Good afternoon, everybody. We'll go ahead and reconvene back to open session of our board meeting.

And

first, we'll just go ahead and do the Pledge of Allegiance. So today, may I ask, Vice President, would you like to do the pledge for us, please?

My

apologies.

Can

we begin with roll call?

Oh,

I'm sorry. Let's do the roll call first. Thank you. Supervisor Rabacoga?

Here. Is

here. Supervisor Young?

Here. Supervisor Ellenberg? I'm here. Vice President Arenas? Here.

And

President Lee?

Good

afternoon, President as well.

Let's

go ahead and, if you could, Vice President. Please rise if you're able to. And join us for a

Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic

indivisible.

Thank

you.

All

right. So we'll go ahead, go over item number seven, considering the recommendations relating to certificates.

We'll go ahead and do the adopting proclamation, declaring February 2026 as a Black History Month, along with the other, let's see.

I

think we should just take all this one vote. I'm

happy to move approval of all items under seven.

Second.

Thank

you.

Oh, and President, I'd like to hear items seven D and seven G together during presentation.

You mean eight,

we'll

go to eight, the presentation's

going to be

at eight.

Okay,

thank you. So the vote is only for seven, yeah, A through seven L.

Okay, thank

you. No further comments?

Let's

take the vote.

Supervisor Abecoga?

Aye.

Supervisor Young?

Yes.

Supervisor Ellenberg?

Yes. Vice

President Arenas? Yes.

And

President Lee?

Aye

as well.

Thank

you,

motion

carries.

Thank

you. So this takes us to the first presentation of today's suggestion. Agenda 8A, which is declaring February 2026 as the Black History Month in Santa Clara County.

So

today, we gather to recognize, to celebrate the Black History Month, a time of reflection, learning, and deep appreciation for the extraordinary contributions of African Americans to our county and our nation.

At

this time, I would like to invite Milan Ballanton, Jeremiah Leinberger, and Levere Foster to join me at the dais, please.

Please

come up. So

as we stand together today, we honor history that's both profound and foundational. 2026 marks an important anniversary,

in

fact, the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, which first began in 1926 as Negro History Week. This movement was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian who believed that people denied their history and denied their humanity.

And

I'm not going to sugarcoat how the United States has treated our African American and Black community members. Here in Santa Clara County, the 1860 federal census showed that our county was home to just three African American residents, Anna from Missouri, 10 years old, Jenny, 50, and Nate, 28. We do not know how many more of these three residents, but we do know that slavery was still legal in the United States until 1865. And it was not until nearly a

century

later, with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that it was federally recognized that all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, were equal. 1964 was really not that long ago, but we have seen a great deal of progress, both moving forward and being reversed.

Thank

you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. impacts of our county's action on our African -American neighbors, and I'm so grateful that we here in Santa Clara County have a wide breadth of longstanding organizations and institutions to help advance equity, education, and cultural awareness. These groups include the Silicon Valley NAACP, the African American Community Services Agency, the Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators, Silicon Valley 100 Black Men, and many more such as historical churches, cultural institutions, and African American studies programs at our local colleges and universities. All of these groups and beyond help us to learn and share the African American experience with our wider community. And in honor of this year's 2026 Black History

Month, the national theme is titled, quote, A Century of Black History Commemorations, unquote, which helps to remind us not only of the central role that African Americans have played in shaping our nation, but also the importance of preserving and teaching the history for generations to come. So this month, I ask that we all take the opportunity to learn more about our counties and our countries' African American population, and take the time to recognize the culture, history, and achievements that have made our county so much greater. I mean, who doesn't love ice cream? And thanks to James Hemmings, Augustus Jackson, and Alfred Crowell, so now, therefore, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will be able

to learn more about the history of our county. The Board of Supervisors proudly proclaims February 2026 as Black History Month in Santa Clara County.

Today's celebration is not only about honoring the past, it's about uplifting the present and investing in the future. It's about recognizing leaders, educators, advocates, and community builders, and continue to shape our county every day. With that, it's my pleasure to invite someone who embodies that leadership and commitment, Milan Bellingham, to share a few words. Come on in, Milan. Yay.

