Okay.

Good afternoon, everybody. I have actually 4 .02. Today being Monday, January 12th, I'm going to call this closed session meeting to order.

Well,

actually, no. The closed session meeting has been finished, and now I'm going to go and ask the clerk to recall the attendance for the other session for our award ceremony. Go ahead.

Supervisor Abacoga? Here. Supervisor Young is absent. Supervisor Ellenberg? I'm here. Here. Supervisor Arenas? I'm sorry, Vice President Arenas? Here.

I

see Supervisor Young has just arrived, and President Lee. Good afternoon, President, of course. Thank you. We have a quorum.

All

right. So, Vice President Arenas, would you mind leading us to the Pledge of Allegiance? The

United States of America, a republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay.

Moving on to the next. The next item on Agenda 7, which is considering the recommendation relating to the adoption of accommodations or proclamations.

Can

I get a motion to approve and adopt Item 7?

So

moved. Second, Arenas.

Moved

and seconded.

Supervisor Abacoga?

Aye.

Supervisor Young?

Yes.

Supervisor Ellenberg?

Yes. Vice

President Arenas? Yes. President Lee?

Aye

as well. Thank you. Motion carries. Thank you. And we'll go ahead and start with Item 8A, and I'll follow the... Executive.

Then

we'll move to Item 9 for Employee Appreciation. Go ahead, James.

Thank

you so much.

So,

in December, Maria Lewis retired from the county after more than 25 years of dedicated public service in the Department of Child Support Services.

Maria

began her career as an office clerk and was steadily promoted to an Office Specialist III. Maria's deep commitment to customer service and hard work has been essential and aligned with the Department's... She has always gone above and beyond for both our internal and external customers.

Maria

has, with enthusiasm and effectiveness, made an excellent and constructive contribution to the community.

Maria

exhibited exceptional initiative and resourcefulness during the deployment of the Department's Virtual Interview feature, which allows customers to meet with caseworkers from anywhere.

This

effort launched during the COVID -19 pandemic. And approved upon when the Department moved to a different building, not only ensured seamless communication with our customers, but also resulted in a smooth transition for our staff. Maria fostered devotion to duty that positively impacted the morale of her colleagues. During her tenure, Maria has demonstrated the county's core values of ethical conduct, honesty, integrity, respect for others, and fostering collaboration. To achieve the county's mission. Thank you for your 25 years of dedicated service to our county organization and to our community. Congratulations on your retirement.

Do you wish

to share anything? Do you wish to share anything?

Yes, it's been an honor to work for the county. I started many, many years ago as extra help, and then I moved on. And I'm just thankful and grateful. and it's an honor

is there anybody you'd like to also have in the photo please feel the feel to call them up if you'd like your family or anyone said if there's anyone she'd like to have join in her photo come on up family

have three of the six the other ones are too little

another

big round of applause and

if

Lisa come join me please Lisa

pate is retiring from the county after 30 years of outstanding public service to the county of Santa Clara Lisa began her career in the social services agency Department of Family and Children's Services as a social worker before being promoted to a social work training program in the state of Santa Clara in the state of Santa Clara and training specialist in staff development where she led a major change management initiative expanded vendor and community engagement for the aging and adult senior resource fair and facilitated numerous trainings after six years with staff development Lisa was promoted to employment program manager in the Department of Employment and Benefit Services overseeing CalWORKs employment connection general assistance employment connection and

CalWORKs social worker teams in this role she expanded job fairs developed a comprehensive job club curriculum grew the paid work experience program launched a parent support group and designed and implemented the American recovery and reinvestment Act subsidized employment program successfully placing 1 ,500 individuals into paid positions in just 15 months in 2014 Lisa was promoted to program manager for the public administrator guardian and conservator office in the Department of Aging and Adult Services where she focused on improving operational efficiencies enhancing training programs and establishing clear policies and procedures Lisa ends her career with the county as the chief deputy public administrator guardian conservator where she has launched the embrace a senior initiative developed a PAGC

orientation program implemented more than one hundred and eighty policy

staff members since 2010 some of them being Honorable Vice President for family for current and future staff. She leveraged her leadership and connections to lift the county by coordinating and hosting the annual Bay Area Regional PAGC conference for several years. Lisa's absence will be felt widely, but her legacy will live on as her many contributions will benefit our county for years to come. Congratulations on your 30 years of dedicated service to our

county and its residents.

