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 Issue #22: October 2026
Dear Equity Ally,
Voting Matters and Every Voice Counts.
San Mateo County is made up of diverse residents and communities, each with important needs, priorities and ideas that should be heard as part of our democratic systems and processes. Everyone should have the chance to take part in shaping the places where we live, work, learn, and raise our families.
A strong community is one where people can see themselves in public life, where neighbors have a say in the decisions that affect their schools, streets, parks, services, and neighborhoods. It is where the people making decisions understand and represent the lives of the people they serve.
That does not happen on its own. Too often, the people most affected by public decisions are not represented in the rooms where those decisions are made. When fewer people participate, local leadership and public policy can miss important perspectives from across our County.
The November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election is one way eligible voters can make their voices heard. Your ballot is an opportunity to weigh in on the policy leaders, agencies, and issues that shape our communities. Don’t miss the opportunity! Before Election Day, take a few minutes to check your registration or register to vote, review your ballot, and make a plan to vote by mail, drop off your ballot at an official ballot box, or vote in-person at your local voting polls.
You do not need to understand everything on the ballot or feel like you have all the answer to participate. Start with the campaigns and measures you understand or have the closest impacts on your community. If you are unsure about any items on the ballot, you can leave them blank.
Voting is just one way to make your voice heard. Serving on a board, commission, or advisory body is another. You can also help make this election possible by joining San Mateo County’s Elections Team. Short term and one day positions are available to support the November 3 election, and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
When more residents participate in public life, by voting, serving, advocating, or supporting elections, public decisions are better informed, leadership is more representative, and our county is better able to meet the needs of the communities that call it home.
We are stronger together.
In Solidarity,
The Office of Racial and Social Justice
Shireen Malekafzali Taidi, Chief Equity Officer
Kacie Santana, Equity and Belonging Manager
Caline Salame, Equity and Belonging Associate
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 On August 11th, The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the County of San Mateo’s commitment to advancing economic mobility for all residents.
One in 10 county residents cannot afford basic needs such as food and housing, despite the county being one of the wealthiest in the nation. The County strives to take action to address these challenges and help all residents thrive, with good career opportunities, strong neighborhoods and the opportunity to build a bright future for current and future generations.
Under the resolution, the County committed identifying specific actions the County will take to advance economic mobility, using a shared data-driven approach developed by the multisector Shared Prosperity Coordinating Council, a group of local leaders that developed the countywide Economic Mobility Action Plan with community input and engagement. The EMAP provides a shared framework for understanding and measuring economic mobility and identifies 10 key strategies to enhance economic wellbeing across the county.
 Disasters are costly, but preparing for them doesn’t have to be.
Our most vulnerable communities when it comes to opportunities and outcomes are also typically the most vulnerable during and after a natural disaster. September’s National Preparedness Month helps all of us be better positioned to weather a storm.
Now is the time to take action, with El Niño expected to bring increased risks of heavy rain, flooding, and other winter weather impacts, and California having issued a state of emergency to support preparedness efforts.
Use the San Mateo County Emergency Management Prep Calendar to see how getting prepared can fit into your daily routine.
The San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities invites you to the Opening Reception for the 18th Annual Disabilities Arts Showcase on Friday, October 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Center for Creativity, 800 Main Street, Redwood City.
Come celebrate the talented artists featured in this year’s showcase, meet the artists and other community members, and enjoy an inspiring collection of artwork created by artists with disabilities.
Can't make the opening reception? The artwork will be on display at the Center for Creativity throughout the month of October, so there will be plenty of opportunities to visit and enjoy the exhibit. The Center is open during events and when volunteers are on site, so please check the Center for Creativity website for their Open Hours before planning your visit.
Opening Reception
Friday, October 16 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Center for Creativity
800 Main Street, Redwood City
The Commission on Disabilities hopes you can join in celebrating this year's artists!
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A new path to homeownership is opening for San Mateo County residents.
Through the County’s Mobile Home Loan Program, qualifying lower-income households can access low-interest, no-down-payment loans to replace aging mobile homes with new manufactured homes—helping preserve affordable housing and build long-term stability for local families
 New Open Mike podcast episode featuring District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, who is still going strong after starting as an intern in the DA's Office in the summer of 1975.
Steve describes his office's range of work, shares what he looks for in an aspiring DA, and talks about the meaning of justice under his watch. He highlights the DA's Gun Violence Prevention Program, the County's human trafficking enforcement efforts, and the promise of the Family Justice Center model, which will bring reporting, medical exams, and support services under one roof for victims.
You can watch or listen at www.smcgov.org/openmike, or find the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Past episodes are also available on these platforms.
Support for those whose health or safety would be at risk without gas or electricity.
The PG&E Self-Identified Vulnerable (SIV) Program provides additional support at no cost, regardless of income, for customers who may need extra assistance preparing for an outage. Once enrolled, the status lasts for one year, with the option to renew when it expires.
Link to enrollment instructions; https://bit.ly/4bM37q9, or you can call 1-800-743-5000 for help with enrollment
 SMC Supervisor Lisa Gauthier invites the community to join her on a docent -guided walk through the Ravenswood Preserve at Cooley Park this Saturday, October 10th, 9:30-11:30am.
More details are below and please share with others. Registration is recommended to reserve your spot.
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Get information about registration, vote-by-mail ballots, official ballot drop boxes, in-person voting, and the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election. Make sure your voice gets heard!
 The Office of Community Affairs' Immigrant Services team works with County departments and community-based organizations to connect immigrant residents to information, resources, and services.
There are many ways to volunteer and contribute to our community! Visit the Office of Community Affairs-Community Engagement to find volunteer opportunities such as serving food in a senior center, picking up litter, planting, reading to children and more.
Diverse representation on our boards and commissions is vital to advancing equity and ensuring County decisions reflect the communities we serve. Please consider applying or sharing these opportunities with your network.
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 The County of San Mateo's Elections Team is hiring for short-term and single-day positions supporting the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election.
Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
San Mateo County Libraries is excited to share the 2025–2026 Annual Report, “A Year of Connection,” which highlights library programs, resources and the partnerships that created meaningful connections throughout San Mateo County. Through the stories of visitors, volunteers and staff, the report showcases opportunities to learn, explore and belong.
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What is one step you can take this month to help your household prepare for winter weather and potential emergencies?
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What would greater economic opportunity and stability look like for you, your family, or your neighborhood?
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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