June was a powerful reminder of what our communities can accomplish when we stand together. From events celebrating Pride, Immigrant Heritage, and Juneteenth, to packed budget hearings, the past month has shown the strength of collective action and the urgency of continuing to show up—for each other, and for what’s right.
We celebrated a major federal victory: thanks to sustained advocacy from nonprofits across the country, Section 112209—a provision that would have exposed 501(c)(3)s to politically motivated scrutiny—was removed from the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Locally, over 70 community members filled the June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting in San Mateo County, calling for increased funding for immigrant legal defense. Their voices were heard: the Board voted to increase support for this critical program.
As we turn the page into July, we carry that energy forward into Disability Pride Month. This is a time to celebrate the leadership, activism, and creativity of the disability community, and to recommit to building a world where accessibility, dignity, and inclusion are non-negotiable. The work continues, and we’re proud to be in it with you.
As July 4th approaches, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the complicated history of this country and the deep divisions we continue to face. While the promise of freedom has never been equally extended to all, many still strive to shape a more just and inclusive future. Gathering with your community to enjoy music, parades, and fireworks can be a meaningful way to connect and recharge. Here are some July 4th events happening across the Bay Area.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on local and state policy, upcoming events, funding opportunities, and ways to take action. We’re grateful to be in community with you.
In Solidarity,
Skye Hathaway, Policy and Equity Coordinator
To view Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
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The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a major federal tax package, originally included Section 112209—a provision that could have exposed 501(c)(3) nonprofits to politically motivated IRS investigations. After broad sector opposition, the provision was successfully removed. Nonprofit VOTE celebrated the reversal in a recent update here.
Still, concerns remain. As Charity & Security Network explains, vague language and potential enforcement loopholes in the broader bill could still pose risks to nonprofit advocacy. Read their analysis here.
The bill also includes deep cuts to safety net programs. AP News reports that proposed Medicaid changes would restrict access for millions of working-class Americans. Representative Kevin Mullin opposed the bill, sharing a Bay Area family’s story here and explaining his vote here. It also includes what the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities calls the largest SNAP cut in U.S. history, slashing $30 billion over ten years through strict new work-reporting rules.
As of 30 mins ago, while writing this, the bill has passed in congress and heads to the President's desk. It is expected to be signed on July 4th.
State Updates
Bill to Unmask ICE
Senator Scott Wiener and Senator Jesse ArreguĂn introduced SB 627, a bill requiring law enforcement officers at all levels to display visible identification and prohibiting the use of face coverings during enforcement actions. The legislation focuses on transparency and is especially relevant to immigration enforcement, aiming to reduce fear caused by masked or anonymous officers conducting raids. Read the official announcement here.
2025 State Budget to Freeze Medi-Cal
for Undocumented Adults
Governor Newsom’s revised May 2025 budget would freeze future Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults and introduce monthly premiums for current enrollees, aiming to save $5.4 billion by 2029. The policy halts coverage expansion to adults ages 26–49, rolling back a major step toward universal access. CalMatters has the full report here.
Updates on Housing Legislation
AB 609, from Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and SB 607, from Senator Scott Wiener, were both signed into law as part of the state budget and are now codified as AB 130 and SB 131, respectively. AB 609 waives CEQA review for urban infill housing projects up to 20 acres, while SB 607 expands CEQA exemptions for zoning updates and certain infrastructure projects. Together, they mark the most significant CEQA reform in years.
SB 79, also by Senator Wiener, would allow housing up to seven stories within a half mile of major transit stops and streamline approvals on land owned by transit agencies. It passed the Senate on June 3 and is currently in the Assembly Housing Committee.
State Recognition for Nonprofits
AB 1318, authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, would allow California to grant state-level 501(c)(3)-equivalent status to nonprofit organizations—even if their federal status is delayed or denied. The bill aims to ensure that qualifying nonprofits can still access public funding, contracts, and grants at the state level. It passed the Assembly 75–0 in May and is currently in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee.
County Updates
Community Demands More for Immigrant Legal Aid
in San Mateo County Budget
At a packed hearing on June 10, San Mateo County residents called on the Board of Supervisors to increase funding for immigrant legal defense. More than 70 public commenters—many organized by Faith in Action Bay Area—urged the county to raise its commitment from the proposed $5 million to at least $7 million.
Speakers shared powerful testimony about the stakes of deportation and the need for accessible legal support. As reported in the Mercury News and the Redwood City Pulse, many argued that the proposed $4.9 billion budget doesn’t meet community needs.
The Board voted unanimously to increase funding, raising the total allocation to $6.3 million for the coming year. The approved budget supports deportation defense, rapid response, and community-based legal aid.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution signaling its intent to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from office. While the resolution passed unanimously, the county has not yet released the formal notice of intent. Fixin’ San Mateo County is calling for immediate public disclosure and greater transparency in the process.
