Beyond City Hall

Back to School - How Our City Supports Students

As students head back to the classroom, co-hosts Dr. Robert Franklin and Former Mayor Lee take a closer look at the partnership between the City of San Mateo and the school districts to ensure students have what they need to succeed. From the Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP) that provided essential resources during COVID-19, to safety improvements like reduced speed limits around schools and the expansion of crossing guards, San Mateo is committed to supporting students. We also highlight the Police Activity League's Backpack Palooza, which served a record number of 450 families this year, and discuss how new affordable housing projects, like Kiku Crossing, are making a difference by offering free after-school programs for working families. Tune in as we explore the many ways local government is stepping up to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

City Services Academy: A Model of Transparency

In this episode of Beyond City Hall, we're thrilled to announce that the City Services Academy is now accepting applications! Join us as we dive into this unique opportunity for residents and workers in San Mateo to gain an insider's perspective on city government. The City Services Academy is not just an educational experience; it's a model of transparency in governance. This immersive 3-month program provides opportunities to meet City executive leaders and explore the various facets of municipal operations. Whether you're interested in public safety, infrastructure, community services, or simply want to learn more about how your city functions, this unique open door learning experience offers residents and our workforce a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Liberation: Making Juneteenth Matter Every Day

Former Mayor Amourence Lee joined Dr. Franklin to discuss a momentous day in American history that marked the actual end of African-American slavery in the United States, some two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had been made effective: Juneteenth. In 2024, the City of San Mateo declared Juneteenth an official City Holiday. Former Mayor Lee played a pivotal role in organizing a celebratory Juneteenth event in Downtown San Mateo, which featured a variety of culturally significant activities. The event included a drum circle led by Onye Onyemaechi, praise dancers from the Pilgrim Christian Church, and reading of the children's story "Juneteenth Is." Additionally, the celebration highlighted and honored local Black leaders in San Mateo including Gloria Brown, Lisa Tealer, Mimi Page, and Charles Hansen. During her discussion, Mayor Lee emphasized the importance of celebrating Juneteenth as a day of liberation and reflection. She also addressed the pressing need to acknowledge and confront the City's historical and ongoing gaps in racial representation. Despite San Mateo's 130-year history, the City has never elected a Black man to a leadership position. Former Mayor Lee underscored that while recognizing Juneteenth is a significant step, there remains essential work to be done to achieve true representation and equity at all levels of government. The event served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for continued advocacy and change.

Paradigm Shift in Community Investment: San Francisco Foundation Koshland Fellowship

Celebrating the North Central neighborhood in the City of San Mateo and 10 local leaders including Former Mayor Amourence Lee, honored by the prestigious Daniel E. Koshland Civic Unity Community Fellowship.  For forty years, this fellowship program has empowered over 500 community leaders and invested $7M+ in over 35 neighborhoods throughout the Bay Area. In 1982, the San Francisco Foundation established the Koshland Fellowship to center unsung local leaders providing a five-year leadership development and $300,000 neighborhood investment to advocate for and build their communities. The North Central San Mateo Koshland Fellows are 10 visionary leaders collaborating on research and actively planning the community investment project.    Meet the 2022-2027 San Francisco Foundation Koshland Fellows and get inspired by the power of unity and authentic community-driven progress! * Giselle Alvarez, Social Worker, Golden Gate Recreational Center * Evelia Chairez, Manager of Community Engagement, Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center * Noelia Corzo, San Mateo County Supervisor, District 2 * Charles Hansen, Chief Program Officer, Peninsula Family Services * Amourence Lee, Former Mayor of San Mateo & City Councilwoman * Mignon Page-Broughton, Probation Officer, Juvenile Diversion * Jennifer Plantenberg, Youth Pastor, Community Baptist Church * Gladys Privado Pinzon, Outreach Coordinator, Police Activities League  * Reyna Sandoval, Associate Director of Community Programs, Samaritan House * Lisa Tealer, Executive Director, Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council #BayArea #SanMateoCounty Beyond City Hall is a monthly public affairs radio program on KCSM Jazz FM-91

Holistic Approaches to Homelessness & Public Safety

Many cities are struggling to support their growing homeless population. Our City of San Mateo in California launched an innovative program that fills gaps between services and is successfully moving homeless folks into support services and housing. This cost-effective model is helping to reduce calls for service and officer involvement in homeless calls. San Mateo created two civilian positions within the Police Department. The purpose of the Homeless Outreach Team is to build trust with community members, and provide case management and referrals. They work in the Police Department, but do not take enforcement action, or share information for enforcement or investigation purposes, or force clients to accept services. This compassionate service model is leading new conversations about public safety and the role of police and local government in addressing the homeless crisis.  #BayArea #SanMateoCounty Beyond City Hall is a monthly public affairs radio program on KCSM Jazz FM-91