Dear District 4 Community,

With the shift to autumn in full swing, we are embracing the cooler mornings, changing leaves, and return of fall traditions which remind us how vibrant and connected our community is. With more children walking, biking, and playing outdoors this season, I want to gently remind everyone to slow down, stay alert, and look out for our young people as you drive through our neighborhoods. A little extra caution goes a long way in keeping families safe. 

I am enjoying attending and participating in the many community events throughout District 4 and all of San Mateo County this season. Being in community helps me connect with and hear directly from constituents about their concerns and to answer their questions. 

Perhaps one of the most significant issues under discussion for many months is the issue of the Vehicle license Fee shortfall our County and cities face due to underfunding by the State of California. Our County continues to work closely with state partners to resolve the annual shortfall which represents significant funding for local governments. We remain committed to advocating for a fair and sustainable fix that protects our residents and programs that rely on these funds. 

This month also brings an exciting update for our office. I’m thrilled to welcome David Burruto as the new Chief of Staff for District 4. David brings deep experience in public policy and service, a strong commitment to equity, and a collaborative spirit that aligns with our district's values, all of which will help us continue delivering thoughtful, community‑driven work for our district and San Mateo County 

And with Election Day approaching on November 3, I encourage every eligible voter to exercise your right to vote. Your voice shapes the future of our neighborhoods, our County, and our state. Whether you vote early, by mail, or in person, please make a plan and participate. As always, please confirm voting information with trusted official sources such as your County elections office. 

Fall is a season of gratitude, and I’m grateful for each of you, your partnership, your advocacy, and your dedication to making District 4 a place where everyone can thrive. 

Warmly,

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, District 4

HONORING DOLORES HUERTA: YOUR VOICE YOUR VOTE

As we approach Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, my heart is heavy with the news of the passing of my dear friend, Dolores Huerta, at the age of 96.

Dolores was more than a civil rights icon and champion for working families. She was a friend, an inspiration, and a powerful reminder that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. Her lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and empowering communities touched so many lives, including my own.

Dolores gave us the words "¡Sí, se puede!" "Yes, we can!" And I can think of no better way to honor her legacy than by continuing to use our voices and participate in the decisions that shape our communities.

I encourage every eligible resident to make a plan to vote! San Mateo County offers early voting, same-day voter registration, multilingual assistance, and accessible voting equipment. You can cast your ballot at any County Vote Center. Please see the attached flyers for Vote Center locations and visit smcvote.gov for the latest election information.

Dolores taught us that our voices have power. Let's honor her legacy by making sure ours are heard.

ACROSS THE DISTRICT

I was so excited to join Supervisor Jackie Speier and our community partners to celebrate the opening of Learning Links at Elco Yards in Redwood City! This new early learning center will provide child care for up to 74 children, bringing children of all abilities together to learn, play, and grow in a welcoming environment. I'm especially proud that Supervisor Speier and I were able to help make this possible through a $200,000 County investment.

As a mother and grandmother, I know how much access to quality, affordable child care means to working families. Every child deserves a place where they feel included, supported, and have the opportunity to thrive.

It was wonderful to see so many veterans come together at the Belle Haven Community Center to receive a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. These glasses can help veterans with visual impairments navigate everyday life with greater independence. New technologies can offer amazing benefits, but must be deployed mindfully. I had the chance to sit in on the training sessions, and I was pleased to see the emphasis on privacy and for the wearer and the people they will interact with. This event was also a great opportunity for veterans to connect with each other and with community services to support their needs.

What a lovely morning connecting with neighbors at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve in East Palo Alto. Our Walk & Talk along the Bay Trail was full of little discoveries! We spotted gum plants, colorful pickleweed that provides habitat for the salt marsh harvest mouse, a great egret standing peacefully in the marsh, and even heard a red-tailed hawk soaring above us. We also ran into Nuestra Casa volunteers participating in a Coastal Cleanup led by Grassroots Ecology, and some even joined us on our walk. It was wonderful seeing neighbors, volunteers, and cyclists all enjoying this beautiful space together. Thank you to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and everyone who joined us for a beautiful morning of community and connection.

There's something special about seeing parents come together to learn, grow, and support their children's futures! I had the pleasure of delivering the keynote address at the Redwood City School District's Parent Education Academy graduation, celebrating parents who completed the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) program, sponsored by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley. I'm especially proud that our District 4 discretionary Measure K grant funding helped support this program, investing directly in the families who make our community stronger. Congratulations to all the graduates! A heartfelt thank-you to PIQE, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, Redwood City School District, and our educators for helping parents and children thrive!

It was a lively and joyful event at the opening of the North Fair Oaks Community Hub. This venue, located at 3250 Middlefield Road, is a center for collaboration, opportunity, and learning, supported by people who come from the community and want to give back. It was inspiring to hear neighbors share how community support can change lives and empower people to turn their situations around. Organized by the St. Francis Center, the Hub is a product of a partnership with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, JobTrain, and Redwood City Together, and is making room for even more community partners. That's what a hub does, it's in the center of everything, making sure things stay moving.