Meanwhile, a San Mateo County judge has ruled that Sheriff Corpus must testify before a civil grand jury, rejecting her attempt to avoid a subpoena related to a separate inquiry. A second court decision also denied her effort to halt the Board’s removal process.
Supervisors Stand for Immigrant Heritage Month
Earlier this month, Supervisors Corzo and Canepa co-sponsored a proclamation declaring June as Immigrant Heritage Month in San Mateo County. Citing that one in three residents in the county are first-generation immigrants, the supervisors celebrate the contributions these communities make.
Supervisor Gauthier affirmed San Mateo County’s commitment to supporting immigrant families amid rising fear and federal enforcement. The message includes a list of legal and preparedness resources for residents navigating immigration-related threats. “No one should live in fear in their own community,” she wrote. “This is about dignity, fairness, and the kind of future we want to build together.”
Juneteenth 2025 in San Mateo County
At the Board of Supervisors meeting, the County formally proclaimed June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth, announcing a public flag-raising ceremony at the County Center in Redwood City. The Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC)'s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) accepted the proclamation, highlighting youth leadership.
Community members gathered at the County Center for a moving ceremony featuring reflections from BACHAC YAB leaders, including Tochi Ibeanusi and Tatiola Sobomehin, and a libation ritual led by community healer Adeshina Shindara. Supervisor Lisa Gauthier and Menlo Park Councilmember Cecilia Taylor spoke on resilience, historical memory, and the continuing fight for equity. The Juneteenth flag will fly at County Center through June.
Request for Proposals: Youth Comission
San Mateo County is seeking a contractor to support the administration and management of its Youth Commission, a body of young residents ages 13–21 that advises the Board of Supervisors on youth issues. The contractor will work with County Executive's Office staff to coordinate meetings, support youth participation, and implement commission priorities such as civic engagement, health, and immigrant youth advocacy. Proposals are due July 25 at 5pm; view the full RFP here.
Millbrae High Speed Rail Settlement
The City of Millbrae has reached a settlement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority over local design and safety concerns related to the planned rail line through the city. The agreement includes revisions to stormwater management and pedestrian access around the Millbrae station. City officials say the deal preserves community interests while allowing the project to move forward. Read the full article here.
Thrive Updates
Recap of COAD Quarterly Meeting
Thank you to those who joined this quarter's Thrive RISE meeting on Wednesday, June 25th. We have formally launched the COAD Issue Area Committees, which are crucial in Thrive RISE's efforts to reduce community risks, develop collaborative disaster plans, and build organizational capacity. We also had the opportunity to hear from the Committee Co-Chairs about their visions for their respective committees, as well as their first committee meeting dates in August.
The Committee Co-Chairs are as follows:
Children and Childcare:
Melissa Poling -- Director, Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY)
Andres Romero -- Executive Director, Sequoia YMCA
Older Adults and Access & Functional Needs (AFN):
Heather Cleary -- CEO, Peninsula Family Service
Irma Rodriguez Mitton -- Executive Director, Arriba South Coast
Mental Health and Spiritual Care:
Marc Rappaport, LMFT -- Clinical Director, allcove
Laura Parmer-Lohan -- Executive Director, NAMI SMC
Food Security: To be finalized soon!
Meeting attendees also met Betty Nen, the new Community Resilience Manager for Thrive Alliance. As Cindy Barker transitions to a new role on the Thrive team, Betty is excited to begin work with Thrive RISE and the issue-area committees. Betty brings a background in federal emergency management to the role, having spent several years working for FEMA's Individual and Community Preparedness Division.
Thank you to our funders for making this work possible: Silicon Valley Community Foundation for their continued leadership and multi-year support of Thrive RISE COAD, and Sequoia and Peninsula Healthcare Districts for investing in the development of our COAD Committees and supporting co-chair stipends.
Civic Engagement Hub: Digital Advocacy Through Video
On June 11, Thrive hosted the second installment of our Civic Engagement Hub, a program to train advocates in progressing their engagement strategies. This session focused on creating engaging video content for online platforms. Attendees learned how to prepare a video shoot, how to document events, the basics of video editing, and how to engage audiences online.
Special thank you to Andrea Gil from the Youth Leadership Institute for partnering with us for this event!
The resources from this event are available here and the recording is on our YouTube here. Look out for the next installment to level up your engagement.
Policy Affinity Group: Youth Advocacy
The Thrive Youth Advocacy PAG meets monthly, on the fourth Thursday, to work on developing youth advocacy in San Mateo County. The group has two major goals: to develop a toolkit of materials to educate advocates broadly; to establish a youth advocacy convening that furthers the project on a local scale.
