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County Seeks Blue Ribbon Commissioners, Vote-By-Mail is Now Postage-Free, and More!

   
Dear Neighbor:

As you may know, at our October 6, 2015 Board of Supervisors meeting, my colleagues and I approved the creation of a 25-member Blue Ribbon Commission to evaluate and improve custody operations. We are now looking for members to sit on the Commission.

We have much to share with you:
Please read on for these updates and more. As always, please send me any questions, comments or concerns you may have.
 
Be well,


Cindy Chavez




Due Friday: Applications to Serve on the Newly-Created Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving Custody Operations!
Staff Contact: Maja Marjanovic
Maja.Marjanovic@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-6418

Applications to Serve on the Newly-Created Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving Custody Operations Now Available!
 
On October 6, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission to Improve Custody Operations, which will meet for 180 days.
 
The Blue Ribbon Commission will conduct a series of public meetings, hearing testimony from the public and experts, to assess the current status of our corrections system in terms of policies, procedures and operations and make recommendations for improvement.
 
We have an obligation to operate our custody facilities in an open and transparent manner in holding with the highest standards of legality, safety, and decency.
 
This Commission will be a 25-member body empowered by the Board to hear testimony, review documents and call on all County staff for assistance. In order to increase accountability and success, it is of utmost importance that the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission is transparent and inclusive. That is why the number of members has been increased to 25, at the request of Board President Dave Cortese.
 
This is an important turning point for our County and the safety of the individuals in our custody and our community at large. We welcome and look forward to receiving public input and guidance.
 
If you are interested in serving, applications are available online at www.sccgov.org/blue-ribbon-commission-application. Completed applications, along with a resume and statement of interest, are to be submitted to the Office of the Clerk of the Board. Applications must be received no later than Friday, October 16, 2015, 5:00pm. Final appointments to the Commission will be announced at the October 20, 2015, Board of Supervisors meeting.
 
Please send completed applications via email to Recordsunit@cob.sccgov.org or mail to:
County of Santa Clara
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Attn: Records Unit
70 W. Hedding Street
East Wing, 10th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110
 
Questions related to the appointment process can be addressed by the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 408-299-5001.


Vote-by-Mail Is Now Postage-Free
Staff Contact: Scott Strickland
Scott.Strickland@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-5022

Previously, voters needed to affix their own stamp (or stamps) before mailing back their ballots. Long ballots at some elections required multiple postage stamps.  Not anymore.

Last week the Board of Supervisors approved new ballot materials to explain the County’s new postage-free Vote-By-Mail.  From now on, Vote-By-Mail ballots will be labeled “No Postage Required”, and voters may put them in the mail at no cost.
 
Ballot materials will be clearly labeled “No Postage Required” in English and in a second language for voters who speak Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog or Vietnamese. You can see the new materials here.
 
The relatively modest cost of the return postage, shared by cities that hold elections, has been absorbed into the existing budget of the Registrar of Voters.
 
Voters have made Vote-By-Mail the popular trend. Now 72% of Santa Clara County voters return their Vote-By-Mail ballots.
 
The new postage-free Vote-By-Mail process will be in effect for some Santa Clara County city elections Fall 2015.  District 2 voters will first benefit from the change during the Presidential Primary Election in June 2016.
 

Newly Established County Sustainability Master Plan
Staff Contact: Hope Cahan
Hope.Cahan@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-5029

On September 29th, the Board approved the referral I co-authored with Supervisor Simitian to create a County Sustainability Master Plan (http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&ID=78273). This will provide the County with specific environmental improvement and protection goals, set priorities to guide these decisions, and create progress metrics to make sure we are on track.

The County employs over 17,000 people, has nearly 75 separate departments and agencies, and owns approximately 6 million square feet of property. In 2010, the Board created a Sustainability Policy to embed sustainability into the work of all County departments and agencies.

