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Hello Marci,
As the father of two grown sons who are now starting their own families, I hope all the dads had a Happy Father’s Day – I know I did.
I am also thinking about the future of my grandchildren with the latest findings in the 2023 Latino Report Card from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley. This report listed some sobering grades, particularly for education and housing. It reflected that the Latino community has slipped in the wrong direction in these areas, and most particularly for younger children. It is an important read.
And speaking of reading – I am so proud of our local libraries. The Summer Learning Challenge is underway, a way to engage youth, families, and adults by challenging them to read, explore new activities and learn new skills all summer long.
There is much work to be done in San Mateo County, and one my priorities is the work Supervisor Dave Pine and I are doing on the Board’s ad hoc Sheriff’s Oversight Committee. Right now, the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and their Communities at Stanford University is on board to help us with focus groups and community outreach. This part of the work will take shape over the summer months and into the fall – and we will keep you apprised as we move forward.
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
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NORTH FAIR OAKS HEALTHY COMMUNITY MURAL TAKES SHAPE | |
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The Healthy Community Mural is starting to take shape! Located at the 5th Avenue underpass in North Fair Oaks, this 16-panel mural is the vision of artist Emily Fromm, who expressed her desire from the beginning to include the community in painting the panels with mural volunteer days. On several Saturdays this month, this included youth ages 8 and over who participated in creating this mural – and it was magical for all who took part.
About the artist: Emily Fromm was born in Los Angeles, and moved to San Francisco in 2009 to study painting and art at San Francisco State University, graduating in 2013 with a BFA in Studio Art. Emily paints contemporary urban landscapes which highlight local businesses, iconic architecture, and diverse communities – a style that deeply moved the Healthy Community Mural Committee. Emily’s works have been exhibited locally (one of her paintings is in the Harvey Milk Terminal at SFO Airport) and internationally.
About the project: The Healthy Community Mural concept to paint the 16 panels at the 5th Avenue underpass began with work by a committee partnering on this project, including the Culture Collective of North Fair Oaks and the San Mateo County Office of Arts & Culture along with my office. After surveying and holding a number of community meetings, the vision of having a community-inspired mural in North Fair Oaks is becoming a reality thanks to artist Emily Fromm.
You can receive updates on the progress of the Healthy Community Mural here.
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WORK BEGINS ON MIDDLEFIELD JUNCTION:
MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN
NORTH FAIR OAKS
| I am happy to report that construction is beginning on 177 new affordable apartments in the heart of North Fair Oaks. Located off Middlefield Road behind the Fair Oaks Clinic, Middlefield Junction has long been in the planning process and is finally becoming a reality. This 3-acre project will be home to apartments that will be rented at below-market rates and include a much-needed childcare center and community space. It will address the most critical issue facing many residents by providing quality new homes that are affordable – and these homes will be in close proximity to the many small businesses and family-owned shops and restaurants of North Fair Oaks. | |  |
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JULY 4TH:
FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL AND CARRY A HEAVY FINE!
| 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! Earlier this 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 devasting 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! | | |
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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 8th Annual Veterans Recognition luncheon that will be held in-person on Thursday, November 9th. 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.
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A NEW COUNTY
HEALTH OFFICER
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At the May 23 Board of Supervisors’ meeting, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana as the next county health officer. She will join the County in early August.
Dr. Baldwin-Santana is currently serving as interim health officer in Sonoma County, and has been a deputy health officer in Sonoma County, a health officer in San Joaquin County, and a quarantine medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She started her career as a neonatologist after receiving her medical degree from Ohio State University. Dr. Baldwin Santana brings extensive experience guiding public health emergency preparedness, epidemiology, public health laboratory services and communicable disease prevention, including COVID-19.
A huge debt of gratitude to retiring Dr. Scott Morrow for his 31 years of service to the County – and particularly for his admirable and tireless work to keep us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been a strong and courageous leader both locally and regionally.
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On June 6, San Mateo County held a flag raising for Juneteenth at County Center in Redwood City. Juneteenth, or Juneteenth Independence Day, commemorates the traditional observance of the end of slavery in the United States and is observed annually on June 19 – now a holiday. Observing Juneteenth allows us to join together in the name of freedom, justice and the power of community.
San Mateo County recognizes the history of racism in our country and how it has led to many disparities in education, job attainment, housing, criminal justice, and healthcare for Black people and beyond. Juneteenth is a significant opportunity to honor the principles of the Declaration of Independence and celebrate the many achievements and contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in our County and across our nation. Observing Juneteenth allows us to join together in the name of freedom, justice and the power of community.
