Volume 3 • Issue 20
October 3, 2021
PRESENTATION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT DESIGNS LIFE-SAVING INCUBATOR 17-year-old innovator is helping save the lives of premature babies in rural India According to the World Health Organization, 15 million premature babies are born each year across the globe and India has the highest rate of any country with 3.5 million born annually. Sadly, only one in ten of India’s premature babies survive, but more than 70% could be saved if they had access to basic care and lifesaving incubators. Nishi Dharia, a 17-yearold senior at Presentation High School in San Jose, is now making a difference. When she was only 13, the Milpitas resident designed the “Impact Incubator” for her eighth-grade Science Fair project. She was inspired by the great need for incubators in rural India where electricity and access to health care is scarce. [Continued on Page 04]
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October 3, 2021
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Gov. Newsom Directs Nearly $138 Million to Local Fire Prevention Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Cal Fire), has directed nearly $137 million in funding to local fire prevention. Newsom approved $123 million of that funding in April for the Fire Prevention Grant Program, while the additional $14.8 million is being repurposed from grants from Cal Fire’s budget last year. These funds have been allocated to 105 local fire prevention programs in communities across California. “California and the western U.S. are facing an unparalleled risk of catastrophic wildfire in this new climate reality. That’s why @ CAL_FIRE is directing nearly $138 million in grants to protect and
build resilience in local communities,” Newsom tweeted. Last year, Newsom cut roughly $150 million from Cal Fire’s budget. According to Cal Fire, California’s wildfire crisis has burned about 1,968,326 acres, damaged or destroyed 3,050 structures and caused one confirmed fatality. Newsom and others have claimed that climate
change is contributing to the wildfires. “These grants will further our work to tackle California’s forest health and wildfire crisis, funding communitybased projects that build resilience to protect lives and property,” Newsom said in a statement last week. Newsom also claimed that California is a leader
on the national stage in the global fight against climate change. He made that statement last weekend when President Biden visited California to support him before the recall election Tuesday. “California is leading the nation with bold solutions to protect people and the environment, and the Biden-Harris Administration is proposing transformative investments to take on this existential crisis. With their dedicated partnership, we will continue to scale up our forest health and wildfire resilience efforts and ensure our communities recovering from wildfires have the support they need,” he said.
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Ready For Our Next Event? Join us in person on Saturday, October 23rd for Fall Rebuilding Day.
Couldn’t make it to Paint The Town Green?
This is the perfect opportunity to make a positive change in the community while catching up with old friends in person.
Of course, we’ll be enforcing all the latest county guidelines on social distancing to make sure that your safety is our priority.
All skill levels are welcome and needed to complete repairs on the 18 projects scheduled for Rebuilding Day.
Warehouse Crew
If you’re not a morning person but still want to help us make a difference, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Volunteers are needed in our warehouse on Rebuilding Day from 3-7pm to help unload and sort project materials as they are returned. All skill levels are welcome and no previous
experience is necessary to become part of our Warehouse Crew! Thanks to your support, we were able to raise $124,000 to continue
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serving our neighbors in need and most vulnerable community members. We are so grateful to each one of you who supported us at Paint The Town Green!
If you were not able to make it to Paint The Town Green this year, you can still support us! Any amount will make a BIG difference to the families, older adults, and people with disabilities who need our services more than ever.
Special Feature:
Team Builds Are Back In A Big (And Safe) Way! Over the weekend, we partnered with DPR Construction to help repair and freshen up the volunteer center of RAFT, Resource Area For Teachers. DPR Construction, a unique technical builder with a passion for results whose core values underlie the passion that drives them to continuously improve and invest in the planet and the communities they call home, partnered with us to help RAFT. RAFT is a San Jose based nonprofit that focuses on supporting educators by providing low-cost classroom materials, teaching tools,
and school supplies. Teachers are often forced to pay out of pocket to provide quality learning resources for their students - RAFT aims to reduce that burden. We want to extend our sincere thanks to DPR’s employees for stepping up to create a revitalized and inviting space for RAFT’s employees and volunteers. They rolled up their sleeves to paint a 2,500 square foot area, remove the flooring, install screen mounts, add RAFT logos to the walls, and create hand-made organizational cubbies in honor of their colleague, Brian O’ Kelly, for DPR’s Service Day. We were very excited to host DPR for our first team build since COVID, with safety measures in place.
