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Alerts & Notices

for College of San Mateo, Cañada College and Skyline College

Cañada College Crime Alert: Motor Vehicle Theft 

Location: Cañada College Parking Lot 2

Incident: On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, a Cañada campus community member notified the San Mateo County Community College Department of Public Safety (SMCCD DPS) of a stolen motor vehicle. The campus community member stated they had last parked their vehicle in Cañada College Parking Lot 2 and noticed it missing at approximately 11:00 am that morning.  The community member reported the theft to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department. This matter is under investigation by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department at (650) 363-4911.

11/21 Update: The stolen vehicle has been recovered, and the suspect remains outstanding.

Additional Resources

  • San Mateo County Community College Department of Public Safety (650) 738-7000
  • San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department (650) 363-4911
  • San Mateo County Sheriff Anonymous Tip line 800-547-2700

The San Mateo County Community College District and Cañada College campus community are always encouraged to take the following steps to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Report suspicious behavior, even when you are not directly threatened
  • If you feel unsafe in any situation, trust your instincts and call SMCCD DPS at (650) 738-7000 or San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department (650) 363-4911

Please review the SMCCD DPS web page for additional safety awareness information and resources.

Crime Alert Timely Warning

This information is being released in accordance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, commonly known as the “Clery Act,” which requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on, and near their respective campuses, including timely warnings of crimes that may represent a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees. This message is for information only. 

SMCCCD Timely Warning | Indecent Exposure 

SMCCCD’s Department of Public Safety has determined circumstances exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the Skyline campus community. Please read this notification for additional information. 

Offense(s): Indecent Exposure: 

Location(s): Skyline College, Building 4 Roof Deck, 3300 College Drive, San Bruno, California  

Date/Time of Occurrence(s): 10/6/23 at approximately 6:58 pm 

Description of Suspect(s): The male suspect was described as an African American male adult, approximately 6’ tall, with a goatee and birthmark or small tattoo adjacent to his right eye. The suspect is of medium build with an unknown age and weight.  The suspect was last seen wearing the clothing seen in the photos below: 

Description of Suspect Vehicle(s): None currently 

Incident Summary: 

On Friday, October 6, 2023, at approximately 6:58 pm it was reported that an unknown male suspect exposed his genitals to two female students. The female students left the area, and the suspect left the area a few minutes later. 

Anyone with information pertaining to this crime should contact SMCCCD Public Safety at (650) 738-7000 or San Bruno Police at (650) 616-7100.  

Safety Tips: 

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Know escape routes in your paths of travel. If you see a person on campus who appears in distress, seek immediate help from SMCCCD Public Safety, San Bruno Police, or San Mateo County Sheriff’s office. 
  • Walk in pairs, if possible. 
  • Park and walk in well-lit public areas. 
  • If you are involved in, or a witness to, a situation that appears unsafe or makes you uncomfortable, go to a safe area and call for help. 
  • Trust your instincts: If you suspect something is wrong or if a situation seems dangerous, you are probably right. 
  • Program your phone:  
    • San Mateo Community College Public Safety Dispatch: (650) 738-7000 
    • San Bruno Police Department: (650) 616-7100 
    • San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: (650) 216 7676 or (650) 363-4911 

If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure or scared, call SMCCCD Public Safety at (650) 738-7000 

Warning issued by: SMCCCD Department of Public Safety 

This information is being released in accordance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, commonly known as the “Clery Act,” which requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on, and near their respective campuses, including timely warnings of crimes that may represent a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees. This message is for information only. 

Cañada College Closure Update

June 21, 2022

Update 8:10 pm

The evacuation orders are being lifted in the areas surrounding Cañada College. College instruction and business will resume as normal on Wednesday, June 22nd at 5 a.m.

We will continue to monitor the event and provide updates as necessary.

If you need assistance on campus contact Public Safety at (650) 738-7000.

Travel and Health During Spring Break, and Fall 2021 FAQ

March 24, 2021

Spring break is coming and we want you to be safe and responsible. As the vaccination rate continues to grow and COVID cases decline, we still need to stay vigilant. Here are some things you can do:

Limit Your Socializing
Attending parties and gatherings can still spread COVID. Make responsible decisions that will minimize exposures:

  • Limit contact with people outside your household.
  • Always wear your mask, practice social distancing, and sanitize whenever you are around others outside your social bubble.

Limit Travel
Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, especially in states that have relaxed their safety protocols. If you travel more than 120 miles from the Bay Area for more than 24 hours, you are required to self-quarantine before you return to work or any in-person classes. See District travel requirements.

If You Attend a Gathering, Get Tested!
If you attend a gathering, it is advised to get a COVID-19 test three to five days later—whether you think you were exposed or not. This can help you from spreading the virus to others. Free drive-through COVID-19 testing is available Sunday–Thursdays at the College of San Mateo campus. Visit the COVID-19 Testing webpage to learn more.

Explaining the Decision to Remain Mostly Online for Fall 2021
Following the District’s decision to remain mostly in online education and remote work modality through Fall 2021, there have been many questions about the factors that went into this decision. The District is working on a gradual return of more instructional programs and student services if possible this fall, but we are taking precautions. Watch this video to learn more.