I wrote it so that I wouldn't be nervous and I could just read it. So thank you to the incredible staff, colleagues, peers, supervisors, and mentors who have guided, supported, and inspired me throughout my career. I'm deeply grateful and truly honored. For 30 years, I've had the privilege of advocating for, supporting, and assisting vulnerable populations and communities. in our community in Santa Clara County. This work has been a calling and I share this recognition with all of you, people I've worked with over the years, my family, and my friends. Thank you so much.

I'd like the

board to come join me in the photo room. Is there anyone you'd like to call on up?

Don't be shy, come on up.

Dr.

Elizabeth Mayotte, would please come and join me?

Dr. Elizabeth Mayotte has retired after 55 years of

distinguished service to the county of Santa Clara County. Dr. Elizabeth Mayotte has retired after 55 years of distinguished service to the county of Santa Clara County. Clara Health System. Wow. Dr. Mayotte, a board -certified anatomic and clinical pathologist, began her career at VMC in 1971 and retired in December as the SCVH Medical Director of Laboratories and SCVH Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Mayotte has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, excellence, and integrity in clinical and anatomic pathology services, ensuring high standards of care for all SCVH patients. Dr. Mayotte has made lasting contributions to workforce development by establishing and sustaining the largest clinical laboratory scientist internship training program

in Northern California, mentoring and training more than 500 laboratory professionals. Dr. Mayotte chaired the Institutional Review Board, for over 40 years, supporting scientific advancement through research while ensuring the ethical treatment of patients and safeguarding their privacy. Dr. Mayotte served as a member and leader of more than 50 medical committees, dedicating her time and expertise to strengthening quality, safety, and compassion throughout the health care system. She'll be remembered for her dedication, kindness, and advocacy, positively impacting countless patients' lives. Dr. Mayotte also served as a model of professionalism and humanity, consistently embodying the power of we in fostering collaboration. I should note that Valley Medical Center was founded in 1876 and will mark this year its 150th

anniversary. Dr. Mayotte's career spans more than one -third of the hospital's entire history, placing

her service within the long arc of the county's public health system. She was the first to become the laboratory medical director in 1981, and the laboratory services supported just a single hospital. There were no county -operated clinics, and laboratory operations were much smaller scale than they are today. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Mayotte and her husband, a UCSF cardiologist, raised six children.

Colleagues also know.

Colleagues also know Dr. Mayotte for her gardening passion and her generosity in sharing homemade jams and preserves, a small but meaningful reflection of the care and thoughtfulness she brought to her work and relationships. On behalf of our entire county family and the board, our deepest gratitude for your 55 years of service to our health care delivery system, to our patients, and to the community. Dr. Mayotte, I would like to thank you for your time. And, um, with that, we will close with the Ar iter posible shift entre Isabel Wasac ,ину our entire community organizations, thank you. . Johanna

I account for one and o a R e . . le l p G

l n m ambul t l p

n for many, many years. And my husband is here. My children are all working somewhere, so they couldn't come, or my grandchildren. But my second family is here at my lab. I'm sorry.

The

big thing that I did was teamwork. And you have a remarkable, remarkable crew in the laboratory. It is considered to be the premier lab in Northern California, maybe all of California, but we hear that from the inspectors that come. And I hope and I know that it will stay that way with the group that we have here. So thank you. Thank you.

Invite the board to come in for a photo.

Whoever you want. Anybody you want. Come on up for the photo. We're going to fit you all in. Come on up.

All

right,

another huge round of applause for our retirees.

If I could have this month's Employee Excellence Award recipients, please come join me up here in the seats to my right and left.

So

every month, we have an opportunity to recognize just a handful of our truly extraordinary public servants here at the county. And this month, we will be recognizing employees from the Facilities and Fleet Department, Employee Services Agency, Finance Agency. Social Services Agency, Sheriff's Office, Probation Department, Santa Clara Valley Health Care, Behavioral Health Services Department, and Department of Planning and Development. Are we short one chair?

And the way this works is I will call you up one at a time. You can stand here. I get to read a little blurb that your department shared about you. You'll then step behind. And President Lee will hand you your certificate. Take a photo. And then at the end, we'll do a big group photo together. Sound good? All right, so first up, we have Francisco Martinez.

