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May 2024 Newsletter

Dear Marci,

 

May is the time of year when Governor Gavin Newsom announces his revised budget. He just did so – and after years of budget surplus, our state now faces a large deficit of about $56 billion over the next two fiscal years. Balancing the state budget, as he must by law, will require large cuts. And these cuts will impact all the local jurisdictions within California – including San Mateo County and our cities. And this is very concerning.

 

Though we don’t yet know the extent of these cuts, we do know they will impact services that San Mateo County provides to our most vulnerable residents. The silver lining in this news is that San Mateo County is resilient and nimble – and we will find ways to continue support to these residents and more. We did so during the pandemic – we will do so now. It is the San Mateo County way!

 

The May newsletter includes updates on my district-discretionary Measure K grants approved by the Board to very worthy organizations, and other news. Please share this newsletter.

 

Regards,

Warren Slocum

Visit our website for more news and information!

VETERANS’ CORNER –

A NEW SHUTTLE SERVICE, MEMORIAL DAY AND MORE   

New Shuttle Service for Colma Veterans Village: As a Vietnam veteran, this is a story of hope, collaboration and government at its best.

 

It is fitting that during May which is Older American’s Month, to highlight the recommendation from the Commission on Aging and The Veterans Commission that the 70 veterans who reside at Colma Veterans Village needed better transportation options. At the time of this recommendation brought to Supervisor David Canepa and me, these veterans, many with mobility issues, was the SamTrans bus service with stops in either direction over a half mile away.

 

At first, we were told that there was not a solution. We asked the transportation agency representatives to go back to the drawing table and find one for their veterans. And they did.

 

Supervisor Canepa and I met with officials from SamTrans, the City of South San Francisco and the Town of Colma over the ensuing months, and a solution for the veterans at Colma Veterans Village was found. The City of South San Francisco already has free shuttle service in and around South San Francisco, which is funded through the City and a grant from SamTrans. They agreed to expand shuttle service to and from Colma Veterans Village and the Town of Colma agreed to assist with the funding, through June 2025 (when the next application to continue the South San Francisco Shuttle would occur).

 

After surveying the residents of Colma Veterans Village, a route has been established that will be free of charge and allow them to transfer to other routes within South San Francisco. The exciting news is that this route will begin operations the first week of June.

 

Supervisor Canepa and I, with Board approval, gave a district-discretionary Measure K grant of $26,000 to fund startup costs for the new shuttle route. The funding will also allow for a special Memorial Day Shuttle to and from Colma Veterans Village to take the residents to the South San Francisco Memorial Day services at Fire Station 61.

 

And this is a great outcome for our veterans!

Memorial Day Celebration: On May 27, America will celebrate Memorial Day. Since the founding of our country, more than 1.3 million Americans have lost their lives in service to our Country. They died for our freedoms. As a proud veteran, I never will forget their sacrifices. Please join members of the San Mateo County Veterans Commission at the 82nd Annual Memorial Day Observance at Golden Gate National Cemetery on Monday, May 27 at 11:00 a.m. The emcee for the event is former Veterans Commissioner Hank Scherf. More information on the event can be found here.

 Veterans Stand Down on June 7: The San Mateo Veteran Services Office, in partnership with the San Mateo Elks Lodge Veterans Committee, will be holding a Stand Down on Friday, June 7 from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the San Mateo Elks Lodge. This event is for veterans and their loved ones to learn about veteran programs and legal services for veterans. There will be State and Federal benefits assistance, toxic exposure screening, VA Health Care enrollment, housing assistance, elder care assistance programs, employment and education resources.



Registration is highly encouraged here for those veterans and family needing legal resources including for eligible veterans waiver of outstanding traffic fines, Bench Warrant assistance, post-conviction relief and sealing of records assistance, Veterans Treatment and Diversion Court.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOST

FIREWORKS BUY BACK EVENTS

Last year, after the Board of Supervisors amended and strengthened the Fireworks Ordinance, the Sheriff’s Office held its first Fireworks Buyback pilot program in North Fair Oaks. It was a huge success! In fact, about 400 pounds of dangerous fireworks and explosives were seized, an impressive amount for a first-time event. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office reported a reduction in the calls for service on July 4th in North Fair Oaks compared to the prior year.

 

Based on last year’s success, the Sheriff’s Office is expanding their Fireworks Buyback program to include locations on the coast and in North County, in addition to North Fair Oaks. The expansion is being funded in part from a $39,000 district-discretionary Measure K grant from my office, approved by the full Board. With these funds, the Sheriff’s Office will provide cash incentives of up to $200 to those surrendering fireworks/dangerous explosives and underwrite this event.

 

Here are dates for the Fireworks Buyback events in June: 

  • Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coastside Fire Protection Building located at 1191 Main St. in Half Moon Bay

 

  • Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Branch Courthouse located at 1050 Mission Rd. in South San Francisco 

 

  • Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new Sheriff's Office Substation located at 690 Broadway St. in Redwood City 

 

Thank you to the partners working with our Sheriff’s Office: Coastside Fire Protection District/CAL FIRE, Redwood City Police Department, East Palo Alto Police Department, Menlo Park Police Department, Colma Police Department, Broadmoor Police Department, Brisbane Police Department, Daly City Police Department, South San Francisco Police Department, and San Bruno Police Department. 

 

Additional information about the buyback events will be announced by the Sheriff’s Office soon. Check back on their website and social media accounts.

A COUNTY VISIT FROM EAST PALO ALTO YOUTH

Last month, a group of students from The Circuit EPA came to visit my office. These students from Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School got an insider's view of our Regional Operations Center, the 911 Call Center and our office, including the Board Chambers. These young students asked very insightful questions and may have been amazed that I knew enough about gaming (thanks to my adult sons) to engage in conversation. It is my hope that some of these students will consider a career down the line in public service! Next month, students from the Sheriff’s Activity League, both from the coast and North Fair Oaks, will be visiting both me and Supervisor Ray Mueller.