With this new Sustainability Master Plan, the County will be able to knit together all of the work being done by departments. This will result in an increase in environmental leadership, coordination of cross-cutting activities, and will promote transparency and accountability to the public. The creation of this plan will improve the County’s goals of fostering a healthy environment, protecting our precious resources and public health and safety, and advancing social equity and safety as we move the County towards a sustainable future.


Increased Opportunity for Community Gardens and more…
Staff Contact: Hope Cahan
Hope.Cahan@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-5029

The Board created an exciting opportunity for urban agriculture on September 29th, 2015. http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&ID=77963

Unused and often derelict land between 0.10 acre and 3 acres will now have the opportunity to get a tax break by allowing the land to be used for agricultural purposes such as community gardens, agricultural education classes and food growing for charities and farmers markets. This is a great opportunity for our community to increase its access to fresh, healthy, locally sourced food while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions!

For more information about urban agriculture incentive zones, contact Jim Reilly of the Department of Planning & Development at jim.reilly@pln.sccgov.org or 408-299-5799.


October 3-18, 2015 is Binational Health Week!
Staff Contact: Alexander Lin
Alexander.Lin@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-5027



On October 6, the Board of Supervisors voted to proclaim the period of October 3-18, 2015 as Binational Health Week. Binational Health Week is one of the largest mobilization efforts of federal and state government agencies, community-based organizations and volunteers in the Americas aimed at improving the health and well-being of the underserved Latino population living in the United States and Canada.

This year, the fifteenth annual Binational Health Week is taking place October 3-18, 2015 in the U.S. and Canada, with the participation of the consular networks of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. The 2015 themes of Binational Health Week are: HIV/Aids; Diabetes; Occupational Health; Influenza; and Access to Health Insurance.

Since it was launched in Santa Clara County in 2005, Binational Health Week has convened over 180 community events, with 1,700 participating agencies, and 4,700 volunteers. Over the last ten years the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in San Jose, community agencies, clinics, academic partners and advocates, have reached over 112,700 residents, and administered over 16,000 health screenings to the community via Binational Health Week.

This is part of our County’s broader effort to ensure equitable access to health care for all residents but particularly our most vulnerable populations.

To celebrate the occasion, I presented a commendation to Jazmin Amezcua, Deputy Consul of Mexico in San Jose, Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Health Officer and Public Health Director, and Rene G. Santiago, Deputy County Executive and Director of Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System.

For a list of the Binational Health Week events in Santa Clara County, visit https://www.sccgov.org/sites/sccphd/en-us/Partners/collabproj/BHW/Pages/bhwcalendar.aspx.

Happy Binational Health Week!


Thank You for Everything, Congressman Don Edwards.
Staff Contact: Alexander Lin
Alexander.Lin@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-5027



On October 1, 2015, we lost a giant in the civil rights movement and a champion for the environment. William Donlon “Don” Edwards dedicated his life to civil rights, civil liberties, peace, the environment and many noble causes.

After graduating from Stanford Law School, he became an FBI agent, joined the Navy and followed his father into the insurance business before being elected to Congress in 1962. In Congress, he worked to prohibit racial discrimination, disband the House Un-American Activities Committee, protect freedom of speech, oppose the Vietnam War and ensure fair housing practices.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Congressman Edwards’ bill to establish the first urban national wildlife refuge in the United States - the 30,000-acre San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The mission of the refuge is to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, protect migratory birds and threatened and endangered species, and provide opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation and nature study for the surrounding community.  In 1995, Congress renamed it the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

I remember meeting Congressman Edwards in 1981 as a young student. I was awestruck. He made time for anyone who wanted to speak with him, and his interest in encouraging young people to become politically engaged was inspiring. He continued to be a role model for me and many others in our community and across the nation.

In a statement that she posted on her website shortly after his passing, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who worked for Congressman Edwards for nearly a decade and succeeded him in Congress, summed up his legacy perfectly:

“Don spent his life in service to the state of California and to our country as a Member of Congress for 32 years. His contributions will live on for many generations through the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, through his stalwart defense of the Constitution, his profound dedication to civil rights, his tireless advocacy for the rights of women as the “Father of the Equal Rights Amendment,” and his lifelong efforts for a peaceful world. He will be always remembered for his exemplary service in Congress and love for the South bay.”


