Helping build a place everyone can call home

Home matters – during the holidays, perhaps even more so. To paraphrase Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, we all know there is no place like home. And home and health are related – long commutes create pollution and mean time away from family.

Connect 18 Conference

In November 2018, I was proud to co-host our sixth annual Connect Conference. This year’s Connect 18 theme was, “Transforming Communities Through Technology” which was held at Facebook in Menlo Park. Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, Assemblyman Marc Berman, and President and CEO of SAMCEDA, Rosanne Foust, and I were pleased to welcome a roster of distinguished speakers who shared their ideas, stories, passions and best practices for using disruptive technologies to transform our communities.

Board Highlights: 11/06/18

As a proud Vietnam Veteran, the celebration of Veterans Day has so much meaning and that’s why I was proud to present a proclamation, during our November 6 Board of Supervisors meeting, designating November 11, 2018 as the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I.

Warren Award: John Maltbie 49 Years of Public Service

“Truth, liberty and toleration—three words that are your guiding beacon.”  Inspiring, moving words spoken to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on October 23, 2018 by outgoing County Manager John Maltbie, who is retiring after 49 years of public service and 600 Board meetings. In his own words, John Maltbie noted that what we do as a County matters.

Community Conversations: Mental Health and Families

Last night we held our second Community Conversation on mental health and families and over 60 community members attended to discuss the triggers of mental illness. With the pressure of our current immigration system, the housing crisis, and the high cost of living we are seeing an alarming impact on our family’s mental health. 

Board Highlights: Measure K, Proposition 6 and Affordable Housing

I want to share with you some highlights from October 2nd County of San Mateo – Government Board Meeting: As a Vietnamn Veteran, I am proud to approve district specific Measure K funds to San Mateo County Blue Stars Moms 

Warren Award: Dr. Faye McNair Knox

We lost a significant member of our community last week - Dr. Faye McNair-Knox. She was 68 years old. Dr. Faye, as she was known to all, was born and raised in East Palo Alto and became the voice of those less fortunate in that and surrounding cities – particularly for the youth.

Warren Award: California Clubhouse - Members helping Members

Did you know that about 44,000 people in San Mateo County struggle with serious mental illness? California Clubhouse is a membership-based organization where people with persistent mental illness rebuild their lives, learn skills and make friends.

Warren Award: Veterans Treatment Court and August Graduates

I learned the adage “Leave No One Behind” as a young man in the US Army serving in Vietnam. This morning, I had the honor of speaking at the Veteran Treatment Court’s (VTC) graduation – and this is exactly what this Court does – bringing our veterans in trouble with the law into the light and helping them change the direction of their lives. 

Warren Award: Jeff Norris and Sandra Firpo - CERT Instructors

My office recently partnered with the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services to offer the first CERT Academy in North Fair Oaks (and the first to be taught in both English and Spanish).