On Dec. 2, 2016, Facebook announced its plan to invest $20 million to address the need to increase the supply of affordable housing and the related issues of displacement, particularly in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park, and communities within a 15-mile radius of their campus. This is exactly the kind of leadership that we in local government seek: Leaders who are willing to take stock and commit resources, time and talent to help solve the problem — creatively and collaboratively

On December 13, 2016, the Board of Supervisors enacted a moratorium on outdoor marijuana growing as well as commercial operations in response to voters approving Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana in the state. The temporary ban will initially last for 45 days and could be extended to two years, but the end goal is to study potential regulations and attempt to create a more regional approach. Getting feedback from stakeholders may assist the county in forming a blueprint law cities in the county could adopt.

At our very first San Mateo County Veteran of the Year Award Luncheon, four outstanding honorees were recognized. I introduce you to them and congratulate them on their work to support veterans in our county. There are three award categories. I present to you the 2016 Patriot of the Year - Carolyn Livengood, the 2016 Enterprise of the Year - Reveille, Peninsula Covenant Church, and the 2016 Veterans of the Year - Judge John Grandsaert and Tim Healy. Congrats to all of the 2016 honorees!