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Dear Marci,
As we embrace the heart of February, it’s the perfect time to connect and celebrate the happenings in District 4. Our newsletters, published monthly, hopefully keep you up to date on District 4 projects, upcoming events and important announcements.
February is a special month. It’s because this month that we celebrate Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.
As I write this newsletter, I have two serious matters on my mind which I want to share. First is that the County will have some financial challenges in our immediate future. You can learn more about the reasons for those challenges later in this newsletter. And next, we have an emerging problem that we must address. It’s the fact that adults 65 and older are the fastest-growing age group of people who experience homelessness, and those 50 and over who are experiencing homelessness often exhibit conditions associated with a much older age.
One last thing, election day (March 5) is just around the corner, and I encourage you to vote. It’s easy. Just fill out your vote by mail ballot and drop it in the mail. Remember, your vote counts and this is a very important election that will help determine who represents District 4 in the future.
We have lots of news to share, so let’s jump right in.
Regards,
Warren Slocum
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SAN MATEO COUNTY CERTIFIED AS A “WELCOMING PLACE” | |
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We have always known that San Mateo County is special. That we recognize, embrace and celebrate our diversity – it contributes to the vibrancy and resilience of our community where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Now we are being recognized nationally for this spirit as a Certified Welcoming place by Welcoming America. This designation is even more important because we are the first county in California to achieve this distinction for our commitment to immigrant inclusion and belonging. And San Mateo County is the first county in the nation to receive the highest rating – 4 stars. Welcoming America assesses local governments against the “Welcoming Standard” on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social and economic life.
This work was no easy task! It took the participation of numerous County departments as well as local residents and organizations across a wide array of disciplines. The application included more than 1,000 pieces of evidence. Welcoming America then conducted an audit and an intensive three-day interview process. It’s quite an accomplishment and we thank our Office of Community Affairs for championing this effort, along with the many partners.
At the celebration for this honor on January 31 at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the County also unveiled its new immigrant inclusion strategic plan which will serve as a blueprint for our community, looking towards a better future. It is well worth a read!
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH | |
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This year, Supervisor Noelia Corzo and I offered a proclamation for Black History Month at our February 13 Board meeting. The theme for this year’s celebration is “African Americans and the Arts.” And to celebrate this theme, we asked renowned artist Rebecca Archer, who is also a County Attorney, to speak. Rebecca’s paintings – which are mixed media – have been featured in our own Hall of Justice Caldwell Gallery as well as the De Young Museum. The work pictured here is “Great Expectations” – about the weight of hope for our children in a world that does not value them.
To celebrate this month, we also played a video of the Black National Anthem performed at the 2021 Super Bowl by Alicia Keys. This anthem, a song entitled “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, was written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson initially as a poem celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday. It was thereafter embraced as a powerful symbol of the mix of struggle and enduring hope for Black people in our nation.
You can read our proclamation here and I would also encourage you to listen to the video of the Black National Anthem here. The video is very much worth your time to watch.
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As a Vietnam Veteran, I want to call attention to the work being done by our County Veteran Service Office and the San Mateo County Veterans Commission. There are two events that merit your consideration.
The first event, the Public Service Career Fair, will be held on March 1 at the County’s Regional Operations Center from 10am-3pm. This event is important in helping our military personnel, veterans and their families transition back into civilian life. Over 40 public sector organizations from across the Bay Area will be present, including counties, cities, federal agencies (including the Veterans Administration), community colleges, transit authorities – all are eager to meet with veterans, military personnel, and their families to discuss potential job opportunities.
As a veteran who came home and committed myself to a life of public service, I understand the sacrifices and challenges that come with military life, and I am committed to supporting our veterans and their families in any way possible. Veterans and military personnel who are transitioning to civilian life have transferable skills and experience. They have already demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that are invaluable in any job or career path. This event will also serve as a networking hub to forge new connections and collaborate with others who share similar experiences and goals. More details can be found here.
On April 17, County Veterans Service Office and our Veterans Commission will host the first Veteran Service Providers Networking Event at the San Mateo Elks Club from 10am – 2pm. This event will bring together all who work with and provide services to our veteran community to connect, share resources, strengthen partnerships in serving our veteran community. If you are a service provider – we encourage you to register for this important event.
