Dear District 4 Community,

As July ends, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a meaningful and memorable month for our nation and for District 4. This year, we celebrated America’s 250th July 4th, a milestone that reminds us of both the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead to strengthen our democracy, expand opportunity, and ensure every community member feels seen, valued, and supported. 

Although July is typically a recess period for the Board of Supervisors, this month proved to be anything but quiet. We convened several important meetings to address critical issues affecting our residents, improving County services to recruiting and approving critical positions. I am grateful for the continued dedication of County staff, partners, and neighbors who remain engaged even during the summer season. Your commitment helps move our work forward. 

As families enjoy the final stretch of summer vacations, gatherings, and activities, I want to wish everyone a safe, happy, and restorative summer. Please take time to recharge and enjoy the moments that bring joy and connection. 

And as we look ahead, many students will be returning to school in August. Let’s keep safety at the forefront on our roads, around our schools, and throughout our neighborhoods so our young people can begin the new school year supported and ready to thrive.  Slow down and keep an eye out for the students trying to get to school.  

Thank you for your continued partnership and for being the heart of District 4. I look forward to the important work ahead as we move into August together. 

Warmly,

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, District 4

BUILDING A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS

In recognition of Disability Pride Month, I was honored to welcome community members to the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities' 7th Annual Inclusion Festival, a celebration of inclusion, accessibility, and community connection. The event brought together residents, advocates, service providers, and community organizations for a day of learning, resources, and fellowship, reinforcing our shared commitment to building a community where everyone belongs. 

During the event, I also shared information about the launch of the Demystifying Disabilities reading group, which began on July 28th at the County Center. Through storytelling and conversation, the reading group encourages greater understanding of disabilities, challenges misconceptions, and promotes empathy and inclusion for people of all abilities. 

A BRIGHT FUTURE STARTS WITH OUR YOUTH

There's no better way to ensure a bright future for our community than providing safe and constructive environments for the next generation to learn and grow. This month, I had the pleasure of visiting the S.T.A.R. (Sheriff’s Training And Recreation) Camp, a week-long summer camp program for 5th - 8th graders. Visiting the beautiful YMCA Loma Mar site in La Honda is like stepping into another world, where children from underserved communities can take part in horseback riding, rock climbing, and archery. It's more than just fun and games - it's a chance for campers to learn teamwork and leadership skills. 

I also had the privilege of hosting a visit for high school and college students, facilitated by the Foundation for a College Education. The students learned about the history of San Mateo County and the role it plays in the lives of its residents. They visited our Regional Operations Center and took part in a mock disaster relief drill led by the Department of Emergency Management, experiencing the importance and complexity of how the County supports and protects our community. Afterwards, I took them on a visit to the Board of Supervisors chambers, where I answered their insightful questions, and Human Resources staff shared the many opportunities for both hands-on learning and long-term careers within County government. 

Meeting these bright, motivated young people was truly inspiring. It's an honor to help expand their sense of what's possible and encourage the next generation of community leaders. 

ACROSS THE DISTRICT

I was honored to be in community and celebrate PAL’s 30th Anniversary. For three decades, PAL has enriched the lives of youth and families through mentorship, education, and community programs. The celebration also marked a new partnership with Cañada College to expand educational opportunities for local students. Congratulations to PAL on this incredible milestone and its lasting impact on our community! 

I met with the County’s Director of Public Works Tory Newman and Menlo-Atherton High School Principal Karl Losekoot to discuss ways to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion around the school’s parking lots. Together, we brainstormed practical near-term solutions, including testing traffic cones and other traffic management strategies to help improve circulation as students return for the new school year. I’m grateful for this partnership and look forward to working together to make drop-off and pick-up safer and more efficient for students, families, and staff.  

DISTRICT 4 IN ACTION: COUNTY UPDATES

Along with my colleagues, I voted to approve the County's purchase of two properties that will expand Human Services programs while reducing long-term leasing costs. 

The County purchased a Burlingame facility that will be operated by Horizon Treatment Services as a new Recovery Center and approved the intent to purchase an office building in Foster City that will be renovated to house multiple Human Services Agency programs in a centralized, more accessible location. Together, these acquisitions support the County's goal of replacing leased facilities with County-owned buildings while expanding access to critical services. 

During our meeting discussion, I reiterated that the County does not want to cause harm. Instead, we appreciate and look forward to working with our community. How do we work together to provide the services that are so greatly needed, when the federal government is pushing back so much on all our residents who are being impacted and need food on the table, assistance, or health care?

This month, I authored a guest opinion in the Almanac on the importance of expanding missing middle housing in San Mateo County. As housing costs continue to rise, we need more options for teachers, first responders, young professionals, seniors, and working families who want to live in the communities they serve. By creating more diverse housing choices, we can help keep our neighborhoods vibrant, inclusive, and affordable for future generations. Read the full guest opinion here.