AREF Grants Opportunity for K-8 Teachers Working within the Alum Rock Boundary
Staff Contact: Alexander Lin
Alexander.Lin@bos.sccgov.org
408-299-5027

The Alum Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting grant applications for the 2015-2016 school year.  Grants are available to teachers in support of the foundation’s mission to Enrich the Educational Experiences of Alum Rock students. The foundation supports opportunities for student success by providing grants for field trips, classroom projects, enrichment activities and other creative approaches that support its vision, which is to help the children and families of Alum Rock achieve success.

Grants are awarded in amounts up to $500. Applications are only accepted online. Visit the AREF website at http://www.alumrockef.org/grants.php to access the application. Applications will be accepted until midnight, November 1, 2015. Approved grants will be announced after December 1, 2015.

Assistance with completing the applications is available until October 30, 2015.  Staff may also attend a free Grant Writing Workshop on October 20, 2015, 4:30PM – 6PM, in the ARUSD (Alum Rock Unified School District) District Office Board Room.  The workshop will cover basic grant writing, as well as an overview of the AREF application, process, scoring rubric, and evaluation process. 
 
Since the Spring of 2009, AREF has awarded 266 grants totaling $125,701!  750 teachers and 27,222 students in all grade levels have benefited from the grant awards.  Half of the grants awarded were for projects that included reusable classroom materials, thus Alum Rock students will continue to be affected for many years.
 
The next grant cycle will begin on January 2, 2016.  For additional information, please contact AREF at AlumRockEF@gmail.com.

 
27th Annual International Gift Faire
On Friday, October 16, the 27th Annual International Gift Faire (IGF) will begin. The IGF is the largest fair trade festival sale in the Western United States. Come to find quality world crafts: brass, baskets, carvings, folk art, holiday ornaments, jewelry, stationary, toys and much more-your purchases bring a better future to artisans in need. The IGF provides vital, fair income to artisans around the world by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America.

Friday, October 16, 9:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday, October 17, 9:00am to 6:00pm
Lincoln Glen Fellowship Hall
2700 Booksin Avenue, San José, CA 95125


5K for 5K Fun Run / Walk
On Saturday, October 17, the Disaster Support Network for the Philippines (DSNP) will be hosting a 5K fun run / walk to fundraise for disaster support efforts in the Philippines. DSNP, which was formed after Typhoon Haiyan, supports relief and rehabilitation efforts by fundraising, hosting educational discussions on environmental justice and organizing mission trips to the Philippines. For more information, visit https://disastersupportnetworkphilippines.wordpress.com.

Saturday, October 17, 8:00am to 10:30am
Hellyer County Park
Buena Vista Site, Cottonwood Lake Entrance
985 Hellyer Avenue, San José, CA 95111


Second Annual OktoBRAfest
On Sunday, October 18, the San Jose Women's Club's Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere Section will be hosting OktoBRAfest in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come hoist a beer, enjoy a sausage and support homeless and at-risk women. There will be a Bra Cupcake Decorating Contest, the Ms. and Mr. OktoBRAfest Contest, German music and dancing, a raffle for fabulous local stay-cations, a buffet of German classics (included with your ticket) and more.

All proceeds benefit The Women's Gathering Place, a drop-in center in downtown San Jose that provides a safe community for homeless and at-risk women. For more information, click here.

Sunday, October 18, 3:00 to 5:00pm
San Jose Woman's Club
75 South 11th Street, San José, CA 95112


Five Wounds Trail Cleanup
Friends of Five Wounds Trail is hosting a cleanup of the Five Wounds Trail on October 24 between 9:00am and noon. Meet at the Five Wounds Church parking lot.

