We are currently recruiting for our 2024 board! In the coming weeks, we will be publishing information about available board positions. Today, we’ll be talking about the open President position and hearing from our current President, Adara Citron.

President

Description: Lead the Board meetings. Act as ambassador to both the members of the club and members of the community. Supports other Board members as needed. Usually 5 hours per month.

Adara’s Thoughts: Being President for the last year has been such an honor. It's been a joy to make improvements to the organization and structure of the Club, and watch membership grow as a result of increased community engagement. Honestly, I was intimidated when I initially took the reins. I was nervous about the workload and time commitment, but was pleasantly surprised with how managable it's been to fit into my full-time work schedule and being a mom to two young kids. Being supported by a strong Board has made my job so much easier; my role is to create an environment where they can shine. The continuing 2024 Board is also equally strong, and I know that the next President will continue to be supported. This role is what you make of it; it can be as laid back or involved as you have time for. In addition to the complementary SMPC membership, a huge perk is getting to meet so many Club members. I love growing this community and feeling connected to others no matter where we are in San Mateo and surrounding areas.

Happy almost-2024! It’s hard to believe that 2023 is almost over. With the new year comes a call for new board members for the San Mateo Parents Club. The board works collaboratively to create community and a safe space for our families in a world where things just seem to get crazier every day. 

The Board is a great stepping stone into learning more about our local community and achieving a shared vision of parents supporting parents. See the full list of open Board Positions below. No experience is necessary, and outgoing/previous Board Members are available to mentor and support new members throughout the process. Please reach out to president@sanmateoparentsclub.org if you are interested!

• President 

• Vice President

• Blog Partner

• Preschool Fair Coordinator (Laura will be available for mentorship) 

• Speaker & Social Series

• Community Service

• Advertising 

To help you better understand the various roles, look out for upcoming blurbs on the blog for the various available board positions. Also, here are the descriptions for each role and the time commitment expected from each role. If you’re considering joining the board, keep an eye out for an upcoming event where you can meet current board members and learn more about open positions!

Divorce is a tough journey for everyone, but it can be particularly vexing for stay-at-home moms. Often, stay-at-home parents have given up their careers to care for their children and allow their spouses to continue a career path. Now, they face the challenge of rebuilding their lives and providing for themselves and their children. 

The O'Mara Law Group offers comprehensive assistance for mothers facing divorce. The guide covers various aspects, including financial planning, custody arrangements, legal rights, emotional support, and rebuilding after divorce. It emphasizes the unique challenges faced by stay-at-home moms who have sacrificed their careers for their families. The key points include: 

1. Financial Preparation for Divorce:

• Gather necessary paperwork for financial assessment.
• Understand assets, debts, and liabilities.
• Work with a legal team to ensure accurate financial disclosure.

2. Managing Finances After Divorce:

• Create a budget and adjust to single-income living.
• Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
• Review and adjust insurance coverage.
• Understand child support and alimony laws before signing any documents.

3. Legal Rights:

• Stay-at-home moms have rights in child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division.
• Legal representation is crucial to protecting these rights during divorce proceedings.

4. Child Custody and Parenting Agreements:

• Educate yourself on local laws and prioritize the child's best interests.
• Collaborate on a parenting agreement and consider mediation for disputes.

5. When to Hire a Divorce Lawyer:

• Seek legal help if the other spouse fails to comply with court orders.
• A knowledgeable women's divorce attorney can protect parental rights.

6. Support for Children:

• Create a safe space for children to express feelings.
• Maintain consistency in routines.
• Co-parent effectively to minimize adverse effects.

7. Emotional Support:

• Practice self-care through activities like exercise and meditation.
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
• Consider professional counseling or therapy to cope with emotional challenges.

8. Rebuilding After Divorce:

• Rebuild credit and assess housing costs.
• Explore career options and update skills.
• Rediscover interests and set new goals for personal fulfillment.

After a divorce, rebuilding can feel like a long and difficult process. So many aspects of your life may need to be reevaluated and restructured. Despite the challenges, every step you take towards rebuilding is a step towards a brighter future for yourself and your children.

We hope this guide encourages stay-at-home moms to view divorce as an opportunity for a fresh start, providing practical tips to navigate the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of this challenging process.

