Volume 3 • Issue 12
July 10, 2021
GROUNDBREAKING FOR ANDERSON DAM TUNNEL PROJECT Valley Water reaches milestone in work at Anderson Dam
SAN JOSE —This summer, Valley Water will begin work to build a larger outlet tunnel next to Anderson Dam, which will allow us to release more water safely during major storms or emergencies. On July 7, Val-
ley Water will be joined by elected officials and community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony at Anderson Dam. Where: Anderson Dam and Reservoir. Who: Federal, state and local elected officials,
including Valley Water board members. Santa Clara County is currently dealing with a drought emergency. Further challenging our local water supply, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ordered Anderson Reservoir to be drained for public safety as Valley Water strengthens the dam. This means our largest drinking water reservoir will be down – and unable to store drink-
ing water – for the next 10 years as we construct the Anderson Dam Tunnel Project and Seismic Retrofit Project. Completing our work at Anderson Dam is critical as we contend with climate change and the inevitability of future droughts. The Anderson Dam Tunnel Project is the first step in our work to strengthen the dam. Our contractor for the Anderson Dam Tunnel Project began mobilizing at the site in June, and construction of the 1,700-
www.valeywater.org
foot long tunnel is expected to begin this summer. We estimate it will take approximately three years to complete the tunnel. The tunnel project is part of the larger Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project to strengthen the existing dam and spillway so it can safely withstand a large earthquake. That project is estimated to start in 2024 and will last about seven years. Once completed, Valley Water will again be able to fill Anderson Reservoir to capacity.
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Summer Alert
Summer Fire Prevention Efforts City of San José, Cal Fire and SJ Conservation Corps Mitigate Wildfire Risk at Alum Rock Park
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SAN JOSE, Calif. – The City of San José Fire Department (SJFD) and Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS), in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), San José Conservation Corps and the California Conservation Corps (CCC), are working on a hazardous fuels reduction project in Alum Rock Park. “The fuels reduction project is designed to reduce wildfire risk, increase the safety of nearby homes and protect infrastructure and other values at risk,” said Avi Yotam, Deputy Director of PRNS. In addition to reducing wildfire risk in and around the park, the project aims to improve wildlife habitat, promote the health of native vegetation and remove invasive species. Work includes thinning of dense vegetation, removal of ladder fuels and implementing fuel breaks along the park
boundaries. Fuel breaks are instrumental in helping slow or stop the progression of a wildfire from encroaching upon values at risk. Nearby values at risk include homes in the Wildland Urban Interface, the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and ranchlands near the park. Other values at risk include utility infrastructure, historical and cultural relics, and native plant and wildlife species. “The dry vegetation in Alum Rock Park provides ample fuel for a wildfire to start and spread quickly, and we’re grateful for the assistance of our partner agencies and the fuel reduction work crews are completing,” said San José Fire Department Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. “While these efforts will go a long way in strengthening wildfire resiliency in this area, all community members located in and near our wildland interface area are encouraged to ensure defensible space clearances around their property, prepare emergency kits and make a plan should they need to
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evacuate due to wildfire.” San José Fire Department worked carefully to identify areas most at risk of wildfire along with a proposal for mitigation efforts that would be most beneficial to protecting the surrounding community. CAL FIRE is providing valuable resources in the form of hand crews recently certified to perform wildfire mitigation work. “Combating the devastating impact of climate change in our region requires urgency and action. I applaud the collaboration between the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection, the California National Guard, the California Conservation Corps Prop. 68, the San Jose Conservation Corps and the City of San José — thanks to their vital interagency work, we can better save lives and protect plant and wildlife species of concern during one of California’s most dangerous seasons,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. Crews began working along Crothers Road today, Monday, June 28 and will continue along the park boundaries for 8 to 12 weeks. The project will not impact Alum Rock Park visitors and service vehicles will be on the fire roads.
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Cali-Born Steelers Rookie Joins Gov. Newsom’s Efforts Against Homelessness and Hunger Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Rookie Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, who was born in Martinez and attended high school in the East Bay town of Antioch, came home last week to join Gov. Newsom in Santa Clara as he announced his efforts to address the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis and a new COVID-19-related rental relief program. Harris, who was picked in the first round of the NFL draft about a month ago, is using his celebrity and resources to support low-income families experiencing homelessness and hunger through his nonprofit Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation. At the press conference with the governor, Harris shared his personal experience with homelessness and how that has inspired him
to help others in similar situations. “Me my family we were all once homeless, moving around the Bay Area,” said Harris at the press conference. “San Francisco, Richmond. I lived in Pinole, Sacramento.” “We were evicted numerous times and had to stay in homeless shelters, friends’ houses, cars. But as a family, we stuck together and made it through these tough times,” he said. “Now I’m in a position to help out people. But a problem with no answer is just a problem,” Harris said referring to the state’s homelessness crisis. Harris has dedicated personal time and resources to address poverty focused on education, homelessness, and food insecurity. He
has also collaborated with Oakland native and former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch to address similar issues through fundraising initiatives and events. The state created Project Homekey, a California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) grant program that funded programs and institutions in cities and counties to secure shelter for unhoused people. It was a state initiative created to expand the scope of its programmatic predecessor, Project Roomkey. That effort was a temporary housing program implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the state, it was created to comply with the state’s shelter-in-place orders, provide spaces for people
July 10, 2021 Page 3
Good Works affected by COVID to recover and to serve as a first stop on a pathway to more permanent housing. Through Roomkey, hotels and motels in California offered shelter
for homeless people who were exposed to COVID-19 to recover and
