Dear District 4 Neighbors,

February brings a meaningful blend of reflection, celebration, and civic awareness here in District 4. This month, we honor Black History, recognizing the leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes whose contributions continue to shape our county and our country. Their legacy challenges us to keep pushing for equity, opportunity, and justice in every corner of our community. 

We also celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, energy, and forward momentum. For many families across District 4, this season represents renewal, good fortune, and the joy of cultural tradition. Our district’s diversity continues to be one of our greatest strengths, and moments like this remind us how much richer we are when we honor the heritage of all who call this community home. 

February also brings Presidents’ Day, a moment to reflect on the leadership, civic responsibility, and democratic values that guide our nation. It’s an opportunity to recommit ourselves to public service and to the shared work of strengthening our local communities. 

This month, we are also closely monitoring the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) shortfall, which continues to impact every city in San Mateo County. The nearly $119 million shortfall in expected state funding places pressure on essential local services health care, public safety, housing, and community programs that residents rely on every day. County and city leaders are working together to advocate for a fair resolution and to ensure our communities receive the resources they were promised. 



District 4 continues to show what’s possible when neighbors support one another and when we move forward with intention and heart. Thank you for staying engaged, staying connected, and helping us build a community where everyone belongs. 

Warmly,

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, District 4

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS AMERICAN HISTORY

This year is especially meaningful. We mark 100 years of Black History Month and 100 years of the NAACP in San Mateo County. These milestones remind us that Black history is American history. It is foundational, transformative, and deeply woven into the story of this country. 

During the Board of Supervisors meeting, I honored Dr. Clarence B. Jones and Dr. Yvonne Cagle for their extraordinary efforts in American History. Dr. Clarence B. Jones was a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as he helped draft the “I Have a Dream” speech. His work shaped not just speeches, but the moral and legal framework of justice in this country. Dr. Cagle has expanded the frontiers of medicine and human spaceflight, and reminds us that Black women are not only breaking glass ceilings, but redefining the atmosphere itself.

In partnership with Supervisor Speier, we honored Kiwoba Allaire, founder of Girls STEM Stars, and proclaimed February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It was a meaningful moment to reaffirm our commitment to expanding opportunity and representation in STEM.

These leaders embody the fullness of Black excellence: resilience and brilliance, intellect and courage, vision and action. 

I had the pleasure of supporting East Palo Alto’s Senior Center during their Black History Program, an uplifting celebration of culture and community. Guests were welcomed by the vibrant sounds of steel drums as they entered, and one of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing my grandson open the program with a prayer, a memory I will cherish forever.

I was honored to interview former San Mateo County Board of Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson as part of JobTrain’s Standing on the Shoulders of Giants event. The program celebrated four extraordinary Black women: Rose Jacobs Gibson, Nevida Butler, Esti Hall and Sharifa Wilson, whose leadership has helped guide East Palo Alto toward becoming a more inclusive and equitable city. It was an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing the vision, courage, and lasting impact of women who continue to shape our community for the better.

ACROSS THE DISTRICT

Earlier this month, during Super Bowl week, I joined community members to celebrate the opening of the new sports field at Los Robles Ronald McNair Academy, the only regulation-size football field in East Palo Alto. This project became a reality because of strong partnership. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors for backing this investment and to every public and private partner who stepped up to make it happen. This is a big moment for East Palo Alto. 

The celebration continued with an all-girls flag football camp hosted by the Seattle Seahawks, demonstrating how this space will inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders, ensuring girls see themselves on the field leading, competing, and believing in their own strength. 

We proudly celebrated our first-ever Galentine’s Day Career Panel in partnership with Women in County Government. The event brought together women from across the County for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation about leadership in public service. Attendees heard from former Redwood City Mayor and Councilmember Alicia Aguirre and Deputy County Executive Rocio Kiryczun, who generously shared their career journeys, lessons learned, and pathways to leadership in the public sector. Most of all, we’re grateful to the many incredible women across the County who joined us and helped create such a warm, supportive space. I look forward to continuing to build on this momentum and uplifting one another. 

Earlier this month, I joined community partners to celebrate the opening of Ravenswood Family Health Network’s new dental clinic in Redwood City, expanding access to affordable care for families who have too often gone without essential services. That same day, I participated in a conversation at Edgewood Center for Children and Families’ Drop-In Center, highlighting the importance of mental health and creating safe spaces where young people feel supported and seen. In the rush of daily life, it is easy to put our health last, but our health matters, and support exists right here in our community. 

It was great to attend the Redwood Shores Annual Meeting that brought neighbors together for a thoughtful discussion about local priorities. Residents heard updates on public safety initiatives, parks, shoreline improvements, traffic and infrastructure. The meeting highlighted the strong civic engagement that makes Redwood Shores such a vibrant and connected community. 

BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS BOARDS AND REGIONS

DISTRICT 4 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 

In District 4, we’re proud to celebrate the people and places that make our community thrive, from the small businesses that drive our local economy to the remarkable residents who have reached 100 years and beyond. Their stories remind us of the strength, creativity, and care that define San Mateo County. 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

March is Women’s History Month, and I look forward to welcoming the Commission on the Status of Women as they present their annual report to the Board of Supervisors.  

On March 3, my colleagues and I will gather for our second Board Retreat to reflect, align priorities, and continue working together to better serve our communities in the year ahead. 

Starting in March, I will also be hosting Cost of Living Listening Sessions to hear directly from residents about how rising housing, childcare, transportation, and everyday expenses are impacting their lives. These conversations will help inform policies and solutions grounded in the lived experiences of our community. More details to come! 

I am excited to support BACHAC’s inaugural Black Student Leadership Conference at Cañada College, an inspiring space dedicated to empowering Black students, nurturing leadership, and investing in the next generation of changemakers. 

I am also excited to support the 14th Annual Latinx Youth OYE Conference continues to uplift young leaders by celebrating culture, fostering confidence, and connecting students to opportunities that strengthen educational and career success. 

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