Well, first of all, thank you so much to our wonderful Board of Supervisors and President of the Board. My name is Milan Bellingham, and I currently serve as Executive Director of the African American Community Service Agency. The organization was started in 1978, and so the story of Black History Month started as Negro History Week because, as I've shared the story many times, that when you are stolen from your home country and you have no ability to speak a language, but then you can now, in current time, run for public office or seek school board seats. I have to look back at why Dr. Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week 100 years ago. It wasn't

until President Gerald R. Ford in 1976 recognized Black History Month, and then in 1986 made it an actual holiday in the United States of America. It shows that it took a long time to recognize the contributions of a people who were stolen from a land, only to make the land that we are in greater. So we share that experience. We share that experience with our immigrant brothers and sisters in how we navigate the world today. Through Black History Month, we believe in training and developing our young people within our community and all. So today I would like to recognize our interns who are with us that were made possible by inventory grants from our elected

officials. We have Kiah Huff here with us, working on our nighttime daycare. We have Eric Parker here. He is working on our AI and AR. He's a student at San Jose State. We have Jeremiah, future Dr. Lineberger, who is a doctoral student at San Jose State University, and our amazing associate director. To the young people in the room, when you are in your classrooms and learning about black history or not, ask questions about the history, as we ask questions always about how can we make our world better? What contributions? At the African American Community Service Agency, we do have an emphasis in serving our community, but we serve all communities. So if you need food

on a Tuesday, come to AACSA. If you need support with finding a daycare, come to AACSA. If you need support with finding support for rental assistance and all, because we know what it means to be oppressed in a place where you are calling home. And so for that, we celebrate African American community through black history and creating it together with all of you. Thank you for your time.

Thank

you.

Next, we are presenting a proclamation declaring February 19th as the daycare daycare month. On February 19th, the Day of Remembrance, anniversary of Executive Order 9066 by Supervisor Abi Kogan.

Thank you so much, President Lee, and good

afternoon, everyone. It's deeply personal for me to bring forward this proclamation to recognize February 19th, 2026, as Day of Remembrance, the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 in Santa Clara County. On this day in 1942, Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Lee. It was the day of the death of President Theodore Roosevelt and enforced the removal and incarceration of more than 120 ,000 people of Japanese descent, two -thirds of whom were American citizens. In losing their freedom, they joined an estimated 5 ,500 community leaders and teachers who had been picked up by J. Edgar Hoover's FBI in the days following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. For the Japanese American community, this is not distant

history. It's family history. It's lived memories. And it is a reminder of how quickly prejudice and fear can override our Constitution. As I speak today, I cannot ignore the painful parallels between the 1940s and what we are witnessing now. In today's America, it's undeniably painfully public. We are seeing families torn apart, American citizens detained. We hear racist rhetoric that dehumanizes immigrants and paints them as threats. Rather than members of our community who bring life to our cities. History bears lessons. That is exactly why we must recognize and speak out when we are making grave mistakes again. Proclaiming February 19th as a day of remembrance means recognizing the consequences of silence,

of

executive power, and allowing hate to define who belongs.

And

it's about recommitting ourselves to creating policies and protecting communities. So that residents are not... Not targeted, profiled,

or

stripped of due process because of their race,

religion,

or national origin. Remembering is an act of resistance.

History

is a tool to better plan for the future.

Today

I'm joined by Reiko Nakayama,

chair

of the San Jose Nihonmachi Outreach Committee,

which

has organized San Jose's Day of Remembrance since 1981. Its mission is to educate the public about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and to defend civil and human rights for all. I'll let Reiko talk about the Day of Remembrance event coming up on Sunday, February 15th, and I strongly encourage everybody to join us. I'll be there.

Knowing

history can help us recognize when we as a country are committing a wrong.

Knowing

history can help instruct us how we as ordinary people can stand up and speak up.

And

thank you all for joining me to proclaim February 19th of Day of Remembrance in Santa Clara County.

Now

I'd like to ask Reiko Stanzo to say a few words.

Welcome

and thank you. Thank you,

Supervisor Abekoga.

I

am Reiko Nakayama, Chair of the Nihonmachi Outreach Committee. On behalf of the Japantown community, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for this proclamation. Forty -six years ago,

the

Nihonmachi Outreach Committee established the San Jose Day of Remembrance to commemorate the signing of Executive Order 9066,

a

tragic directive that led to the incarceration of over 120 ,000 people of Japanese descent.

