Spring is here in District 4.

March 2025 Newsletter

Dear Marci,

March 2025 marks the celebration of Women's History Month, a time to honor the invaluable contributions and achievements of women throughout history.

What is amazing is that this annual observance actually originated right here in the Bay Area in 1978 when a Santa Rosa teacher led a celebration to highlight women’s contributions to American history, culture, and society through presentations at dozens of schools throughout Sonoma County, California. This local idea gained traction and expanded nationally to a month-long recognition.

But we are still not at parity. Although women have made significant strides across various sectors in our state and nationally, disparities persist in household income. In San Mateo County, this is reflected with approximately 17% of Black women and 16% of Latina women living below the federal poverty threshold, compared to 5% of non-Hispanic White female residents. See the article on the latest Silicon Valley Index Poll.

Thank you reading our March newsletter. And if you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to serving the residents of San Mateo County!

Best,

Lisa Gauthier

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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RETREAT:

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

On Tuesday, March 4, the Board of Supervisors held our 2025 Retreat. This year, we started the day with presentations and a discussion about the future of AI, the future of housing (see more in the Affordable Housing story) and Wildfire Prevention and Policy.

Challenge facing San Mateo County - In-Lieu Vehicle License Fee:

San Mateo County is once again grappling with a significant financial challenge tied to the in-lieu Vehicle License Fee (VLF). This fee constitutes a crucial source of funding for the county and its cities, derived from property taxes and state funds earmarked for schools requiring additional assistance. The crux of the problem arises when schools transition from needing extra state aid to becoming self-sufficient, triggering the reallocation of certain funds back to the county. This includes funds from the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF), which are redistributed when schools shift from nonbasic aid (school districts not reaching their Local Control Funding Formula allocation without additional state support) to basic aid or community-funded status. While this might seem beneficial, the county faces a dire consequence as it stands to lose an estimated $77 million in funding this year alone, primarily because the returned funds are a critical component of the county's budget. This looming shortfall is huge and will only grow. We are working hard with our State delegation in Sacramento to find a solution and will keep you updated.

Measure K Discussion: At the retreat, our Board voiced our opinion that the new Measure K cycle should be for one year. The reason for this is that political and economic factors have led to market instability, raising concerns about a potential economic downturn that would negatively impact the County’s revenue sources. In fact, because of the continued uncertainty, Measure K revenue estimates have been adjusted downward from $117 million to $114 million.

At our March 11 Board meeting, with the rapidly evolving fiscal landscape, ongoing concerns regarding potential shortfalls in the County’s VLF and rising costs for shelter services, the Board expressed concerns that Measure K funds may need to be shifted in the future to prioritize the most critical County services. We voted unanimously for the one-year Measure K cycle to prioritize Measure K initiatives based on essential services: housing, food security, and healthcare. At this stage, there will be no new Measure K grants from what had previously been awarded.

CELEBRATING WOMENS HISTORY MONTH

As mentioned above, Women’s History Month started as just a day-long celebration in Sonoma County in 1978 thanks to the idea from a local teacher. And in 1987, it became a nationally recognized month of celebration.

While we celebrate Women’s History Month this year, there are unprecedented threats that women are facing today. It is truly frightening the words that are to be removed from our daily lexicon at the suggestion of President Trump and his Administration, including “women, female(s), black and Latinx, LGBT, trauma, discrimination, equity, barrier(s).” The words not on this list are “men” or “male”. So much progress has been made in the last century and we cannot go backwards!

At our March 11 Board meeting, we proclaimed this month as Women’s History Month. I was honored to recognize the 10 women who have served as County Supervisors – but only 10 – in our County’s 169years. These women who broke the glass ceiling and who’s leadership and path into politics allowed many women, including me, to also become a public servant, are reflected in the graphic below. You can read the proclamation here.

At this meeting, the Commission on the Status of Women gave its annual report and noted their accomplishments from 2024 to include the Board’s Pay Equity Pledge resolution, Women’s Equality Day, and their Fund the Future report.

