Dear District 4 Community,

This season has been full of meaningful work, powerful partnerships, and opportunities to lift up the priorities that matter most to families in District 4. From childcare access to maternal health equity to regional collaboration, our community continues to lead with purpose and possibility.

Earlier this month, I traveled to Sacramento to testify in support of AB 1914, a bill focused on strengthening childcare access and supporting the workforce that makes it possible. Childcare is the backbone of our economy, it allows parents to work, businesses to thrive, and children to learn and grow. I was proud to stand with advocates and partners to ensure our state continues moving toward a more stable, equitable childcare system.

Here at home, I was honored to co‑host with Black Infant Health our Risk of Giving Birth Black Maternal Health Week event. The stories shared and the community wisdom in that room were powerful reminders of why this work matters. Together, we are building a future where every mother and every baby has the chance to thrive.

I also joined county leaders from across California at the CSAC Board Retreat in San Diego, where we focused on statewide challenges and long‑term strategies that will shape the future of our counties from housing and behavioral health to climate resilience and fiscal stability.

Regionally, I attended the Santa Clara County Perinatal Equity Conference, where practitioners, researchers, and community advocates came together to advance solutions that support healthy pregnancies and strong families. The insights shared there will help strengthen our work here in San Mateo County.

And at this year’s Progress Seminar, I had the privilege of moderating the breakout session “Continued Progress on the Horizon: What’s Holding Us Back?” Our panel tackled the real barriers facing our region, childcare, workforce shortages, affordability, and explored bold, collaborative strategies to move us forward.

Through all of these conversations, one message has been clear: District 4 is strong because our community is strong. We show up for one another. We innovate. We push for equity. And we never lose sight of the future we’re building together.

As we move into the months ahead, I’m inspired by your resilience, your advocacy, and your commitment to making San Mateo County a place where every family can thrive. There is so much progress on the horizon and together, we will keep moving forward.

Thank you for your partnership and your trust.

Warmly,

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, District 4

CONNECTING CREATIVITY WITH EVERYDAY SUSTAINABILITY

I visited the San Mateo County Employees Earth Day event on April 22. I needed my trusty umbrella because it rained. Jasneet Sharma, Director of the San Mateo County Sustainability Department and I shared a laugh. Tables representing the Parks Department, the Libraries and other County departments were well represented, where attendees got their questions answered and accessed resources to integrate sustainability into their work and daily life. 

I also loved celebrating Earth Day this past weekend in East Palo Alto, in collaboration with Menlo Park. This is another great example of our communities coming together around environmental stewardship.

As the Board’s liaison to the Arts Commission, I was proud to co-sponsor, alongside Board President Noelia Corzo, the April 7 proclamation recognizing Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month. Pictured with Aimee Shapiro, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, celebrating the more than 70 arts organizations, hundreds of artists, and the vital role creativity plays in a thriving San Mateo County community.

I attended an informative meeting at the East Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant, along with other local officials. We learned about the Palo Alto Horizontal Levee Pilot Project, an environmental green infrastructure alternative to traditional greyscape, rip-rap style efforts to alleviate flooding. The gently sloping earth and vegetation project is a highly effectives solution. I learned that the universal hand signal for the horizontal levee is an extended arm slanted down.

A new neighborhood access point to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is now open in East Palo Alto, making it easier for residents to safely and directly connect to the Bay Trail. This long-anticipated improvement expands equitable access to open space, strengthens community connections to nature, and supports the health and wellbeing of local families while protecting the area’s unique environment. For more information about the preserve, visit here.

ACROSS THE DISTRICT

I also hosted a community conversation in Redwood City on Black maternal health, bringing together mothers, clinicians, and advocates to confront the stark disparities Black women face during pregnancy and childbirth. The program featured a screening of The Risk of Giving Birth followed by a powerful discussion on systemic inequities, implicit bias in care, and the urgent need for expanded postpartum and mental health support. The stories shared underscored a clear call to action: we must move beyond awareness to accountability and advance meaningful changes that ensure Black mothers are heard, respected, and safe.

I was honored to speak at the Veteran Service Providers 3rd Annual Networking Event where more than 100 people attended to learn about the variety of agencies and resources available to our Veterans in San Mateo County. Even Captain America showed up to highlight the many ways the County’s Veterans Services Office can help. Donna Vaillancourt, the former Director of the Department of Human Resources and now is a Special Projects Coordinator, helped organize the event. I also visited with John Helin and Stanley Maupin of the Veterans Commission.  

DISTRICT 4 IN ACTION: COUNTY UPDATES

BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS BOARDS AND REGIONS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

I am planning a series of special listening sessions on the high cost of living in San Mateo County. Please send an email to list of questions for our upcoming sessions.

I believe the best policy starts with listening. Without the voices and lived experiences of our community, decisions risk missing the mark. That’s why I’m committed to creating more opportunities for meaningful dialogue, because informed policy must be grounded in the realities people face every day.

I want to hear directly from you: what challenges you’re facing, what’s working, and where we need to do better.

Please send your questions and thoughts ahead of these sessions to Smc_supgauthier@smcgov.org so we can make sure your concerns are part of the conversation. Your input will help shape the policies and solutions we move forward together.

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