Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John L. Maltbie, County Manager
Subject: County Manager’s Report #9 of 2017
RECOMMENDATION:
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Accept this informational report.
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BACKGROUND:
This report will provide you with updates on a variety of County initiatives focusing on Public Safety, Health and Human Services, Community Services and Performance, in addition to reports on legislation and issues that require your action. We also will keep you and the public informed about new services, upcoming events and general updates.
DISCUSSION:
Health and Human Services
Homeless Count numbers show positive gains
The numbers are in from the 2017 Homeless One Day Count conducted in the early morning hours of Jan. 26 and the data shows some positive gains toward our goals to see our residents sheltered. For this latest biennial count, 350 volunteers consisting of partners, county staff and the public-at-large, assisted by homeless guides, fanned out by foot and car to conduct an observational count of each census tract in the county. New this year, a survey was also administered during the count to collect demographic data on homeless persons observed.
The 2017 results show a 16 percent decrease in overall homelessness, with the biggest gains made in reducing the number of people living on the streets. The census recorded a 30 percent increase in the number of people living in RV’s. While it’s difficult to know with certainty the factors behind the numbers, the County has seen notable success in using Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) services, housing locator services and rapid re-housing methods to get families and individuals connected to services and housing.
The Human Services Agency will publish the full summary on its website today. The results are also submitted to our federal agency partners and serve as one source for determining how best to serve our homeless residents. We remain in strong pursuit of our goal to end veteran homelessness by the end of 2017, and I’ll be returning to you later this year with an update.
County’s first-ever LGBTQ Center to open in June
The very long-awaited, first-of-its kind San Mateo County LGBTQ Center will open its doors June 1. The center will be located at 1021 South El Camino Real in San Mateo and serve LGBTQ people of all ages. StarVista is the lead agency, who will work in partnership with Pyramid Alternatives, Daly City Partnership, Peninsula Family Service, Adolescent Counseling Services Outlet Program and in collaboration with San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), services will include counseling and crisis intervention, case management, vocational and peer support services, trainings, social and community activities. The Center will also have a large social media and online presence and opportunities to train providers to build competency in working with the LGBTQ population. The official ribbon cutting ceremony is tentatively scheduled for June 1 and the official name will be chosen through a local process shortly after.
Performance
Joint Venture Silicon Valley launches first Smart Region Initiative
San Mateo County recently partnered with Joint Venture Silicon Valley (JVSV) to launch the first ever Smart Region Initiative. Designed to improve the quality of life of citizens through technology, this initiative aims to apply a regional approach to innovation beyond the borders of individual jurisdictions. This collaboration will focus on the “Smart Cities” initiatives with an emphasis on education, connectivity, open data and digital inclusion.
Joining the County in Smart Cities are the Cities of San Jose Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Leandro, Cupertino and Mountain View. The goal is to also expand membership to other cities and private companies.
Measure K
New engines arrive in time for fire season
Four new large fire engines plus two smaller off-road wildlands vehicles are now in service in some of our county’s most diverse and challenging regions. These new units are replacing older models, many that are beyond industry standards in terms of age and mileage. These new engines were purchased with Measure K funds set aside by your Board for the County Fire Vehicle Replacement Fund. New, large engines are now in service at Fire Station 18 (Cordilleras), Station 57 (La Honda), Station 58 (Skylonda) and Station 59 (Pescadero). New wildlands engines are now in service at Station 55 (Loma Mar) and Station 59 (Pescadero). New command and staff vehicles are also now in service at Station 17 (San Mateo Highlands). In addition, Measure K funds have also purchased 60 self-contained breathing apparatus and 120 air tanks. Additional details and photos of the new engines are on our Measure K website: <http://cmo.smcgov.org/MeasureK>
News, Events and Updates
Coastside clinic purchase finalized
On April 7, the County closed on the acquisition of the property located at 225 Cabrillo Highway South, Building A, in the city of Half Moon Bay. This property currently serves as the San Mateo County Coastside Clinic. As this building is the only structure on the Coastside large enough to satisfy the clinic’s space needs, it was important that the County purchase the property when given the opportunity. The acquisition of this property also allows the Heath System to continue providing comprehensive care to the most vulnerable residents on the Coastside while recognizing long-term financial savings.
During the County’s due diligence, it was determined that the back of the building encroaches onto a PG&E easement. To protect the County’s interest, the County secured a letter from PG&E committing to not requiring the County to relocate the structure as well as obtained an ALTA Owner’s Policy that protects the County from damages sustained should such an action occur. While the property was listed for $9.2 million, the County was able to acquire the property for $8.15 million.
Nomination window open for Veterans of the Year
The nomination period is now open to honor those who served our country at the second annual Veteran of the year awards ceremony and luncheon in November 2017. Last year’s event was a rousing success and celebrated local individuals and organizations that notably improve the quality of life for veterans. Similarly, this year’s categories are Veteran of the Year for an individual, Enterprise of the Year for any nonprofit or for-profit organization that has significant operation in San Mateo County and Patriot of the Year for a non-veteran county resident. The winners and nominees will be honored at the Nov. 9 awards where retired U.S. Navy Admiral Jams O. Ellis Jr. will be the keynote speaker.
The County appreciates all of its veterans and service members. This award celebration is simply one small way to honor all they’ve given our country. Nomination forms are available on the Human Services Agency website and are due by 4 p.m. Aug. 25.