You can see the full guide here: https://www.omaralawgroup.com/stay-at-home-moms-guide-to-divorce/

• Holiday Tree Lighting – Burlingame, December 1
• Nights of Lights – Half Moon Bay, Dec 1,8,15
• Winter Festival at Gamble Gardens – Palo Alto, December 1-2
• Holiday Bricktacular – Milpitas, December 1 – Jan 1
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – San Jose, December 1-10
• Holiday CalTrain – SF – SJ, Dec 2-3
• Winter Wonderland – San Mateo, December 2
• Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter– San Carlos, December 2
• Hometown Holidays  - Redwood City, December 2
• Hot Cocoa Stroll – Alameda, December 2
• Springline's 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza – Menlo Park, Dec 2
• Music for Families with SF Symphony – San Francisco, December 2
• Instrument Petting Zoo – Berkeley, December 2
• Winter Crafts – Los Gatos, December 2
• Noe Music Kids – San Francisco, December 2
• Bernal Heights Library Open House – San Francisco, December 2
• Brunch with Santa at Pinstripes – San Mateo, Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
• Santana Row Snow Showers – San Jose, December 2-30
• Vasona County Park Fantasy of Lights – Los Gatos, Dec 2-30
• Jungle Book Reimagined – Stanford, December 2 & 3
• The Velveteen Rabbit by ODC – San Francisco, December 2-10
• Free First Sunday at NUMU – Los Gatos, December 3
• Menorahs and Miracles – San Jose, December 3
• Santa PJ Party – San Mateo, Dec 3
• Holiday Arts Festival – Richmond, December 3
• Holiday on the Farm – San Ramon, December 6
• Chanukah Train – Santa Cruz, December 7
• Bethlehem – Santa Clara, December 7-10
• Union Square Menorah Lighting – December 7-14
• The Holiday Train 2023 – Los Gatos – Dec 7- 30
• A Christmas Carol by PYT – Mountain View, December 8-9
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Pleasanton Youth Theater Company – Pleasanton, December 8-17
• Social Justice Children’s Book Holiday Fair – Oakland, December 8
• Mission Branch Library Open House – San Francisco, December 9
• Storytime: Crickwing – Los Gatos, December 9
• Second Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, December 9
• Castro Adobe Open House – Watsonville, December 9
• Children’s Heritage Holiday – San Jose, December 9, 16
• Carols & Candlelight 2023 – San Bruno, Dec 9
• Sausalito Winterfest – Sausalito, Dec 9-10
• Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus – SF, Dec 10
• Chanukah in Burlingame Featuring Light On Ice – Burlingame, Dec 10
• Flourish  Watercolor Works – Belmont, Dec 10
• Peter and the Wolf – San Francisco, December 10
• Marine Science Sunday – Sausalito, December 10
• Outstanding Owls – Walnut Creek, December 10
• Holiday Open House at Ardenwood – Fremont, December 10
• Folk Songs of the World – San Francisco, December 11
• Holiday Movie Night: Elf – Half Moon Bay, December 15
• Cinderella by African American Shakespeare – San Francisco, December 15-17
• The Biggest Gift by Fantasy Forum – Walnut Creek, December 15-17
• Circus Bella Kaleidoscope – San Francisco, December 15-31
• SF Jazz Family Matinee – San Francisco, December 16
• Family Story Hour – San Francisco, December 16
• Puppet Company Presents the Nutcracker – Berkeley, December 16
• Kids Night at the Museum – Santa Rosa, December 16
• Snow Queen – Mountain View, Dec 16-17
• The Gingerbread Man – Palo Alto, December 16, 17
• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Daily City Now -December 17
• Christmas Brunch at Signia - San Jose, December 25
• Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, December 29
• New Year's Holiday Lights Train – Felton, Dec 26- Jan 3
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Broadway San Jose – November 28-December 3
• Holiday Tree Walk – Santa Cruz, November 24-December 17
• The Velveteen Rabbit – Palo Alto, Now – December 17
• The Sound of Music – Foster City – Nov 30 – Dec 17
• Holiday Tree Walk – Felton, Now – Dec 17
• Elf the Musical – Los Altos, Now – Dec 23
• Magical Gingerbread House Workshop – San Mateo, Now – Dec 23
• Holiday Tea Party Celebration – San Francisco, Now – Dec 23
• Holiday Lights Train – Felton, Now -December 23
• Disney’s The Lion King – SF, Now - Dec 30
• North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, Now – Dec 30
• Polar Play Days – San Jose, Nov 25 – Dec 31
• New Year's Eve Celebration at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, December 31
• Annual Balloon Drop at Chabot – Oakland, December 31
• Fairmont’s Giant Gingerbread House – SF, now – Jan 1
• Holiday Tea at the Fairmont - San Francisco, Now – Dec 31
• Christmas in the Park Drive-Thru Light Show – San Jose, Now – Jan 1
• Holidays at Pier39 – SF, now – Jan 7
• Glowfari at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, Now-January 28
• Curiodyssey IIlluminodyssey - San Mateo, Now - January 28
• Public Skating at the Winter Lodge – Palo Alto, Now –April 7
• Enchant Christmas – San Jose, Now – Dec 31
• Christmas in the Park – San Jose, Now - Jan 1
• Winterfest - Santa Clara, Now – Jan 6
• Central Park Ice Skating – San Mateo, Now – Jan 7
• Holidays at Filoli – Woodside, Now – Jan 7
• Disney Cats & Dogs - San Francisco, Now – Jan 14
• Holiday Ice Rank in Union Square – SF, Now – Jan 15
• Glow: The art of light – SF, Now – Jan 28

