Community-based and non-profit organizations do important work supporting our community's most vulnerable residents. What is your favorite organization to give back to?
Hello residents of District 4 and welcome to my monthly newsletter.
 
The fall season is upon us and there’s a lot going on at the County. Here’s a quick summary of my office's work over the last month, in case you missed it: 

  • At the October 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, my colleagues unanimously approved my referral to bring mental health services to every school district in the county -- that's 31 school districts. It's my hope that through partnerships between the County, the County Office of Education, our school districts and the many community partners, we can identify ways to promote mental health equity across school districts, parity with the physical health system and flexibility to meet the varied needs of school districts across our diverse community. You can read more here.

  • The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a ban of the sale of e-cigarette (vaping) devices and associated products, including flavored and menthol products, in unincorporated areas of the County. This ban applies to all residents, including adults. Several cities within the County are taking steps to protect our County's youth. You can read more here.

  • My office is participating in the 100-Day Challenge, which aims to provide housing solutions for unhoused college students in 100 days through partnerships with the Bill Wilson Center, West-Valley Community College District, San Jose State University, County Office of Supportive Housing, Community Solutions, Foothill College and Catholic Charities. No student should live in a car, on someone's couch, or under an overpass, especially when they're working toward fulfilling their dreams and beginning their careers. Of course, our work to house all of our county residents will not stop at 100 days. Read more about the challenge here.
 
I highly encourage everyone to participate in the 2020 Census . You matter. An under-count could mean less funding to county programs and resources from the federal government. You can find more information about the 2020 Census here .
 
While we're on the topic of civic engagement, I encourage youths ages 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote. It's a great way to make sure you are registered by the time you turn 18 and a great way to have your voice heard. Your voice matters. You can pre-register and register to vote in California online .
 
I am on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor. There you can find resources, news and events.
 
And in case you missed it, you can watch my EdTalk here .
 
As always, if you have questions, comments, and/or concerns, email me to [email protected]
IN THE NEWS
You can keep track of D4-specific coverage and County news by visiting my newsroom on my website.
The City of Santa Clara received a splash of color thanks Khushi Kolte, a 12-year-old from Santa Clara. She took part in Santa Clara’s Parks and Recreation 2019 Utility Art Box program.

The colorful utility box is the first of many under the city's new beautification program that was launched by the Santa Clara Cultural Commission.

The preteen applied in May. Notification of her accepted application came after Khushi and her family moved to Fremont but she loved Santa Clara so much she still wanted to contribute art work to the program.

“I love everything about Santa Clara- the people and activities there,” Khushi said.

Her artwork, “Happiness Around the World,” is painted on a utility box located at the intersection of Lafayette and Franklin streets.

It depicts flowers and doves carrying leaves with vines making a heart around the earth.

“The artwork represents the City of Santa Clara because in our community we live happily and make great friendships,” Khushi said.

She encourages other people to apply to the program as well.

For more information about the Utility Art Box program, contact Kim Castro in Santa Clara Parks and Recreation at (408)615-3147.


Email my Communications Director Mayra Flores at [email protected] to nominate next month's #WeAreD4 feature.
MONTHLY GALLERY
See where my staff and I have been in the community last month.

Throughout the month, my team and I go out to our communities to share updates and hear your concerns, feedback and priorities in areas in which we can assist.
WHERE IN D4 ...
See where the D4 team and I have been in the charts below and click on the "Community" button above to get the latest updates on D4 neighborhood associations and organizations.
From January through October, I visit Farmers' Markets throughout District 4 on a rotating basis to hear directly from you: Downtown Campbell, Santa Clara, Willow Glen, Cambrian and Rose Garden.

The 2020 calendar is now up on my website . I hope you can join me!






You can find a variety of ways to participate as a volunteer or otherwise civically engaged by clicking the button below.
HAVE A QUESTION?
The D4 team is made up of dynamic individuals who can answer your questions and assist you with information you may be searching for.