You can watch the flag-raising, which was livestreamed, here.
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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' AND DISTRICT 4 UPDATES | |
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Board sets County Direction on Fentanyl Opioid Crisis: The Board of Supervisors held a special study session on May 30 to discuss the fentanyl and opioid crisis nationally, in the region, and in San Mateo County. County health officials shared their knowledge and we heard from a person affected by a family member’s death due to the crisis as well as moving public comments. The Board then directed staff to develop a comprehensive plan focused on public education, treatment options and increased access to life-saving medications that can reverse the overdose, to combat the growing threat to public health posed by cheap opioids and fentanyl. I encourage everyone to listen to this study session.
Measure K Grants: At the June 13th Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved the last of our District 4 district-discretionary Measure K grants for the FY 2021-2023 cycle. Here’s a summary of our grants from this Board meeting:
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United through Education/Familias Unidas - $164,000 grant to provide parenting classes, taught in Spanish, in North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven and East Palo Alto for the 2023-2024 school year;
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Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula - $100,000 grant to support year-round mental health services for students from underserved neighborhoods in District 4;
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Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley - $100,000 grant to support their College Success programming within our County to help underserved students from vulnerable communities;
- San Mateo County Human Services Agency - $100,000 grant for a full-time Homeless Outreach Case Manager dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness in East Palo Alto; North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven and the eastern portion of Menlo Park;
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Generations United - $90,000 grant to support and expand programming including summer camps for underserved children and families and to offer additional Spanish-language courses in business planning to business owners in unincorporated North Fair Oaks and Redwood City;
- Office of Arts & Culture - $50,000 grant for the design and installation of public art at the San Mateo County Navigation Center;
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Foundation for the San Mateo County Libraries - $40,000 grant for a capital campaign feasibility study for a new library in East Palo Alto;
You can read more about each of these grants by clicking on the June 13 Board agenda here.
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New San Carlos Police Chief: San Mateo County Sheriff Captain Mark Myers has been appointed as the new Police Chief of San Carlos. Most recently, Captain Myers led the North Fair Oaks Sheriff’s Bureau among other duties – and he served this community admirably. Captain Myers has worked for San Mateo County for 22 years and has been an integral part of the Sheriff’s Office’s San Carlos Police Bureau since its inception in 2010, when the city selected the Sheriff’s Office for its police services. We congratulate Captain Myers on this well-deserved appointment! He will begin as San Carlos Police Chief on July 6.
Budget Hearings: The San Mateo County Board of Supervisor will hold Budget Hearings from June 26-28. Supervisors will be asked to approve a $7.7billion Recommended Budget for the next two fiscal years. It will prioritize homeless, children and families, emergency preparedness and equity with a focus on long-term stability and resilience given the current economic climate. The full budget is available here and the hearings will be in Board Chambers with remote participation available here.
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Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s summer meal program is underway to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer months! Free meals are available to all youth 18 years and under this summer, with no registration or identification required. Summer meals are provided by school districts and other community organizations throughout San Mateo County. Click here to find a location near you.
Congratulations to SAMCEDA for celebrating its 70th anniversary – and what a legacy to our community you have been! This organization has seen so much economic change in our County and region, embraced it, and were a vital partner during the pandemic – ensuring businesses and the communities had the resources needed to survive.
San Mateo County Libraries is rolling out its brand new zero-emission all-electric Makermobile. This new outreach vehicle promises to deliver innovative, high-impact maker programs beyond library walls. Makermobile is designed to “unfold” at each new destination, releasing three movable carts outfitted with tech including a Glowforge Pro laser cutter, an Ultimaker S3 3D printer, laptops, iPads, DSLR cameras, coding robots and music-making elements.
Congratulations to Multicultural Institute for being named as the “2023 California Nonprofit of the Year” by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. A well-deserved honor for an organization that does meaningful work in District 4 and beyond.
Did you know that San Mateo County was granted a 2023 Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties for its Homeless Outreach Request App? It was developed by our GIS team in the County’s Information Services Department and the Center for Homelessness to be more responsive and effective in identifying, assisting, and offering services to unhoused individuals. Read more about this award here.
The North Fair Oaks Community Council is recruiting for three members: a full voting member, a Youth member and one alternate Youth member. 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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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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