Saturday, October 24, 9:00am to 12:00pm
Five Wounds Church Parking Lot (on North 28th Street)
1375 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95116


Domestic Violence: It Couldn't Happen Here - Could It?
On Wednesday, October 28, the City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission will be hosting a community forum to discuss the plague of domestic violence. Hear from a panel of advocacy, law enforcement, legal and psychology experts, listen to a survivor tell her story, discover the unique challenges faced by women in relationships with affluent abusers, learn where to get help to escape an abusive relationship, find out how to safely help someone you suspect is being abused, and join others in the community to end domestic violence in Palo Alto. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Constantino at 650-463-4906 or at Mary.Constantino@cityofpaloalto.org.

Wednesday, October 28, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Mitchell Park Community Center
El Palo Alto Room
3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303


Trunk or Treat Family Halloween Party
On Saturday, October 31, Alum Rock United Methodist Church is inviting families in the community to "Trunk or Treat" with decorated car trunks, carnival games a "Thriller" flash mob, candy and food. The event is free for the neighborhood and community. For more information, email therock@alumrockumc.org or call 408-258-7368.

Saturday, October 31, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Alum Rock United Methodist Church
30 Kirk Avenue, San José, CA 95127


Family Nature Extravaganza
Family programs at Guadalupe River Park Conservancy are developed so that you can have fun while building an affinity for nature with your loved ones. The Family Nature Extravaganza is a 3 week series taking place on Saturday November 7 (Meet the Critters), 14 (Geocaching), and 21 (Sustainable Urban Gardening).

This program will take place at the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.

November 7, 14, and 21, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Visitor & Education Center
438 Coleman Ave., San José, CA 95110


Great Opportunity to Serve: County Planning Commission
The seat on the County’s Planning Commission reserved for a resident of District 2 is vacant.  The appointment is to fill the final two years of a Commissioner’s term.  The Planning Commission is one of our most important commissions, with the authority to make decisions about proposed building developments and land use in the unincorporated County.  The unincorporated County is the County’s rural area, along with urban pockets in Alum Rock, Burbank, Los Altos, San Martin and Stanford that are not within city limits.  The Planning Commission also makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on all proposed changes to the County’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

Click here to learn more and click here to apply. The application is open until filled.

Click here for a list of vacant positions reserved for D2 residents on County Boards and Commissions.
Friday, October 16, 9:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, October 17, 9:00am - 6:00pm

27th Annual International Gift Faire
Lincoln Glen Fellowship Hall
2700 Booksin Avenue, San José, CA 95125
More information
Saturday, October 17, 8:00am - 10:30am
5K for 5k Fun Run / Walk
Hellyer County Park
Buena Vista Site, Cottonlake Wood Entrance
985 Hellyer Avenue, San José, CA 95111
More information

Sunday, October 18, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
2nd Annual OktoBRAfest
San Jose Woman's Club
75 South 11th Street, San José, CA 95112
More information
Saturday, October 24, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Five Wounds Trail Cleanup
Five Wounds Parking Lot (on North 28th Street)
1375 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95116

Wednesday, October 28, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Domestic Violence: It Couldn't Happen Here - Could It?
Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room
3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
More information
Saturday, October 31, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Trunk or Treat Family Halloween Party
Alum Rock United Methodist Church
30 Kirk Avenue, San José, CA 95127
More information
November 7, 14, and 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Family Nature Extravaganza
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Visitor & Education Center
438 Coleman Ave., San José, CA 95110
More information
IN AN EMERGENCY DAIL
9-1-1

Emergency Cell Phone
(408) 277-8911

Non-Emergency General Info
311

SJPD Non-emergency
(408) 277-8900

Sheriff Non-emergency
(800) 211-2220

24 Hr Health & Disaster
211

Poison Control Hotline
(800) 222-1222

Domestic Violence Hotline
(408) 299-2071

Suicide & Crisis Hotline
(855) 278-4204

Animal Control
County - (408) 636-3900
San Jose - (408) 794-7297

Garbage, Recycling, and Hazardous Household Wate
County - (408) 282-3180

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Copyright © 2015 Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, All rights reserved.