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October 3, 2021
Presentation High School Student Designs Life-Saving Incubator [Continued from Page 01]
It took one year of research, experimentation and a scientific report to create her own device to help those babies. In spite of her successful outcome, Nishi didn’t win or even place in the Science Fair, so she put it aside and turned her attention to high school. While a Sophomore at Presentation High School, Nishi heard about the birth of her cousin’s premature baby in India. While the baby was fortunate enough to be born in a hospital that had an incubator, the milestone renewed Nishi’s desire to help those without access to incubators in India. Determined to help save precious lives, Nishi sprang into action and founded Impact Incubators in 2020, a nonprofit organization dedicated
to the production and distribution of incubators in rural India. To date 125 incubators have been distributed free of charge to families and doctors living in rural areas of India including the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. By early next year, Nishi hopes to have distributed 500 incubators, expanding her reach throughout India and into other countries like Bangladesh. About Presentation High School: Presentation High School is an independent, college preparatory school for girls with a Catholic mission. For almost 60 years, Presentation High School has empowered smart, creative, and confident young women to become advocates and leaders. Presentation fosters a lifelong sisterhood and
The Bay Area Review develops courageous and compassionate leaders ready for college and beyond. Presentation is an inclusive community that encourages the development of the whole person: spiritually, academically and personally. This balanced approach helps young women develop into critical thinkers who are prepared for college, career, and life. In just four short years, our students become women of action who are driven by self-confidence, intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth and a deep sense of community. The Impact Incubator is a low-cost, easily
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accessible incubator that is portable and reusable and can be used in hospitals and at home.
To learn more about Impact Incubators, visit impactincubators.org.
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Boosters now available for many Pfizer vaccine recipients COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine boosters are now available in Santa Clara County for individuals who received their second Pfizer dose at least six months ago and who meet criteria established by the federal government. Late last night, the CDC released recommendations for booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine for certain groups. With this final step in the authorization process, our County mass vaccination sites have begun, as of September 24, to offer boosters to those who are eligible. See below for a statement on this subject from the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department: COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots are now available in Santa Clara County for those who received initial Pfizer vaccination shots at least six months ago and are eligible according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. “The County of Santa Clara continues to follow CDC guidance, and it’s clear that boosters are a valuable tool that people can use to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health
for the County of Santa Clara. “Throughout the course of the pandemic, the science continues to evolve, and this is the next
of occupational or institutional setting -- are also eligible and may want to consider a booster. If you are 18-64 years
step in keeping up with best practices to protect us against COVID-19.” Booster shots offer additional security for those who are at high risk for complications from COVID-19 due to age or pre-existing conditions. People 65 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities and those over 50 with an underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to get a booster shot. Per CDC guidelines, those age 18-49 with an underlying medical condition -- as well as those at risk of COVID-19 exposure because
old, and received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, ask yourself: ·Do you have an underlying condition that puts you at serious risk of COVID-19 complications? ·Do you work in a setting such as health care that puts you at greater risk for exposure to COVID-19? · Do you live in a congregate setting that puts you at greater risk for exposure to COVID-19? · Do you live with someone who is at high risk for serious COVID-19 disease? Initial vaccinations still provide substantial
October 3, 2021 Page 5
Booster Time protection and are working well to prevent severe illness. These initial vaccinations are the number one tool for preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, so it’s important to get vaccinated as quickly as possible if you haven’t done so already. “While it is good to have another tool in our toolbox to combat COVID-19 and help keep our community healthy, it is important to remember that booster shots are most helpful when combined with other measures, such as masking and testing,” said Dr. Cody. “If you are eligible, it makes sense to get a booster at a time in the near future that is
convenient for you.” The authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are currently seeking emergency use authorization for booster shots and if approved, the County will be prepared to offer those additional shots as well. Public health scientists continue to study the benefits of booster shots, which may be recommended for additional groups in the future. Many doctors’ offices and pharmacies are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters. In addition, booster shots for eligible individuals who reside, work, or go to school in Santa Clara County are available by appointment at www. sccfreevax.org.
