Dear Marci,

This month marks the 2-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade which governed reproductive rights for nearly 50 years.

Since the Dobbs decision, there has been a regression of reproductive rights nationally, with some 21 states banning or restricting abortions earlier in pregnancy than the standard set by Roe v. Wade, leaving little or no leniency for the health of the mother or whether the pregnancy was due to rape or incest. That’s right – 21 states!

When the news of the draft Dobbs decision was leaked in May 2022, our Board of Supervisors took immediate action and affirmed our County’s unwavering support for women’s reproductive freedom and healthcare privacy because we live in a county and state where a woman’s right to choose is understood as a fundamental right, and is also imperative to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the entire community.

And we did more. Our Board allocated $1 million to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the first county in the state to give financial support anticipating a flood of out-of-state patients seeking reproductive health treatment. The second tranche of this funding was approved at our May 21 Board meeting that continued to allow Planned Parenthood to increase patient capacity in their clinics here.

But this anniversary is a somber reminder for us to continue our unwavering support however and wherever possible.

The June newsletter includes other important updates that are worthy of your attention. Please share this newsletter.

Regards,

Warren Slocum

THE MIDDLEFIELD JUNCTION FIRE   

On June 3, tragedy struck our North Fair Oaks community - massive and devastating fire at the construction site of Middlefield Junction in North Fair Oaks. Middlefield Junction was a low-income affordable housing site that was to have 179 units, a childcare center, and a community center. This development – some 10 years in the making - was nearly 50% complete. 

It is a tragedy for the families who would have been able to move in early 2025. It is a tragedy for our affordable housing program and the sheer number of units lost. It is a tragedy for our community.

I’d like to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the first responders, including our dispatchers, fire fighters, sheriff’s deputies for their efforts during the fire and beyond. Their work helped save a neighborhood and the community. Thank you to the many County departments involved in helping the community during that day and beyond, including the Department of Emergency Management, Office of Community Affairs, Human Services Agency, Department of Sustainability to name a few. Thank you to the numerous community organizations who helped community members affected by this fire, including Generations United, Redwood City Together, St. Francis Center, El Concilio and the North Fair Oaks Community Alliance. 

Our Board and our County is committed to rebuilding this site – we must for the community. 

We have been working towards this moment for almost 2 years! At our June 11 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board voted unanimously (with Supervisor Canepa absent) to approve the appointments to the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office (ICAC).

To recap our work as the Subcommittee (Supervisor Dave Pine and myself), we have held 2 lengthy study sessions, countless meetings with subject matter experts and stakeholders, researched various models of oversight and best practices, and heard from hundreds of members of the public via in person and zoom public comment as well as in writing.  On December 12, 2023, this Board approved the creation of this Commission, and we opened the recruitment. 77 interested individuals submitted applications to be a part of this new commission. That has to be a record number of applicants! The composition of this commission was set this past December – each Supervisor nominated for recommendation from the applicant pool 1 member from their district; Sheriff Christina Corpus also recommended 1 member. The Subcommittee then interviewed and nominated 1 full voting At-Large member and 2 Alternate At-Large commissioners.

The new Commissioners, once sworn in, are: Marco Durazo (District 1); James Simmons (District 2); William McClure (District 3); Rob Silano (District 4); Kalimah Salahuddin (District 5); Mike Fisher (Sheriff); Shirley Melnicoe (At-Large); and Rebecca Carabez and Alexis Lewis (At-Large Alternates). We are proud that the composition of this Commission is diverse in gender, race, communities, life experiences and geographic representation. All are ready to do this important work.

The first meeting of this new Commission will be on Tuesday, July 16th at County Government Center in Redwood City from 6:00-8:00 p.m. More information will be forthcoming.

To read more about each of the new Commissioners, click here.

JULY 4th: FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL

AND CARRY A HEAVY FINE!

As we approach the July 4^th holiday, please remember that all fireworks are illegal in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and in our County parks! Last year, the Board of Supervisors updated and enhanced our Fireworks Ordinance to protect residents and their property, and to meet the danger posed by the much-expanded and devastating fire seasons we now face due to climate change. The new ordinance strengthens protections including calling for spectator liability, clarifies that a parent or guardian will be held strictly liable for a minor’s violation, provides for violators to bear the response costs, and more.  The use, sale or possession of illegal fireworks can carry fines of up to $1000 and misdemeanor jail time. You can read the new expanded Fireworks Ordinance here and remember to stay safe this July 4th holiday!

NOMINATE A VETERAN!

It’s that time again – the San Mateo County Veterans Commission is seeking nominations for the Veteran of the Year, Patriot and the Year and Enterprise of the Year for their 9th Annual Veterans Recognition luncheon that will be held in-person on Friday, November 8th. So – do you know a San Mateo County resident who is a veteran that has made an impact in our community? Or a non-veteran resident who is making a difference supporting veterans to nominate for Patriot of the Year? Or an organization that serves veterans in our County – consider nominating them for Enterprise of the Year. The link to all nomination forms can be found here.

There are moving videos of past recipients of each of these honors – Veteran of the Year, Patriot of the Year and Enterprise of the Year. They are well worth watching.

And if you are a veteran who resides in or works in San Mateo County and have questions about filing a VA claim or other benefits, please visit our County Veteran Service Office website. You can find out about many resources available and meet with our dedicated staff.

Teaching Children about Emergency Preparedness: On Saturday, June 22, we held an emergency preparedness event for children ages 6-11 years old at the North Fair Oaks Library. Over 50 children attended along with their parents. They participated in earthquake drills, got to tour an American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance, meet AMR’s therapy dog I.V., meet our own Department of Emergency Management team, decorate their own pillowcase “to-go” bag and fill it with essentials, participate in a scavenger hunt, and more. I’d like to thank our partners in this project: the staff of the North Fair Oaks Library, AMR, Department of Emergency Management and Office of Community Affairs, along with my staff. Job well done!

A County Visit from Sheriff’s Activities League Youth: This month, a group of students from the Sheriff’s Activity League (SAL) came to visit Supervisor Ray Mueller and me. These students, who reside in District 4 and on the coast, got an insiders’ view of our Regional Operations Center, the 911 Call Center, a one-on-one in a courtroom with District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, and a visit to Board Chambers. They also were accompanied by Sheriff’s deputies and Ben, the Sheriff’s Office therapy golden doodle. We were impressed by their thoughtful questions and hope each will consider a career in public service!  

Survey for Redwood City/North Fair Oaks residents: Redwood City Together is gathering community input from children/youth and their parents/caregivers who reside in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks, about how to better support them thrive by removing barriers and providing additional resources. Please only complete the survey if you reside, live, and/or work in Redwood City or North Fair Oaks and you are either a young person between the ages of 13-24 or the parent/caregiver of a child.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s summer meal program is underway to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months! Starting this summer, if your child is eligible for free and reduced-price school meals, Summer EBT can provide you with money for groceries on a debit-type card so that they can still have enough to eat, even when school is out! And families can find free and nutritious food at these locations.

My Summer Adventure at the San Mateo County Libraries' is summer learning program that encourages students to create and capture their learning adventures this summer! Students decide what new experiences they want to have and set their own goals. It is open to all ages and abilities with so many unique and different opportunities – there are even supplies at the libraries to start the adventure. And there is the possibility, when completing this program, to win an Annual County Parks Pass and a $1,000 college scholarship!

The North Fair Oaks Community Council is recruiting for new members. It’s a great way to become more involved in your community – consider applying here.

And if you do not live or work in North Fair Oaks, there are other County Boards and Commissions that have vacancies and could use your experience and expertise to help in County initiatives and efforts. For more information or to apply – click here.

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