Dear Marci,

The regular school year has ended, and summer has officially begun. I hope you will be able to spend some time with your family. Whether you are planning a long-distance trip or staying close to home, please be safe and exercise COVID caution.

If you’re planning to stay in the area, I invite you to visit one of our many beautiful parks in San Mateo County. I personally find that day trips to the coast are always a great way to unwind. If you enjoy hiking, take a walk along the Bay Trail. We are fortunate here to have a number of no-cost activities that can be enjoyed by both old and young.

Thank you for taking a moment to read our June’s newsletter. And if you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

Warren Slocum

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe. v. Wade, setting aside 50 years of precedence and taking away – think about that - a constitutional right for women and women’s reproductive rights. It is truly horrifying. And though in California, women are protected, we fear for women in the 26 states that will now ban abortion.

At our June 14th Board of Supervisors meeting, I was honored to partner with Supervisor Dave Pine to champion the Women’s Reproductive Rights Action Plan – drafted by our County Executive’s staff. It was passed unanimously by the full Board.

This Action Plan proactively prepared us for the devastating news that the Roe v. Wade is overturned. Here is what it includes:

• The allocation of $1,000,000 to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, with $549,312 for technology and medical equipment and $450,688 held in reserve for future needs;
• Research a buffer zone ordinance for the unincorporated area, to be discussed at a future Board meeting;
• Directing staff to present a Women’s Reproductive Freedom and Healthcare Privacy advocacy agenda to our Board by August 2, 2022; and
• Ongoing communication with Health System leaders to keep apprised of the fluid situation.

Supervisors Dave Pine and I were also appointed to a subcommittee to track the progress of this Action Plan, and work on next steps to continue our unwavering support of women’s privacy rights here in San Mateo County and beyond.

You can read this Board resolution and Action Plan memo here, by clicking on the June 14th agenda, and going to Item #7. 

DISTRICT 4 AND BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ UPDATES 

San Mateo County to Recommend its

FY 2022-2023 Budget

At our June 28th Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board will be asked to approve the $3.4 Billion for FY 2022-23. This budget will continue the work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, provide the highest-quality services to our residents, work to build a future for our resilient community where each person can reach their full potential, and work to ensure opportunities are available for everyone. It highlights our Board’s priorities: to end homelessness; continue economic recovery efforts focused on socially vulnerable populations, children and families, housing needs, and support of local business communities; and emphasize racial and social equity.

Several factors have brought about budget constraints this year. These include the continuing impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and new variants makes economic recovery difficult to predict. At the same time, we are experiencing the highest rate of inflation seen in 40 years combined with record high gas prices. And we are seeing lower-than-average property tax increases and slower revenue growth. Thus, our County will take a more conservative approach and adapt as necessary.

You can read the Recommended FY2022-2023 Budget here.

A Survey: North Fair Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Railroad Crossing Study

Residents of North Fair Oaks and part of adjacent Redwood City are separated from the heart of their community by CalTrain railroad tracks. Without a bicycle and pedestrian crossing, these residents are divided from local destinations including community facilities and services, schools, shopping, and local bus service.

According to the Unincorporated San Mateo County Active Transportation Plan (ATP), North Fair Oaks has both the highest potential demand for walking and biking and the highest concentration of bicycle and pedestrian collisions per square mile of all San Mateo County unincorporated communities. Making streets easier to walk and bicycle on and making it easier to get to destinations with a new bicycle and pedestrian railroad crossing could help reduce collisions.

For all of these reasons, a study is underway to develop a community-guided plan to build a comfortable and convenient connection for people walking and biking across the rail corridor in North Fair Oaks​. Please help inform this project by taking the survey here. 

Food Insecurity Programs for Youth 

Summertime is time for rest and relaxation from the school year. But for families suffering from food insecurity – it can also be a time of worry. During the school year, their children receive meals at school, but this is not available to them during the summer. There are a few programs that we would like to highlight for families whose children need healthy meals:

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley has an online food locator for free summer meals. Children 18 or younger can get a nutritious, free lunch at more many sites within San Mateo County with no registration required. Some sites also offer free breakfast and an afternoon snack as well as low-cost meals to adult caregivers. For additional help finding a summer meal site, or other food resources, text “Summer” for English or “Verano” for Spanish to 876-876 or click here. 

Our own North Fair Oaks Library is partnering with Fresh Approach to hold a Mobile Farmers’ Market every Thursday from 12:30-2:00 p.m. where you can buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. And these purchases are 50% off if you have CalFresh or other benefits. Click here to learn more.

FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL!

As we approach the July 4th 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 use, sale or possession of illegal fireworks can carry fines of up to $1000 and misdemeanor jail time. The ordinance also calls for strict liability of social hosts. You can read our fireworks ordinance here. And please stay safe during the July 4th holiday!

NOMINATE A VETERAN!