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properly quarantine in an effort to minimize the strain on the healthcare system. Although Homekey provides interim housing, the state has secured over 6,000 additional housing units and bills that project as a pathway to permanent housing for homeless people. Gov. Newsom said that the state acknowledges that homeless people are unable to live, “a good life in an unjust society.” “You can sit there and point fingers or abdicate responsibility, but we have agency, we can shape the future decisions,” he said. California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Public Health
State of the City Address 2021 to Celebrate COVID-19 Heroes in Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor and the Santa Clara City Council invite the community to participate in the 2021 State of the City event virtually on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. During the virtual event, Mayor Gillmor will deliver the State of the City address to detail how the City of Santa Clara has responded to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing relief programs citywide. She also highlights the strength of the Santa Clara community as we move forward with a level of hope as we overcome the challenges this past year. Local Santa Clara Scouts from troops #394 and
#2394 led the Pledge of Allegiance for the event. For the second year, the State of the City will present a special recognition of community members and businesses as COVID-19 heroes for their efforts during the pandemic. The Mayor and City Council will present a total of seven Hero Awards, one from each Council district and a Citywide award, for providing aid and services to the Santa Clara
community during this past year. The public can participate in State of the City without leaving home with many ways to watch: • Visit SantaClaraCA. gov/StateoftheCity to watch on the City’s website • View online or via mobile from the City’s Facebook page • Watch online or via on the City YouTube channel • Watch on Santa
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Clara City Television on Comcast channel 15 or AT&T U-verse channel 99 The State of the City 2021 event was in planning stages before the recent reopening of California, with the lifting of the State Blueprint for a Safer Economy. We hope to return for 2022 in person with the Santa Clara community. In addition to the virtual State of the City
event, City Manager Deanna J. Santana will release a Community Letter as a mid-year update on the City’s many accomplishments and activities, which exemplifies how the City of Santa Clara continued to address the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining necessary services to Santa Clarans. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ MidYearUpdate for the
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July 10, 2021
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San José Chamber Orchestra Commissions Responseworks World Premieres During Pandemic
Juanita Harris photo by: Sebastien Mittermeire
San José Chamber Orchestra (SJCO) has taken the long and difficult pandemic shutdown time as an opportunity to focus on a new commissioning project called RESPONSEWORKS, music primarily written in response to both the political situation in the
Anica Galindo photo by: Patrick Jensen
country and the effects of the pandemic. SJCO has previously featured premieres from most of the composers, generating accolades and industry awards for many. Each composer has been given free rein to express through music their personal response to the year 2020. Works are
Jaco Wong photo by: artist copy
expected to be completed by the end of summer 2021. Three lead works and eight shorter works are in various stages of progress. SJCO anticipates performing them either virtually or live over the course of the next 1218 months. (Dates to be announced.)
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The events for this year include a preordered drive-thru “Taste of the Festival” at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, a Farm-ToTable Dinner at Fortino Winery, and the Garlic Festival Golf Classic at the Gilroy Golf Course. “We have all been confronted with so many changes due to COVID-19,” said Tom Cline, current president of the association, which has distributed more than $12 million to community groups since 1979. “There is a great community desire to see some reminders of Festival past that highlight our community, our commitment to our non-profit partners, and, of course, our love of garlic.” Here’s the lineup for special events: • Enjoy Your Favorite Bites at a Reimagined Gourmet Alley • For four decades, the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s famous Gourmet Alley has attracted strolling visitors with its pungent aroma, enticing flavors, jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, and community spirit. • Now imagine the world’s most delicious alleyway as a pre-ordered drive-thru, experiencing the “Taste of the Festival”. • Planned over two weekends of July 2325 and July 30-Aug. 1 at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, this summer’s new drive-thru format will allow guests to enjoy the spirit and flavor of Gourmet Alley. Fans will be able to pre-order some of their favorites, from juicy pepper steak sandwiches to succulent scampi, world-renowned garlic bread, and much more. The drive-thru Gourmet Alley will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Fridays and from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. www.gilroygarlicfestivalassociation.com
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July 10, 2021 Page 7
Calif. Atty Gen. Bonta Was Leading Force in Fight That Saved Obamacare Bo Tefu | California Black Media health coverage can mean the difference between life and death, so families across the country should rest easy tonight knowing their healthcare is safe,” said Bonta. Bonta led a coalition of more than 20 states challenging Republican efforts to undo the Obama-Era health care act. He was joined by governor of Kentucky as well as the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The coalition successfully pushed back a lawsuit spearheaded by more than a dozen Last week, the United In March, when Gov. Republican states led by States Supreme Court Newsom appointed Bonta Texas and upheld benefits ruled 7-2 in favor of California’s 34th Attorney of the ACA including keeping the core of the General, he stepped patient protections, Patient Protection and into a respected and affordability measures, Affordable Care Act carefully built legacy of and coverage expansions. (ACA), also known as successful legal advocacy In the court case Obamacare, intact. and litigation against California versus Texas, That decision resolved Conservative foes that Republican attorney more-than-a-decadehis predecessor Xavier generals tried to overturn long Democrat-versusBecerra left behind. Pres. a monetary penalty for Republican legal tugBiden appointed Becerra individuals who fail of-war about the federal Health and Human to obtain minimum government’s role in Services Secretary. health insurance. The health care coverage. Bonta said the Supreme ACA, enacted in 2010, At the end of that grueling Court’s decision, “affirms, required individuals to get battle, California Attorney once again and hopefully minimum health essential General Rob Bonta, a former for the last time, that the health insurance coverage Assemblymember from ACA is the law of the and individuals who failed Oakland, emerged a quiet land.” to do so would have to victor. “Americans know pay a penalty.