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Colibri Commons: Affordable Housing coming to East Palo Alto |  | In poll after poll, San Mateo County residents list finding affordable housing as a top need. Recently, I had the honor to speak along with other dignitaries at the Colibri Commons groundbreaking in East Palo Alto – an apartment complex that will help address this housing need. Colibri Commons will include 136 apartments that will include 108 units for families (64 2-bedroom units, 27 3-bedroom units and 7 4-bedroom units, the most difficult size to find for larger or intergenerational families). Specifically, Colibri Commons will help slow the exodus of working families. And rents will be below market rates for all units in a development. Thank you to the partners in this development, including EPACANDO and MidPen Housing, two local nonprofit housing developers, the County’s Department of Housing, the City of East Palo Alto and County Measure K sales tax. I am very much looking forward to move-in day for the families who will live here! | |  |
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A New Express Bus Route from East Palo Alto
to San Bruno
| Earlier this month, I took part in the launch party for SamTrans’ new express bus route from East Palo Alto. This new route will connect riders with the key transit hubs including the CalTrain Redwood City Station, San Bruno BART, SFO AirTrain and SF Muni lines in the Financial District. The EPX will run weekdays on the San Mateo County 101 Express Lanes, forgoing the rush-hour traffic backups. And as important, the new EPX will primarily use zero-emission battery-electric buses along this route. You can learn more and see the new EPX route here. | | |
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' AND DISTRICT 4 UPDATES | |
 |  | Mid-Year Budget Update: At our February 13 Board meeting, the Board approved the FY 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Update and the FY 2023-25 Children, Youth, and Families Budget. We have some uncertain times ahead – given the projections from the State’s own budget. The concern stems from potential cutbacks in Vehicle License Fees (VLF), a form of property tax on the ownership of motor vehicles. Under a long-established agreement, cities and counties receive additional property tax from the state to replace revenue that was cut under a two-decade-old budget deal. The state’s latest budget proposal released by the governor’s office in January does not include full VLF funding which could mean a $69 million shortfall to the County. Even worse, it could mean that local governments in San Mateo County could face a loss of more than $114 million before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2024, and this loss could affect our most vulnerable residents. We plan to further discuss this issue at our upcoming Board Retreat on March 19, and I will continue to update you. You can read the Mid-Year Budget Update here.
Update on the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office: Recruitment for the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office will close on February 23 – we now have with nearly 50 applicants. The next step in the process for this new Commission is that each County Supervisor will select their nominee who resides in their district from the applicant pool, and the Sheriff will nominate hers from the applicants as well. The subcommittee of Supervisor Dave Pine and myself will then interview applicants from the remaining pool and nominate one at-large member and two alternate members for this Commission. We anticipate that this will be done during the month of April and go before the full Board of Supervisors for approval sometime in May.
Until this Friday, February 23, you can still apply to serve on this new Commission here.
Board Declares Loneliness as a Public Health Crisis: At our January 30 Board meeting, the Board approved a resolution brought by Supervisor David Canepa declaring loneliness as a public health crisis in San Mateo County. By adopting this resolution, we acknowledged the importance of addressing loneliness as a critical public health concern and became the first in the nation to do so. We heard from several experts about the research that has linked loneliness to an increased risk of dementia, depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke and early death. And we pledged to pledged to explore measures that promote social connection in the community.
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A New Arts and Culture Director: The County has named Aimee Shapiro as the new Executive Director of the Office of Arts and Culture. Raised in New York City where she developed a passion for the arts. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College in Ohio and a Master in Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. Aimee worked in the arts field in Baltimore, New Your, San Francisco and East Lansing, Michigan. In 2014, she joined the Anderson Collection, Stanford University’s free museum of modern and contemporary American art, where she helped to bring work by diverse artists to the public. Aimee will now bring her passion for the creative arts to the County, playing a central role in shaping the San Mateo County Arts Commission’s strategic plan. She resides on the San Mateo County coast with her wife, daughter and two dogs. Welcome Aimee!
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Follow District 4 on Instagram @InsideDistrict4 and stay up on current events affecting our County!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury. Duties for this one-year term include the examination of all aspects of county government, all municipalities, and special districts, to ensure that the County is being governed honestly and efficiently and that county monies are being handled appropriately. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older and a San Mateo County resident. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2024.
HEART of San Mateo County will hold a free first-time homebuyer virtual workshop on Tuesday, March 6 from 2-3pm for those who live or work in San Mateo County. Register and learn about HEART’s unique Down Payment Assistance Program and the home buying process.
Want to know how the County’s tax revenues are collected and distributed to local governments with San Mateo County? The San Mateo County Controller has published the Property Tax Highlights for FY 2022-23.
The City of Menlo Park is now accepting job applications to support summer camps and recreation programs. You can gain paid work experience while earning a competitive hourly rate and a flexible part-time schedule. On-the-job training and support are provided. Learn more and apply online here.
Redwood City will hold its State of the City Address on Monday, March 18 at 6pm. This year, they will transform the Council Chamber into a lively newsroom, with City Council members taking on the roles of reporters. You can attend in person in the City Council Chambers (1017 Middlefield Road) or virtually via Zoom (Meeting ID: 994 8182 5639).
Calling lawyers, realtors and accountants who are interested in public service – we have an opening on the Assessment Appeals Board that hears appeals of property tax assessments. For more information or to apply – click here.
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If you want to get more insight into what my staff and I are working on, please connect with us on social media. It’s also a great way to interact with our office and to get notifications for upcoming events. Click the icons and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Finally, if you would like to see back issues of this newsletter, they can be found on my website here. They certainly reflect the long way we have come!
Warren Slocum
District 4 Supervisor
San Mateo County
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