County, Partners Accept $7.2M Grant for Emergency Preparedness & Community Resiliency Improvements

"A $7.2 million state grant will help the San Mateo County Event Center serve as an evacuation center and safe zone during earthquakes, fires, flooding and other disasters, state and local officials announced today.

The funding was announced during a news conference at the Event Center, home to the San Mateo County Fair, private shows and conferences and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-through testing and vaccine clinics.

The grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture will improve the center’s ability to shelter up to 600 people when needed. Samaritan House, a San Mateo-based nonprofit, is slated to receive a share of the grant to upgrade kitchen and pantry service, pending approval by its board of directors."