Lead janitor, Francisco Martinez sets a strong example of public service at the Facilities and Fleet Department. He is known for his positive attitude, professionalism, and willingness to go the extra step for both customers and coworkers. Francisco communicates openly, keeps others informed about his progress. And he's known for that. And is always ready to help. Along with his daily duties, Francisco trains new staff and makes sure they feel supported and prepared. He delivers supplies throughout the county and assists with the heavy lifting needed for large event setups. No matter the task, he brings reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to doing things well. Coworkers often speak about his solid work ethic, his care for others, and the

pride he takes in his job. He pays close attention to his employees. He brings attention to detail to keep county facilities clean, safe, and welcoming. As a true leader within the custodial division, Francisco shows what dedication and service look like. His daily actions make a meaningful difference to our departments and the community we serve. Thank you for all that you do.

Nicholas Steinmeier.

Since joining the Employee and Labor Relations Team, Principal Labor Relations Representative Nick Steinmeier has made significant contributions to the Employee Services Agency. agency. Most notably, he's played a key role in working with labor unions to facilitate the transition of staff from regional medical center to the county of Santa Clara. Nick's leadership throughout this complex process was marked by thoughtfulness and dedication, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining essential hospital operations. Beyond his professional expertise, colleagues describe Nick as approachable and deeply invested in their development. He spent many hours mentoring newer staff during complex union negotiations, offering training and valuable perspectives. His commitment to teaching and supporting his team has not only strengthened the employee and labor

relations department, but also empowered staff to address difficult challenges with confidence. Nick's exceptional communication skills and ability to foster trust and strong relationships have established him as a vital link between the county and labor partners. He consistently demonstrates a proactive approach, handling sensitive discussions professionally and working towards effective solutions. And I always appreciate his counsel and presence in our regular labor updates and meetings. Congratulations, Nick. Thank you for all your work.

Clarita Legaspi.

Clarita has embodied the highest standards of integrity, service, accountability, and community commitment through her career with the University of Santa Clara. She's a member of the finance agency and the county. Before her role as a management analyst, Clarita successfully supervised a team of four in the tax role control unit, providing operational expertise supporting $32 billion in annual assessed value changes. She helped ensure accurate and timely processing of secured assessments, correction requests, appeals, and new assessments triggered by recent sales or construction. One standout example of her commitment to excellent service occurred during a challenging case involving multiple ownership changes and ongoing assessment appeals. A frustrated taxpayer reached out about their bill calculation. She took the time

to patiently explain each step and walked the taxpayer through the process with transparency and empathy. Her calm, knowledgeable approach resolved the issue and restored the taxpayer's confidence in the county. She has developed improved workforce, and improved safety and safety at the local level. She flows and automation, and demonstrated initiative during critical staffing transitions. Her reliability and dedication make her a valued leader. Thank you.

Susan Chang.

As a senior management analyst for the Department of Aging and Adult Services, Susan Chang is described as a, quote, quiet giant in her field, expertly coordinating complex data and programmatic intersections, ensuring the department operates with accuracy, responsiveness, and strategic clarity. She's been a key contributor to the department's continuous quality improvement project. Her ability to identify issues early, propose real -time solutions, and swiftly improve compliance has elevated the department's performance and strengthened its collective impact. Through her thoughtful analysis and strong writing, she humanizes data in ways that empower staff and enhance service delivery, making complex information accessible, meaningful, and actionable. What truly distinguishes Susan is her technical expertise, humility, and kindness. She leads with steadiness and

a genuine desire to help others succeed. She offers training, answers questions with patience, and lifts her colleagues through collaboration and encouragement. She's always willing to lend a hand and shares her time and talents whenever needed. Her presence strengthens the department, and she exemplifies it. She's the very best of public service. Congratulations.

Kevin Stockham.

Kevin Stockham served in a variety of divisions during his eight -year career with the Sheriff's Office, including in the role of field training officer, where he demonstrated strong leadership, patience, and mentorship in developing new deputies. In 2024, Kevin was assigned to the High Impact Team, a specialized unit dedicated to investigating organized retail theft. He has been instrumental in its continued success. Kevin's efforts have resulted in numerous successful investigations, the recovery of stolen property valued at $1 .3 million, and the arrest of multiple offenders. As the lead detective in several high -profile cases, he has consistently displayed outstanding investigative skills, professionalism, and determination. Kevin approaches every challenge with a calm and analytical mindset. Often, identifying innovative

strategies to move investigations forward. His ability to adapt, think critically, and maintain a positive attitude makes him a trusted and respected member of the team. Kevin's dedication, teamwork, and problem -solving abilities continue to exemplify the core values of the Sheriff's Office and make him an invaluable asset to the High Impact Team. Thank you for your

service.

