by Michele Beasley Did you know California has an official state mushroom? A state slug? Even a state lichen? California loves celebrating its incredible biodiversity — and the good news is, you don’t need to travel far to find these iconic species. Many of them call San Mateo County Parks home. Here’s your guide to spotting California’s coolest official symbols right in our collective backyard.
by Michele Beasley After 35 years of transforming San Mateo County’s parks and natural spaces, Senior Planner Sam Herzberg has retired—leaving behind a legacy that residents will literally walk, bike, and explore for generations to come. The Trail Builder If you’ve ever hiked Devil’s Slide Trail with its stunning ocean views, pedaled along Sawyer Camp Trail, or explored sections of the Bay Trail, you’ve experienced Sam’s work firsthand. He oversaw the design and construction of multiple segments of these beloved trails, turning ambitious visions into the paths that connect our communities to nature.