The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of Sept. 10-19 as Welcoming Week, part of a national effort to strengthen communities by building connections, according to county officials. This year's national theme, "Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect," focuses on how sharing experiences can help people from different backgrounds build strong connections.
San Mateo County became the first county in the nation to earn Four-Star Certified Welcoming status from Welcoming America. The county is celebrating the week with events from the coast to the bay, including resource fairs, movies in the park, storytime library readings, gardening workshops, and cultural celebrations.
More than 100 languages are spoken in San Mateo County. "San Mateo County is shaped and strengthened by people from all over the world," said Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, who co-sponsored the proclamation. "Whether your family has been here for generations or you recently arrived, you are part of the fabric and the future of San Mateo County." The County's Office of Community Affairs is joining cities, libraries, nonprofit organizations and other community groups in sharing information about events across San Mateo County during the week.