Finally – there are several Women’s History Month events and exhibitions happening in San Mateo County. Here are a few to note:

Women's View 2025 Art Exhibition recognizes, celebrates, and honors the women of San Mateo County. It features diverse and talented women artists who live or work in the county. The exhibition is co-presented by the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, the Arts Commission, and the Commission on the Status of Women. The show is through March 30.
San Mateo County Library Programs: San Mateo County Libraries are hosting inspiring programs led by women, covering topics such as the self-defense movement, watercolor portraits, and mindfulness practices.
San Mateo History Museum has an exhibit “Women Changed America and Won the Vote".

NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMING TO DISTRICT 4

Workforce Housing coming to Menlo Park: Such exciting news to report! San Mateo County has long been committed to increasing our stock of affordable housing. At our retreat on March 4, the Board unanimously voted to approve $9 million to assist in the development of an 88 rental units that are deemed100% affordable at 320 Sheridan Drive in Menlo Park. This investment includes a preference for 35 of the units to go to County employees. The site, owned by the Ravenswood City School District was previously home to the James Flood Magnet School, and is behind beautiful Flood Park. We cannot wait to see this project built and the families enjoying living here, close to work.

Colibri Commons: Located in East Palo Alto, this affordable housing co-development from EPACANDO and MidPen Housing, will have 136 new studio to 4-bedroom apartments to serve a broad range of the community’s housing needs. Colibri Commons will help meet the housing needs of the East Palo Alto community and bring to life a long-vacant lot and the underutilized Rail Spur walking path. The property is anticipated to open in Summer 2025. When completed, Colibri Commons will also offer onsite services and parking. To sign up to be notified as soon as applications are being accepted, likely in April, click here.

Update on Middlefield Junction: After last year’s devastating fire at the Middlefield Junction site, which was nearly completed at the time, we are happy to report that applications to lease units in Building A will begin this spring for move in sometime during this summer. Middlefield Junction will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units with close access to transit, groceries, restaurants and shopping. Building A will also have a community event space with a kitchen. Click here for more information, or call (650) 647-1953 or email MiddlefieldJunction@MercyHousing.org.

Bay Area Poll:

How Are We Doing?

According to Russell Hancock, President and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley – the organization that publishes the yearly Silicon Valley Index, “Silicon Valley has entered into a state of flux and uncertainty.” This is not surprising given all that has been discussed in this newsletter.

What he means is that this year’s Joint Venture Silicon Valley Index reflects external forces at play including political upheaval, market instability and the tech sector is going to be lean, efficient and profitable, which mean a new period of low or no growth for the region.

Some interesting and sobering data from this year’s index:

The region is aging, with a 28 percent increase in residents 65+ since 2013, while the number of children under 18 has dropped 14 percent. There has been a 9 percent decline in public school enrollment since 2020.
Forty-one percent of Silicon Valley’s population is foreign-born (a historic high); among employed residents, 48 percent are foreign-born. This figure jumps to 66 percent in tech, where 70 percent of tech workers are Indian or Chinese and 73 percent of female tech workers are foreign-born.
While the region hosts 56 billionaires and 145,000 millionaires, and most racial and ethnic groups saw increases in per capita income, 30% of Silicon Valley households are not self-sufficient. More than a third (37 percent) of children live in households at risk for food insecurity.
In 2024 the median home price hit $1.92 million, making home ownership out of reach for most. Fewer than 26 percent of first-time home buyers can afford a median-priced home.
The average rent for a multi-family unit is $3,210, and nearly half of Silicon Valley renters spend more than 30 percent of their income to make the rent.

Housing is still a huge concern. The Bay Area has the highest housing costs – full stop. And it is eroding the workforce, with the median home price at $1.92 million. This is accessible by less than 26% of first-time homebuyers.

You can read the full findings of the index here.

District 4 Updates

Shining Bright on Middlefield Road: The long-awaited new streetlights on Middlefield Road are finally shining! This marks a major milestone in the Middlefield Road Improvement Project, bringing much needed visibility and safety to the corridor at night. These new lights not only enhance security for pedestrians and drivers but also highlight the beauty of local businesses. Next up for this project will be the undergrounding of overhead wires and removal of utility poles to further transform the streetscape. Progress is happening and we thank you for your patience as we continue working to improve Middlefield Road.

