Weekly Message ~ September 2020
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Helpful Tips for Small Businesses |
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The Department of Insurance has created an insurance roadmap for reopening small businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This information is easy to share and very informative for all small businesses.
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CENSUS 2020 Deadline is Tomorrow! |
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September 30th is the deadline for Census 2020!
We are in the final countdown and we still have over 20% of San Mateo County residents who need to be counted. With less US Census Bureau enumerators working with us, we need your help.
Why is it critical to fill out a Census questionnaire? The more people who participate in the Census 2020 means more dollars for our community. In short – these dollars allow us a road map for the future for better healthcare, better schools and a better community.
In these final days, for those who have not yet completed the Census, you can go to my2020census.gov to fill out your questionnaire. For questions, call (844) 330-2020 (English) or (844) 468-2020.
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Your Small Business May Be Eligible For $250! |
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Peninsula Clean Energy has dedicated $1.5 million to help San Mateo County small businesses impacted by the economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a $250 electricity bill credit for up to 6,000 qualifying small businesses.
Qualifying businesses will receive a letter and an email to the addresses listed on their electricity account with steps on how to apply for the credit. To learn more about the eligibility criteria, visit this web page.
Additionally, Peninsula Clean Energy has earmarked a $50,000 donation for small business support overseen by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center (REC), which has served 195 small businesses throughout San Mateo County over the past two years.
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Measure W Citizens' Oversight Committee Applications Open |
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In accordance with Measure W, SamTrans is establishing an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC). There are 15 positions that need to be filled and we hope you will consider applying.
- Applicants may apply for more than one community representative position.
The COC will receive findings of an independent audit, hold a public hearing, and issue a report annually on how Measure W funding is being spent and whether those expenditures are consistent with the requirements of the law. The application period is now open and will close on October 30, 2020.
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Voting by Mail - What You Need to Know |
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How safe is voting by mail, really—and what should you do to ensure that your vote is counted?
- A preliminary study of rejected vote-by-mail ballots in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sacramento counties found: On average, since 2010, 1.7 percent of vote-by-mail ballots cast in California have been rejected
- In the three counties studied, young voters comprised the smallest subgroup by age of vote-by-mail voters but the largest subgroup by age of voters whose ballots were rejected
- The top reasons for rejection were lateness, voters forgetting to sign their ballot envelopes, or their signatures not sufficiently matching their voter registration signature
- In Sacramento, ballots rejected for lateness in three elections studied were late because they were postmarked after Election Day and not because they arrived too late to count.
California Voter Foundation founder and President Kim Alexander will discuss the findings, and offer her suggestions for securing our vote.
Tuesday, September 29, 4 to 5 pm
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Menlo Park D3 City Council Candidates’ Forum 2020 |
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On Saturday, October 3 at 5 pm, Menlo Together will be co-hosting an online Candidates’ Forum for Menlo Park District 3, with candidates Chelsea Nguyen, Jen Wolosin and Max Fennel.
Discussion will focus on the interrelated issues of housing affordability, transportation, environmental sustainability and racial justice.
Partner co-hosts include Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, Menlo Spark, and Friends of Caltrain. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Tradition and Culture during the Pandemic
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This month is Hispanic Heritage Month – where, in normal times, many in our community would be celebrating their traditions and culture with family and friends. But these are not normal times – and we must now find new and safe ways to mark this month.
The pandemic has hit the Latinx community especially hard across the country. Here in San Mateo County, they represent nearly 25% of the population but about 50% of the COVID-19 cases. This year, more than ever, we must find ways to keep our Hispanic community intact, safe and protected during this pandemic.
What can be done in San Mateo County? With many in the Hispanic community living with multiple generations and often in overcrowded conditions, increased testing capacity is a must. And we are working to do just that. Upcoming testing dates with expanded capacity can be found here. It is critical that we continue our outreach that even small gatherings can spread this disease to loved ones, and that wearing a mask is vital to protect those you care about the most. And look for the County’s new Mask Mobile out in the community – helping to save lives with free masks!
We can do this – but our comeback depends on all of us.
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Relay for Life Menlo Park 2020 this Saturday! |
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This Saturday, October 3rd, is the Virtual Relay For Life of Menlo Park benefiting The American Cancer Society!
This community driven event that normally takes place at Burgess Park has transitioned to the virtual platform and will be executed on Zoom & Facebook to keep everyone involved safe.
Amici’s of Menlo Park is generously donating 25% of all Pick-Up orders on Saturday, 10/3 to Relay For Life and is a great way to contribute if you cannot attend. Mention “Relay For Life” when placing the order.
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Stanford Park Hotel Reopening on October 1st |
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A note from Stanford Park Hotel:
"Dear Friends of The Stanford Park,
I hope this note finds you well, and that during this most unusual summer you were able to find a silver lining somewhere.
As you may know, we temporarily closed the property in mid-March. This was the first time since the hotel was built over three decades ago that we ceased welcoming guests through our front doors; the end of a 12,961-day streak that brought our team and families so much pride and joy. Accompanying this closure was the devastating furlough and layoffs of so many dedicated, passionate, tenured and sincere associates; the people who are the heart and soul of the hotel and the Menlo Tavern.
Since our closure (186 days ago, but who’s counting…), so many of you have been in contact with messages of support, and we can't tell you how deeply touched we are by your kindness and thoughtfulness. Thank you; your acknowledgement keeps us going.
We have also heard from many that you are ready to travel again, and I’m pleased to share that we will be reopening the hotel on October 1st. (Note: reopening date for the Menlo Tavern is still TBD)."
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