About Us
History
The Community Alliance to Revitalize Our Neighborhoods (CARON) was founded in 1999 by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. Initially serving residents in North Fair Oaks, the program expanded its reach to encompass the unincorporated coastal communities. During its inception, many immigrant families, affected by high levels of violence, refrained from reporting crimes due to fear of law enforcement. CARON aimed to bridge this gap, fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and these communities. Today, CARON continues its mission by hosting community academies, parenting classes, events, and workshops tailored to address local needs and issues.
Mission
Our mission is to foster trust and mutual understanding between the community and the Sheriff’s Office. We are dedicated to cultivating positive relationships by actively engaging with community members through educational programs, participating in local events, facilitating connections to essential services and resources, and collaborating with other Community Based Organizations. We strive to bridge gaps, promote cooperation, and ensure the well-being of our community through continuous outreach and support.
Vision
We envision a community equipped with knowledge and resources to feel empowered to access them. We strive to evolve into a model program, earning recognition at the state level initially and aiming to expand to a national level within the next few years.
Sgt. Javier Acosta
Program Director
Jose Luis Aguirre
Outreach Program Manager
Contact: jaguirre@smcgov.org
Jose came to the United States from Colombia in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in social communication and journalism. Jose and his family settled in San Mateo County and put himself through graduate school at the San Francisco Academy of Fine Arts. In 2011, Jose joined the CARON Program and has been working closely with the communities we serve.
One of Jose’s passions is helping and working with the immigrant community.
Contact:
Lydia Hernandez
Community Outreach Worker – Bayside
Contact:
Lydia came to United States 10 years ago. Upon her arrival, she realized that this community was different from her community in Mexico and she started participating of the parent activities at Fair Oaks School (including the CARON Citizen’s Academy) to become familiar with her new community. She worked at Fair Oaks school for seven years as yard duty, library aide and parent and student tutor. She has studies on Early Childhood Development, Human Services and she’s currently pursuing the certification as a Social Worker. She started working with the C.A.R.O.N. program on March of 2011.
Isela Martinez
Outreach worker - Coast
Isela Martinez learned about the CARON Program because she attended a leadership workshop offered in Half Moon Bay. Her passion to help others, motivated her to become a community leader. For six years, she volunteered for CARON and was hired in 2007 as outreach worker in the coast. She has attended our citizen’s academy, and different workshops throughout the years. Isela believes that every member of the community can make a positive impact.
