#SAMCEDAonTheMove in August 2026

August’s events brought together business and community leaders through engaging experiences, meaningful conversations, and milestones shaping the future of the region.

Here are the highlights:

Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities. 

American Congressional Exchange Roundtable Discussion with Congressman Kevin Mullin and Congressman Jay Obernolte

As part of the American Congressional Exchange (ACE), a bipartisan program sponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), the ACE program brought bipartisan members of Congress together for district visits, site tours, and discussions with local civic, business, education, and faith leaders on shared policy interests.

Hosted at SAMCEDA’s office in San Mateo, the event provided a unique opportunity for SAMCEDA members to hear from Democratic Congressman Kevin Mullin and Republican Congressman Jay Obernolte in bipartisan dialogue on issues impacting our region, along with conversation and Q&A.


[ Congressman Kevin Mullin and Congressman Jay Obernolte 
seated at the center of the table with SAMCEDA members ]


[ SAMCEDA's President & CEO, Rosanne Foust, providing opening
remarks before turning the conversation to the Representatives ]

BART’s Walking Tour

BART’s General Manager Bob Powers led a walking tour of the Powell St., Glen Park, and San Bruno stations, highlighting improvements to the rider experience and how each station’s design reflected the community it served. 

The tour provided a firsthand look at the system from Powell St.’s major transit and tourist hub to historic Glen Park and San Bruno’s connection to a growing business district and the international airport.
 


[ BART Map located outside of the San Bruno Station ]

[ BART's General Manager Bob Powers leading the walking tour conversation to showcase system upgrades, art, architecture, and station history ]

[ During the tour, Hyde, a Harris’s hawk, made a special guest appearance as his falconer shared how he and fellow hawk colleague, Pac-Man, help control pigeon and rodent populations and discourage animals from entering BART stations ]

Commission on the Status of Women’s From Voice to Vote - Affordability at the Ballot Box

The County of San Mateo’s Commission on the Status of Women hosted its Women’s Equality Day event, From Voice to Vote – Affordability at the Ballot Box, at the Burlingame Community Center in Burlingame.

Moderated by KQED housing reporter Erin Baldassari, the panel featured Ravenswood Early Learning's Karen Pace, REACH Coalition founder and former Jefferson Union High School District board member, Kalimah Salahuddin, and Samaritan House's Laura Bent, who discussed community-based programs and initiatives addressing affordability in San Mateo County and ways to turn community priorities into meaningful action.


[ Presenters of the program (from left to right): Commission Dayna Chung, Karen Pace, Kalimah Salahuddin, Laura Bent, Erin Baldassari, LaSaundra Gutter, Ann Girard ]

[ The panel shared their insights and perspectives on affordability today ]

[ The Commissioners, dressed in all white in honor of the women’s suffrage movement, alongside the event’s speakers ]

Gilead's Groundbreaking Ceremony

Gilead Sciences held a groundbreaking ceremony at its Foster City headquarters for a new 175,000-square-foot, AI-enabled facility dedicated to developing early and late-stage oncology therapies. 

Expected to open in early 2029, the facility will bring together approximately 150 employees, incorporate sustainability goals including LEED Gold certification, and support Gilead’s broader investment in expanding U.S. research and biomanufacturing capabilities.


[ Gilead Sciences Chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day announces the development plans of the site ]

[ The groundbreaking ceremony featured leadership from Gilead, California Life Sciences, and other distinguished guests, employees ]

[ Renderings of the future building were shown throughout the site ]

San Mateo County Community College District’s District Opening Day - Shared Harvest

The San Mateo County Community College District launched the 2026 academic year with its Shared Harvest Opening Day, celebrating collaboration, innovation, student success, and the collective achievements of its colleges and district. 

The program featured remarks from Chancellor Melissa Moreno, a conversation with the Chancellor’s Cabinet, and an alumni panel reflecting on the educational experiences that shaped their personal and professional journeys.


[ Chancellor Melissa Moreno and the Chancellor's Cabinet ]

County of San Mateo’s Vehicle License Fee (VLF) Press Conference

SAMCEDA joined San Mateo County elected officials, public safety representatives, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders at the County Center in Redwood City to advocate for a permanent solution to the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) funding crisis and raise awareness of the urgent need to protect VLF funding and prevent the loss of essential public services and workers.


[ President Supervisor Noelia Corzo and San Mateo County leaders advocating for a solution ]

Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities.