Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Stephen M. Wagstaffe, District Attorney
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) for Pro Bono Legal Services for Domestic Violence Survivors
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing the District Attorney, or designee, to execute a Measure K Grant Agreement with CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) for pro bono legal services for domestic violence survivors in San Mateo County, for a term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 funded by Measure K.
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BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence impacts thousands of San Mateo County residents each year and is a public health and safety concern. Domestic violence survivors in San Mateo County can face complex civil legal matters - including restraining orders, custody disputes, and housing instability - that require professional legal representation. However, many survivors lack the financial means to retain private counsel. Access to timely and trauma-informed legal services is critical to their safety and long-term stability.
CORA, in collaboration with Bay Area Legal Aid Society (BALA) and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (LASSMC), operates the San Mateo County Pro Bono Collaborative (PBC), a coordinated tri-agency program that expands access to free legal representation for low-income domestic violence survivors. CORA serves as the lead agency and fiscal agent for this collaborative.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of this grant will formalize a one-year collaboration between the County of San Mateo and CORA to deliver pro bono legal services to domestic violence survivors. CORA, serving as the fiscal agent for this grant, will ensure that the three partner agencies will provide the following services:
? Legal consultation, document preparation, and civil legal representation for survivors
? Se...
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