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Board approves $13M purchase of Bayshore/Mueller property to re‑open sobering station and host nonprofits
Summary
The board authorized buying a roughly two‑acre property in Burlingame for $13 million (funded from proceeds/interest on the Circle Star sale) to rapidly restore a sobering station, provide nonprofit and county space and explore long‑term administrative uses. Supporters cited lower long‑term costs and faster access to treatment than alternatives.
San Mateo County moved to acquire a roughly 2+ acre site on Bayshore/Mueller Road in Burlingame for $13,000,000 and authorized staff to complete the purchase.
County Executive Caligi told the board the property includes three buildings and is the former site of Star Vista's "First Chance" sobering/detox operation. He said the county could reopen a sobering center there within months with relatively modest modification and that purchasing the site lets the county host nonprofit partners (a proposed "bridal/arts" hub, Pride Center) and consider longer‑term administrative uses. Caligi said the purchase price would come from the interest earned on proceeds of the earlier Circle Star sale, not the general fund.
Supervisors who spoke in favor said the site is well located for law‑enforcement access, could allow the county to reduce the number of DUI and intoxication bookings at the jail (bookings reportedly roughly doubled after the prior sobering center closed), and would save operating costs compared with repeated jail bookings. Several public commenters — including local elected officials and members of mental‑health provider organizations — voiced support, noting the property’s prior positive experience as a sobering center and asking the county to prioritize rapid reopening and robust community engagement.
Board members also discussed community outreach, sea‑level‑rise considerations for Bayshore sites, and whether Horizon (a nonprofit proposing a separate detox center on El Camino Real) would choose to co‑locate; county staff said Horizon was still evaluating the site. The board approved the purchase.