The results are in. Children who participate in quality preschool programs do better academically, professionally, and personally.  A high-quality preschool program focuses on early childhood learning and development while providing childcare for working parents.  It exposes children to academic concepts as well as critical social and emotional skills. Young children benefit from opportunities to interact with peers and learning to trust caregivers separate from family members.  To find the right environment for your child and family, begin with these initial questions:

• WHERE? Do I want my child in a home or school setting, full- or part-time?  Home settings can be cozy, but caregiver credentials vary. The smaller group size and mixed aged can be more comforting for slow to warm or very young children.  Center-based programs offer more social variety and a larger environment to explore. Cost will vary depending on the type of program and number of hours of care. There are also part-time options for parents who don’t need full-time care. Outdoor/Nature focused, and Parent Participation programs are great ways to let your children explore new things and meet new people while you also make connections to other parents.
• WHEN? Are both parents returning to work?  Is the at-home parent ready for time alone?  Is the child ready for TK or Kindergarten?  Some families need care soon after a baby is born, while others may only need socialization experience before beginning formal elementary school. Many parents are working remotely from home at least some of the time, but still need someone to give their young children the care and stimulation they deserve and need.   Children should have at least one year—but preferably two years—of a quality group experience before starting kindergarten.
•  WHO? Think about your child.  Will your active child be restless in a program with limited outdoor time?  Are children encouraged to sample a variety of indoor and outdoor activities?  How do children learn conflict resolution skills and develop resiliency?  Is your sensitive child easily overwhelmed in a large group?  Also think about yourself.  Does the school have a community that you can become part of?  Will you feel supported by teachers, administrators, and other parents? Are there opportunities for you to be involved in ways that work with your time constraints and interests?

Now that you’ve thought about the basic questions, let’s find out what type of preschool/child care best fits your child’s temperament and learning style.  Here are some popular teaching philosophies to consider when choosing an early learning program:

Developmental: A developmentally appropriate, play-based program supports learning in all five areas of development, including gross-motor and fine-motor skills, language and cognitive development, and social and emotional learning.  Classrooms are teacher-directed or child-centered, depending on the school orientation.  Includes free play time, as well as more structured circle times or group activities.

Montessori (Maria Montessori, 1870-1952): Classrooms are structured, with children moving from activity to activity at their own pace.  Many Montessori programs incorporate three principles: observation of the child, personal liberty, and preparation of the environment. Special materials emphasize the use of all the senses.  Children are self-directed and encouraged to work independently, often in multi-age classrooms. 

Parent Cooperative: Parent participation is required, either in the classroom, at home, or by serving on a parent board that operates the school.  The basic philosophy is that children and parents go to school together with guidance from a qualified teacher.  The focus is on child development.  There is often a parent education component either during the day or in evening meetings.  

Reggio Emilia (Loris Malaguzzi, 1920-1994): Evolved from the parent cooperative movement, these programs involve the community in the world of the child.  Emphasis is on relationships with peers and adults, creative thinking skills, and project work. Each project lasts from a few weeks to more than a month.  Children’s progress is documented through posters or portfolios that capture a child’s learning process. The curriculum emerges from the children’s interests. 

Language Immersion: Children are taught in a foreign language.  The classrooms and teachers may follow any of these teaching philosophies. Many language immersion programs adopt the Montessori philosophy.

Waldorf (Rudolf Steiner, 1861-1925): Develops a child’s intellectual powers in harmony with his or her nature.  Waldorf schools incorporate imaginative play, a multi-sensorial approach, and stress “learning by doing.” Programs may include a lot of creative activity and natural materials in the classroom.  Teachers receive specialized training, lead many group activities, and often remain with the same set of children for several years. 