A

primary goal of Day of Remembrance was to immobilize diverse communities in support of the redress movement, a bold campaign that successfully sought civil rights restitution and a formal government apology through the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Hundreds gather at the San Jose Day of Remembrance event,

not

only to honor those affected by the events of 84 years ago,

but

also to reflect on their modern significance. As recipients of an official apology from the United States, we feel a deep obligation to defend all communities targeted by hate and discrimination. This year's program, themed Neighbors, Not Enemies, highlights the parallelism, the parallels between history and the present. In 1942, the U .S. government invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to apprehend and imprison over 31 ,000 Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants. Today, the administration has utilized this same wartime act to bypass basic immigration and due process laws, making many in our community fearful of leaving their homes or taking their children to school.

We have recently celebrated a unanimous vote by the San Jose City Council to support H .R. 630, the Neighbors, Not Enemies Act, which would repeal the outdated and discriminatory Alien Enemies Act of 1798. We now urge the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to issue a similar statement in support of this vital, vital legislation to protect the civil liberties and human rights of all our neighbors. Thank you.

Thank

you.

No. Yes. So next on the agenda is presenting a proclamation declaring February 4th as the Saka Nakoda Day in Santa Clara County with Vice President Reynos.

Yes, thank you, President Lee. It is Saka Nakoda Day, and this proclamation, for this proclamation, I'm going to ask my friend, my friends from the Sikh community to come and join me while I say a couple of words, and then we'll hear from Dr.

Singh and then provide you with a proclamation.

It is my honor to continue to present this proclamation to my Sikh friends. This is during February 4th. I've been doing this since I was a council member. This is how we all do it. This is how we all met. We are neighbors because we live in Evergreen. But more than neighbors, we are partners. As we see you as a source of support and network for our community members, especially when there's difficult times, there's been very many of those throughout the years, starting with some of the floods that we had when I first was a council member, and you all stepped up to lend a hand to our community. Thank you. that we wouldn't have

had without us even asking, and that continued on with the pandemic and other events that have happened throughout the years. But today, what I'd like to share with you is a source of pain that has happened in 1986. And today we remember a number of gentlemen who gave their lives to speak their truth and a peaceful voice. So I'll tell you a little bit more about what I'm talking about. Today we're remembering Ravinder Singh, Baldeer Singh, Dilman Singh, and Harminder Singh. And what had happened is on February 4, 1986, these four unarmed and peaceful Sikh students were killed by state police in Punjab, India in an unprovoked firing while participating in a peaceful religious procession

and protest. I think this nation has seen some of that happen in recent years and we understand that level of pain that we will carry on for decades.

These extrajudicial killings violated freedom of peaceful assembly, protections that are recognized and codified by the United Nations, including Article 5 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, Defenders. Those who were killed. Those who exercise the right to peacefully protest should not be the targets of fatal violence that leaves a painful absence in the lives of their loved ones and their communities. Sakanakadar Day acknowledges this tragedy and to recognize these four young men who were unjustifiably killed 40 years ago for practicing their rights to freedom of speech. And this Martyrdom Day, the County of Santa Clara stands in solidarity with the Sikh community, families of the victims of Nagadhar tragedy in their pursuit for justice. And

as they continue to build worldwide support, I wish for all of us to remember their names today and each year on this day for their bravery. Once again, it's for Ravinder Singh, Baldeer Singh, Chilman Singh, and Harminder Singh. I hope today's acknowledgement of Nagadhar tragedy may help spread awareness and aid in generational and community healing for families directly affected. And before I provide this proclamation that will honor today's martyrs, I would like to invite Dr. Harinder Singh to please share with us. I know that we have other members of our Sikh community who are also here, and that is Sukdev Singh, Satvir Singh Bainual, Pavneet Kaur, and Sakwit Kaur. But first, we will hear from

