County Supe Mike Wasserman's March '13 Newsletter

Are you a fan of farming and agriculture? Santa Clara County annually produces $250 million of agriculture and the DMV now offers drivers a new way to show support for California agriculture! Purchasing the new special license plate is also an investment in the next generation of our ag industry's innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Proceeds from the plates will go to support organizations like Future Farmers of America, 4H and other agricultural education programs that have an established record of success. For more information go to www.calagplate.com

You may have read that Supervisor George Shirakawa Jr. resigned last week following the District Attorney Office’s announcement that he is being charged with five felonies. Read the District Attorney Office’s statement here. I believe it was appropriate that Shirakawa acknowledged his wrongdoing and is taking full responsibility for his actions by resigning and pleading guilty to the charges. During a special meeting on Tuesday, I made the motion that was supported by the full Board to hold an election June 4 to let the voters of District 2 decide who should represent them. Electing a supervisor June 4 would allow for that newly-elected representative to take office June 12 and vote on the county budget. Having a Board member suddenly resign is less than ideal, but I believe that this is the most transparent and democratic course of action.

Last Thursday, I started my day out right by reading the children’s story “Night Catch” to 25 energetic youngsters at the Los Gatos Library as part of Silicon Valley Reads. The program holds many events throughout the county for readers of all ages in order to encourage the love of reading and learning, and to have a welcoming forum where our community can come together to share different perspectives. Learn more at Silicon Valley Reads and find an upcoming event near you. www.siliconvalleyreads.org

Mark your calendar for the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley’s Spring Passport Weekend on March 23 and 24. Take part in activities planned exclusively for passport holders including winery tours, special discounts, new releases, music and of course, GREAT WINES! Passports can be purchased for $30 at any participating winery, the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Gilroy Welcome Center. Visit the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Wineries website for more information: www.santaclarawines.com

What is the future of the County Civic Center? In July 2011, the county took possession of the former City of San Jose City Hall Complex, and the county will soon acquire another property in the vicinity. The county’s ownership of the majority of the lands and these recent transfers prompted an analysis of the highest and best use of its property, opportunities for revenue generation, enhanced efficiency of government services, and increased sustainability.

The county is currently preparing to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for developers who may partner with the county in the process of re-imagining and redeveloping the Civic Center. A kickoff meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 in the Board Chambers, 70 West Hedding St., in San Jose. For more information, please contact project manager David Barry at 408-993-4645, or david.barry@faf.sccgov.org

Please be sure to read my recent article on homelessness in Silicon Valley Local Magazine. The average chronically homeless person uses $60,000 of public services annually (hospitals, jails, mental health, public assistance) but once housed, that number goes down to $16,000. This is why Santa Clara County has a new program to focus on housing first. Homelessness is a complex issue but by working together, we are making progress.

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.