RE: SOR (Save our Restaurants)

Dear Marci,

In these challenging times, I am asking you to join me to support the restaurants on Middlefield Road. They have been there for us, providing delicious meals and a place to gather with friends and family.

With the pandemic, and the changing workforce plus the storms earlier this year coupled with the construction, these restaurants are facing immense financial difficulties. Many of them are struggling to keep their doors open and their employees employed. As a community, we can make a difference by rallying behind them.

Here are a few ways we can support our Middlefield Road restaurants:

1. Dine-In or Takeout: Whenever possible, choose to dine in or order takeout from a local restaurant.
2. Spread the Word: Share your positive experiences on social media and leave reviews on Yelp or Google.
3. Tip Generously: If you have the means, show your appreciation by tipping generously.
4. Collaborate: Encourage local organizations to to collaborate with restaurants for events, fundraisers or catering services.

By supporting the Middlefield Road restaurants, we contribute to the vibrancy of our community and help preserve the unique flavors and experiences they provide.

Let’s savor the flavors and support our restaurants.

Regards,

Warren Slocum

On July 11, the Board of Supervisors approved the Middlefield Road Small Business Assistance Program with a $985,000 grant fund to support small businesses along Middlefield Road in North Fair Oaks.

I met with 30 business owners last month. They all described the financial hardships they have faced. The pandemic, the change in the workforce (remote work due to the pandemic that continues today), and the ongoing construction along Middlefield Road have created the perfect storm. And these businesses, a number on the brink of financial failure, needed our help now.

Construction of the Middlefield Road Improvement Project was greatly delayed due to the never-ending winter storms – the likes of which we had not seen in decades or perhaps ever. We know that when the project is complete, families will enjoy wider sidewalks, new streetlights, free public WiFi, small businesses to frequent, and so much more. Many of these businesses just need a short-term financial boost so they can stay afloat long enough to see the benefits.

Our Office of Community Affairs is working with the approximately 98 storefront businesses who are in the construction zone between approximately Douglas to 5th Avenues. Each qualifying eligible business will be eligible for up to $10,000 in grants in two tranches. You can read more about this grant here.

You can help in one simple way – have a breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the nearly 40 restaurants on Middlefield Road. Pick up an ice cream or some baked goods. Choose to dine in or pickup. Here is a list of businesses – many in this construction corridor.

HELPING THOSE IN NEED: TENANT PROTECTIONS

On July 10, the Board of Supervisors held a special Study Session to hear about proposed updates to the current Tenant Protection Ordinance. This ordinance was proposed by Supervisor Noelia Corzo and myself.

My office has received a number of calls from constituents facing eviction. All were painful stories, but a few were heartbreaking including one from a single mother whose stove was not working for nearly 6 months and the landlord would not replace it. Most landlords certainly follow the rules with regard to their tenants – but some do not.

We heard from both sides of the issue during public comment at the Study Session. And it was clear from our fellow Supervisors that more work needs to be done to refine the ordinance. Supervisor Corzo and I are committed to do so – and to bring this back at some point in the future.

A POETRY FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN

Our San Mateo County Poet Laureate Jorge Tetl Argueta is hosting an International Children’s Poetry Festival as part of his “Poetry for All” poetry project. This event is free and dedicated to immigrant children and the community of Half Moon Bay. It will take place on Saturday, August 5 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Half Moon Bay Library. There will be children’s’ book authors and illustrators, readings and outdoor activities for the entire family!

New Human Services Agency Director: Claire Cunningham has been named the new Director of the County’s Human Services Agency. Claire began her work with the County in 2007 as a Deputy County Attorney and rose to the title of Chief Deputy County Attorney. And since that time, she has represented school districts and County departments admirably. In fact, for the last decade, Claire represented the Human Services Agency and has in-depth knowledge of the Agency. Since March 2023, Claire has served as Assistant Director of the Human Services Agency. We congratulate her on her new position and look forward to her leadership for this agency that touches one in four San Mateo County residents – over 198,000 children and adults.

And a thank you to Ken Cole, who is retiring after service as Director of this agency since 2019 – during the unprecedented pandemic and beyond. 

A Tour of Big Lift: Earlier this month, I took a tour of the Big Lift Inspiring Summers program at Taft School in Redwood City. The Taft program has 75 children who will enter K-3 in the fall, They are involved in language arts, math, mindful movement and STEAM activities all while building community. Plus these kids get two full meals and a snack each day! During the summer, they will take fieldtrips to the North Fair Oaks Library, CuriOdyssey and Huddart Park. You can read more about Big Lift here.

Guaranteed Income Pilot for Foster Youth: On July 11, our Board voted unanimously to provide current and former foster youth ages 18-22 with $1000 a month in the County’s first guaranteed income program. This pilot will assist about 70 eligible young adults who will receive a direct deposit for 18 months. There will be no restrictions on spending the stipend – it can be used as they see fit whether for education, transportation, housing, food or other needs. We hope with this pilot, we make headway in disrupting the cycle of poverty and the significant challenges our aged-out foster youth face. And with a secure monthly income, the participants will be better able to take advantage of services provided to transitional age foster youth, including access to educational and financial counselors and support staff to link them to health, employment and mental health services.

More information is here.

Fancy yourself as the next Harry Styles, Taylor Swift of Karol G? San Mateo County Libraries now has Karaoke machines at all branches for you and your friends to borrow for up to a week!

Have some hazardous waste to dispose of safely? San Mateo County Environmental Health will be holding a collection event in East Palo Alto on August 12. Make sure you make an appointment and visit the website to see what can be dropped off.

Wondering how to fix your broken non-functioning electronic gadgets, appliances, computers, toys, sewing machines, fabric and textile items? Well – San Mateo County’s Office of Sustainability is holding Fix-It Clinics. You can register for one 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.