Public school pupil numbers dropping

Of the county’s 23 districts, 16 showed enrollment drops, seven had increases. The biggest losers, on a total basis, were:

Sequoia Union High (-711); San Mateo-Foster City Elementary (-649); San Mateo Union High (-353); Redwood City Elementary (-351); Jefferson Union High (-350); South San Francisco Unified (-309); Cabrillo Unified (-299); Pacifica Elementary (-280); and Ravenswood City Elementary (-271).

On a percentage basis, Cabrillo Unified, Pacifica Elementary, Ravenswood City Elementary and Jefferson Union High had the most significant enrollment declines during the four-year period, with Cabrillo at 11%, Ravenswood and Pacifica at 10% each and Jefferson at 8%. County charter schools lost 813 pupils, or 13%.

Of the six districts that gained students, San Carlos Elementary recorded the most impressive hike of 339 pupils, or 11%. Burlingame Elementary was next with a pickup of 107 kids, or 3%.

These are the 2025-26 enrollment numbers for each county district:

Bayshore Elementary, 314; Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary, 3,881; Brisbane Elementary, 482; Burlingame Elementary, 3,419; Hillsborough City Elementary, 1,198.

Jefferson Elementary, 6,020; Jefferson Union High, 4,102; LaHonda-Pescadero Unified, 264; Las Lomitas Elementary, 1,142; Menlo Park City Elementary, 2,622; Millbrae Elementary, 2,161.

Pacifica Elementary, 2,531; Portola Valley Elementary, 513; Ravenswood City Elementary, 2,432; San Bruno Park Elementary, 1,997; San Carlos Elementary, 3,342.

San Mateo Union High, 9,302. San Mateo-Foster City Elementary, 9,708; Sequoia Union High, 9,321; South San Francisco Unified, 7,624; Woodside Elementary, 401.

GENENTECH OBSERVES ITS 50th: By all accounts, socialism is on the march in the United States these days. Evidence is growing that anti-capitalism enthusiasm has taken root (especially among the young) in a number of urban communities.

Support for private property, private business operations, innovation for profit and monetary rewards for entrepreneurship of all stripes, et al, are under pressure, at least in some decidedly leftist quarters.

Perhaps this would be an apt moment, then, to consider the capitalist success of Genentech Inc., which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Based in South San Francisco, the firm, now a subsidiary of Roche Group, has emerged as the largest and most significant taxpayer in San Mateo County and it employs thousands of workers. It has become a linchpin of the fiscal well-being of South City in the process.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, it provided the county with about $3.4 billion in property taxes alone, according to county records. Genentech, regarded as the world’s first biotech company, has had its share of successes and failures, but, by and large, its groundbreaking drugs have revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry and saved countless lives.

This past spring, when it was announced that Genentech had agreed to a court settlement to receive about $20 million back from the county due to past over-taxation of its properties, some local politicians were quick to question the biotech giant’s deal, however, it had been extensively vetted and verified by the county Assessor’s Office.

In retrospect, maybe those skeptics should have simply thanked the firm for its decades of accomplishments and service here and wished it a grateful happy birthday — while watching the tax money continue to flow into government coffers.

STRAIGHT TALK IN PACIFICA: You have to love the vibe that governs the lively atmosphere at Winters Tavern, a venerable watering hole located in Pacifica on Francisco Boulevard off Highway 1: “No crap on tap.” If you order an adult beverage at this laid-back saloon, which dates to 1906, you will take it straight (in a manner of speaking), thank you very much.

SURFING CANINES ARE BACK: Also in Pacifica, the World Dog Surfing Championships are set for Aug. 1 at Linda Mar Beach. Hours are 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. There are several event categories, including a fab Fido fashion show. Admission to view the competitive canines and their handlers is free. The contest’s motto: “Hanging Ten with Man’s Best Friend.” Hello, ESPN.

POUR THAT GUY A STIFF MOJITO: Easiest job in the World Cup finale Sunday? That has to go to the goalkeeper employed by champion Spain. He faced a grand total of two Argentine shots in 120 minutes of “action.” By all rights, he could have rested on a sofa, sipped a mojito and puffed on a cigar for most of the match.