HEALTH HOSPITALS

As a Registered Nurse specializing in Public Health, I spent many years working with individuals and families in our community. I particularly enjoyed my experience as a school-based nurse. My health background, coupled with my years in public service, has given me a hands-on perspective of the challenges faced in Santa Clara County. As Chair of the Board of Supervisor's Health and Hospitals Committee, I am able to actively represent a variety of topics including medical services, mental health, public health, drug and alcohol issues, and access to health care. When considering health related policy or financial matters, I am a firm believer in prevention and early intervention as effective tools in supporting the health of our communities.

I am pleased to announce an exciting new program in Santa Clara County to target the high incidence of hepatitis B among the Asian Pacific Islander community. To find out how you can get a low-cost screening and vaccination, please visit "Hep B Free" Screenings and Vaccinations .

For a schedule of the Board of Supervisor's Health and Advisory Committee meetings, please visit Board Committee Agendas

View useful Health Care web sites

PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUSTICE

As a long time resident of Santa Clara County, former Mayor and City Councilmember and an active participant in my community, I know it's critical to ensure that people feel safe, fairly treated by the law, and secure from crime in our County and our communities.

In this committee we deal with policy issues and the financial aspects involved with the overall public safety and justice of our County, including working with the District Attorney's Office, the Sheriff's Office, the Public Defender's Office, the Probation Department, the Department of Corrections, Office of Pretrial Services and Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office. The issues we address range from the juvenile hall construction project to ensuring that the unincorporated areas of our County are well protected and monitored.

For more information on the Board of Supervisors Public Safety and Justice Committee (PSJC) dates and agenda, please visit Board Committee Agendas

I would love your input, questions, and comments on any item that you feel that we as a County should be dealing with. I look forward to working with you to ensure that our County is safe and just.

LAND USE, ENVIRONMENT and TRANSPORTATION

Policy and planning decisions about the use of land and other natural resources, as well as preservation of our resources, are some of the most important decisions made by government. The health of our environment is also intricately linked with an individual's physical health. Related areas I have worked on and am continuing to support include:

Sustainable Santa Clara County:As a sponsor of a pubic forum focused on identifying significant indicators of sustainability and measurements of success, I saw first hand how passionate our community is about the future. From this forum, I have sought a plan to move forward with a county-wide effort to get us all on the same page as far as measuring our intent and our progress for a "Sustainable Santa Clara County".

Planning for Healthy Communities:Our own health is impacted by the quality of our air, water, and environment. Planning a community that encourages walking and cycling is one way health and the environment intersect for a positive outcome. I have embarked on a city by city approach where I engage the community and city leaders, bring a walkability expert, and asses the availability of safe, walkable streets, bicycle routes, and sources of food and other needs within walking distance of the home.

A Healthy Environment: I am also proud to have sponsored enactment of the County's Integrated Pesticide Management Ordinance (IPM). At a recent global conference in Budapest, other nations requested our IPM materials. As a result of the IPM ordinance:

8 County Parks are now completely pesticide-free

The County's use of 22 different pesticides has been completely phased out

For every measurable indicator, the County has made significant reductions

Green Building: This is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources - energy, water, and materials - while reducing a building's impact on human health and the environment. This is accomplished through better sitting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. In 2005, I requested a green building policy for the County to implement when purchasing, building or remodeling space. The policy was unanimously supported by the Board of Supervisors. We are currently developing a green building policy that will apply to residential homes in the unincorporated County lands.

Stanford Sustainable Development Study: Stanford University occupies 8,180 acres of land, with approximately 50% of that land under the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County. We are currently working on a plan to ensure Stanford's development will be sustainable and compatible with its neighbors as well as the environment. The Board of Supervisors will consider the Stanford Sustainable Development Study in 2009.

For more information on the Board of Supervisors Housing, Land Use, Environment, and Transportation (HLUET) Committee Meetings, please visit Board Committee Agendas

HOUSING

Housing remains a struggle for many in our community. The County Office of Affordable Housing combines the Housing and Community Development Department, the housing bond program, and homeless services into one united effort.

Our Affordable Housing Fund has invested $17.7 million dollars from various sources, resulting in $389 million dollars of new affordable housing in Santa Clara County. Working in partnership with the community and local cities we have been able to support projects such as the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto, Senior Housing in Sunnyvale, and enhanced shelter services throughout the county.

The County has embarked on a dedicated journey to end homelessness through several key strategies aimed at the root of the issue. These include a major push to reach out to those in need and offer basic building blocks to achievement such as access to food and medicine, increase the number of shelter beds, and breaking down barriers to job readiness.

For more information on the Board of Supervisors Housing, Land Use, Environment, and Transportation (HLUET) Committee Meetings, please visit Board Committee Agendas

View Useful Housing web sites

CHILDREN, SENIORS, AND FAMILIES

Santa Clara County has several departments dedicated to helping children, seniors, and families thrive. The most comprehensive is the Social Services Agency, which includes 1) the Department of Child Support Services which provides services on behalf of children alleged to be victims of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The department operates the Children's Shelter, four Family Resource Centeres, and licenses family foster homes and provides adoption services. 2) Aging and Adult Services, which provides protection, quality nutrition and supportive in-home services and safeguards the property and manage the estates. 3) the Department of Employment and Benefits helps transition public assistance recipients to employment and eventual self-sufficiency and links low-income individuals and families to health, nutrition, and employment services.

A related agency, the Department of Child Support Services, helps ensure that a child's custodial relative receives prompt and full child support payments.

Committee Meetings, please visit Board Committee Agendas

View Useful Children, Seniors and Families Links