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Welcome In
USA to end travel ban for vaccinated foreign visitors by: Harry Johnson This is a major turning point in the management of the virus and will accelerate the recovery of the millions of travel-related jobs that have been lost due to international travel restrictions
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individuals from around the world, which will help revive the American economy and protect public health. “This is a major turning point in the management of the virus and will accelerate the recovery of the millions of travelrelated jobs that have been lost due to international travel restrictions.
United States will allow fully vaccinated foreign visitors to enter the country via air travel only. Travel policy changes announced today will not affect the restrictions along the land borders of the United States. Thousands of foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to enter the US starting Novemner. The White House pandemic coordinator, Jeff Zients, announced today that the United States will end travel restrictions on foreigners who are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus,
reopening the USA to thousands of international visitors starting in November of this year. According to Zients, the changes in travel policy will only apply to air travel and will not affect restrictions along the land border. US Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant issued the following statement today on the Biden Administration’s decision to ease foreign travel restrictions to the United States: “The U.S. Chamber is pleased that the Biden Administration plans to
lift the current COVIDrelated international travel restrictions in November. Allowing vaccinated foreign nationals to travel freely to the United States will help foster a robust and durable recovery for the American economy.” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on today’s announcement that restrictions on international air travel will be lifted for vaccinated individuals: “The U.S. Travel Association applauds the Biden administration’s announcement of a roadmap to reopen air travel to vaccinated
“The U.S. Travel Association expresses its deep appreciation to the President and his advisors – in particular Commerce Secretary Raimondo, who has been a tireless advocate – for working with the industry to develop a plan to restart international travel and safely reconnect America with the world.”
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Travel, Time, Art Permanent public artwork unveiled at Mineta San José International Airport “A million Times (San José)” – art and technology reimagine time The City of San José and Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) welcome the installation of a new artwork in the presecurity Arrivals Hall of Terminal B. The artwork titled A million Times (San José) presents clocks as objects that transcend their ordinary functional existence - providing a hypnotic experience for the viewer. Composed of 160 clock faces with white hands set against a black stone-like surface, the
piece combines software, hardware, sensors, and contemporary aesthetics. By programing the clock hands to spin individually, but in formation, the artwork reports time accurately while also playfully representing the concept of time passing. Within the collection of choreographies, three compositions were custom designed by the artists for A million Times (San José), each taking inspiration from the location of the artwork within SJC and
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engine for technological development, the city’s close proximity to the ocean, and the busy hub of the airport with its ever-rotating arrivals and departures. These
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reference points share a common, cyclical theme: everything is perpetually in motion, fluid, and changing. “Travel, time and art are concepts that work and play together in life and in imagination,” said John Aitken, Director of Mineta San José International Airport. “As we emerge from what has felt to many
like warped time, it’s a pleasure to welcome this particular installation to SJC. Travel is known to provide inspiration, and the Airport is a perfect stage for this piece with
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its artful mechanics, intricately moving parts, and on-time performance.” “Being the urban core of Silicon Valley, San José is fortunate to have a deep cultural heritage and serve as the crossroads for technology and art,” said Michael Ogilvie, Public Art Director for the City of San José. “It is exciting to have a partner in SJC to support our ambitious and wide-ranging public art program and to bring this fascinating artwork A million Times by Humans since 1982 to SJC to mesmerize, relax, and surprise the curious traveler.” Bastian Bischoff, co-founder of Humans since 1982, explains, “The passage of time feels particularly relevant in the context of the airport. By placing this work in SJC, we intend to turn waiting into a reflective and meditative opportunity, creating a space where people choose and enjoy the experience of waiting.” The artists, Humans since 1982, were selected by a panel of Bay Area artists, arts administrators, and airport stakeholders to bring a unique vision of time to SJC. Funded through a percentage of Airport Capital Improvement funds, the piece will become a permanent signature artwork, as part of SJCs Art + Technology Public Art Program.