NEW BEGINNINGS IN DISTRICT 4

If you’ve met Connie, you know what an incredible asset she is to my office.

While she is currently on leave, we’re grateful to welcome some new faces and energy to Team D4.

Bridget Barry has joined our office and will be supporting scheduling and social media. We’re also happy to welcome Itzel Hurtado, a District 4 resident and college student who is spending part of her summer with us, assisting with constituent services and special projects.

I’m excited to have Bridget and Itzel on board and grateful for the energy and perspective they bring to our team!

BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS BOARDS AND REGIONS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

San Mateo County

The 11th Annual Veteran of the Year Awards are now accepting nominations! These awards honor the outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, commitment, and service have had a lasting impact on the veteran community in San Mateo County. If you know someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting veterans, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Join us in recognizing and celebrating those who make a difference for veterans every day. 

We are accepting nominations in the following categories: 

• Veteran of the Year: Recognizing a veteran who is a resident of San Mateo County and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the community. Nominees must be a resident of San Mateo County who has been honorably discharged from one of the United States Armed Forces. 
• Patriot of the Year: Honoring a non-veteran whose outstanding support has positively impacted veterans and military families in the San Mateo County 
• Enterprise of the Year: Recognizing a business, nonprofit, or organization that has shown exceptional commitment to serving the San Mateo County veteran community.  

See the QR codes above, linking directly to the nomination forms for each award category. The nomination deadline is August 29, 2026.

Be prepared before disaster strikes. Join us for San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day on Saturday, August 1, from 10am-2pm. Learn practical emergency preparedness skills through free classes and demonstrations, including CPR, emergency cooking, pet preparedness, and more. With activities for all ages, multilingual programming, free parking, and free hot dogs, it's a great opportunity to help keep your family safe and prepared. I hope I’ll see you there. 

Redwood City

Music on the Square -- Downtown Redwood City is celebrating 20 years of bringing our community together through live music. Enjoy free concerts every Friday night featuring everything from rock and reggae to Latin, funk, and soul. Grab a bite from a local restaurant, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a summer evening downtown! Please click the link above for days and times.

Rock the Dock is back! Spend your Saturday afternoons enjoying free live music along the beautiful Redwood City waterfront. From 3:30-6pm at the Port of Redwood City, bring your family and friends for great music, scenic Bay views, and a fun way to connect with the community. Free admission and parking. Click the link above for more details.

Enjoy a movie under the stars! Downtown Redwood City's Movies on the Square returns for another summer of free Thursday night films. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pick up dinner from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy a fun evening with family and friends in Courthouse Square.

East Palo Alto

The East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPACANDO) and my office are conducting a community engagement effort regarding a proposed housing site on University Avenue, and we'd love to hear from you. 

To better understand the community's priorities for the site, we've developed a short survey to gather your feedback. Whether your priorities include larger affordable family homes, senior housing, affordable homeownership opportunities, open space, or other community-serving features, your input will help shape future planning and ensure the project reflects the needs of East Palo Alto residents. 

We also invite you to join us for one of two community conversations to learn more about the proposed site, ask questions, and share your ideas in a welcoming, informal setting over light refreshments. 

• Friday, July 31 | 5-6:30pm | East Palo Alto YMCA 
• Wednesday, August 12 | 5-6:30pm | East Palo Alto City Council Chambers 

Your voice is an important part of this process. We hope you'll take a few minutes to complete the survey and join us at one of our upcoming community discussions. Take the survey here.

Community Health & Resource Fair 

Join us on Saturday, August 1 from 12pm-3pm at Ravenswood Family Health Center for a fun, family-friendly event featuring free backpacks and school supplies for the first 500 children and free food and produce for the first 500 people, health screening, community resources, live entertainment, raffle prizes and activities for kids. 

Back to School Carnival @ EPACENTER 

Kick off the new school year on Saturday, August 8 from 11am to 4pm with an afternoon of fun, laughter, and community at our Back to School Carnival! Enjoy exciting games, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and hands-on fun for all ages. Plus, students can get ready for a successful school year with free school supplies while supplies last. Bring your family, meet new friends, and celebrate the start of a great school year together!   

Menlo Park

City of Menlo Park Summer Concert Series

Patrón Latin Rhythms - Latin Fusion - July 31

Experience the vibrant sounds of Latin jazz, salsa, mambo, Latin rock, and R&B with Patrón Latin Rhythms, a dynamic 10-piece band guaranteed to keep the audience dancing.

Summer Puppetry Festival: Tommy’s Space Adventure - July 30

Menlo Park celebrates their 9th Annual Summer Puppetry Festival! They will showcase puppetry in its many forms, with a series of puppet shows and related events featuring beloved performers from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Drop in for one event, or join for the entire series. Event will be outside, on the library lawn. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park, CA, 94025 

City Council Meeting: August 11

City Council meetings are an important way to stay informed on local issues and participate in decisions that impact your community.

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