Religious: Usually affiliated with a church, synagogue, or other religious organization, these programs may incorporate a lot, a little, or no religious training and may follow any of these teaching philosophies.

University (or lab) Schools:  These programs are vehicles for teacher training and ongoing child development research.  The staff is usually required to have a higher learning degree, and there may be several student-researchers in the classroom at any one time.  Children may benefit from the latest research in the child development field and are expected to be active participants in student research studies.

Academic: Academic programs stress preparation for kindergarten and elementary school, with early reading or formal reading readiness activities, an introduction to paper-and-pencil mathematics, and a focus on achievement.  The preschool day is structured, often with separate times for “work” and “play.”

Outdoor/Nature Programs:  These programs are usually oriented toward spending most or all of the time outside exploring nature.  Most of these programs involve daily field trips to different locations at which the children explore the nature of the location with the guidance of a teacher who plans activities that apply to the place.  Some of the programs include parents; some do not.

Once you’ve found an early learning environment that supports your child and family needs, be sure to communicate your enthusiasm for your child’s first school experience.  For many children, this is the beginning of a new, special relationship with another trusted adult. Be supportive, confident, and patient as your child learns to navigate the world outside the home. Communicate openly and often with your child’s teacher to help him/her be in the best position to meet your child’s needs. Become friendly with the teachers, caregivers, and parents, and always focus on your child’s strengths. Your child will benefit from the gift of an early start.

Stephanie Barry Agnew is the Assistant Director of Parents Place, in The Center for Children and Youth.  She works with parents in groups and individually to help them through a wide variety of parenting issues, including discipline and school choices. She can be reached at 650-931-1841 or StephanieA@jfcs.org.

Learn more about all the Parents Place programs at https://ccy.jfcs.org/

To book an individual consultation about school choice or any other parenting question you may have, please email: ccyintake@jfcs.org

• Zoppe Circus – Redwood City, Now – Nov 26
• Holiday Ice Rank in Union Square – SF, Nov 1 – Jan 15
• Junie B. Jones – San Jose, November 1-5
• First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, November 3
• The Elves and the Shoemaker – Mountain View, November 3, 4
• The Hobbit by San Carlos Children’s Theater – San Carlos, November 3-5
• The Wizard of Oz – Palo Alto, Nov 3-5, 10-12, 17-19
• Fiesta Alameda – Alameda, November 4
• Crawlies Aren’t Creepy – Los Gatos, November 4
• Dia de los Muertos with SF Symphony – San Francisco, November 4
• Fall Train Show – Santa Clara, November 4, 5
• Cinderella Enchanted – Berkeley, November 3 – December 22
• Free First Sunday at NUMU – Los Gatos, November 5
• Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink Opening Ceremony – San Ramon, Nov 10
• Central Park Ice Skating – San Mateo, Nov 10 – Jan 7
• Free Day at San Francisco Botanical Gardens – SF, November 7 & 23
• Willie Wonka by Pied Piper Players – San Mateo, November 10-19
• Illumni Odyssey - San Mateo, Nov 10 – Jan 28
• Freaky Friday – San Jose, November 10-19
• Glowfari at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, November 10-January 28
• Elf the Musical – Mountain View, Nov 11-12, 18-19
• Diwali: Festival of Lights – San Jose, November 11
• Free Kids Event: Lakeshore's Kid Quest - San Jose, Nov 11
• Oakland’s Magic Kitchen at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, November 11
• Roundtable Reading Bilingüe: Wonder – Berkeley, November 11
• The Amazing Bubble Man – Berkeley, November 11
• Second Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, November 11
• Second Saturday at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, November 11
• Charity & the JAMband Family Concert – San Francisco, November 11
• Elf the Musical by PYT – Mountain View, November 11-19
• Castro Adobe Open House – Watsonville, November 12
• Marine Science Sunday – Sausalito, November 12, 26
• The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System – Santa Rosa, November 14
• World Ballet Series: Cinderella – Santa Rosa, November 15
• Glow: The art of light – SF, Nov 16 – Jan 28
• Holidays at Filoli – Woodside, Nov 18 – Jan 7
• Storytime: The Salamander Room – Los Gatos, November 18
• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – Santa Rosa, November 18
• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Daily City, November 18-December 17
• Emperor’s New Clothes – Palo Alto, November 18, 19
• Coco in Concert – Stanford, Nov 19
• Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, November 19
• Disney’s The Lion King – SF, Nov 22 - Dec 30
• Helicopter Turkey Toss & Turkey Hunt – San Carlos, November 22
• Silicon Valley Turkey Trot – San Jose, November 23
• Candy Cane Village – Saratoga, Nov 24
• The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System – Santa Rosa, Nov 24
• Family Fun Weekend – Santa Rosa, November 24, 25
• Holiday Lights Train – Santa Cruz, November 24-December 23
• Christmas in the Park – San Jose, Nov 24 - Jan 1
• Enchant Christmas – San Jose, Nov 24 – Dec 31
• FAN EXPO – SF, Nov 24-26
• Winterfest - Santa Clara, Nov 24 – Jan 6
• Holiday Tree Walk – Santa Cruz, November 24-December 17
• Polar Play Days – San Jose, Nov 25 – Dec 31
• Holiday Youth Music Festival – Pleasanton, November 25
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas – San Jose, Nov 28 – Dec 3
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Broadway San Jose – November 28-December 3
• The Velveteen Rabbit – Palo Alto, November 30 – December 17
• The Sound of Music – Foster City – Nov 30 – Dec 17
• Elf the Musical – Los Altos, Nov 30 – Dec 23
• Mindful Magic for Parents and Young Explorers - Sausalito, November 12 & 26

