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Friends, Neighbors & District 3 Residents,
Greetings from your new County Supervisor and Happy New Year!
It is an honor to be trusted with the responsibility of being the District 3 County Supervisor, and I remain humbled by your support, thank you.
My predecessor leaves very big shoes to fill, and his work for District 3 and countywide is why he was entrusted to replace the Hon. Jim Beall in Sacramento. Senator Cortese’s achievements as Supervisor for our public health, our working families and our environment will be the work I look to build upon for you. The transition from his service to mine was exceptional, and I am thankful for everything Senator Cortese continues to offer and for the hard work of his staff to help me be ready for Day One - which already happened!
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Senator Cortese was sworn into the CA State Senate during the first days of December, so on December 6th I took the administrative oath of office to complete the remaining weeks of his term ahead of my official swearing that took place last week. Thank you to everyone that joined us, click HERE and HERE for videos we shared during the celebration event. |
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While you can learn more about my story online, I want you to know that as an immigrant, U.S. Navy Veteran, small business owner, intellectual law attorney, former Mayor, father of three daughters, husband and volunteer, I will bring my experience and passion to continue my service to our community. |
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We will do best for our families and our future by staying connected. Stay connected with your D3 Team for updates and more. I would also like to introduce you to the leaders of your District 3 Staff. Wendy Ho joins us as Chief of Staff, Mark Tiernan as Deputy Chief of Staff, Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto as Executive Assistant. The connections between you and our office are the first steps to making a positive difference, and I look forward to our conversations.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to navigate this public health emergency is the top priority right now. As the County looks to extend its Stay-At-Home Order, keeping you healthy and safe is what is most important. Our office is working on economic support for our workers and businesses, along with expanding access to resources for families.
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In early December, I joined my colleague Supervisor Chavez at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds as we began the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. This marks a major turn for our public health, and brings us closer to moving beyond this pandemic’s damage to our community, and begins to save lives. Read more information about the vaccine.
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Purple Tier Status & Testing Sites
Santa Clara County opens 2021 still in the Purple Tier which means that many businesses are closed and workers are without income. More information on the Public Health orders available here. We are hopeful that Santa Clara County will bounce back swiftly from the current increase in cases, but we also need to work with our regional partners to not rush anything. Wearing a mask, staying socially distanced and getting tested are now more critical than ever to help us bring the numbers down in 2021. Find a testing site near you.
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December 2020 at the County Board of Supervisors
While many of us were preparing for the holidays and end of the year, the Board of Supervisors was busy in December. My first Board meeting was on December 8th, 2020, and it has been incredibly exciting to work with my colleagues to help our community.
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At the December 8th Board of Supervisors meeting, my colleagues and I voted to close the gaps in access to free period products to the most vulnerable populations in our communities. We also voted to appoint Supervisor Wasserman as President of the Board of Supervisors for 2021 and Supervisor Ellenberg as Vice President. I am thankful for the bold work the Board took to unanimously declare our intent to invest $6 million in loans to local small businesses.
At the December 15th Board of Supervisors meeting, we approved a report provided by staff around the County’s Isolation and Quarantine Support program (I&Q program). I was excited to lead the motion on requesting a report relating to program applicant demographic information to better understand the challenges and needs of various groups participating in the I&Q program. The Board also unanimously approved a resolution that urges the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors to support a Measure B 10-Year Outlook that balances investments among all nine Measure B programs consistent with the allocation ratios in the 2016 ballot measure and maintaining progress in existing capital projects, thereby ensuring countywide benefits as promised in the measure.
A highlight from our first month has been the recognition of the hard work of various community groups, leaders, county workers and officials for their help in tackling this pandemic. On December 14, Service Medals were awarded at a special presentation. Watch video of the ceremony. Special thanks to everyone who has been a part of our community's effort to keep us healthy.
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2021: Looking Ahead!
We have a great deal work ahead of us but we will move beyond these hard times together as a community. 2020 was difficult year, to say the least. The unfathomable loss of life has profoundly affected us all. I look forward to steadily leading us through the healing process, restoring our economy, and ensuring sustainable housing for all. Santa Clara County has long been beacon of hope for so many all over the world and I intend to keep that beacon burning bright, I'm ready.
Earlier this week terrifying events in Washington, D.C. rattled the nation. Before we close I would like to share the following statement with you in regard to those events:
Wednesday started as a dark day in our Nation's history when our US Capitol was under siege by a violent mob, but our Congressional representatives from both parties recovered quickly, reconvened in the evening, and conducted the business to certify the votes according to the Constitution of the United States.
Extremist induced violence should not be tolerated. Some flag waiving “self-proclaimed patriots" exercising their constitutionally protected rights to protest turned into mobs of rioters, seditionists and criminals when they used violence to assault the police, our Congressional representatives and government employees inside our U.S. Capitol, the House of the People and at the heart of our democracy. Besides breaking windows and doors, and desecrating the Capitol offices, four people have died and at least dozens of people were injured. The battle call that incited these activities from President Trump, his son, Donald Jr., and attorney Rudy Giuliani was heard loud and clear outside the White House, and those responsible for inciting and carrying out these violence must be prosecuted. Justice must be upheld.
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Thank you for being a part of our community and helping to keep our families safe and healthy. Please contact us anytime if you are in need of help or have a question.
It is truly an honor to be trusted with this responsibility, and I'm incredibly hopeful for 2021 because of you. Be well and stay safe.
Warm regards,
Otto
supervisorolee@gmail.com
The D3 Post Script:
Each month we will include a positive or uplifting note about what is happening in Santa Clara County with our "D3 Post Script." Our first highlight is in honor of the brave firefighters that do so much to keep us safe.
Cal Fire Firefighters Featured on Discovery Channel Series!
Firefighters from Cal Fire Local 2881 will be featured in the Discovery Channel’s 2021 series ‘Cal Fire.' This series will bring to life the struggles faced during another season of historic fires. The program will run for six weeks and began last weekend, and should be available to stream online.
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Resource Links:
Second Harvest Food Bank Needs Our Help To Help Our Community
Second Harvest is deemed an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic and must remain fully operational to ensure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food. Feeding double the need (500,000 people each month) requires a critical amount of volunteer support.
They need our help now more than ever – please consider volunteering! The greatest need they are facing right now is at local community food distributions.
COVID-19 Testing Sites in District 3
Visit SCCFreeTest.org for the most current schedule of times and sites. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese & Tagalog.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) - Milpitas Library Parking Structure
Appointments required: M - F, 8:30 am - 5 pm
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) - Valley Health Center East Valley
Appointments required: Open Every Day 8:30 am - 5 pm
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds - Lot A, Across from Main Entrance
Appointments only: M 7 am - 3 pm, Tu/We 7 am - 6:30 pm, Th 9 am - 3 pm, Sa/Su 9 am - 3:30 pm
Housing Support Services
The County Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) is leading efforts to find shelter for our unhoused neighbors and to help keep families in their homes. Click HERE to visit the OSH website for resources and links.
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Thankfully, the State of California is stepping up their efforts to help support our economy, small businesses and workers. Visit CareLifeGrant.com for more information or to apply. Round 1 applications have been extended to January 13, 2021.
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