helped a Coastside couple recover more than $11,500 in unpaid wages after months of greenhouse work for Earthvine Grower LLC. County officials say the case highlights expanding efforts to combat wage theft, supported by new state funding for investigators and prosecutors, and underscores the County’s commitment to ensuring all workers can access justice and recover stolen wages.
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Veterans Honored at County's 10th Annual Luncheon
Nearly 300 veterans and supporters gathered in San Mateo as the County celebrated its 10th Annual Veterans Luncheon. Navy veteran Michael William O’Brien, who served on four submarines from 1967–1980, was named Veteran of the Year. Patriot of the Year honors went to Surayna Spicer for her work supporting incarcerated veterans, and Operation: Care and Comfort was recognized as Enterprise of the Year for its volunteer-run support programs. The luncheon is sponsored by Supervisor Gauthier’s office in partnership with the San Mateo County Veterans Commission.
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County Leaders Mark Community Foundation Week
The Board of Supervisors proclaimed Nov. 12–18 as Community Foundation Week, recognizing the vital role philanthropy plays as economic pressures deepen. County leaders said rising costs are pushing more residents to rely on nonprofit and charitable support, making partnerships with community foundations increasingly important. Officials emphasized that foundations help fill gaps and strengthen services for families. The County of San Mateo joins other local governments, including the County of Santa Clara, in highlighting Community Foundation Week.
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