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San José Mayor Joins HUD Secretary Fudge to Launch House America Initiative to Address Homelessness Crisis House America leverages American Rescue Plan and other federal resources to immediately re-house and build additional housing for people experiencing homelessness San José Mayor Sam Liccardo joined U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, who serves as chair of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), at a virtual event to launch House America: An AllHands-On-Deck Effort to Address the Nation’s Homelessness Crisis. House America is a national partnership in which HUD and USICH invite mayors, county leaders, Tribal nation leaders, and governors to use the historic investments provided through the American Rescue Plan to address the crisis of homelessness through a Housing First approach by immediately re-housing and building
additional housing for people experiencing homelessness. “San José is meeting the pressing urgency of the homelessness crisis by leveraging federal grants and local ballot measure funding into rapidly built, livable homes for the previously unhoused,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. “We must act swiftly and aggressively to create safe spaces for our most vulnerable residents. We’re ahead of the curve in delivering more housing solutions in the coming year thanks to extraordinary coordination between local, state, and federal partners— but we have more to do. ” House America is the federal government’s direct response to the
Artichoke Festival’s ‘Welcome to Your Nightmare’ 2nd Annual Haunted House to be Held Through October
crisis of homelessness, which was rising even before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, HUD released its 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report Part 1 to Congress, which found that more than 580,000 people experienced homelessness in the United States on a single night in January 2020, before the pandemic. COVID-19 has created greater urgency to address homelessness, given the heightened risks faced by people experiencing homelessness. At the same time, COVID-19 has slowed re-housing activities due to capacity issues and impacts on rental market vacancies. Through the American Rescue Plan, San José received 369 emergency
housing vouchers and $3,221,675 in HOME Investment Partnerships grants to help more residents obtain the safety of a stable home. In 2020 alone, 4,886 individuals were moved into permanent supportive housing in Santa Clara County. With the distressing statistic that for every one person permanently housed in Santa Clara County, two more fall into homelessness or need housing assistance, the City of San José is leveraging federal, state, and local public funding and private dollars to rapidly develop emergency interim housing communities and permanent supportive housing. To that end, the City of San José
will leverage federal emergency housing vouchers, HOME funding, and County Measure A funds to deliver 1,134 rehousing units, 683 bridge transitional units, and 861 newly-built permanent homes over the next year. As a member of House America, Mayor Liccardo and San José will partner with HUD and USICH to use these American Rescue Plan resources to re-house households experiencing homelessness through a Housing First approach, and to add new units of affordable housing into the development pipeline by December 31, 2022. To learn more about House America, visit www.hud.gov/house_ america.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for active military and seniors 62-plus. A $30 VIP Speed Pass allows guests to skip to the front of the line. Tickets are on sale at artichokefestival.org. Tickets will also be on sale at the event with cash, credit or debit card.
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October 3, 2021
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Supervisor Simitian Town Hall - Keeping Pace with Change S. Joseph Simitian
| Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, District Five
The audio recording of the September 26 telephone town hall is now available for listening https://anchor.fm/joesimitian/episodes/SimitianTelephone-Town-Hall---September-26--2021-e17vo8h. Listen in to hear what Greta Hansen, chief assistant county counsel, and Dr. George Rutherford, director of the Division of Infectious Disease and Global Epidemiology at UCSF, shared regarding COVID-19, vaccinations, booster shots and more. Page 10
May 10, 2021
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San José Launches New Initiative to Help Low-Income Residents Pay for Internet Services San Jose partners with Helium, CETF to further Smart City vision through expanding IoT infrastructure, increase resident connectivity