However, the requirement was amended in 2017 to cost $0 which voided the penalty fee. Republican attorneys general filed a lawsuit in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals claiming that the amendments were unconstitutional. However, the Supreme Court’s decision upheld the ACA provisions after Republicans were unsuccessful in making their case. “No one should live in fear of being denied the lifesaving care they are entitled to, especially as our nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bonta. According to the California Health Care Foundation, 3.7 million out of the 12.5 million people covered by MediCal have health insurance through the ACA. Health Advocates
from community-based organizations across California say they are relieved by the Supreme Court’s ruling to keep the ACA but say that there is still room to make the law better. Leaders from the California Black Health Network (CBHN), urged the state to focus on equity in healthcare. Rhonda Smith, the executive director of CBHN highlighted that the court’s ruling helps reduce the lack of access to health care now that people get to keep their health care. “One of the reasons why we have health disparities is because of the lack of access to healthcare services,” said Smith. “It definitely plays a key role in trying to minimize health disparities, especially the impact of COVID on black and brown communities,” she said. California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.
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July 10, 2021
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StateFebruary Reboot 19, 2021
Page 20
Record Reserve Fund The Doctor Is In
Helps Californians A Winning Formula Rebuild from UC Berkeley for Pre Special Assignment Brigitte
Jones, Publisher Because of responsible savings A visit withand Dr. smart Sonia Bell investments in assistance gives you a sense that programs, California perseverance and focus on the future, is good is roaring back. The medicine.Legislative 2021-2022 She liked tomixes play the Budget Proposal game, Operation as a kid! transformative, one-time From a young age, she investments with ongoing tackled the hard you stuff; a programs to help and ballerina in training with all Californians regain a the San Franciscoand Ballet. It sense of normalcy may look serene and make something better but the grueling outbeautiful of the chaos from the physicality of years of past year. forcing the body to do things it wasn’t designed Here are some key budfor - has a high cost. She getsuffered items: a career ending injury but was even more Connecting Caldisappointed by what ifornia: Thehad budget medicine to offer as a provides $6 billion over fix - never mind the beside a multi-year period for manner. broadband A twistinfrastrucof fate sent her ture and improved through a windingaccess journey to of broadband services other professional throughout theshe state, forays, once graduated
Med, she was starting to including billion for question $3.75 “do I see a place middle-mile for me in theinfrastrucMedical ture in unserved commufield... when there is so nities. much inequity and the political maneuvering? At BackSonia to School: this point is missing that performer’s SchoolThe budgethunger pro- for the spotlight -- billion detour into vides almost $1 for a modeling which early care andstint, education, leadK-12 to other creative and infrastructure, opportunities. her for including $250 So million father reasons that she’s childcare infrastructure, not returning to Medical $490 million for preSchool, ‘you can run the school/transitional kinnew Investment Banking dergarten/kindergarten branch inand Los$250 Angeles for facilities, million me.’ for school facilities. For Life, sometimes has its special education, it also own plans to get you back provides $396 million in on your true path - she ongoing Proposition 98 became ill and was General Fund to Lupus increase diagnosed with at the statewide base rate 24-years old. Again, not a for the experience special education great with the formula $260 million medicaland professional ongoing Proposition to handling of her case.98Even fund specified services for though she “presented as children ages 0-5 years old. the classic patient for a
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Funding Preschool and Childcare: The budget Increases childcare access by 200,000 slots. It also adopts universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) as part of a mixed delivery system, re-benching the Proposition 98 Guarantee to provide ongoing funding for the TK expansion of approximately $2.7 billion at full implementation. Lupus diagnosis; a young Black female with an CalLymph Grant and enlarged node,Mida dle Class Scholarships skin rash and aches and for Higher pains in theEducation: joints ... why The budget provides $153 so difficult to reach the million ongoing and right conclusion?” So,$330 million in did thenot out-years to medicine seem the end the age and time out career for her, due to her of high school encounters withrequiredoctors. ments forcouldn’t Community But they diminishstudents her interest College that,in medicine and what she for too long, have locked could offerstudents patients,out as of deserving someone who knows what the Cal Grant program. it’s like not toin bethe heard. This will-begin But a doctor’s advice upcoming school yeartoand
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‘maybe think of a career as a chiropractor, allow 133,000 moreitcombecause munity college students wouldn’t be so to receive astressful’ Cal Grant with that will support them her type of in communityillness. collegeWell and chiropractic upon transfer to UC or school also held prono CSU. The budget challenge or vides an additional $515 million on fascination top of existing after a while. $117 million beginning wentthe in 2022-23Sonia to reboot back to Middle Class Scholarship, Medical which expands suppleSchool ment non-tuition at costs for USC, which Cal Grant students and to she says in retrospect ultimately eliminate “really toughened mythe de factotorequirement for resolve succeed. USC lower and middle-income is a Level-1 Trauma students tomost rely on student Center and loans to attend CSU and weekends the various UC. gangs in the area kept the Emergency Room busy.” Small Between her Businesses 2nd and 3rd and Non-Profits: year at USC, SoniaThe budget provides decides she needsan to addibe a Team for the tional Doctor $1.5 billion in small Olympics in Atlanta, businesses and non-profit despite fact she grants, the bringing thehas total not certified as a doctor, investment in the Small yet. But join those Business COVID-19 medical practitioners, Relief Grant Programshe to
did, only to meet her future husband in the process. It was on to $4 billion. Stanford forFurthermore, her residency, it provides $50 million in pursuit of a focus in for grantsMedicine. for micro-businessSports Almost a es, $150 million to create year into the program her the California body is just overVenues stressed due to her work schedule Grant Program, provides and effects Lupus, tax the credits thatofsupport so she loses her spot and small business hiring and her again. themomentum hiring of homeless Today, Dr. and Sonia Bell individuals, also augheads mentsthe theAVANTI Cal Competes SPORTS MEDICINE Tax Credit by $110 milAND FITNESS CENTER, lion on a one-time basis, she says, “Avanti means and includes $120 million progressive Italian and to establishinthe Cal Comthat’s what I’m working petes Grant Program. towards.” I chose to go into private practice in Expanding Golden order to assure the quality State Stimulus: The budget of care I can provide.” provides $8.1 billion Now, she leads a team in of direct relief to Califordedicated medical nians with income of up professionals to provide an to $75,000. Combined array of care for the with early budget actions weekend warrior and the in prior months, this thoroughbreds of totals approximately professional sports. $14.7 billion in relief Dr. Sonia says,for“Ifamilive liesLife. and Once smallan businesses for athlete, always an athlete.” a historic set of actions by
any measure.
