Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will county control change projects at the San Mateo Event Center?

Also check out Bay Area Connect Conference on the San Mateo Patch calendar

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Hello again San Mateo! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will county control change projects at the San Mateo Event Center?
  • What San Mateo parents must know about the new e-bike age rules
  • San Mateo neighbor steps into a top sustainability role at Caltrans

Also on today's calendar: Bay Area Connect Conference and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 71 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Monday: Partly sunny and nice, temps: high: 74, low: 51.
  • Tuesday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 75 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. San Mateo County to Take Over Event Center Projects Amid Kickback Case (newsbreak.com) — San Mateo County is taking direct control of Event Center capital projects while it audits two county‑funded efforts tied to an alleged $1.4 million kickback scheme. Local prosecutors have charged a former project manager and contractor, who both plead not guilty, and county officials say they'll use their own investigators to review how oversight failed and what safeguards are needed.
   

2. Deadly e-bike crashes shape 3 new California laws (signalscv.com) — San Mateo County will test a new state-authorized pilot banning children under 12 from riding certain lower-speed e-bikes, with $25 fines for parents and a required safety report by 2031. The law is part of a broader package setting sidewalk speed limits, equipment rules and cracking down on high-speed e-motos, sparking debate between safety advocates and those worried about overregulating a clean, affordable way to get around.
   

3. Governor Newsom announces appointments 10.9.2026 (ca.gov) — San Mateo resident Jimmy O'Dea has been promoted to Deputy Director of Sustainability at Caltrans, where he will help guide statewide transportation electrification and climate-focused projects. His appointment, alongside several other state leadership picks, puts a local voice in a powerful position shaping how California modernizes its transportation system and reduces emissions.
   

4. Larry Ellison spent nearly $10M on luxury houses for his staff. Is employer-provided housing the ultimate job perk? (moneywise.com) — If you work for San Mateo County, you may qualify for a $100,000 second‑mortgage loan and $5,000 toward closing costs when buying a local home, part of a broader trend in employer‑assisted housing. The article compares this benefit with programs at universities, hospitals, and governments nationwide, arguing such support can help workers stay in expensive regions like the Bay Area.
   

📸 Around San Mateo

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Brandt's Cormorants - after a pitiful start to the breeding season in 2026, I was thrilled to see a few dozen Brandt's Cormorants successfully nest and raise chicks near Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz, CA two months later than usual.
    I visited the site a few times and recorded the breeding behavior. I am thrilled to share the final cut - a video of about 3 min that took over 2… (Nextdoor Laurelwood Park)
  • Found on fri 10/9/26: Little Black kitten about 4mos old on the 1600 block of S Norfolk in Parkside.
    Wearing a worn orange checkered collar with no ID tag. Found him in the street under a car meowing (scared & hungry) Very sweet personality DM me,… (Nextdoor Parkside)
  • Always Best Care Senior Services posted a job opening for Caregiver in San Mateo. Apply here.
  • Compass Group posted a job opening for Cafe Manager in San Mateo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Mateo here.

Ok San Mateo! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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