Columnists
05/11/2026 · San Mateo County
The Curious Case of Competing Truths: Can We All Be Right At Once?
In an age defined by opposing viewpoints, Splurge Sullivan dives into the possibility that multiple “truths” can coexist, and the potential value of embracing this complexity.
Am I Settling? Decoding the "Good Enough" Relationship
Is "comfortable" the same as "right"? A reader wrestles with their feelings in a long-term relationship, and Zoe Speaks Truth.
05/08/2026
The Price of Privacy: Are We Paying Too Much?
In an age of digital footprints, the debate rages on: how much personal data are we willing to trade for convenience and connection? The scales are tipping, and perhaps it's time we re-evaluate the cost.
05/08/2026
Unlocking the Secrets of "Fibonacci" Finance: Making Math Your Money's Best Friend
Think the Fibonacci sequence is just for academics? Think again! This mathematical marvel can offer surprising insight into managing your finances and investments.
05/08/2026
The Algorithm of Affection: Decoding Mixed Signals
Navigating the dating world can feel like trying to solve an unsolvable equation. This week, we tackle the enigma of mixed signals and the art of deciphering romantic intent.
05/08/2026
Finding Focus: Taming the To-Do Tornado
Feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks? This week, we help a reader break free from the chaos and rediscover productive serenity, with actionable tips you can use today.
05/08/2026
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Announcements
View allSupervisors Approve $3.8 Million Replacement for Magic Mountain Playground at Coyote Point
Supervisors Approve $3.8 Million Replacement for Magic Mountain Playground at Coyote Point | County of San Mateo, CA Supervisors Approve $3.8 Million Replacement for Magic Mountain Playground at Coyote Point March 24, 2026 Leer en español 阅读中文版 San Mateo – For two decades, the Magic Mountain Playground at Coyote Point Recreation Area has hosted countless kids’ birthday parties, playdates and family outings. That’s roughly 7,300 days of climbing, sliding and being well loved. And that doesn’t count the wear from the sun, rain and wind. Now, the playground known for its tall tower, swings and toothy purple sea creature will be replaced thanks to a $3.8 million project approved 5-0 Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. Built in 2006, the playground no longer meets current safety and accessibility standards and is at the end of its useful life. The project will replace it with a modern, inclusive play space designed for children of all ages and abilities, along with improvements to surrounding areas to enhance access, circulation and the overall visitor experience. “This project is about more than replacing a playground,” Interim Parks Director Emma Gonzalez said. “It’s about creating a space that reflects what our community wants and needs. Our goal is to deliver a place where families feel welcome, can connect and create memories for years to come.” Located within the 149-acre Coyote Point Recreation Area, the playground is one of the County’s most popular amenities. The park attracts more than a half-million visitors annually and features picnic areas, walking trails, waterfront access, a marina and connections to the Bay Trail. The project is funded through a combination of federal Community Project Funding and local Measure K dollars, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax dedicated to supporting local priorities. “I grew up in the City of San Mateo and have so many memories of barbecues and family gatherings at this park,” said Board President Noelia Corzo, whose district includes Coyote Point. “Our community has come a long way, and this project reflects that progress. I’m excited to see more playground space and updated, safer facilities for families to enjoy.” Images show potential play structures and park features under consideration. To fill the recreation void during Magic Mountain’s closure, the County plans to install additional recreational features, including a temporary pump track. Community input has played a central role in shaping the project. More than 450 residents contributed feedback on desired features, layout and accessibility improvements, and additional outreach is planned for April in both English and Spanish through online and in-person opportunities. That feedback will continue to guide final design decisions. And good news for fans of the current park: numerous features, including the purple sea creatures, will be incorporated into the new design. Work is expected to begin this spring following the design phase, with construction anticipated to be complete by the end of the year. Coyote Point Recreation Area will remain open during construction, with temporary closures near the project site. Most park amenities, including picnic areas, trails, the marina, waterfront access and promenade, will remain available. While some parking near the playground will be limited, more than 900 of the park’s roughly 1,000 parking spaces will remain open. Media Contact Carla Schoof Communications Manager San Mateo County Parks Cell: 650-399-6431
County to Present Mid-Year Budget Update, Continues to Manage Fiscal Pressures