SAN JOSÉ, CA — San José Mayor Sam Liccardo, in partnership with Helium and California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), announced a first-ofits-kind, public-private partnership that minimizes financial barriers to broadband internet access for low-income San Joséans. This initiative uses HNT cryptocurrency tokens mined through Helium Hotspot devices and converted to prepaid gift cards that will go to qualifying, low-income residents to subsidize their internet plans. During its pilot period, the program aims to cover the expenses of low-cost internet plans for over 1,300 low-income households for one year by providing participants with a onetime $120 payment. “Here in the heart of Silicon Valley, San José must set an example for how to solve problems with emerging technologies and public-private
partnerships,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Becoming a smarter city means leveraging emerging technologies that improve how we serve our community, making it safer, more sustainable, and more equitable. This first-ofits-kind partnership between the Mayor’s Office, Helium, and CETF represents one of many innovative public-private partnership models that we’re advancing to bridge the digital divide for residents.” The launch includes: • Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation (MOTI) will deploy and install 20 Helium-compatible Hotspots to volunteer residents and small businesses across San José during a six-month pilot period. The Heliumcompatible Hotspots, purchased by CETF, will further expand the decentralized wireless Helium Network to increase local Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, supporting
San José’s Smart City Vision to provide inclusive connectivity and serve as a test lab for innovative pilot programs in response to civic challenges. • Once the device is up and running, it begins to mine Helium cryptocurrency tokens (HNT). The Hotspots mine the HNT cryptocurrency in a safe, data-efficient, and environmentally-friendly manner; they only require the energy of an LED light bulb and transmit less than two megabytes per month in data. The transactions are recorded on a blockchain to ensure decentralization, security, and anonymity. • CETF will hold the HNT mined by the Hotspots. The HNT will be converted into prepaid, cash cards and given directly to low-income households to subsidize their internet expenses. All of the HNT mined from the Hotspots will go toward subsidy payouts to San José residents. • The Mayor’s Office
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October 3, 2021 Page 11
WIFI Comes to Town will work with CETF and the San José Digital Inclusion Fund to identify and qualify residents. Residents who qualify through the San José Digital Inclusion Fund, and its 21 grantees, can obtain prepaid, cash cards, which can be used to pay for low-cost internet plans. The City will leverage its San José Digital Inclusion Fund, along with its 21 community-based organization partners, to identify families, educate them on the pilot program, and onboard them to qualify and receive the benefits. “To democratize and decentralize the internet is the driving force behind the Helium Network and this program with the City of San José brings that mission to life,” said Amir Haleem, Co-founder and CEO of Helium. “Bridging the digital divide for its citizens, and doing so through a use-case such as this shows that San
José is at the forefront of how municipalities can drive real change moving forward.” The IoT infrastructure powered by the Helium devices will improve the delivery of citywide services like air quality monitoring, fire detection, water leakage, and climate-related opportunities. Today, Helium and its 200,000+ Hotspots provide access to the largest peer-to-peer, IoT network in the world. “The Mayor’s Office of Technology & Innovation serves as City Hall’s venture studio leading the way in leveraging emerging technologies and business models to address some of the most pressing challenges in our community,” said Jordan Sun, Chief Innovation Officer to Mayor Liccardo. “I am excited to explore how cryptocurrencies can deliver immediate, tangible good for residents suffering from the digital divide. [Continued on Page 13]
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Climate Action Corps
Mayor of San José, State Leaders Commemorate California’s Climate Action Week Focused on Wildfire Mitigation, and Celebrate Historic Climate Milestones State recognizes year anniversary of the first-in-the-nation California Climate Action Corps, $15 billion in State funding for climate resilience, declares San José’s Climate Action Day
SAN JOSÉ, CA - Today, San José Mayor Sam Liccardo was joined by Josh Fryday, California Volunteers Chief Service Officer, Office of Governor Newsom, Jessica Morse, Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources Agency, Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager, Santa Clara Valley Open Space
Authority, Dorsey Moore, Executive Director, San José Conservation Corps, city staff and volunteers from San José Resilience Corps to perform wildfire fuel reduction work in honor of California’s Climate Action Week and to declare San José’s Climate Action Day. The City and State leaders also
celebrated the one-year anniversary of the firstin-the-nation California Climate Action Corps, whose alumni also volunteered at the event. California Governor Gavin Newsom also announced a historic $15 billion package for climate resilience earlier during Climate Action Week.