It’s finally October - fall is in the air and Halloween decorations are going up. As you walk around, you may see teal pumpkins in front yards and wonder, is this merely a quirky design choice? They’re actually part of a national campaign that raises awareness about food allergies, and provides a safe and inclusive way for kids with food allergies to enjoy Halloween.

The CDC estimates that 8% of all children across the United States (about one in 13) face food allergies. The most serious reactions are commonly attributed to at least one of eight different allergens: milk, egg, shellfish, fish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Allergic reactions don’t always look the same, but 40% of children who have food allergies end up in the emergency room at some point because of allergic reactions.

The Teal Pumpkin Project was started by Becky Basalone in 2012. She had two children with allergies and food intolerances, and wanted a way for them to safely enjoy Halloween. Instead of offering candies, which may contain allergens like peanut, homes with teal pumpkins will offer non-food items. They can range from stickers, to bubbles, to party favor toys. 

If you are interested in participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, pumpkins can be painted teal or purchased from local retailers. Here are some ideas for non-food treats to give out to trick-or-treaters:

• LED lights
• Glow sticks
• Sensory toys (fidget spinners or bubble pop toys)
• Glow in the dark critters
• Wind-up toys
• Toy jewelry
• Whistles
• Stickers
• Bubbles 
• Mini-slinkies 
• Mini bouncy balls

If you would still like to give out a sweet treat to the neighborhood kids, allergy-friendly options include fruit gummies, sun butter cups, fruit lollipops, or jelly beans. Common allergens to look out for include: milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, and gluten.

If you would like to look up locations participating in the Team Pumpkin Project or add your own location as a participant, you can check out a map here. 

Playing a musical instrument has been shown to have lifelong benefits. It strengthens executive function, teaches discipline and perseverance, and develops creativity. However, many of us have less than happy memories of practicing a musical instrument when we would rather be doing something else. How can we break the cycle with our own kids? We talk to Candice Choi, the Director at Musicians in the Making to learn more.

What are some of the benefits of playing a musical instrument?

There are many benefits of playing a musical instrument! Learning to play an instrument exercises all parts of the brain. Students learn to develop physical coordination while exercising their creative, emotional, and mathematical abilities all at the same time. Playing a musical instrument teaches the life skills that come along with learning something new. Most importantly, playing a musical instrument develops strong aural skills and the appreciation of creating beauty out of thin air!  

I didn’t have the best experience with playing music as a kid. My parents made me play piano and I hated it. How can I avoid this with my own kid? 

I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t have the best experience with playing music as a kid! We certainly can prevent this from happening with your child by continuing to engage and let the child lead with their own curiosity and creativity. You can encourage musical play at home by singing songs and dancing. You can make music in the kitchen with pots and pans!  Play music around the house and show your child examples of other children playing the piano too! Celebrate them when they make strides in their musical development, no matter how big or small. Learning an instrument is not easy and children need as many cheerleaders as possible! 

When is a good time to start music lessons? What instrument is the best for a little kid to start off with? 

Age 4 or 5 is a great time to begin official lessons. The best instrument to start out on is piano. This is because the piano is a musical instrument that helps to develop a broad foundation for future musical studies. If students decide they want to learn other instruments when they get older, having knowledge of the piano gives them an advantage.