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Housing and Homelessness: The budget provides roughly $12 billion in new funding for homelessness programs over the next two years. It also includes $1 billion in support for local governments to address homelessness in both 2021-22 and 202223, with a legislative goal to provide additional funding based upon performance and needs in the field in the future. In addition, it includes more than $2 billion over three years for various housing and homelessness programs operated out of the Department of Social Services to assist seniors in poverty at risk of abuse and neglect, families with children, and children and guardians in our child welfare system. The budget also provides $1.75 billion to alleviate the backlog in affordable housing construction, $300 million
Online: www.thebayareareview.com for the preservation of existing affordable housing, $130 million for the development, maintenance, and preservation of farmworker housing, and $600 million for planning and implementation grants to help local governments plan for and meet their goals under their Sustainable Community Strategies. Medi-CalExpanding Medi-Cal to Undocumented Adults: The budget provides ongoing funding growing to $1.3 billion to expand Medi-Cal eligibility to all income eligible Californians 50-plus years of age, regardless of immigration status. It also eliminates the Medi-Cal asset test for seniors to remove the “senior savings” penalty, to expand access to more income eligible seniors. SSI/SSP Legacy Cut Restoration: The budget provides $225 million in 2021-22 and $450 million
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in 2022-23 to restore 50 percent of the remaining 2009 SSI/SSP grant cut, and anticipates the remaining 50 percent to be restored in the 202324 budget year. This restoration will increase the SSP grant by approximately $36 per month for individuals and $92 per month for couples. I am also grateful to have my district-specific budget requests included in the state budget: Warm Springs Quiet Zone: The budget includes $8 million to the City of San Jose for the Warm Springs Quiet Zone, which helps mitigate impacts caused by the extended service of Union Pacific Railroad that runs through our Warm Springs and Japantown neighborhoods. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Recovery: The budget includes $20 million for VTA recovery and worker assistance after the recent tragedy: $10 million for worker support and facility improvement, and $10 million for worker assistance, including mental health services, worker training, and retraining. For more information on the FY 2021-22 budget, please visit http:// www.ebudget.ca.gov/. For more information about the budget requests I submitted, please feel free to email me at assemblymember. kalra@assembly.ca.gov. Thank you.
July 10, 2021 Page 9
Eviction Moratorium Extended to August 18, 2021 For small business tenants who qualify for protection under the County’s ordinance, the County’s eviction moratorium has been extended through August 18, 2021. Full information about the eviction moratorium, is on the County website, Small business tenants have up to six months after the moratorium expires or terminates to repay at least 50% of the past-due rent, and up to 12 months after the moratorium expires or terminates to repay in full the past-due rent. Civil fines and penalties, monetary damages and injunctive relief may be imposed on landlords who seek to retaliate or deny small business tenants of their rights and protections under the ordinance If you are a small business tenant, you c an use this form to provide your landlord with documentation of substantial income loss and/or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses that contributes to your failure to pay rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible. Reasons for substantial loss of income due to COVID-19 include: · temporary closure of place of business · reduction in operating hours of a place of business · substantial decrease in business income To show the impact of COVID-19 on your business, you need to show bank statements or other financial documents showing your business’ financial situation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic Eviction: In order to evict you, your landlord must provide you this documenttelling you why you are being evicted, and what your rights are, as well as assistance programsare available to you. You may be able to take your landlord to court if they do not comply with the moratorium or use their non-compliance in any eviction proceeding.