Please follow public health order practices. Collectively, we can stop spreading the virus. It’s the only way we will return to our campuses. Have a great spring break!


Employee Vaccination Update – March 10

March 10, 2021

Much of the Bay Area is in Phase 1B of the State vaccination plan, which includes eligible essential workers such as educators, child care providers, law enforcement and food and agricultural workers.

Vaccination appointments are now available to educators at many locations around the Bay Area. District personnel are encouraged to register at MyTurn.ca.gov for a vaccination appointment. You can also register family members to see if they qualify.

If you are unable to get an appointment, keep trying daily at MyTurn.ca.gov. Appointment availability and locations change frequently.

The District is developing plans for on-campus vaccination capabilities in the future, likely with the anticipated return to campuses in Spring 2022.  More information will be shared once available.

Vaccination information is also available on the website vaccinefinder.org.

Depending on your age and other factors, you may also be to sign up for a vaccination appointment through your regular healthcare provider (see list of providers and their vaccination websites). 

COVID-19 Testing
San Mateo County operates a public testing location at College of San Mateo, in upper Hillsdale Lot 1. Testing hours are Sundays – Thursdays, 11am to 7pm. The site is open to the public and to all District employees and students. Sign up for an appointment at the LHI testing website.

Related Links
San Mateo County Vaccination Website
San Mateo County Vaccine Equity Plan
San Mateo County Testing information
California State Vaccination Plan

Bay Area County Vaccination Websites
Alameda County
Contra Costa County
Marin County
Napa County
San Francisco County
Santa Clara County
Solano County


SMCCCD employee update on COVID-19 testing and vaccinations

February 26, 2021

San Mateo County is currently in Phase 1B of the State vaccination plan, which includes eligible essential workers such as educators, child care providers, law enforcement and food and agricultural workers.

At this point, San Mateo County is prioritizing K-12 educators. We do not yet know when District personnel will be qualified for vaccination under the San Mateo County plan.

Meanwhile, we encourage all employees to sign up for a vaccination appointment through your regular healthcare provider (see list of providers and their vaccination websites). 

San Mateo County residents can sign up online to be notified when they are eligible for the vaccine. Anyone in California can sign up to find out if they are eligible for vaccination—and be notified when it’s their turn—at https://myturn.ca.gov/.

COVID-19 Testing
San Mateo County operates a public testing location at College of San Mateo, in upper Hillsdale Lot 1. Testing hours have changed to Sundays – Thursdays, 11am to 7pm. The site is open to the public and to all District employees and students. Sign up for an appointment at the LHI testing website.

Related Links
San Mateo County Vaccination Website
San Mateo County Vaccine Equity Plan
San Mateo County Testing information
California State Vaccination Plan

Bay Area County Vaccination Websites
Alameda County
Contra Costa County
Marin County
Napa County
San Francisco County
Santa Clara County
Solano County


Regional Stay At Home Order In Effect at 11:59pm Thursday

December 16, 2020 – San Mateo County and 10 other Bay Area counties are now under a mandatory Regional Stay At Home Order as of Thursday, Dec. 17, at 11:59 pm. The order will stay in effect for at least three weeks.

Private gatherings of any size are prohibited, except for outdoor church services and political demonstrations. Restaurants must stop offering in-person dining and can offer only take-out and delivery. Many businesses and activities must close, including salons and barbershops. Retail can remain open at 20 percent capacity. Nonessential travel and the use of hotels or short-term rentals for leisure is banned.

The Stay At Home Order was triggered due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and a decline in ICU capacity, in San Mateo County. Regional ICU capacity has fallen to 12.9%, and the case positivity 14-day average in San Mateo County is now 8%, up from 2.1% in early November. State and County metrics are available at the California COVID-19 Dashboard.

How does this affect our District and Colleges?
Education is categorized as an essential activity under the Stay At Home Order. The limited, previously planned, on-campus classes and other operations will continue as scheduled.

  • Essential employees working onsite should continue to report to work as scheduled.
  • Limited face-to-face classes will continue to meet on campus as planned.
  • Commuting to class or work is allowed for essential employees, and the students and instructors involved in scheduled face-to-face classes.

District academic and administrative operations had already been adjusted to comply with the requirements of the Stay At Home Order.

  • Indoor athletics and conditioning for sports teams at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College have been canceled.
  • Indoor operations at San Mateo Athletic Club have been canceled (the outdoor pool and outdoor fitness center remain open subject to COVID-19 restrictions).

What is still allowed under the Stay At Home Order?
These essential activities are permitted:

  • Going to the doctor
  • Buying groceries and picking up takeout food
  • Outdoor recreation like walking, hiking and cycling
  • Outdoor religious ceremonies
  • Retail operations and shopping centers at 20% capacity

Where is this in effect?
The Regional Stay At Home Order is in effect in the following counties:

  • Alameda
  • Contra Costa
  • Marin
  • Monterey
  • Napa
  • San Francisco
  • San Mateo
  • Santa Clara
  • Santa Cruz
  • Solano
  • Sonoma

More information

For a more detailed description of the order, why is was implemented, and what is open/closed, see the San Mateo County announcement.

Always check with trusted sources for the latest information:

San Mateo County residents can call 2-1-1 with non-medical, non-emergency questions about the coronavirus and local community resources, any time, day or night.