Dr. Singh. Thank you.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Honorable Chair, members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Sylvia, distinguished guests, and members of community, thank you. Thank you to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for once again recognizing February 4th as Sakha Nakoda Day. This continued recognition is more than ceremonial. It's a meaningful act of remembrance and solidarity with the families who have waited far too long for justice. Forty years ago, on February 4th, 1986, in Nakoda, Punjab, India, four unarmed Sikh students, Ravinder Singh, Balteer Singh, Chalman Singh, and Harminder Singh, were killed during a peaceful protest while they were protesting the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, our holy sacred. They

were students. They were sons. They were young men with their entire lives ahead of them. Their families have lived for four decades with grief compounded by something even heavier, the absence of accountability. The absence of accountability. By continuing this proclamation, Santa Clara County affirms a simple but powerful duty, that human life has value everywhere, and that justice delayed anywhere concerns us all. This recognition matters deeply to the families, especially to the parents like my father, who has spent 40 years pursuing justice through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means. He has approached courts, commissions, and institutions, not with anger or violence, but with faith in the rule of law. That commitment to peaceful civic engagement deserves recognition.

Saka Nkode Day is not about reopening the old wounds. It's about acknowledging the unresolved ones. It's about remembering that justice is not confined by the borders, and that democratic societies have a moral responsibility to stand with those whose voices have been ignored. This proclamation reflects values that resonate strongly here in Santa Clara County, the right to peaceful assembly, the importance of accountability, and the belief that the governments must answer to the people they serve. When a local government recognizes an event far beyond its boundaries, it sends a powerful message. That human rights are universal, and that remembrance is a form of action. On behalf of the families of the Saka Nkode martyrs and the broader

Sikh community, I want to express sincere gratitude to this board, and especially to Supervisor Sylvia, for listening, understanding, and standing with us year after year. For these families, this proclamation does not replace justice, but it does something equally important. It tells them they are not alone. And their 40 -year struggle has not been forgotten. As we mark Saka Nkode Day, we do so with humility, remembrance, and hope. Hope that truth will one day be acknowledged, and that justice, however delayed, will not be denied forever. Thank you for standing on the side of remembrance, dignity, and humility. We are all right. Thank you.

And

with that, I proclaim today Saka Nkode Day. Sat Sri Akal.

.

Okay. So next, we have a couple of items. Ms. Group Dose, 8G and 8G, which is the presenting commendation for the BLVD King's Car Club for the annual toy drive event, and also to the Viejitos Silicon Valley Car Club as well. Go ahead, Suvai Zergul.

Thank you. I'd like to invite the Boulevard King's Car Club and the Viejitos Silicon Valley Car Club to join me, please.

Today,

I am joined by Louie Mendoza, Rick Ibarra of the Boulevard King's Car Club, and Jimmy Gustinantes of the Viejitos Silicon Valley Car Club.

We're

talking about Christmas in February. But it's important.

Wait

until you hear the story. During the December 2025 holiday season, the Boulevard King's and Viejitos Car Clubs organized a toy drive to support children and families across East San Jose. Their leadership and collaboration made it possible. to deliver toys directly to district -tuned neighborhoods, including Mayfair, Pocahue, and Comar, meeting families where they are.

From

a giant holiday sleigh to iconic lowriders, they created a joyful, unforgettable experience, connecting with hundreds of children and families, spreading real holiday cheer in a manner rooted in respect, honor, and the principle of neighbors taking care of one another. In my short time on the board, I have heard of this tradition from numerous Eastside residents, describing the magic and excitement. I was amazed at how much they felt, hearing the sirens that heralded Santa's arrival, and looking out the window to see a caravan of lowriders, one towing a giant sleigh, delivering toys, smiles, and cheer.

Children

were able to choose their toys, take pictures with Santa, and some even tried to climb into the sled.

It

was also magical for me getting to experience the shared wonderment of the day. I will never forget the memory of Councilmember Peter Ortiz dressed as Santa, myself dressed as an elf, although Louie, you felt my costume, couldn't you? It could have been more on brand, okay, I'll work on it next year. I remember us hanging on for dear life in the sleigh when we turned onto Story Road and picked up speed, heading from Polkoway to Comar. If you know that way, and you know the neighborhood, you know that traffic there is no joke. This annual toy drive reflected the best of our community, generosity, compassion, and neighbors showing up for one another. Thanks to the

volunteers, partners, local businesses, and the efforts of Boulevard Kings, Viajitos, Louie, who started this tradition, telling the story of Santa's arrival. Thank you to Tony, Jimmy, Ricky, Rick, and the members who continue this tradition.

