Civics 101 class photo
 
Have questions about local government? Want to learn from department heads and other county leaders? Then Civics 101 is for you!
 

The Civics 101 Academy is a free course that provides an in-depth look at County programs, services, finances and initiatives. Participants learn from and interact with department heads and other leaders about topics such as health, public safety, human services, parks, public finance, sustainability, the justice system and more. Refreshments are served. More details below.

Civics 101 is also an opportunity for us to hear your perspective and learn from you. What are your priorities for improving the quality of life for all on the Peninsula? What do you care about? What are your ideas? We want to know!

Maybe you're simply interested in learning about the workings of San Mateo County government, such as the wide array of services and programs it provides to residents. Or like a number of past participants, maybe you'll be inspired to serve on one of the County's boards and commissions, where citizens volunteer their time to advise the Board of Supervisors and help improve our community! Or, who knows, your civic-mindedness might even spur you to join the remarkable team of dedicated employees that serve our residents!


  • Civics 101 2024 will meet for nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, Sep. 4 through Oct. 30, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served every session. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

  • Location: 400 County Center (Hall of Justice) in Redwood City. We'll meet in Board of Supervisors Chambers. Parking is free after 5 p.m. in the public parking garage at County Government Center. You'll be familiar with 400 County Center if you've ever reported for jury duty or sat in a County courtroom.


2024 Program (subject to adjustment):
 

SEP. 4:  San Mateo County Government Overview

County Executive Mike Callagy; County overview, Chief Communications Officer Michelle Durand; 9-1-1 dispatch, director Natasha Claire-Espino


SEP. 11:  San Mateo County Health

County Health Deputy Chief Marc Meulman, MPA; Health Officer Kismet Baldwin-Santana, MD; San Mateo Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Yousef Turshani, MD; Family Health Services Director Lizelle Lirio de Luna, RN.


SEP. 18:  Human Services Agency

HSA overview: Director Claire Cunningham; Collaborative Community Outcomes: Selina Toy Lee; Economic Self-Sufficiency: Navjeet SinghEmployment Services: Jennifer ValenciaChildren and Family Services: John FongQ&A with all presenters


SEP 25:  All About Money

Treasurer-Tax Collector: Sandie Arnott; Controller's OfficeJuan Raigoza, Controller; Budget and Performance: Robert Manchia, County Chief Financial Officer and Heather Ledesma, Principal Management Analyst; Assessor - County Clerk - Recorder - Elections: Jim Irizarry, Assistant Assessor - County Clerk - Recorder - Elections


OCT 2:  County Justice System

Judge Rachel HoltDistrict Attorney Steve WagstaffePrivate Defender Lisa MaguireProbation Chief John Keene. Short mock trial included!


OCT. 9: Countywide Initiatives

Public Works: director Ann Stillman; Boards and Commissions, including Q&A with currently serving commissioners, SMC chief legislative officer Connie Juarez-Diroll;  Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo): executive officer Rob Bartoli


OCT. 16: Community Services

Dept. of Emergency Services, director Shruti DhapodkarSustainability Dept.director Carolyn BloedeLibraries: deputy director of library services Carine Risley; Measure K's community impact, Marshall Wilson, Measure K communications officer.


OCT. 23:  Sheriff's Office (Meet at the Regional Operations Center next to the parking garage)

K-9 demonstration (and hopefully an up-close meeting), Sheriff's deputies; Sheriff's Office Overview and community engagement, Deputy Danielle Martinez; Coroner's Office: Coroner Robert Foucrault


OCT. 30: Final gathering! (Meet at the Regional Operations Center next to the parking garage)

County Counsel: Assistant County Counsel David Silberman;  Housing:  Director Ray Hodges; Human Resources:  Director Rocio Kiryczun  


Questions? Contact Eric Forgaard at eforgaard@smcgov.org