By Michael G. Stogner
What caused this Change in Public Access Policy?
UPDATED NOVEMBER 22, 2021 Public Access Policy to Superior Court of California San Mateo County.
The listen-only public access lines are no longer in effect; proceedings are open to the public to attend in person.
Updated 11/22/21 – The listen-only public access lines are no longer in effect; proceedings are open to the public to attend in person.
San Mateo County Superior Court is committed to continuing public access to court proceedings during and after the pandemic emergency. Due to COVID-19 and public health concerns, the Court has shifted to convene some court proceedings remotely in order to eliminate the need for individuals to attend hearings in person. This is to reduce the number of visits by the public to the courthouses, thereby minimizing potential infection of the public and staff.
At this time, members of the public may attend a court proceeding in person. The Court is committed to maintaining a safe workplace for our staff and the public. Each courtroom can accommodate a different number of seats in the audience. You will need to check-in with the bailiff when you enter the courtroom. The bailiff will inform you as to whether or not there is an available seat, or if capacity has been reached. If capacity has been reached, you may remain outside the courtroom until someone leaves. Face coverings are required at all times inside the courthouse.
Zoom may not be used for public access without the approval of the judicial officer.
San Mateo County News.com first reported this Important Change in Policy on November 24, 2021.
SMCN.com November 24, 2021 Article
San Mateo Daily Journal first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
Half Moon Bay Review first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
The Pacifica Tribune first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
The S.F. Gate first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
The Bay Cities News Foundation first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
KQED first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
The Almanac first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
The Palo Alto Daily Post first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
RWC Climate first reported this Important Story, NOT YET.
The San Jose Mercury News first reported this Important Story, Not Yet.
Foster City Islander first reported this Important Story, Not Yet.
San Mateo County News 
Hi Michael, I was thinking the same thing — this story has been overlooked by all the other media. I did write a letter to the editor at The HMB Review and incorporated language from SMCN. (I did not go into details of what we think prompted the cancellation). Maybe Clay will decide to print it. Alan