On

behalf of the County of Santa Clara, I thank you, we thank you.

Let

me stand good at this one one second.

My

name is Louie Mendoza, and we've been doing this for about six years now,

six

years we've been doing this. We're passing out toys to the kids that unfortunately don't have too much stuff.

I

want to thank Betty for helping us, and being here with us, and supporting us with this. I appreciate it.

She made a good

little elf. That's all.

Yeah, everything's been nice.

We're

trying to get out toys and everything. But it'd be nice if we got a little bit more help from more council members.

You

guys hear that? More toys, more everything, and even the fire department and everybody.

You

guys help out. We need more toys. Pass them out to more neighborhoods for the kids.

More

neighborhoods, more kids, more happier people for Christmas. So, that's about all I got to say. I appreciate everything.

Thank

you.

My

name is Jimmy Gustamantez.

I'm

with Viajitos Car Club.

All

I want to say is thank you for the council.

Thank

you for the community. For their participation. And the kids say thank you too for all the kids that need it.

Have

a good day.

I'd like to invite my board colleagues and administration to join us for a group photo.

Okay, next we have commendation for the heli trails. And also the clean ride accessories for the toy drive as well.

Please

come on up.

All

right. I'd like to invite... I'd like to invite the team from heli trails and clean rides accessories to join me.

This

is also going to be a presentation celebrating the contributions of car clubs during the holiday season. I know it's February, but folks, this is an all volunteer effort. And everybody got their day jobs to get to, so it took a while to get everybody here.

Thank

you.

Joining me today is Rob Baldwin with heli trails and Sal Ramirez, founder of clean rides accessories. We're also joined by Sal's family. Yanai, his wife. Mateus and Zaya, his children.

This

past December, clean rides accessories and heli trails came together to organize a toy drive in support of children and families across Santa Clara County.

They

mobilized cars and trucks from across the county, including a memorable moment with a giant tow truck lifting a giant truck into the sky, turning the day into a very exciting celebration.

They

brought with them their vast network of the overland community. Car enthusiast clubs and small business owners united by their love for the community.

They

brought with them their love of off -roading camping trips and centering family experiences in nature's majesty. The theme of family is at the heart of their craft. Their community and their commitment that brought partners together to collect toys for children and youth in need of some additional holiday cheer.

Their

partnership reflected strong collaboration and creativity with toys distributed at the hub, foster youth and resource center. For current and former foster youth and for the children of our parenting foster youth. Sal and Tin who's not here. Were in charge of delivering the toys. Timing was an issue because they were running their businesses and meeting the demands of their customers during the holiday rush. They came. They met the youth. Learned about the hub and what it did. Who it served. And decided that they did not bring enough. Honestly, you brought enough. You brought more than enough. Sal went back. Sal and Tin went back to their families, their partners and donors that night to say we

need to do more. They went shopping that night. And came back the next day. With more toys. Hygiene kits. And care packages of blankets, slippers, books and toys assembled for our hub foster youth and their families. This event brought people together and showed how community led efforts can make a real difference. And we look forward to seeing this work continue in the years ahead. Thank you to Clean Rise Accessories and Hella Trails for your unwavering commitment and support to reach vulnerable communities and for your continued service to the people of Santa Clara County. At this time, I'd like to invite Rob of Hella Trails. And Sal of Clean Rise to share a few remarks.

I'll go first.

Good afternoon, everyone. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Supervisor Betty and her amazing team. It's been a pleasure collaborating with you over the years. And we eagerly anticipate organizing more events this year. Also, I would like to extend my appreciation to Rob. Also, Tin, Chris, Mike. They're not here today, but they're also a big part of Hella Trails. Gentlemen, it's an honor to work with you and bring some of the best events to our neighborhood. Thank you. Special shout out to my wife, Yanai, my son, Matias, and my daughter, Zaya.

You all have been my greatest support throughout the years.

My name is Sal. We own Clean Rise Accessories. Located in North San Jose. We specialize in the off -road and overland community. And have been building cool trucks since 2018. We firmly believe in bringing the community together. Which is why we host many events throughout the year.

One

of my favorite events is our annual Christmas toy drive. It's a wonderful opportunity to support local families throughout Santa Clara County.

