November 2020 Newsletter

Greetings!

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are already upon us! And even harder to imagine that it’s been 9 months since this pandemic began here in San Mateo County. I know we are all suffering from pandemic fatigue – but we must keep up our guard to protect yourself, loved ones, friends and our community. Please continue the public health guideline and practices – social distance, wash hands, get tested and most importantly – wear your mask when in public places! We will get through this – together.

I hope this November newsletter finds your family well.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Warren Slocum  
Celebrating the Holidays during the Pandemic
This is going to be a holiday season like no other. Unfortunately – across the country, COVID-19 cases have been on the rise, with many states seeing a more severe second wave. Both the CDC and our Health Department has put out new guidelines for the holidays.

According to Louise Rogers, San Mateo County Health Chief, “vigilance and caution” are needed to keep the infection rates low, especially as the temperatures drop and families and friends come together to celebrate the holidays. Gathering with people outside your household – even extended family – increases the risk of getting and spreading this virus.

The four-step guidelines issued by the Association of Bay Area Health Officials ask that holiday gatherings should be:

  1. Safe – Outside is safer; gather outside and follow safety guidelines
  2. Small – Limit gatherings to no more than 3 households
  3. Short – Limit gatherings to no more than 2 hours
  4. Stable – Do not participate in multiple gatherings with many different households

The good news is that this allows each of us to redefine and simplify the holidays. We can downsize, de-stress and be grateful for our family, our friends and our community.
NEW COVID-19 COMPLIANCE TEAM!
Working to Protect our Communities
Constituents have been calling my office about businesses violating COVID-19 protocols. We heard you – and now we have a new County Code Compliance Team to help! 

Residents can report an alleged violation for the COVID-19 Compliance Team to investigate on the county’s homepage here. The submission form asks for the resident’s name and contact information, information about the business and the nature of the complaint and if he or she has previously contacted authorities about these concerns. While the online portal is the preferred, those needing language assistance or someone to enter their complaint into the portal for them can call 2-1-1.

Remember – the COVID-19 Compliance Team works with business violations only. If you wish to report large social gatherings in your neighborhood or individual violations, please contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency line (do not call 911!).
HONORING OUR VETERANS – FREE COVID-19 TESTING
As a proud Vietnam veteran, the month of November always has special meaning to me because we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th.

This year, there were no Veterans Day parades or gatherings due to the pandemic. But that did not stop our San Mateo County Veterans Commission from virtually holding our 5th Annual Veteran of the Year celebration. The video – which honors a veteran, and worthy individuals and an organization who work with veterans – is available for viewing here. It’s poignant and moving – and reflects all that is good in this county. Please watch it!

We are also honoring our veterans and their family by holding a free COVID-19 testing event on November 21st from 12-3pm. It will be held at the American Legion Post 105, located at 651 El Camino Real in Redwood City. We hope this will be just the beginning of free testing for our veterans. To register for the event, click here.
PROJECT HOMEKEY – HOUSING FOR SENIORS AND HOMELESS
This month, Governor Newsom added San Mateo County to the list to receive Project Homekey funding, a program that allows counties to purchase and rehabilitate hotels, motels and vacant apartment buildings to support the homeless.

In this last round of state funding, our County was granted $33 million that will enable us to purchase two hotels to provide 170 units of interim housing. These units will be available to homeless and to seniors who are at risk for homelessness. It will enable us to help these critically vulnerable populations as the colder months approach.

The two properties include the Pacific Inn in Redwood City and TownePlace Suites Hotel in Redwood Shores. This is positive news as ending homelessness was already a top priority for our Board when COVID-19 hit and the pandemic only magnified the need to provide permanent housing and shelter opportunities for those who will accept our help.
MASK MOBILE
DELIVERS FREE MASKS
Have you seen our Mask Mobile in your community? Public health officials tell us that if each of us wears a mask, everyone is protected! That is why our Office of Community Affairs is delivering free masks to the communities most impacted by the coronavirus. Let’s all do our part – wear your mask, wash your hands, and social distance. It’s for #AllofUs!
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Stay home and stay healthy. Enjoy the holidays and remember to wear your mask when out in public!

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