Officials in San Mateo County announced last week the completion of the Redwood Resiliency Hall and Community Kitchen at the San Mateo County Event Center, a new facility designed to improve emergency response, food distribution, and shelter services during disasters. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the facility, which officials said will enhance the Event Center’s ability to serve as a large-scale emergency shelter and community support hub while expanding year-round meal preparation and food distribution services for vulnerable residents. 

Construction began in September 2025 following years of planning and collaboration among local and state partners, according to city officials.  

The project was supported by a state resiliency grant program aimed at strengthening fairgrounds and community facilities across California, city officials said. 

City officials said the Redwood Resiliency Hall and Community Kitchen is the first project completed under the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s resiliency grant program, which awarded $126.5 million for 17 projects statewide.