Boosting Small Business Supervisor Wasserman's October Newsletter

I strongly believe in promoting our local assets and last year I was successful in advocating for changes in county ordinances that reduce bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory obstacles impacting businesses. Our focus has now turned to exploring ways to help promote our local small businesses. The Wineries Association of Santa Clara Valley has long wanted to set up a wine trail, but have run into issues with county sign restrictions. One of the winery owners remarked to me that almost everyday someone tells him “I have been living in this community for years and I never knew you were out here”. Working with our County Roads and Airports Department we were able to propose an update to our sign regulations to allow for the safe placement of signs along our county roads, while accommodating the efforts of our local wineries to identify their businesses.

Speaking of small businesses, Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate and I recently cohosted a business resource event. I appreciate all the business owners and industry experts who took the time to attend and talk about programs designed to promote business.

The County is also working with our nonprofit partners to explore strategies to stretch our limited dollars. One of the ways the County is doing this is through an exciting new model called Pay for Success. Under this model nonprofits enter into a contract with the government to ensure delivery of services and to set a predetermined goal. If, and only if, the nonprofit achieves that predetermined goal will they be reimbursed. I am very excited about the potential of this program because it is designed to challenge our nonprofit partners to make government more cost effective and provide better service to our constituents.

Santa Clara County recently purchased a beautiful 490-acre property just west of Gilroy, expanding Mt. Madonna County Park. The property boasts majestic redwood trees - so wide that two people could not put their arms around them - and a gorgeous creek teeming with wildlife. This purchase increases the total parkland owned by the County to over 45,000 acres. Thanks to the Park Charter Fund, the County Parks and Recreation Department is able to secure beautiful plots of land, like this recently purchased parcel, and preserve them for future generations. These parks make wonderful community assets and are one of the reasons why we have such a high quality of life in Santa Clara County. If you are interested in learning more about the County Park System, or the activities planned by our wonderful rangers, please log on to: www.sccgov.org/parks

I am accepting applications for fall interns. High school, college, and graduate students as well as non-students are encouraged to apply. While working, interns can expect to learn about how a County Supervisor's office operates. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and an interest in local government. Visit my website for more information and to apply:www.supervisorwasserman.com

As always, you can reach my office at (408) 299-5010, or you can email me at mike.wasserman@bos.sccgov.org with your comments and concerns.