Watching

the joy on the faces of these children. And young people. As they receive unexpected gifts from all of us. It's truly heartwarming. I would like to invite you to join us on this special event. And bring joy to our families in need within our community. I'm honored to live and serve you all in Santa Clara County. Looking forward to seeing all of you. Thank you. I

just wanted to say thanks to Supervisor Betty and the rest of the board for helping facilitate the location. And helping out with all the event staff. Hella

Trails, my partners Chris and Mike. We've been doing this for years

to come. Thanks to Sal and his team for always setting everything up.

I'd like to invite the members of the board and administration to join us for a group photo.

Can

I also invite family. Hella Trails and Clean Rise Accessories. Come on up for a big group photo.

Hello.

Moving next, we are doing a proclamation declaring February 11th as the 2 -1 -1 day in Santa Clara County. With Supervisor Allenberg and Young.

Today, in partnership with my colleague Supervisor Betty Young. We represent, we recognize the tremendous positive impact of 2 -1 -1. Oh, I forgot to call the people up. Are they 2 -1 -1 folks here? Yes, thank you. Come on up. We'll talk to you where we can see you.

Sorry about that. I was just all excited.

Okay. Take two. Today, we recognize the tremendous positive impact of 2 -1 -1. A free and confidential phone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Connecting individuals and families to essential resources when they need them most. Whether someone is seeking help with housing, food, healthcare, or transportation. 2 -1 -1 serves as a trusted first call. Meeting people with dignity, compassion, and real solutions. Across the country, the 2 -1 -1 has been an important part of our community. The 2 -1 -1 network is powered by hundreds of partner agencies working together to support millions of people every year. At the heart of this work are trained specialists who provide calm, knowledgeable, and compassionate

information and guidance. Helping people navigate complex systems during difficult moments. Here in Santa Clara County, this valuable service is operated by United Way Bay Area. Whose mission is to fight poverty and advance equity. By operating this helpline, not only here, but across multiple counties, and in more than 150 languages, United Way Bay Area ensures that help is accessible, responsive, and rooted in the needs of our communities. That leadership and commitment translate into real impact. In 2025, 2 -1 -1 Bay Area helped nearly 23 ,000 people. And provided more than 41 ,000 referrals. Connecting people to housing support, food assistance, healthcare, and other services that help families maintain or regain stability. And beyond everyday assistance, 2

-1 -1 Bay Area also serves as a lifeline during times of crisis. Whether responding to natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other urgent situations. The service provides timely, accurate information. Helping residents know where to turn and how to stay safe. Today we recognize not only the power of 2 -1 -1, but the vision and stewardship of United Way Bay Area in making this work possible. Your leadership strengthens our regional safety net, uplifts our neighbors, and reminds us that no one should have to navigate hardship alone. I will turn to my colleague to share some remarks. And then we will ask Laura Escobar from the United Way Bay Area to say a few words and accept

the proclamation. Thank you.

Throughout every crisis or emergency operation, every emergency or disaster service worker will tell you that the first and foremost thing that needs to happen is a communication tree. Reliable, real -time communications that was necessary providing life -saving services. During the 2020 COVID -19 pandemic, I had the honor of serving in the emergency service. And every day started with a check -in with 2 -1 -1 and every day ended with a check -in with 2 -1 -1. And this meant seven days a week because the phone lines were always open. I just want to share that little bit of a reflection to fully know or come as close as possible to fully understand the wide work

that is done and the depth that is necessary in managing not just a helpline but a resource line, a lifeline for those who may not have another number to call or may not know yet. Thank you. So don't ever forget 2 -1 -1. Thank you.

