City of San Mateo Law Library
San Mateo City Charter.

6.11 Power of Subpoena. Limitations.

No board, commission, or committee shall have the power of subpoena to compel attendance of witnesses, to examine them under oath, to compel production of evidence before it and to administer oaths and affirmations, unless such power shall be granted by ordinance approved by a majority of the city council plus one. The power of subpoena being so granted, the same may be exercised by issuance of subpoena by the city clerk upon application in writing by the city attorney, by the chairperson of the board, commission, or committee, or by a majority of the board, commission, or committee. Disobedience of a lawful order issued in exercise of such powers shall be a misdemeanor.