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Online: www.thebayareareview.com
August 12, 2020
District 15 News As you know, I am running for California State Senate to succeed Jim Beall. Today, I am proud to announce that Senator Beall endorsed our campaign. Senator Beall has devoted his career to moving our communities forward and he cares deeply about our families and the people he serves. He has led NBA Star Enes our district with Kanter, flew into San compassion, Jose recently, for a pick courage, and grace. up game! A free His long listyouth of Basketball camp was accomplishments include lead by Portland Trail helping find jobs and transitional housing for emancipated foster care youth, improving our regional transportation, and increasing education funding. He’s been an advocate on expanding public health policies that helped reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring our communities
YMCA WELCOMES ENES KANTER Blazer, EnesJim Kanter to the Senator Beall absolute delight of the haveinvited safe food and water. kids to participate. He also helped secure Enes demonstrated some millions in funding over of the skills on the court the past two decades for that has kept him in the daycare centers, parks, and hospitals, as well as to preserve our open space. When asked why he made this choice, Senator Beall stated, “Dave has the qualities and values I believe are important in Sacramento. He has a strong work ethic and has spent his entire career
NBA for 10 Seasons. advocating on behalf But most importantly, of the residents of our he showed great heart district, especially the and true sense among of mostavulnerable us enthusiasm playingcritical which is especially with Our local in thethe erakids. of COVID-19. YMCA was thrilled for Dave’s commitment the opportunity to be to equity and justice the recipient of Enes’ has shown me that he’sbig interest in wanting to serious about restoring host this event for our critical equal opportunity youth. policieswww.ymcasv.org for all our residents.” I am committed to continuing the work started by Senator Beall and working towards bettering the lives of our district’s residents. As we look towards making a more just and compassionate society, I will continue Jim’s
advocacy on providing more resources to assist our foster youth, increase funding for mental health programs, improving our transportation system and infrastructure, and standing up for the rights of all people. I will also continue to work hard finding affordable housing solutions for our unhoused community members, protecting our residents from COVID, reducing our carbon footprint, and providing access to resources and technology so that our children can compete in this new economy. Senator Jim Beall’s endorsement speaks to
what’s at stake in this election. Thank you for whatever you can do to help. I hope I can count on your support and vote. Gratefully, Dave Cortese
Santa Clara County Supervisor Candidate for State Senate, District 15
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Online: www.thebayareareview.com
Air Travel News
Jamaica and Saudi Arabia explore investment opportunities in tourism Jamaica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have initiated discussions aimed at facilitating cooperation and investment in tourism and other key areas, following a series of meetings between Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett; his colleague Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill; and Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, during his visit to Jamaica last week. By: Linda Hohnholz
The visit ended on Friday, June 25, with a tour of the Ueshima Coffee Company owned Craighton Estate, in Irish Town, followed by a farewell luncheon for Minister Al Khateeb and his delegation. “During His Excellency’s visit, we looked at resilience and sustainability issues as critical pillars on which the recovery of tourism can be predicated. But more so, how to build capacity among the people who offer better services and offer better experiences. More importantly, to be able to retain the earnings from tourism in our local space. We
also discussed the issues related to investments in tourism in particular and also broader investment opportunities,” said Minister Bartlett. Minister Al Khateeb highlighted that he is interested in a number of investment opportunities and will continue discussions with Jamaica in the months to come. “There is a great amount of opportunities and areas to cooperate between Saudi Arabia (one of the G20 countries) and the great Jamaica. This is just a start. We are seeing a smooth and strong recovery in the tourism industry, and we want
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both Saudi Arabia and Jamaica to be ahead of the recovery and to lead this recovery,” said Minister Al Khateeb. “Minister Hill discussed a few opportunities, whether government to government or government to private sector, and we will continue the discussion. There are a lot of great opportunities here and we are assessing these opportunities. But, it looks very appealing, and we will continue these discussions in the coming few months in a few areas – Tourism, Logistics, and many other ideas,” Minister Al Khateeb added. Other areas of collaboration discussed included: air connectivity, improving community tourism to benefit Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises and resilience building. An MOU is now being structured to bring into effect the areas of agreement that were outlined during the discussions. Minister Hill said that a number of high-level investment opportunities discussed will be brought to the Prime Minister’s
attention for further consideration. He however, outlined that “investments of this size that Saudi Arabia will bring to a country like ours is huge but will also encompass the rest of the Caribbean.” “We want Jamaica to be that place where that beach head would be and we have discussed at great length the special economic zone authority where we are building a campus where people can come here, set up their business, bring in their goods, re-package them, process them and re-export them. We want Jamaica to be that place…We are also going to continue the discussions down the line about logistics for oil services and investments in the hotel industry,” said Minister Hill.
Minister Al Khateeb was in Jamaica primarily to participate in the 66th meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Americas (CAM) and the Ministerial Dialogue on: ‘Reactivation of the tourism sector for inclusive growth,’ which took place on Thursday June 24, 2021, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The Caribbean was also strongly represented by the Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, Senator, the Hon. Lisa Cummins, who also travelled to Jamaica to attend the CAM meeting, which was chaired by Minister Bartlett. Senator Cummins also chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
www. rebuildingtogethersv.org
The Bay Area Review
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PETS TO THE RESCUE
July 10, 2021 Page 13
Pet Safety Tips will focus on: • Impulse control • Threshold management • Coping skills • Emergency exits Class details: • Top Dogs is taught completely online via Zoom • Available to any dog parent, regardless of location • Classes meet on Wednesdays at 6:15pm PDT (beginning on July 14th)
The rate at which animals were rescued from shelters increased approximately 15% during the pandemic. As we ease out of isolation and into more social activities, many new dog parents are struggling with how to train furry family members to behave appropriately around other people and animals. HSSV is the world’s first model shelter, accomplished by meeting the guidelines put forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, and I have
both the organization’s president, Kurt Krukenberg, and Chief of Shelter Medicine, Dr. Cristie Kamiya, know why it’s so important to properly train dogs. Training Class Eases Recently Adopted Dogs Into a Newly Social Life Many of us added dogs to our families during the pandemic, but because of quarantines we haven’t brought those new pups into many social situations. As people and dogs step back into the world,
many new canine parents are discovering that their pets have reactivity issues, barking at other people and dogs for no obvious reason. In July, HSSV is offering its Top Dogs training class online, so that pet parents can help their reactive dogs. The sixweek series will be held on Zoom and is supported through Teachable, an interactive module. Available to pet parents throughout the United States, discounts are available for HSSV adopters and volunteers. Open to all dogs eight months or older, this six-week course gives pet parents and their reactive dogs the skills necessary to navigate everyday environments, and reduce stress. With an emphasis on management, the class
• The class runs for six weekly sessions • Dogs must be eight months or older by the start of the class (or have instructor approval) • The cost of the sixweek class is $250 • Discounts are available for adopters and HSSV volunteers To learn more about Humane Society Silicon Valley and their life-saving programs, visit www.hssv.org
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Online: www.thebayareareview.com
San Jose Strong
Securing $20 Million for VTA Recovery Efforts Earlier this month, I made an urgent budget request to our Governor alongside Assemblymember Ash Kalra to address our community’s immediate need in the wake of the senseless tragedy that took nine members of our VTA family. After weeks of ongoing discussions, I am pleased to announce that the State Legislature has passed a multi-million dollar VTA funding allocation, formed in partnership with Senate leadership, Assembly leadership, and the Governor›s Office AB 129 & SB 129. The funding - $20 million in total - will assist VTA in addressing the needs of VTA workers and their families, resuming their light rail service, as well as making initial repairs and safety upgrades at the VTA Guadalupe Rail Yard.