www.svcentralchamber.com
“San Joséans must do their part in the fight against climate change,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “The consequences of our changing climate hurt us all, but disproportionately impact many of our most vulnerable residents. Only through our combined efforts can we create a healthier, more resilient city.” Climate challenges directly affect the quality of life of all Californians. San José alone has suffered disruptive flooding events, degraded air quality from massive wildfires, and recordbreaking extreme heat events in the last years. Now, in addition to the response needed to address the significant, long-term threat of climate change. Last year, San José partnered
with California Climate Action Corps to recruit volunteers and mobilize residents to participate in this call to action to embrace solutions and protect their homes from wildfires. “As climate change continues to intensify and prolong our fire season in California, we must all take action. Protect your family and community by hardening your home to reduce fire impacts,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “We are proud the California Climate Action Corps is partnering with the City of San José for Climate Week to mobilize climate action across the city.” As California also faces another year ravaged by devastating wildfires, Governor Newsom recently announced [Continued on Page 13]
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San José Launches New Initiative to Help Low-Income Residents Pay for Internet Services [Continued from Page 11] We need to continue pushing the boundaries and stretching our imagination of what is possible to solve systemic inequities in our community.” Through the course of the pandemic, the City of San José launched several initiatives to address the digital divide, including the $24 million San José Digital Inclusion Fund, device refurbishment partnership with Revivn to bridge the device gap for low-income families, distribution of over 15,800 mobile WiFi hotspots, and community WiFi
infrastructure that will digitally connect over 300,000 residents by the end of 2022. “The California Emerging Technology Fund applauds the continuing leadership and innovation by the City of San José and Mayor Liccardo in closing the digital divide,” said Jim Kirkland, CETF Founding Director, General Counsel for Trimble Inc. “This pilot project with Helium will explore a unique means to generate funds so that digitallydisadvantaged San José
October 3, 2021 Page 13
residents can afford to connect to the Internet, and is another example of a trailblazing initiative by the City,” Residents who need assistance getting internet access at home can submit their information here: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsCL CO6TY4XqiFdWpZKidxL GNY7RRPgLpkBdFwmUB OvU9G9A/viewform Watch more about this innovative partnership here: https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ LSfsCLCO6TY4XqiFdW pZKidxLGNY7RRPgLp kBdFwmUBOvU9G9A/ viewform To sign up to host a Helium hotspot, residents can visit here: https://docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FA IpQLSfsCLCO6TY4XqiFd WpZKidxLGNY7RRPgL pkBdFwmUBOvU9G9A/ viewform
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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.
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October 3, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Supervisors Approve “Next Level” Strategy On Homelessness SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a “Challenge Grant” of up to $40 million to jump start as many as 16 housing sites/projects for homeless individuals across the county. The motion put forth by Supervisors Joe Simitian and Otto Lee was approved unanimously. The challenge grant(s) can be leveraged by nonprofits like LifeMoves and/or other qualified applicants to catalyze the development of up to 16 modular, supportive interim housing sites in Santa Clara County. Funding will be provided on a first come first serve basis and $2.5 million will be allocated per project. Simitian and Lee had originally proposed a smaller program ($25 million for 10 sites) in response to an announcement from LifeMoves that they hoped to identify 10 sites and develop 10 projects. “When we heard others might be interested in tackling the problem, we thought we should grow the proposal,” shared Simitian. “We can certainly use help from any and all who are equipped to provide it.” “After the referral came out,” observed Simitian, “I heard that others felt they were positioned to deliver sites as well. We’re nowhere near ‘solving’ this problem, so expanding the program makes all the sense in the world.”
“We know the need for safe, supportive, interim housing is great,” said Simitian. “We have heard from our community partners and are glad to have our initial proposal serve as a catalyst for greater community involvement and the development of 16 prefabricated/modular supportive housing sites (sometimes referred to as “cargo containers”).” Lee said he was particularly excited to co-author this proposal with Simitian because he has a personal connection to the “prefabricated modular” model LifeMoves uses, having lived in similar units when he served overseas in the U.S. Navy. “Living quarters are quick and easy to make with shipping containers, and it gave all of us a place where we could keep our belongings, take rest, and feel like we had a ‘home’ despite the conditions,” noted Lee. Lee also said he especially likes the separate, private units as a solution for families, who are often uncomfortable in the open, shared spaces of traditional congregate shelters. “These modular units are not only comfortable, private, and secure, but they are incredibly cost effective and quick to build, allowing us to help more people, more quickly, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional
housing development,” Simitian added. According to Aubrey Merriman, CEO of LifeMoves, the organization’s prefabricated modular model costs between $50,000 and $200,000 per unit and can take less than 6 months to construct, in comparison to traditional emergency shelters that can take years to entitle and build, at a cost of $400,000 to $800,000 per unit. The portable units can also be relocated to different sites as needs and circumstances change, or even be transitioned to permanent housing to become part of a long-term solution to ending homelessness. “We can’t continue to let streets be the waiting room for permanent, stable housing,” said Merriman. “We’ve already demonstrated that this model can work to get people into housing quickly, and get them connected to the comprehensive and intensive services they need for self-sufficiency, stability, and success. In alignment with Santa Clara County’s Community Plan to End Homelessness, and all of the key partners committed to ending homelessness, we’re looking forward to bringing this work to sites throughout the County, with the possibility of reaching as many as
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Community Partners 20,000 people over five years of operation.” Supportive services are also to help stabilize clients and prepare them for permanent housing. At the LifeMoves Mountain View site, residents are connected to mental health care, behavioral health services, addiction services, Social Security and other benefit resources along with job placement resources, classes on subjects such as parenting and financial literacy, and a wide array of other services. Data from Santa Clara County’s most recent homeless census suggests that 9,706 County residents
were experiencing homelessness as of 2019, over 80% of whom were unsheltered, accounting for nearly 8,000 individuals. By contrast, the County’s shelter capacity was 1,882 beds as of January 2020, rising to 2,336 during the pandemic. As Simitian said, “Given these numbers, we’ve got to go big. I’m delighted the Board has authorized the funding to develop up to 16 modular sites across the county. The addition of these sites will significantly increase the number of beds in our community and the number of people able to access safe shelter.”