If you are interested in participating in this group, email Skye Hathaway!
Translation Services Hub
Apply to Thrive Alliance’s Translation Services Hub to receive free translation and interpretation support that your organization may not be able to provide independently. Our goal is a nonprofit sector where language is never a barrier—so every community member can access services and participate fully, no matter what language they speak.
The Hub offers free translation and interpretation services in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino for eligible nonprofits.
If you have any question, feel free to email Skye Hathaway
Nonprofit VOTE will host a free webinar titled "Engaging Voters 101 (and Engaging Candidates)", providing nonprofits with essential strategies to effectively and legally engage communities in voting and elections. Participants will learn how to remain nonpartisan while fostering civic participation, voter registration, and candidate engagement.
Bootcamp: Nonprofit Leadership Certificate
Tuesday–Thursday, July 16 - 18, 9am - 4pm, virtual
The Center for Excellence in Nonprofits will host a three-day Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Boot Camp, designed for emerging and current leaders across the sector. This intensive virtual course covers leadership development, financial strategy, governance, fundraising, and operational planning—all through an equity-based lens. Open to executives, managers, board members, and professionals seeking practical tools and peer connection.
Conference: Powering California's Future
Thursday, July 17, 9am - 2:15pm, in-person
The Public Policy Institute of California will host a half-day conference titled "Powering California’s Future," exploring California’s transition to renewable energy. Panels featuring experts from government, industry, and advocacy groups will discuss progress on clean energy goals, maintaining reliability, affordability challenges, and the economic implications of energy policies.
6th Annual Inclusion Festival
Wednesday, July 30, 10am - 1pm, in-person
San Mateo County will be celebrating their 6th annual Inclusion Festival this month. In honor of Disability Pride Month they will have free entertainment, resources, and interactive booth. Further details TBA.
Statements of Solidarity from the Community
The San Francisco Foundation issued a public statement underscoring its commitment to equity, community voice, and the defense of democratic institutions. The foundation emphasized that now is the time to stand with those most affected by systemic injustice—not retreat.
CalNonprofits also released a letter declaring solidarity with all Californians, especially immigrant, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities. The message calls on nonprofits to continue working together to resist division and protect hard-won public goods.
MTC Community Advisory Board
The MTC-ABAG Community Advisory Council is accepting applications for new members. This volunteer body advises on regional transportation, housing, land use, and equity policy. Residents from all nine Bay Area counties are encouraged to apply—especially those with lived experience related to housing insecurity, transit access, or displacement. Apply here.
Resources
Thrive Community Safety Resources
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created this Community Safety Resources section to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities. All resources for responding to the new federal administration, from immigration to financial support (which we would normally have shared in this newsletter), can be found there.
Pride Month Resources
Pride month has passed, but we remain committed to our LGBTQ+ community—and we know support matters now more than ever. The ACLU is tracking more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year, targeting everything from healthcare to self-expression.
The Human Rights Campaign is calling on all of us to show up: at Pride events, in our workplaces, and in daily conversations.
If you're in or around a hostile environment, The Trevor Project has a great guide on how to signal allyship and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
Of Interest
Workshop Explores Economic Mobility
in San Mateo County
On April 30, the Shared Prosperity Coordinating Council and San Mateo County’s Office of Racial and Social Justice hosted a virtual workshop on advancing economic mobility. The session introduced a new data-driven framework, identified gaps in local efforts, and invited feedback to shape future solutions. Community conversations with impacted residents are also being planned. Watch here.
Learning From History
Many challenges nonprofits face today—defunded programs, political threats, institutional instability—aren’t new. They’ve long impacted marginalized communities. This piece from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits calls on us to learn from that history: to build mutual aid, stay vigilant, create alternative solutions, and move forward together with humility and solidarity.
Learning From History
As NPR reports, murder rates are falling sharply across the U.S., with a 14% drop in 2024 and further declines in early 2025. Experts attribute the earlier surge in violence to pandemic-era disruptions in social services, not just policing gaps. As local governments restore funding for schools, youth programs, and community violence prevention, many cities are seeing safer streets as a result.
PPIC Reports
Two new reports from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) highlight how Californians view their role in public life. A statewide survey finds trust in government remains low, with many unsure whether elected officials truly represent their interests. At the same time, most residents agree that civic education is essential—but say schools aren’t doing enough to prepare young people to participate. Read the education report here and the June 2025 statewide survey on government here.
California's Changing View on Immigration
Thirty years after Proposition 187 sought to block undocumented Californians from public services, CalMatters reflects on how far the state has come. Once a flashpoint for anti-immigrant policy, California is now home to some of the nation’s strongest protections—but advocates caution that these gains remain fragile in the face of shifting national politics.
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