Funds can go toward facility improvements including repairs, reconfiguring and relocation where necessary, as well as safety upgrades to ensure full light rail and bus services and to prevent future total light rail or bus system shutdowns. Nearly a hundred workers witnessed this tragedy firsthand and the long-term mental health impacts on workers are unknown and unfathomable. To this end, funds can also go toward supporting traumatized workers who
415-756-8544
lost colleagues through grief counseling, staff support and training considering that some employees may want to be retrained and relocated. This deal is certainly not all that will be necessary, but it will address the very immediate and urgent
www.sd15.senate.ca.gov
needs that exists right now to ensure that VTA and our community can rebuild in the aftermath of this tragedy. I would like to thank my colleagues for taking swift action to provide relief to employees that are struggling and to get essential transit services running again as soon as possible. CAPITOL OFFICE State Capitol, Room 3070
Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4015 Fax: (916) 651-4915 CAMPBELL OFFICE 2105 S. Bascom Avenue Suite 154 Campbell, CA 95008 Phone: (408) 558-1295 Fax: (408) 558-1296 SAN JOSE OFFICE Open by appointment 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 209 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 286-8318
The Bay Area Review
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July 10, 2021 Page 15
They Stand Ready
www.redcross.org
Red Cross Celebrates Our Bay Area Volunteers SAN FRANCISCO — The American Red Cross honored 57 local residents and two community partners at recent recognition events for volunteers from San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. The annual events were held virtually on due to COVID-19 precautions. Gary Zellerbach of San Francisco County and Suzie Hall of Santa Clara County received the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership. Named after the founder of the American Red Cross, the award recognizes a volunteer for service in a series of leadership positions held over a number of years. Margot Simpson and Diane Orsetti of Alameda County, Stan Massie of Contra Costa County and Deborah Torres of San Mateo County were named Volunteers of the Year. This award is given annually to individuals
that best exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. “These notable volunteers are the embodiment of compassion turned to action,” said Jennifer Adrio, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Their contributions have been absolutely critical to the success of the Red Cross mission, especially as we navigated the unexpected pivot that 2020 demanded.” While the annual events spotlight several key volunteers, the events are designed to acknowledge all local Red Cross volunteers. “This past year, 4,330 dedicated and wonderful volunteers contributed more than 170,000 hours to support the mission of the Red Cross, even during this challenging time of COVID-19,” said Adrio. “Their selfless gifts of time and energy make the work of the Red Cross possible.”
In addition to the Clara Barton and Volunteer of the Year Awards, the following accolades were also given to local volunteers during the Red Cross recognition events: Alameda County •Disaster Cycle Services Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication - Kane Wong •Disaster Cycle Services Award for LeadershipJean Carroll Criner •Biomedical Services Award for Customer Service - Sadie Eldredge •Biomedical Services Donor of the Year Arthur Maxwell •Teamwork and Collaboration Award - Volunteer and Youth Services Alameda County Social Events/ Recognition Committee: Eva Marquez, Deanna Huie, Ken Lem, Michelle Liu and Leeroy Zhang •New Volunteer Award (aka Rookie of the Year) Sheryl Drinkwater •Community Engagement Award -
Brenda Dawson Dove •Support Services Department Award Darlene Lem •Youth Services Award - Shreya Kundur •Good Neighbor and Partnership Award Michael Osborn •Volunteer of the Year Award - Margot Simpson •Regional Volunteer of the Year - Diane Orsetti
Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication - Robin Wong •Disaster Cycle Services Award for Leadership Ron Mulgrew •Biomedical Services Award for Customer Service - Nik Aleiferis •Biomedical Services Donor of the Year - Boon Lim •Teamwork and Collaboration Award Contra Costa County - (Kookie) Costa and •Disaster Cycle Monique Mabey Services Award •New Volunteer Award for Extraordinary (aka Rookie of the Year) Commitment and Anne Felice Angeles Dedication - Kyle Smith •Community •Disaster Cycle Engagement Award Services Award for Kathy Yu Leadership - Bert Sebilia •Support Services •Biomedical Services Department Award Award for Customer Eleanor Leyva Service – Mitchell Silvani •Youth Services Award •Biomedical Services Samantha Lim Donor of the Year •International Services Christopher Hendricks Award - Alyson Chen •Teamwork and • Volunteer of the Year Collaboration Award Award - John Chung Gary Hundert •Clara Barton Honor •Community Award for Meritorious Engagement Award Volunteer Leadership Damaris Morales Cortes Gary Zellerbach •Support Services Department Award San Mateo County Gina Cauthen •New Volunteer Award •Youth Services Award - Rux Muys-Stoian – Aman Gandhari •Community •International Services Engagement Award - San Award - Kimberley Cui Mateo High Red Cross •Volunteer of the Year Club Award - Stan Massie •Disaster Cycle Services Award for Leadership San Francisco County Florence Wong •Disaster Cycle Services Continue to page 16
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Online: www.thebayareareview.com
You Can Request a Traffic Fine Reduction Online Join us to celebrate summer! Thursday evenings from July 1- August 12, N. Santa Cruz Avenue will be closed from 3-8pm. Get outside and enjoy friends, live music and our community. Stroll the Promenade, and dine and shop in our amazing boutiques and restaurants.
