District 4 News for You

For the latest updates regarding COVID-19 for residents and businesses, please visit the County Public Health Department website.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Hello District 4 Residents,

As we enter the winter months and holiday season, I want to thank every individual and organization that continues to support our community throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to see great disparity between those who are deeply struggling and those who are more securely weathering this time. If you are in a position to do so, please consider supporting community-based organizations that are addressing the COVID-19 crisis by making a donation or by volunteering.

Here’s a quick summary of some of the actions taken at the November Board of Supervisors meetings, in case you missed them:

BUDGET UPDATE

Earlier this month, our board began reviewing the County finances once again. Normally our budget is created in the spring for the new fiscal year which begins July 30, and that’s that until the midyear budget review in mid-winter. This year, of course, is different. We passed a budget in August and are currently reviewing it to closely monitor how our limited funds are being spent, ensure we are doing everything we can to contain COVID-19, and trying to maintain our safety net services that are in such dire need right now. We are working very hard to avoid layoffs to the greatest extent possible and have directed administration to prioritize maintaining our service levels as well as our workforce. It’s a scary time – for many of you personally and certainly for us as a County – and I want you to know that I am very, very aware of how many people are struggling during this time. Addressing these struggles is without a doubt the hardest part of my job.

At the Nov. 10 Budget Hearing, I requested that administration to report back during the midyear budget with options for the Board to consider regarding a fee reduction or elimination program to support hospitality, entertainment, and other sectors that have been shut down or forced to operate at reduced capacity.

UNIVERSAL DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

At the Nov. 17 meeting, my referral to expand the Universal Developmental Screening Initiative in the County's health and hospital system in partnership with FIRST 5 Santa Clara County and community health system partners was unanimously approved by my colleagues. My referral aims to complement the work underway and build on existing partnerships and collaborative efforts of the Universal Developmental Screening workgroups to address the specific challenges of 1) integrating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening into our well-child visits and 2) assuring that children and their families that are identified with needs - either through ACEs or developmental screenings - can get immediate support.

TRANSPARENCY IN OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

In the interest of supporting transparency and greater oversight over County Law Enforcement, my colleagues unanimously supported my motion to extend the Board's Subpoena authority to the Office of Corrections and Law Enforcement Monitoring (OCLEM) at the Nov. 3 meeting. This will allow the OCLEM access to critical records, which will ensure that there is independent review of use-of-force trends, misconduct allegations, public complaints and inmate grievances.

ENGAGEMENT AT THE STATE LEVEL

In other news, I was elected by my Supervisor colleagues across the state to serve on the executive committee of the California State Association of Counties. Through this role I will have opportunities throughout the year to engage state legislators on issues that are important to the welfare of Counties. Given the many challenges presented by our public health and economic crises, it is important that the voice of Santa Clara County is at every table (or on every zoom) where decisions are made.

FLU SHOTS!!!!

Finally, I highly encourage everyone to get their flu shots. It's important to get your flu shot every year, but this year it's more critical than ever to get one to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. The County is offering free flu shots to anyone ages 3 and up through Dec. 12.

Eight months into this pandemic we continue to move toward a more complete County reopening. As of Nov. 16, Santa Clara County has moved to the State's Purple Tier. We cannot move forward without each other taking all the necessary precautions and steps to protect our community -- that means wearing a mask, following social distancing, and washing/sanitizing your hands. I will continue to advocate for a quicker and safe reopening of our County. As I do so, please reach out to my office to let us know how we can continue to be an advocate for you.

I am on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor. There you can find resources, news and events.

As always, if you have questions, comments, and/or concerns, email me to [email protected]

I and my team are here for you.

Be well,

Susan

We'd love you to send us your photos

On October 31, my team welcomed more than 500 visitors to six areas of District 4 for our inaugural D4 in the Neighborhood event. It was great to see the community come out, pick up goody bags, listen to some live music and get their flu shots. I also want to thank the community for your generosity: we collected more than 250 pairs of brand new socks for youth, dropped off at two local nonprofits: Stand Up for Kids and the Bill Wilson Center.

This month, please share photos of your face masks. Face masks, when worn properly, keep you and your community safe. Please submit your photos by December 4.

Each month, the photos will be compiled into a photo grid and featured in my monthly newsletter and on social media pages.

D4 in the Neighborhood Photo Album

Email your photos to [email protected] for next month's photo grid.

IN THE NEWS

You can keep track of D4-specific coverage and County news by visiting my newsroom on my website.

NEWSROOM

Twice a month I hold a virtual meeting with D4 residents. This is a chance to get updates on the work the County and my office are doing. We will feature a guest speaker from a County department at each meeting.

In November we heard from the Registrar of Voters. Click on the pink button to see the contents of the October meetings and presentations.