Erin Echeverria. As

a Deputy Probation Officer III with over 23 years of experience, Erin has acquired a wealth of knowledge from the Court Unit, the Juvenile Services Unit, and the Screening Unit. In addition to meeting with clients and providing them with critical resources and completing court reports in a timely manner, Erin shares his knowledge and experience with a variety of colleagues. He aids his coworkers to prioritize their volume of work, helps them meet timelines, and provides support to results. He also helps to resolve unexpected issues. New and veteran Deputy Probation Officers rely on him for his knowledge and support to resolve complex matters. In the Screening Unit, Erin currently collaborates with Juvenile Hall staff, as well as police

officers from a variety of law enforcement agencies, and is often observed explaining complex policies and procedures. When Erin was a court officer, he demonstrated mutual respect towards stakeholders, colleagues, community partners, and the respect of the public. In addition, he worked with prospective parties in court. Appearing on behalf of the Probation Department, Erin advocated for the client's best interest while also ensuring the victim's voices were heard. Thank you for your dedication.

Linda Wendt.

Linda is a clinical laboratory scientist with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. As manager of the hematology and coagulation sections of the laboratories at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Linda has consistently ensured her team provides quality laboratory testing through her tireless efforts to educate her staff. Linda nurtures the capabilities of her staff and has developed a well -functioning team. She has taught numerous trainees, many of whom were subsequently hired either by VMC or by the surrounding community hospitals, assuring excellent hematology and coagulation testing is available throughout the community. When additional hospitals were acquired by the county, Linda worked with their staff to standardize the procedures across the entire enterprise. Linda regularly reviews processes in

her sections to identify efficiencies. She has also brought several critical tests in -house, thereby decreasing turnaround time and reducing costs. Linda is an excellent leader of a team that is committed to providing excellent care for patients. She sets an example through her diligent work ethic and her nurturing respect for her staff. Linda's department consistently meets all Joint Commission requirements and is often the shining example for all areas of the laboratory. Congratulations.

Rachel Talimentis.

Behavioral Health Division Director Rachel Talimentis is a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and operational competencies. She has a consistent track record of successful oversight of behavioral health programs, system partnerships, and leading the development and implementation of new initiatives. As Division Director, Rachel is a visionary leader who embraces new projects. She has led several initiatives with exceptional skill and commitment to efficiency and quality services. Some of those initiatives include the implementation of the Downtown Youth Wellness Center, the Behavioral Health Juvenile Justice Services Redesign, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and the planning and development of the Enhanced Short -Term Residential Therapeutic Program. In this work, Rachel is thoughtful, reflective, and deliberate, taking care

to include youth voice and lived experience to inform the work. Rachel is attuned to the needs of her team, the stakeholders she collaborates with, and the values of the communities her programs serve. She is dedicated to quality services and committed to trauma -informed and healing -oriented practices, equity, and inclusion. Congratulations.

Michael Bloom.

Associate Plan Check Engineer Michael Bloom consistently goes out of his way to provide excellent customer service within the Department of Planning and Development. His dedication and work ethic show in all of his work. He is highly responsive to all inquiries, whether through front counter meetings, virtual appointments, phone calls, or emails. He goes above and beyond to help resolve project issues and always performs thorough, timely reviews. Michael is committed to learning and continually improving both his own skills and county processes. He is flexible, able to prioritize shifting work demands, and readily shares his knowledge with new employees. His support has helped others in the Plan Check group better understand software and front counter responsibilities. He takes

initiative in solving customer problems and remains calm and composed, even when facing challenges or opposition. Michael maintains professionalism in every situation and treats applicants and colleagues with respect. Thank you for your service.

We can have a huge round of applause for all of this month's award recipients.

I invite the board to come join me. We're going to turn our backs and take a group photo.

Yes, a huge round of applause for all our awardees. And so at this point, we're coming to the end of our agenda. We'll adjourn to the Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13th at 9 .30, same time, same place, right here. Thank you very much.