Santa Clara County Superior Court now offers the California Judicial Council’s new MyCitations: Ability to Pay tool, an online option for people having difficulty paying fines related to traffic infractions. This tool allows court users to look up traffic citations online, answer a series of questions and submit a request to the Court for a possible reduction in the amount owed based on their financial situation. Users can also request a payment plan, more time to pay or community service. This new option allows the public to make requests without the need to appear in Court. To request a fine reduction, visit mycitations.courts.ca.gov.
Red Cross Celebrates Our Bay Area Volunteers [Continue from page 15]
Live Music: July 1: Skyline Hot Club & The Moondance Band July 8: Paul Kent & Don Olivet & Big Moody Curve July 15: The Complications & The Cabana Boys July 22: Given to Fly & Them Slack Jawed SOB’s July 29: Daze on the Green&Rusty Rock & Roll August 5: Phil’n the Blanks&The Summit Sisters August 12: Jokers & Thieves&Michael Vincent Music
•Disaster Cycle Services Award Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication - Cindy Bertsch •Service to the Armed Forces Award - Mary Lee •Youth Service Award Steven Huang •Department Support Services Award - Jackie Bell •Department Support Services Award - Eric Carmichael •Teamwork and Collaboration Award Pam Abinader and Leslie Toy • Good Neighbor and Partnership Award Puente De La Costa Sur • Volunteer of the Year - Deborah Torres Santa Clara County •Disaster Cycle Services
Award for Exceptional Leadership – Colin Clover •Disaster Cycle Services Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication – Mark Ebner and Mark Bettlelheim •International Services Award – Mo Ghandehari •Biomedical Services Volunteer of the Year Award – Tavia Burke •Collaboration Award – Jeremy Aston •New Volunteer Award – Charlotte Jacobs •Nisha Baxi Youth of the Year Award – Leisha Devisetti •Volunteer of the Year Award – Neil Katin •Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership – Suzie Hall Become a Red Cross
Volunteer: You too can make a difference by becoming a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Volunteers constitute about 90 percent of the total Red Cross workforce that carries out our humanitarian work. Red Cross volunteers are trained to meet the needs of those affected by disasters - providing food, shelter, and comfort to families affected by major disasters such as fires, floods, and earthquakes, as well as helping local residents prepare for and recover from emergencies of all kinds. To find the position that appeals to you and allows you to use your skills and talents, please visit this site.
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is committed to going forward into new learning experiences. We are not together to identify Oakland CA, –Thirty headed backwards, but positive solutions youth leaders from forwards into the work of through community the Oakland-based strengthening our nation’s organization and political democracy,” says Freedom Martin Luther King Jr. action. Selected stops on Freedom Center will Center Executive Director the Civic Engagement spend six weeks this Roy Wilson. “A fair and Tour include the summer studying and equitable education taking action in 40 cities, California counties of system is necessary for Alameda, Contra Costa, towns, sovereign Indian democracy.” Santa Clara, San Mateo, Nations and cultural/ Participation in the Sacramento and Yolo, and To Us, You Matter Civic historic sites meeting with elected officials, civil Pierce and King Counties Engagement Tour is a in Washington State. For rights leaders, judges, transformative experience information, visit www. tribal leaders, labor, assisting students to mlkfreedomcenter.org . cultural and community develop a life-long The 30 high schoolrepresentatives and commitment to the aged young people activists as part of the common good. In addition on the tour earned Freedom Center’s 2021 to travel, participants carry their places by being To Us, You Matter out multiple in-person nominated by leaders Civic Engagement classes and individual and public servants from writing sessions every Tour. The delegation the communities they will spend an intensive day. They dialogue with represent (including summer of study the people of California teachers, principals and action, engaging and Washington about and elected officials). with communities their hopes and dreams They share a passion for and developing their for a just future and meet making a difference and leadership skills from with elected officials and a commitment to this June 26 through August community leaders. rigorous and rewarding 6. They will critically As a result, participants analyze social conditions summer intensive. develop critical and “The Freedom Center and injustices and work analytical thinking skills necessary for college and career, cultivate the ability to make decisions that benefit the common good and contribute to the construction and defense of a stronger www.mlkfreedomcenter.org democracy.
Working It Out Together
July 10, 2021 Page 17
4th of July In Half Moon Bay Oh, look who it is ... Actually, that’s good sport Greg Williams.
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July 10, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Online: www.thebayareareview.com
From DC and the District
INVEST Act Passes the House people walking, bicycling, using transit, and driving. • The City of Fremont’s New Traffic Signal at Scott Creek Rd and Zinfandel St. The city will receive $950,000 for a new traffic light at the intersection and for a new neighborhood pathway that connects Specifically, our six local parks and schools. projects included in the • The City of Sunnybill are: vale’s Evelyn Avenue • The North San Jose Bike Multi-Use Trail Project, Plan Implementation which would receive Project, which would $3,800,000. The projreceive $3,838,348 and ect would build a new bring roughly 11 miles pedestrian and bike of protected bikeways leading to housing, tran- path along Evelyn Ave, which would eventually sit, jobs, and retail. The connect the Caltrain money would also go stations & downtowns toward upgrading and of Sunnyvale and Mounbuilding bike lanes sepatain View. rated from traffic. • The Capitol Corridor • T he City of Newark’s Joint Powers AuthorThornton Avenue ity’s Agnew Siding Pavement RehaProject, which would bilitation Project, receive $6,610,000 in which would receive funding. The initiative $2,000,000 to fix the would build 2,900 feet crumbling pavement of new train track near on Thornton Ave and the Santa Clara Great install an on-road bike America Train Station lane. to improve service and • The City of Fremont’s prevent delays for the Mission Blvd and Pine rail services that use the St Safety Improvement tracks, including AmProject, which includes trak’s Capitol Corridor $2,000,000 in funding and Altamont Corridor for improvements to Express trains. the Mission Blvd and I advocated strongly Pine St intersection for safety enhancements for for all our community Today, the INVEST in America Act passed the House, which includes six of our CA-17 community projects. The bill provides funding for various transportation and infrastructure programs within the Department of Transportation.
