Commission Meetings

Commission/Committee Meetings

Author: Myra Cruz

A Word of Thanks to Our Community

To our amazing San Mateo County Community, As we reflect on the last three years, our hearts swell with gratitude for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts you’ve contributed to our shared mission: promoting positive outcomes for young children and their families. You have been a pillar of our success, and we are so appreciative […]

Adding Belonging to the Equation: The Shift from REDI to DEIB 

Years ago, we adopted a focus on bringing REDI–Race, Ethnicity, Diversity, and Inclusion–principles to all of our initiatives, communications, and partnerships. REDI initiatives laid the foundation for addressing issues of racial and ethnic diversity and inclusion. However, as we delved deeper into our equity efforts, we realized that we could create an even more truly […]

The Power of Storytelling in Transforming Early Childhood Systems: A Conversation with Christine Thorsteinson, Director of Early Childhood Development at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Christine Thorsteinson and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation have supported KQED San Francisco to harness the transformative power of storytelling in early childhood systems.  “We wanted to try to go deep in system-level change and find ways to address systemic inequities that underlie the disparities in our region. Think about it– everyone loves cute babies. […]

Commission Vacancies Announcement

President of the Board of Supervisors Dave Pine announced that applications arebeing accepted for appointment to the First 5 San Mateo County. There are currently one (1)position representing: Public Member, each to commence January 1, 2024.  The Public Member includes the following categories: recipients of project services included in First 5 SanMateo County’s Strategic Plan; […]

September 2023 Newsletter: Stories And The Power of Telling Them

Read our newsletter to discover how storytelling is essential to First 5 San Mateo County’s work, Bilingual learning communities for parents, how we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and the upcoming planning for San Mateo County’s universal pre-kindergarten resources.

5 Reasons Why Sharing Stories Is Vital for Early Childhood Care Advocacy

Joan Didion, a famous author from California, once said, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” Stories are the first type of parenting support that ever existed. The stories that have been shared are a key way to create community between generations of families and children. For the well-being and development of young children, […]

OpEd: We need to address child care shortages now

Our Executive Director here at First 5 San Mateo County, Kitty Lopez, shared her view on the current child care shortage, and how we will address it, with the San Mateo Daily Journal. Read more now!

San Mateo is Unwavering in its Support of Abortion and Reproductive Freedom

Families, and especially women, must have the protected right and ability to create families if and when they are willing and able. Ensuring that every child can thrive means ensuring that mothers have the support, agency, and enthusiasm required to provide for their children. The whole-child approach begins by supporting mothers and female-bodied people in […]

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Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2013, focusing on strategic investing, community leadership, policy and advocacy development for young children, 0-5, and their families.

Kitty has served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Body for Build Up for San Mateo County Children’s Initiative, with Board of Supervisor, Dave Pine, since 2018.  Congressman Kevin Mullin is Honorary Co-Chair.  This initiative was established to preserve, grow, and increase the number of early care sites in San Mateo County.  

Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading Core Service Agencies and safety-net nonprofits serving low-income families and individuals with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2013. 

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in southern California and San Francisco and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital for children and youth in San Diego.  Kitty’s roots in supporting children began as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles where she taught swimming to children and adults with visual impairments.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving as Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Event Center, and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.  She is currently serving as Past President of the First 5 Association of California. On March 2022, Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin selected Kitty Lopez as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year.