San Mateo supervisors unanimously reaffirm county support for vulnerable communities, add indigenous people by amendment

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming the county—s commitment to protect vulnerable communities and to oppose policies that instill fear and limit access to services, the board said during its meeting. The board added an amendment to explicitly include indigenous communities before voting.

The resolution was supported by county staff who described increases in school absences, missed medical and social-service appointments, and heightened mental-health needs tied to national rhetoric and enforcement actions. Shereen Malekovsali, the county—s Chief Equity Officer, told the board the measure reaffirms "the county's continued vision that together we're stronger, more innovative, and able to weather challenges." Dr. Jay Africa, Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, testified that the county—s LGBTQIA+ and transgender communities were particularly fearful and described clinical and community contacts showing reluctance to seek care.

County staff framed the…