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projects and I am pleased to see they made it in the INVEST in America Act and passed out of the House. Now, I am hopeful that it will pass the Senate and become law. Investments in our infrastructure are crucial to our communities and our economy. Reintroduced the State-Based Universal Health Care Act I recently reintroduced the State-Based Universal Health Care Act. This bill provides states with historic access to federal funding streams and the regulatory flexibility necessary to implement and support affordable, universal health care plans. The State-Based Universal Health Care Act creates a waiver to allow states to develop their own plans to provide access to health care for all their residents by accessing federal funding. To apply for the waiver, participating states or groups of states must propose plans to provide health care coverage for 95 percent of their residents within five years. After that time, participating states would be required to demonstrate they reached coverage targets and provide a plan to cover the remaining
five percent of their population. States that do not reach the 95 percent target after five years would have to revise their plan to achieve the targets, or risk losing their waiver. The last year has made it even more clear that universal health coverage is not optional, it’s urgent and essential. We’ve seen the power in providing unfettered and easy access to rapid testing, treatment, and vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the wealthiest nation on earth, we must extend that kind of coverage to the whole of our health care system. Endless Frontier Act passes the Senate I am happy to report that my bill, the Endless Frontier Act, passed with bipartisan support in the Senate as the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act. America is in desperate need of major investments in science and tech innovation. To address those needs, I introduced the Endless Frontier Act with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI). This legislation will increase investments in
the discovery, creation, and manufacturing of technology critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. It will also create millions of jobs in America and ensure we remain the world’s leader in science and technology in the 21st century. I have been working with members of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to build support for this diverse set of initiatives. Specifically, I worked with Subcommittee Chairwoman Haley Stevens and Rep. Jamaal Bowman to pass part of the Endless Frontier Act as an amendment to the annual National Science Foundation for the Future Act. It is now up to the House to pass the legislation. Based on its broad bipartisan support in the Senate, and backing by the White House, I am confident it will pass and become the law of the land. Updates in the District As COVID restrictions are lifted across California, I look forward to meeting with you in person in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for our return to live town hall meetings in August. I am excited to see everyone soon!
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The new simple Safer Tourism Seal is the key to get visitors to return In December of 2020, Rebuilding.travel created the Word Tourism Network (WTN), a networking organization with close to 1,500 members of the travel and tourism industry in 127 countries. WTN created the Safer
Tourism Seal for destination and travel and tourism industry stakeholders in July of 2020. The Jamaica Tourism Board was the first destination awarded the seal on July 9, 2020, followed by the Kenya Tourism Board.
www.sjbcdc.org
When WTTC announced more than a hundred destinations received that organization’s safer tourism stamp, the World Tourism Network decided after it was formed to put the Safer Tourism Seal on hold quietly to allow a more clear understanding of COVID-19 and the threat to visitors and the tourism industry. With the introduction of the vaccination program, and record tourism emerging in major markets including Hawaii, the World Tourism Network decided to relaunch the Safer Tourism Seal again on July 1, 2021, one year after it was originally created. Chairman and WTN founder Juergen Steinmetz said: “It is important for us to create a program that can truly gain the confidence for the trav-
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Tourism Travel eler, the destinations, stakeholders, and those employed in this global sector. “We don’t have the recourses to get into detailed assessments. I think the WTTC Stamp did a great job in integrating detailed data and had stamp holders check off their policy items for their destination or company, so they could receive the WTTC endorsement. We took Hawaii’s Safe Travel program as a model, and our message is simple. Vaccination, tests, and the spread of the virus are the numbers we can easily measure before awarding our Safer Tourism Seal. ” WTTC stamp and the WTN seal are complimenting each other. Ideally, every company qualified to get our seal first should apply for the WTTC stamp second. Every destination or company carrying the WTTC stamp may want to apply for our seal next. WTTC message is based on details of the business or destination, we are focusing simply on the current state and results. “It would ensure the basic requirements of operating in a currently safe destination is met, before working on the details and small print. “We have to be confident that anyone receiving our seal should be able to grow tourism from this point on. You can have all the details of a hotel operation in place, but when your destination is not yet safe, all of this doesn’t
matter much. “With daily tourism arrivals to Hawaii, that are higher compared to top days in 2019, even though without international travel, Hawaii has been seen as a model of success. The Hawaii model kept everyone in the State and visitors safe. “We feel comfortable leaning on this success story in Hawaii and having the key points of the Hawaii model integrated into our requirements for the Safer Tourism Seal makes a lot of sense. “ The Safer Tourism Seal (STS) builds on established certifications through evaluations and endorsements. The seal provides additional assurances when traveling during these uncertain times. STS helps destinations and their stakeholders through a standardized multi-point checklist of the current situation in your place of business. The Safer Tourism Seal is exclusively available to members of the World Tourism Network. The Safer Tourism Pass for travelers, the Heroes Award is also available to anyone. Different from other Seal or Stamp endorsements, the World Tourism Network Safer Tourism Seal has a simple requirement based on vaccination rates, test requirements, mask-wearing, social distancing rules, and COVID infection numbers combined with a self-assessment from those applying for the Safer Tourism Seal.