Thank you, Supervisor Ellenberg, Supervisor Yun, and members of the other members of the Board of Supervisors for this meaningful recognition. My name is Laura Escobar. I'm the Vice President of Safety Net Services at United Way Bay Area. And I started my over 35 -year career at United Way as a call specialist on the 2 -1 -1 helpline. My first year was the Loma Prieta. So I've been a pretty new call specialist when Loma Prieta happened, subsequently the Oakland Hills fire. And what I would say about 2 -1 -1 as far as disaster response, I mean, yes, it's a place you can call. Where can I get sandbags? Which roads are closed? We've seen this with

the Napa fires. We also operate 2 -1 -1 in Napa. And it really takes the load off 9 -1 -1. I'm looking at a lot of first responders in the room. A lot of people call and say, where are you? Where can I volunteer? Where can I bring this and that? So 2 -1 -1 is a great service in a time of disaster. So I'm honored to accept this 2 -1 -1 day proclamation on behalf of the entire United Way Bay Area team, our partners, and the thousands of residents who rely on us each year. It's more than a phone number. It's a lifeline. It's free. It's confidential. It's 24 hours a day. And I

would say that most calls from when I started in 1989 to now, most of our calls are safety net related. It's for housing. You know, I need help with my rent. You know, those are the most of the calls we got then and that we get now. It's help with food. We saw a spike in calls during the recent government shutdown where people were scrambling who were going to be possibly cut off their CalFresh benefits and needing to be referred to their local pantry. And 2 -1 -1 was there to help them, refer them to local services. It's health care. It's transportation. Really, anybody who's a nonprofit or a government service in Santa Clara County,

we have the referral for them. And like Supervisor Ellenberg said, we helped 22 ,911 residents of Santa Clara County, over 41 ,000 referrals to different services. And each one of those calls is a family, a senior, someone who doesn't know where to start. That's usually how a call starts. Hi, I don't know where to begin. You know, where can I get help with rent? And we work very closely in this county. I personally do as well with the Emergency Assistance Network. We actually convene them and work with them. And they're often the front door for a lot of the safety net services in this county. And it's my honor. It's an honor to work with

them. It's my own personal little shout out to them. So our specialists at the call center are the heart of the work. They show up every day with empathy, patience, knowledge of the resources.

And they help people feel seen and supported, often during the most difficult times of their life. People often are embarrassed. They don't know where to start. And it's hard to ask for help. So we're a place to start. So thank you again for recognizing the essential role of 2 -1 -1, for your partnership, your support, ensuring that no residents face hardship alone. And we encourage everyone on this February 11th, or what we like to call 2 -1 -1 Day, to learn about 2 -1 -1, share it with friends, neighbors, use it yourself, on behalf of yourself or a friend or family member. And together we can continue building a community where help is just a

three -digit phone number away. Thank

you. Thank you so

much. Thank you.

Next

we have a commendation for Jerry Zimmerman as he retires after 38 years of service to our county. Jerry, come on up.

Jerry Zimmerman is retiring after having

devoted 38 years of service to the county.

Demonstrating professionalism and dedication throughout. Jerry began his county career with what is now known as the Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency,

or

SEPA, in 1988 as a vector control technician 3 before becoming a roofer in 1999 with the facilities and fleet department. He continued his career progression serving as the maintenance project manager from 2015 to 2017. Work center manager from 2017 to 2018. And chief of construction services from 2018 to 2024. During which he oversaw a wide range of capital and maintenance projects. Since 2024, Jerry has served as the deputy director of the facilities and fleet department building operations division. Providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and study leadership to a team responsible for the development and development of the fleet department. And responsible for performing maintenance for most county facilities.

Jerry

is known as a positive,

generous,

and supportive leader. Mentoring countless employees and fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity. All without seeking credit or recognition for his contributions.

Jerry

started with the county when Ronald Reagan was president. And when shoulder pads and members only jackets were in vogue. He would drive his 1967 Camaro into work at what is now SEPA each day with the windows rolled up to protect his vintage mullet hairdo from the wind. Jerry still has that Camaro. But his hairstyles have evolved with both fashion and age. But the one thing that did not change during his nearly 40 years with the county. Is his commitment to doing his best at whatever job he was performing. And proudly serving the community in which he lived. So thank you Jerry for your service to our county organization. And we wish you all the best.

When they told me this was happening I thought wow. This is something really special kind of to cap off a career. And I thought well how do I consolidate 38 years into the 30 minutes that James allotted me for speaking here today. So well maybe that. Just kidding relax everybody. I think more importantly I'd just like to say thank you to. First I'm going to start with my wife. She is here. She got up every morning. She made my coffee. She made my lunches. I became known as brown bag Willie. Because I got to bring lunch to work every day. Second thank you to James. Thank you all. This has been fantastic. I've enjoyed my