The Bay Area Review
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October 3, 2021 Page 15
CalFresh Benefits Increase for the First Time in Nearly 50 Years Just as some pandemic-related benefits wind down, recipients of the federal nutrition program will see a permanent increase in food assistance of minority groups, including Hispanic, Black, and Vietnamese community members – all populations who are hardest hit by the pandemic. CALFRESH SPOTLIGHT: A single dad in San José shares his story about how CalFresh benefits kept food on the table for him and his two children after he lost his job at a hightech company during the Employment and Benefits pandemic. SANTA CLARA Services for the County COUNTY, CALIF.— “These are members of Santa Clara Social For the first time in of our community who, Services Agency. “This more than four decades, before the pandemic, increase is even more recipients of a federal already faced more important for our local nutrition program will obstacles than everyone residents, because it’s see a noticeable jump in else. The more resources very expensive to live food benefits, coming we have to make life more here. When you have to just as pandemic-related equitable for all residents, use most of your limited assistance starts to wind the more resilient we are income for rent, utilities, down for many families. as a community,” said and transportation, there Starting today, October Angela Shing, Director of isn’t a whole lot left to feed Employment and Benefits 1, payments for CalFresh your family.” (known federally as the Services for the County Food insecurity in Supplemental Nutrition of Santa Clara Social Santa Clara County is Assistance Program or Services Agency. SNAP) will increase about widespread, with many To address the residents making day22% compared to pregrowing hunger during to-day choices between pandemic levels. For a COVID-19, the federal whether to pay rent family of four receiving administration increased or buy groceries. The the maximum benefit, the maximum benefit COVID-19 health crisis the difference is an extra amount for all recipients, has only deepened the $155 per month. When regardless of income level, need, with the number compared to benefit and added a temporary of people in Santa Clara amounts that include 15% increase. While the County seeking CalFresh temporary pandemic maximum allotment food assistance increasing will continue for now, relief, their monthly by about 22% since allotment starting in the 15% bump ended on October will be about $53 the pandemic began. September 30. Children and adults ages more. “Whatever additional 65 and older make up “People are finally assistance we can get more than half of those getting a bit more help to to families will be receiving assistance. Of put food on their tables,” tremendously helpful, as those enrolled, there is said Margareta Hodzic, the need has grown larger also an overrepresentation than ever. Pandemic Assistant Director of
The Table is Set
funding is temporary, so we are relieved to see more long-term, permanent resources for struggling individuals and families,” said Robert Menicocci, Director of the Social Services Agency. “Increasing these benefits is not only critical to reducing hunger and improving the health of our community, it is also important to restoring our local economy.” The United States Department of Agriculture has shown that for every $1 distributed through CalFresh/SNAP, it
generates about $1.79 in economic benefit. CalFresh Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and to purchase groceries online for home delivery through Amazon, Walmart, and participating Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons locations. In addition, the County’s Restaurant Meals Program allows CalFresh clients who are disabled, homeless, or 60 years and older to use EBT cards to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants.