It's Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for this year is “Heal Through Connection.” This past January, our Board of Supervisors passed a resolution declaring loneliness a public health crisis and pledging to promote social connection in our communities. According to the 2023 San Mateo County Health and Quality of Life Survey, 45% of residents in San Mateo County residents were experiencing difficulty with loneliness and isolation. 

Now more than ever it is important that we find ways to connect with one another. This May, we encourage people to connect with others at a free public events, connect to resources, and connect with your community by getting involved. 

North Fair Oaks

Clean Up Day - June 15

Join us and take part in a community cleanup! District 4 and our partners are bringing “Be Seen Keepin’ It Clean is back. Join us for the North Fair Oaks community cleanup day on Saturday, June 15 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Meet in the Fair Oaks Community Center parking lot, located at 2600 Middlefield Road in Redwood City. Lunch will be provided to all our volunteers.


Thank you to our partners: Sheriff’s Activity League, North Fair Oaks Community Council, North Fair Oaks Community Alliance, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and Recology of San Mateo County.


You can register to volunteer and attend here.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' AND DISTRICT 4 UPDATES

Equity Ordinance:  In 2020, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, had a wakeup call from our community. In these Chambers we discussed Black Lives Matters and the responsibility we have to make change happen. Back then I quoted Nelson Mandela saying, “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”

 

At our May 7 Board meeting, to continue to make our County stronger and more equitable, I introduced an Equity Ordinance to build a core practice for public service with a lens of equity, inclusion and to promote a culture of belonging within our institution. Our Board passed this ordinance unanimously.

 

This is not just talk. The Equity Ordinance outlines what will be done on a Structural level, an Institutional level, and an Individual level to achieve our goals and involve all County Staff.  It will positively impact marginalized communities by intentionally integrating an equity lens into County operations where clients and the community receive services.

 

To listen to the presentation by our Chief Equity Officer Shireen Malekafzali, click here.

Funding Dental Screenings for Youth and Seniors: At our May 21 Board meeting, Supervisor Dave Pine and I asked our Board to approve a $190,000 district-discretionary Measure K grant to Sonrisas Dental Health. Sonrisas’ vision is to provide a dental home for all, and particularly for those facing financial, developmental, or physical barriers to access. With few providers accepting public dental insurance, Sonrisas’ work provides clinical dentistry and school and community-based screening and oral health education to 8,500 San Mateo County residents, more than 7,200 of whom are low-income.

 

This grant will help youth and seniors in very specific ways. First, it will meet the unmet need for dental services by supporting increased dental screening for children throughout the County, increased access to affordable dental care for older adults throughout the County, and increased access to dental services for those living on the coast.

 

Second, the grant will allow Sonrisas to purchase a dedicated van to transport dental supplies, dental equipment, and a dental chair. The purchase, fitting, and branding of a van for this purpose will be an important capital investment and contribute to Sonrisas’ sustainability for years to come.

 

Finally, the grant will support the continuation of Sonrisas services at their clinic in Half Moon Bay and their weekly pop-up clinic for farmworkers in La Honda in partnership with Puente de la Costa Sur.

 

All said – Sonrisas will be completing school-based screenings of 1200 more students in the next school year, increase services to seniors, both in homes and home-bound. A very positive outcome!

CalFresh Awareness Month: On May 7th, I offered a proclamation for CalFresh Awareness Month, approved by the Board. This recognition is important because no one in San Mateo County should face the threat of hunger and CalFresh is a program that truly provides a lifeline for individuals and families squeezed by inflation, high housing costs and other necessities. In short, CalFresh helps families and individuals who are struggling to put food on the table due to financial difficulties helping them stretch their food budgets and provide access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. According to the Human Services Agency, as of March 2024, a total of 21,675 San Mateo County residents are signed up to receive CalFresh. The proclamation can be read here.

Update on the Independent Civilian Advisory Commission on the Sheriff’s Office: At our June 11 Board meeting, Supervisor Dave Pine and I will announce the members and alternates of this new Commission. We are very impressed by the caliber of all 78 community members who applied and thank all for their interest.

Registration is open for The Big Lift Inspiring Summers Program a free program through a Measure K grant from the County of San Mateo. There is still space for rising kindergarten through 3rd grade students in the Redwood City-North Fair Oaks, South San Francisco, La Honda-Pescadero, San Bruno Park and Half Moon Bay communities. Families must meet eligibility requirements and submit an online application.


It’s time for the San Mateo County Fair – running from June 1-9. The Fair has a rich tradition of bringing family and community together – with the rides, animals, art exhibits, food, concert series and more – something for everyone! Information and tickets can be purchased here.

Juneteenth Flag Raising: On June 12 at 9:00 a.m., San Mateo County will raise the Juneteenth flag at 400 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.


African American Community Initiative (AACI) and San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services are hosting a 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 14. This free community event will be held at Eastside College Prep Academy at 1041 Myrtle Street in East Palo Alto from 3:30-8:00 p.m. It will include a resource fair, spoken word, praise dancing, musical selections, speakers, health and wellness checks, and more! 

 

The Commission on Disabilities is looking for members who have an interest in and experience with people with disabilities. Help the Commission promote the independence and full participation of people with disabilities in San Mateo County! For more information or to apply – click here.

 

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.

 

Follow our District 4 work on Instagram @InsideDistrict4Get insider information, keep up on our daily stories and posts and stay current on events affecting the residents of D4 and the county. 


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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