Items to include in this newsletter
SMC Pride 2022—STILL HERE, STILL PROUD!
Staff Perspective by Nupoor Kulkarni
From Indigenous land ceremonies to COVID test kit distribution, Inclusive Pride flags flying and community partners advocating for LGBTQ+ folks of all ages, SMC Pride 2022 is care in action. San Mateo County (SMC) Pride Celebration is hosted by our SMC BHRS Pride Initiative who partners with numerous agencies, including the SMC Pride Center, SMC LGBTQ Commission, Outlet, SMC Fair, and many others throughout the years to bring our communities this special event.
Boards and Commissions Vacancies
City of San Bruno: Applications are being accepted for one vacancy for a short-term seat on the Traffic Safety and Parking Committee. Applications are being accepted for one vacancy for a short-term seat on the Bicycle, Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Open until filled. Apply today!
County of San Mateo: There is a vacancy on the Planning Commission. This five-member, district-represented Commission reviews amendments to the County General Plan and Zoning Regulations, considers variances, subdivisions, and permit applications and hears appeals from the Zoning Hearing Officer. Interested parties can learn more about applying here. Deadline: Friday, July 22, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Invitation to Join Youth Civic Empowerment Learning Community
To strengthen the work being done by various groups to build youth voice and civic leadership, we are establishing a new learning community for youth civic empowerment groups in San Mateo County. Our goal is to connect adult leaders/allies of youth civic empowerment programs to better support them in their work with youth, and to form a stronger network of youth advocacy.
Climate Change Affects Health: Climate Viewer Data Tool Coming Soon!
Climate Viewer, an interactive tool, will be released soon to showcase climate change indicators San Mateo County officials are tracking to create equitable solutions. With coordination between the Office of Sustainability, Health Policy and Planning, and others, the Climate Viewer Data Tool will encompass the shared knowledge and collaboration that would be required to tackle climate change in San Mateo County. Be on the lookout for the Climate Viewer Data Tool.
Spruce Walk Audit Recommendation Implemented
In the fall of 2021, we supported the San Mateo County Office of Education Safe Routes to School program to conduct a virtual walk audit at the Spruce Elementary School in South San Francisco. We saw good participation from school community members as well as city staff, who together came up with a list of project, program, and policy ideas to make it safer for students to walk or bike to school.
PRIDE and Equity
Pride Month was initially inspired by the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans. The purpose of the month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on society locally, nationally, and internationally, and celebrate the resiliency, joy, and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. One way to contribute to an equitable world for LGBTQ+ folks is by adding pronouns to your email signature and when you introduce yourself in meetings to support belonging and respect in the workplace for everyone.
The Beginnings of a Public Health Community Collaboration Process
The Health Equity Team is developing and implementing a community collaboration framework within our public health department. See our process and goals, to be informed by San Mateo community, in the one-pager below.
Summer Meals Available for All Kids Under the of Age of 18
Free meals are available to all kids 18 and under this summer, with no registration required! Find a site near you: https://shfb.online/meals
The Second Harvest Food Bank can help you find free, nutritious food near you. Choose whether you want fresh groceries or ready-to-eat meals and pick days/times that fit your schedule. Visit the link below: https://www.shfb.org/get-food/
Tips for Staying Safe During the Summer
While COVID-19 seems to be sticking around longer than we’d like, there are still some measures we can take to help prevent its spread. Stay current on the data (i.e., case numbers, hospitalizations, and vaccination rate) in your surrounding community when considering the need for masks, make sure to have good ventilation (e.g., open windows, utilization of a portable air purifier and/or HVAC system), practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick, and getting vaccinated as appropriate.