District 4 is Recruiting for our Parks Commissioner: Are you interested in parks and recreation, and in serving District 4? San Mateo County Parks Department operates 24 parks, encompassing over 16,000 acres and 190 miles of county and location trails. The Parks Commission acts in an advisory capacity and makes policy recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the management and operation of County natural preserves, marine reserves, open space areas, trails, parks and/or recreation areas and facilities within unincorporated San Mateo County. Apply by March 28!

North Fair Oaks Community Council is also recruiting for new Council members. If you live or work in North Fair Oaks, this is a great way to become more involved in your community. Apply by March 28!

Tea Time with Lisa and March Office Hours for District 4 Office in North Fair Oaks: Need assistance or have questions about local services and resources? My staff is here to help and available in-person at our new district office.

I’ll join staff at office hours on Thursday, March 27 from 5-7pm. Drop by with your constituent questions or just to say “hi”! We would love to hear your ideas for our community and are here to listen!

HELP SELECT A NEW LOGO FOR NORTH FAIR OAKS!

North Fair Oaks is getting a new logo, and we want your input! After gathering community feedback and working with In House Strategy, we now have a set of logo options that reflect the unique identity of our neighborhood.

We invite you to take a moment to review the designs and vote for the one that best represents North Fair Oaks. Your input will help shape the visual identity of our NFO. Please vote and share with your community members.

Click here to vote: https://forms.office.com/g/SpVVs8F79j

WELCOMING A NEW HEALTH CHIEF

Colleen Chawla was named the County’s new Health Chief at the end of 2024 and started in her new role this past month. She has expansive health and executive leadership experience, including most recently serving as Alameda County’s Health Director since 2017. Chawla will oversee the county’s largest department with 2200 employees and an annual budget of $1.3 billion.

Chawla traces her interest in health policy and administration to volunteer work more than three decades ago for an AIDS information hotline. “That volunteer position launched a career in health policy and public health, sustained over the years by the things that matter deeply to me – the right to health, equity and justice, and stewardship of the public’s trust,” she said.

Welcome to San Mateo County Colleen! We look forward to working with you.

March is always a time for retirements in San Mateo County. This month, we say farewell to two department directors whose work in public service has been exemplary. Louise Rogers is retiring as our Health Chief, after a long career in public service, including leading our county residents through the pandemic. Thank you to Carolyn Bloede, Director of Sustainability, is also retiring. Carolyn came to San Mateo County at the beginning of the pandemic and transformed our work in sustainability into its own department – and a model across the state and the country. Well wishes to both Louise and Carolyn!

The San Mateo County Parks Department’s 2025 Take a Hike Challenge is about to begin. There will be a hike each month through October led by our park rangers in seven different parks. The first hike will be on Saturday, April 5 at 9:00 am at Quarry Park. It’s a great family activity and earn fun prizes. Registration and more information can be found here.

The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury is now taking applications to be a part of their 19-member body that will serve from July 1, 2025 until June 30, 2026. The Civil Grand Jury serves as a watchdog for the residents of the county and may receive and investigate complaints by individuals regarding the actions or performances of county or public officials. Though demanding, as a Civil Grand Juror you will gain an increased knowledge of local government, the judicial system, and the satisfaction of making a worthwhile contribution to the improvement of San Mateo County government operations. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.

A night out for people with dementia and their caretakers. Ombudsman and Aging and Adult Services will present a dementia-friendly film screening of Hairspray on Tuesday, March 18. While this event is not exclusively for people with dementia, it is especially well-suited for individuals affected by dementia and must be accompanied by either their partners, family members, or professional caregivers. Everyone is welcome! But please be aware that some attendees may talk or sing during the film, move around, or leave the cinema. Sound and light will be adjusted. For more information and to RSVP: (650) 780-5705 or MicheleEpstein@ossmc.org and see flyer below.

The Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council will hold its “Soul Stroll for Health” on May 17 at Coyote Point in San Mateo. The theme of this year’s event is “Movement is Resistance – Celebrate 30 years of BACHAC” and is focused on eliminating health disparities in African-American, Latino and Pacific Islander communities across generations. Registration is open now and flyer is below!

Follow our District 4 work on Instagram @SupLisaGauthier. Get insider information, keep up on our daily stories and posts and stay current on events affecting the residents of D4 and the county.

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.

Lisa Gauthier

District 4 Supervisor

San Mateo County