My kid is a little too young to start music lessons. How can I foster an appreciation of music at a younger age? 

I always encourage parents to expose their child to all things musical! While they are too young to start lessons, you can still listen to a variety of music at home, attend family-friendly concerts, and dance and sing with your child! Once they are old enough to start formal lessons, all of their musical experiences will contribute to the success in their learning. 

How long is an adequate trial of music lessons? I think my kid can really enjoy playing an instrument if they kept at it for longer. At the same time, I don’t want to drag things out if it’s not going to work out. 

This is a great question! It really depends on the child. It is important to keep the student engaged so that they enjoy playing an instrument. When a student encounters a challenging time in their learning experience, I believe it is the teacher and parents’ job to help them through it. If one instrument is not suited for them, it is likely that a different instrument might be! 

My kid has started lessons, but isn’t really interested. How can I get them to be more interested? 

I would encourage them to find other friends who play music as well! Perform in a casual setting for one another at a playdate. Make music a part of their social life! 

_______________________________________________

Musicians in the Making is a music school based out of the San Francisco Peninsula that serves students of all ages. Our unique approach allows our school to learn and collaborate with students and teachers both locally and around the world. Together as a community, we believe in creating harmony one note at a time!

Join Musicians in the Making for their Welcome Back Picnic on Sunday, October 1st from 1:00-3:00 PM for musical performances, food, and games! Location: Gellert Park, 50 Wembley Dr, Daly City, CA 94015

I am proud to call San Mateo my home, I have lived and worked all over the world but this is where I found my true sense of belonging. My journey into civic involvement accelerated when I became a parent, and led me to the incredible privilege of serving as Mayor of this wonderful City. As a San Mateo mom, I want to share my story of the transformative power that all of us parents have in shaping our community.

I grew up on welfare and in public housing, working two jobs in high school. My life was transformed by good policies and opportunities that allowed me to succeed. This personal experience has driven my commitment to champion San Mateo's values of inclusivity, prosperity, and resilience. I believe in a future where everyone has the chance to be lifted by our community. 

I turned to the playgroups, forums and events to navigate those early years of parenthood and get my bearings! The San Mateo Parents' Club provided a platform for me to connect with other parents and start making a difference in our City. In 2019, I was appointed to the San Mateo City Council and then elected by over 24,000 voters, in the largest election in our City's history. In 2022, I was confirmed as the Mayor of San Mateo, a historic moment as I became the first Asian American woman and Jew of Color to hold this office. It was a proud moment for diversity and inclusion in our City's leadership. 

Leading the City through the pandemic as a single mom was not easy. When we went into lockdown, I saw our fragile childcare system nearly collapse as enrollment rates and attendance plummeted. Childcare is essential to working families and our County is already strained by the cost and shortage of childcare spaces. I assembled and led a coalition of women leaders, nonprofit and public agencies to launch the San Mateo County COVID-19 Child Care Grant Program, which distributed $5.5M to over 300 child care providers to help child care providers keep their doors open for working families. I’m grateful for these chances to bring my lived experience as a parent into my leadership to better serve families and help us recover from the pandemic. 

Now our public safety requires climate resilience. My first act as Mayor was to declare a state of emergency. Last Winter, we estimate 10,000 homes and businesses in San Mateo flooded. Our aged infrastructure is inadequate to protect the community from future flooding events and we need dedicated resources to fortify ourselves from the risks of climate change. 

Residents and civic leaders united to create Flood Free San Mateo to support bold action to address flooding risk in our hometown. The Coalition is leading a ballot initiative that will create locally controlled and sustained funding to safeguard our homes, businesses, and public spaces from flooding. 

Unanimously endorsed by the City Council and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Congressman Mullin, Senator Becker, San Mateo County Labor Council, San Mateo Police Officers' Association, San Mateo Consolidated Firefighters Association, San Mateo County Housing Leadership Council, small businesses, and neighborhood and faith leaders — all are encouraged to stay informed about the upcoming ballot initiative this Fall.

I encourage everyone to learn how San Mateo's stormwater management protects the well-being of our families, the vibrancy of our local economy, and the sustainability of our environment. Visit the Flood Free San Mateo website at:  www.floodfreesanmateo.com

Together, we can tackle the generational challenges of our time. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve your families and build bridges that bring us together and forward. Thanks to the San Mateo Parents’ Club for being part of this incredible journey! 

Want to learn more? Listen to Mayor Lee’s Interview with award winning radio host, Dr. Robert Franklin on NV-1.