I was glad to join HEART of San Mateo County as the keynote speaker at its Housing on Tap event, where we discussed the importance of working together to address our housing affordability challenges. From preserving 74 workforce housing units at the Azara apartment building to supporting affordable housing projects across the County, HEART shows what creative partnerships can accomplish. Affordable housing takes all of us, and I’m grateful to HEART and our community partners for helping more families find a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

DISTRICT 4 IN ACTION: COUNTY UPDATES

With the possibility of a wetter winter ahead, my colleagues and I declared a state of emergency to help our County prepare for potential storms and flooding.

I want to remind everyone that a little preparation now can make a big difference when storms arrive. Take some time to check your emergency supplies, make a plan with your family, and sign up for SMC Alert to receive important updates. And please remember to check in on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may need a helping hand. We're strongest when we look out for one another!

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the County's emergency preparedness resources and free sandbags available at the following locations:

• Redwood City Public Works: 1400 Broadway, Redwood City
• East Palo Alto Public Works: 150 Tara Road, East Palo Alto
• Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77: 1467 Chilco Street, Menlo Park
• Menlo Park: Burgess Park parking lot at Alma Street and Burgess Drive
• Unincorporated San Mateo County: Visit the County's sandbag webpage for locations and pickup reservations.

For more tips and resources, visit the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management.

Here in the heart of Silicon Valley, innovation drives our economy and creates exciting opportunities. But as technology and AI continue to evolve, we must make sure progress doesn't come at the expense of our communities.

That's why I sponsored a resolution asking County staff to explore restrictions on data center construction in our unincorporated areas. Data centers use significant amounts of water and electricity, operate around the clock, and can produce emissions from backup generators. We have a responsibility to understand these impacts and plan ahead. I look forward to working with County staff and hearing from our community as we find solutions that balance innovation with the well being of San Mateo County residents.

This month, my colleagues and I proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of standing with survivors. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to CORA and the incredible advocates who show up for survivors and families every day. This past year, CORA reached nearly 6,000 students, teaching young people about healthy relationships and recognizing the signs of abuse. I'm also proud of our efforts to establish San Mateo County's first Family Justice Center, bringing us closer to making sure survivors can access the care and resources they deserve.

To every survivor: You are not alone. You deserve to feel safe, heard, and supported, and our community stands with you.

BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS BOARDS AND REGIONS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

One of the events I look forward to most each year is our Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon, which I'm proud to organize in partnership with the San Mateo County Veterans Commission!

Now in its 11th year, this special gathering brings together hundreds of veterans, families, and friends to celebrate those who have served our country and recognize the recipients of our Veteran, Patriot, and Enterprise of the Year awards.

I'm especially happy that this event remains free for everyone! I'm pleased to say that this event continues to be a free event for all. If you're a veteran, I'd encourage you to join us for this very special event on November 9th from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112, 229 W. 20th Avenue. You can find more information and how to register here.

There’s still time for young artists to share their creativity in the second annual student art contest, presented in partnership with Assemblymember Diane Papan!

Open to students ages 11–18 who live or attend school in my district, this contest invites participants to explore what America means to them through original, two-dimensional, non-digital artwork inspired by our county’s history, cultural diversity, civic engagement, natural landscapes, and community stories.

Artwork must be no larger than 8.5” x 11”, and each student may submit one original piece; AI-generated artwork and copied images are not permitted. Submissions are due Friday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m. I encourage eligible students to participate and share their unique perspective! Visit the contest webpage for full rules and submission details.

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY: UP TO $6 MILLION IN FUNDING AVAILABLE!

Do you know a local nonprofit, child care center, homeless shelter, or community organization that could use some support? Help us spread the word about an upcoming funding opportunity!

Beginning December 1, 2026, San Mateo County's Department of Housing will open applications for up to $6 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, including up to $2 million specifically for child care facilities. These funds can help eligible nonprofits and public agencies make major repairs to affordable housing, renovate community spaces, or build new facilities that serve low- and moderate-income residents.

I know how much our local organizations do for our families and neighborhoods, and I want to make sure they know about opportunities like this!

Please help spread the word! A simple conversation could connect an organization doing wonderful work with the resources it needs to continue serving our community. Applications open December 1, 2026. Learn more through the San Mateo County Department of Housing or contact housing@smchousing.org.

There are so many great events happening in District 4, there’s not enough room to list them all! Check out the community calendars below for information on all the exciting happenings in your area. 

• Redwood City 
• East Palo Alto 
• Menlo Park 
• North Fair Oaks 

COMMUNITY FLYERS

If you want to get more insight into what my staff and I are working on, please connect with us on social media. It’s also a great way to interact with our office and to get notifications for upcoming events. Click the icons and like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. 

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier

San Mateo County, District 4