The Half Moon Bay Office of the San Mateo Department of Agriculture serves several functions. Under the direction of…More the main county office in Redwood City, the Half Moon Bay field office inspects local growers and farmer's markets to ensure that they comply with state regulations. They also audit organic producers to confirm that each meets the requirements needed to be certified as "organic."</p> <p>Pesticide and pest regulation is also under the jurisdiction of the San Mateo County Department of Agriculture, as is monitoring for early pest detection and inspection of nurseries for pests and plant diseases. In addition, the Department inspects all produce entering California for exotic weeds, insects and plant diseases.</p> <p>The division of Weights and Measures within the Half Moon Bay office tests the accuracy of commercial scales and measuring devices (such as gasoline pumps) for consumer protection. The division also audits the weights of commercial products (such as deli items and packaged products) and price scanners, to ensure that the public is being charged correct prices for goods.</p> <p> </p>

San Mateo-San Francisco Counties Cooperative Extension is a partnership between the county and state governments; the…More University of California, Davis; and the Department of Agriculture. It provides education and information to the public about nutrition, agriculture, landscape horticulture, urban forestry, floral and nursery crop production, and natural resources and livestock. It also runs a master gardener helpline (650-726-9059, ext. 107) on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. </p> <p>The Cooperative Extension was created in 1914 by a Congressional bill. The bill funds state universities to pass on practical tips from its research to the public. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Hatch Elementary School is a public school offering a variety of unique and innovative ways for children to learn.…More Colorful murals, a large playfield and a vibrant community garden contribute to the lively atmosphere on campus.</p> <p>Students have the choice of attending the English Immersion or Spanish Immersion program. Students enrolled in the Spanish Immersion program attend classes taught in both English and Spanish, and learn from peers whose first language is different from theirs.</p> <p>The Health, Environment, Agriculture and Learning Program gives students the opportunity to learn science, environmental issues and health in nontraditional ways -- by working in the school's on-site community garden and selling the produce at the local farmer's market.</p> <p>All students benefit from weekly music classes and are introduced to a variety of musical instruments and styles.</p> <p>The school's Parent Teacher Organization produces a monthly newsletter to increase communication with the larger community. The student Garden Club has hosted a booth at the Coastside Farmers Market, and their produce was featured at Sam's Chowder House. Local businesses have also donated building materials to the Garden Club. <br /><br />The school's Community Liaison, Josefina Infazon, can be reached at  712-7162 or <a href="mailto:InfanzonJ@cabrillo.k12.ca.us">InfanzonJ@cabrillo.k12.ca.us</a>.</p>