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will hear a mid-year budget update Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m. at 500 County Center in Redwood City. Redwood City — Rising costs, funding uncertainties and growing demand for services continue to put pressure on San Mateo County’s budget. So far, careful planning has helped the County avoid a deficit. Staff will walk through the fiscal challenges facing the County when they present a mid-year budget update to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The report offers a snapshot of revenues and expenditures at the midpoint of the 2025-26 fiscal year and highlights issues likely to affect budget decisions in the months ahead. “A mid-year update gives us the chance to confirm where we are now and where we’re going,” County Executive Mike Callagy said. “It helps the Board and the public see what challenges are ahead and how we’re making thoughtful choices with limited resources to focus on what matters most.” The report describes what budget planners call “a complex and evolving fiscal environment,” as mandates continue to expand, often without corresponding funding. Against that backdrop, the update points to growing uncertainty in funding from the state and federal governments, with the most immediate potential effects on health and human services. Changes to Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits at the state level are expected to reduce coverage for some residents. County staff note that these shifts can increase costs for local governments as additional residents continue to seek care through County health clinics and other safety-net providers. As the report notes, “these federal and state actions increase fiscal uncertainty and underscore the need for conservative budgeting, ongoing monitoring, and contingency planning.” Staff will continue tracking developments and updating the Board as conditions change. The County’s budget supports a wide range of services that reach nearly all of San Mateo County’s approximately 750,000 residents, including public health clinics, environmental health inspections, social services, emergency response and support for children, seniors and families. The County has avoided operating in a structural deficit although staff caution that staying out of the red will require careful management and long-term planning. The mid-year budget update highlights continued uncertainty around the Vehicle License Fee Adjustment Amount, or VLFAA, as a significant fiscal risk for San Mateo County and its cities. There is a countywide VLFAA shortfall of $119 million for fiscal year 2024-25, with the gap projected to grow to $163 million in the current fiscal year, 2025-26. In addition, the state still owes $38 million from fiscal year 2023-24. The governor’s recently proposed state budget does not include funding to address the current $119 million VLFAA shortfall. The County has filed a lawsuit against the state to recover funds already owed and to clarify the state’s obligation to fully reimburse local governments going forward. The continued lack of funding in the proposed budget increases uncertainty for local governments and complicates long-term fiscal planning. Beyond the financial update, the Board will consider staffing additions in the District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office focused on human trafficking, and domestic violence and child abuse prevention and response. The positions would support a coordinated, multi-agency Human Trafficking Initiative, the establishment of a Family Justice Center to provide survivor-centered services, and additional staffing to address increased demand in the County’s crime laboratory. “These positions reflect a continued focus on protecting some of our most vulnerable residents,” Callagy said. “Strengthening the County’s response to human trafficking, domestic violence and child abuse helps ensure survivors can access coordinated support when they need it most.” Despite strong economic indicators, the high cost of living in San Mateo County continues to drive demand for safety-net services, as even relatively high household incomes are quickly consumed by everyday expenses. Childcare costs remain among the highest in the state, with the median annual cost of infant care exceeding $31,000. At the County’s median household income of about $160,700, more than half of households would spend roughly one-fifth of their income on infant care alone if they used childcare services. Housing costs present a similar challenge. While incomes are high by statewide standards, both homeownership and rental housing remain out of reach for many residents. As a result, demand for County safety-net services remains elevated. About 23,100 households — nearly 9 percent of all households in San Mateo County — rely on food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The findings are outlined in a mid-year update that will help guide Board discussions as the County balances service demands, fiscal risk, and long-term sustainability. The next major step in the budget process comes in June, when the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold hearings on the FY 2026–27 Recommended Budget. How to Participate The Board meeting takes place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, on the first floor of 500 County Center, Redwood City. The mid-year budget staff report is available here. Details, including how to watch or participate and access live Spanish interpretation, are available on the agenda. Media Contact Effie Milionis Verducci Interim Director Strategic Communications [email protected] 650-407-4915
About 350 Volunteers to Take Part in One Day Homeless Count
Before Sunrise, They Looked for Neighbors and Strangers About 350 Volunteers to Take Part in One Day Homeless Count San Mateo County is gearing up for its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) homeless count, a vital effort to understand and address homelessness within the community. Scheduled for Friday, January 27th, the count will mobilize an estimated 350 volunteers across the county. These dedicated individuals will fan out before dawn to identify and survey people experiencing homelessness, providing crucial data that informs policy decisions and resource allocation. The PIT count is a federally mandated exercise that helps the County track trends in homelessness, assess the needs of the unsheltered population, and measure the effectiveness of programs aimed at providing housing and support services. Organizers emphasize the importance of volunteer participation in ensuring an accurate and comprehensive snapshot of homelessness in San Mateo County.
Public Notices
View allRoster of Approved Firearms Safety Devices
Other - 09/25/2026
Information on the Law Enforcement Release Program
Other - 09/24/2026
Public Rights Division, Section Descriptions
Zoning - 09/24/2026
Ammunition Purchase Authorization Program
Other - 09/24/2026
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