About Moss Beach — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Maguire Correctional Facility is the main jail for San Mateo County, processing everyone arrested throughout the area. After booking, individuals are fingerprinted, photographed, and evaluated for bail eligibility according to the charges they face. The county provides an inmate lookup service on its official website, allowing family members and attorneys to search for current detainees. Visitation at the facility operates on strict schedules, with appointments required and guidelines closely enforced.
Arrest Records
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments throughout San Mateo County maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents and legal representatives can request these records by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency directly. Each record typically contains the arrestee's name, arrest date, charges filed, and booking information. The California Public Records Act establishes the framework for accessing such documents, balancing transparency with privacy protections for sensitive details.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in San Mateo County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry records. Background checks can be conducted through the California Department of Justice, which provides criminal history information for residents. The California Department of Justice also helps with maintaining statewide criminal records, which are accessible to law enforcement and authorized agencies for investigative purposes.
Vital Records
The San Mateo County Clerk's Office is the central repository for vital records, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for Moss Beach and the rest of San Mateo County. Individuals can request copies of these documents by submitting an application in person at the Clerk's Office, located at 555 County Center in Redwood City, or by downloading and submitting the appropriate forms online.
Business & Licensing Records
Tourism and small businesses anchor the local economy around Moss Beach, though the community's unincorporated status means county offices handle most administrative functions. The San Mateo County Office of Economic Development oversees business licensing, zoning, and permitting throughout the area, while the Moss Beach Chamber of Commerce supports local enterprises with resources and advocacy.
Entrepreneurs and established businesses can obtain licenses, permits, and related documentation by contacting the Office of Economic Development at 555 County Center in Redwood City, where staff assist with the requirements for operating in unincorporated San Mateo County.
Economy & Demographics
Moss Beach's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, with the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the historic Moss Beach Distillery drawing visitors from around the region. The town is home to a variety of small businesses, including local shops, restaurants, and professional services. Major employers in the Moss Beach area include the Distillery, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and a number of hospitality and retail establishments. The city's coastal location and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for both residents and tourists, contributing to its overall economic vitality.
Elections & Voter Records
The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division serves Moss Beach voters from its office at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402, phone (650) 312-5222, website https://www.smcacre.org/elections. This division manages voter registration, election administration, ballot processing, and results for the entire county. California residents can register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/, which handles new registrations and updates alike. Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, California residency, age 18 by Election Day, and no current state or federal prison term for a felony conviction.
The state offers same-day conditional registration at vote centers and elections offices during the 14-day period before and including Election Day, while the standard deadline is 15 days prior for online or mail registration. As an unincorporated community, Moss Beach has no municipal government, mayor, or city council. Instead, residents vote for the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in District 3, which represents the Coastside, along with state legislative races, statewide offices, congressional seats, and federal elections. Voters can locate their assigned polling place, vote center, or ballot drop box through the online lookup tool at https://www.smcacre.org/elections or by calling the Elections Division. California operates as a universal vote-by-mail state, automatically sending ballots to all registered voters 29 days before each election. Ballots can be returned by postage-paid mail (postmarked by Election Day), at official drop boxes, or at any vote center. The county operates vote centers for in-person voting starting 10 days before Election Day through Election Day itself, with locations posted on the Elections Division website. Public election records include voter registration lists available for political purposes, campaign finance disclosures filed with the county and the California Fair Political Practices Commission at https://www.fppc.ca.gov/, candidate nomination papers and statements, precinct-level results, and ballot measure arguments. These records are accessible online and in person at the Elections Division office. Sample ballots, candidate lists, and local ballot measure information become available at https://www.smcacre.org/elections approximately 40 days before each election.
Public Records Resources for Moss Beach, California
Official government websites for Moss Beach, California and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- California Criminal Self Service CenterHow to see or get a copy of records from criminal cases.
- California Department of Justice Background ChecksBackground criminal record searches of individuals as a pre-employment requirement, fingerprinting, foreign adoptions, licensing, certification, condition of residency and more. Online criminal history checks, applicant fingerprinting and processing.
- California Inmate LocatorLocate inmates held in California correctional facilities. Obtain an inmate's contact information including the current facility and location where the prisoner is held. Research statistical information about parolees and inmates. View reports about.
- California Sex OffendersInformation provided by criminal justice departments and local police agencies. Daily updated list of persons required to register in California as sex offenders. View detailed profiles on all registrants. Publication directory of reports to.
- California Wanted AlertsSearch for fugitives wanted by the California department of Corrections. The state's wanted person's online database to the public will show photo, age, physical description, offense, bulletins, warrant date and crime information.
- California Criminal History Request and ReviewInformation of arrests and convictions in California
- California Highway PatrolLook up current arrests, CIG alerts (radio stations broadcast of warnings regarding unusual or hazardous traffic conditions) and hot spots.
- California Department of Fish and GameFishing licenses, hunting licenses and more.
- California Attorney GeneralCalifornia office of the attorney general.
- Commission On Peace Officer Standards and TrainingCalifornia law enforcement training academy and more.
- California Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the county assessor.
- Unclaimed Property SearchDatabase of unclaimed property reported by various financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations and associations. Search can be conducted by individual owner's name, business name, government entity or property. Query results show.
Nearby Cities in San Mateo County, California
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Moss Beach, California?
To register to vote in Moss Beach, California, residents can register online through the California Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the San Mateo County elections office. California requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The standard online and mail registration deadline is 15 days before an election; conditional voter registration is available after that deadline and on Election Day at county election offices and vote centers. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the California Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Moss Beach is an unincorporated community in San Mateo County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the San Mateo County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Moss Beach, California?
Property records for Moss Beach, California are maintained by the San Mateo County Assessor's Office and the San Mateo County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within San Mateo County, including parcels in Moss Beach. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The San Mateo County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many California counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The San Mateo County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Moss Beach, California?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Moss Beach, California residents are available through both county and state offices. The California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, located in Sacramento, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in California. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the San Mateo County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for San Mateo County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.