PRESS RELEASE. From the San Mateo County Executive’s Office, August 14th, 2025.
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, elections, parks, libraries, public finance, sustainability, the justice system and more. Refreshments are served.
More details below, and you may download and submit the application at the bottom of this page.
- Civics 101 meets one night per week for nine weeks, from early September through late October. See schedule below. Refreshments are served every session. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Class runs from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Class schedule (nine sessions):
Thursday, Sep. 4; Wed, Sep. 10; Wed, Sep. 17; Wed, Sep. 24;
Thursday, Oct. 2; Wed, Oct. 8; Wed, Oct. 15; Wed, Oct. 22; Wed, Oct. 29 - Location: Manzanita Hall, in the 500 County Center building, County Government Center in Redwood City. Parking is free after 5 p.m. in the public parking garage on campus.
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!
Some past participants have chosen to serve on one of the County’s many boards and commissions. Some have joined the County workforce in various capacities. Those opportunities are 100% optional of course. The great majority of past participants have simply enjoyed learning what their County government is all about, and meeting some new people from the community.
2025 Civics 101 program (subject to adjustments):
San Mateo County Government Overview
- County Executive Mike Callagy; County overview
- Chief Communications Officer Michelle Durand
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.
Human Services Agency (HSA)
- Overview: Director Claire Cunningham
- Collaborative Community Outcomes: Selina Toy Lee
- Economic Self-Sufficiency: Navjeet Singh
- Employment Services: Jennifer Valencia
- Children and Family Services: John Fong
- Q&A with all presenters
All About Money
- Treasurer-Tax Collector: Sandie Arnott
- Controller’s Office: Juan 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
County Justice System
- Judge Rachel Holt
- District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe
- Private Defender Lisa Maguire
- Probation Chief John Keene.
- Short mock trial included!
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
Community Services
- Dept. of Emergency Services, Director Shruti Dhapodkar
- Sustainability Dept., Director Carolyn Bloede
- Libraries: Deputy Director of Library Services Carine Risley
- Measure K’s Community Impact, Marshall Wilson, Measure K Communications Officer.
Sheriff’s Office
- K-9 demonstration (and hopefully an up-close meeting)
- Sheriff’s deputies
- Sheriff’s Office Overview and community engagement with Deputy Danielle Martinez
- Coroner’s Office: Coroner Robert Foucrault
County Counsel
- Assistant County Counsel: David Silberman
- Housing: Director Ray Hodges
- Human Resources: Director Rocio Kiryczun
APPLICATION
Author: mdrag
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