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October 3, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Mayor of San José, State Leaders Commemorate California’s Climate Action Week Focused on Wildfire Mitigation, and Celebrate Historic Climate Milestones [Continued from Page 12] a historic $15 billion investment in climate resilience, with over $988 million in funds for projects to reduce wildfire risk and improve the health of forests and wildlands. “California’s unprecedented $1.5 billion investment in wildfire resilience will surge California’s capacity to keep communities and ecologies safe in the age of megafires,” said Jessica Morse, Deputy Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency. “While wildfire is a reality, catastrophic fires are not. Combating the wildfire crisis requires everyone, from individual homeowners
to large landowners, to work together to protect neighborhoods and watersheds. We have the tools to modify fire behavior and return a livable fire ecology to California. The new budget gives us the resources, and collaboratives like this give us the partners to deliver on that goal.” San José State University (SJSU) is also home to a Wildfire Research Center, directed by Dr. Craig Clements, who runs the most advanced fire prediction system in the nation (WRF-SFIRE). WIRC operates the only mobile assets in the United States for wildfire and
fire weather monitoring and is listed as a national resource. SJSU has the only mobile Doppler radar in the western United States capable of studying both wildfires and extreme weather. Ongoing data collection on social impacts and differential community experiences with large fire events during the 2020 fire season. San José has set the ambitious goal to become one of the world’s first carbon-neutral cities, while simultaneously empowering and improving the lives of our most disadvantaged residents. San José also continues to fight climate change through
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initiatives like Climate Smart San José, including setting a bold goal of becoming the world’s first 1-gigawatt solar city, innovative collaborations with transportation-ondemand companies to increase the adoption of electric vehicles (EV), developing the most comprehensive EV charging network with the highest amount of charging stations per capita in the nation, rolling out a framework for EV micro-mobility that has led to the rollout of thousands of e-bikes and scooters in the city, and San José Clean Energy, which has a nearterm goal of offering 100% carbon-free power as a base product, to ensure that our electric homes and vehicles are powered by clean electricity. San José also is participating in the OhmConnect City Challenge, with over 3,000 residents signed up to save electricity
during peak summer temperatures using the OhmConnect platform. Their actions will remove the equivalent of 70,000 miles driven by a standard passenger vehicle from the atmosphere. Earlier this year, the Mayor also launched Resilience Corps, creating more than 500 jobs primarily––but not exclusively––for young adults focusing on five critical tasks of community resilience: pandemic response, environmental resilience, overcoming the learning loss of struggling students, economic recovery, and disaster preparedness. San José also partnered with SAP, the Sharks Foundation, and Santa Clara County FireSafe Council to distribute evacuation bags to low-income residents in the wildfire interface zone mapped out by CalFire for today’s event.
The Bay Area Review
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Aeromexico files its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization by: Harry Johnson The filing of the Plan is a key milestone on Aeroméxico’s path to emergence from its Chapter 11 process, and the Company looks forward to continue to engage with its stakeholders to finalize the Plan on a consensual basis.
October 3, 2021 Page 17 Aeroméxico will continue pursuing, in an orderly manner, its voluntary financial restructuring through Chapter 11, while continuing to operate and offer services to its customers and contracting from its suppliers the goods and services required for operations. Aeroméxico will continue to strengthen its financial position and liquidity, protect and
preserve its operations and assets, and implement necessary adjustments to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Aerovías de México, S.A. de C.V. operating as Aeroméxico, is the flag carrier airline of Mexico, based in Mexico City. It operates scheduled services to more than 90 destinations in Mexico; North, South and Central America; the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
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Aeromexico files the Joint Plan of Reorganization, a disclosure statement to the Plan and a motion to approve solicitation procedures with respect to the Plan. Aeromexico will continue pursuing, in an orderly manner, its voluntary financioal restructuring through Chapter 11. Aeromexico will continue to strengthen its financial position and liquidity and protect and preserve its operations and assets.
Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. informed that it filed, together with its subsidiaries that are debtors in the Company’s Chapter 11 voluntary financial restructuring process, the Joint Plan of Reorganization, a disclosure statement related to the Plan and a motion to approve solicitation procedures with respect to the Plan. Aeroméxico intends to file one or more supplements to the Plan on the schedule set forth in the Plan or as otherwise ordered by the Court. A
hearing to approve the Disclosure Statement is expected to be held on or about October 21, 2021. Upon entry of an order approving the Disclosure Statement, the Company intends to begin the process to solicit votes on the Plan. The filing of the Plan is a key milestone on Aeroméxico’s path to emergence from its Chapter 11 process, and the Company looks forward to continue to engage with its stakeholders to finalize the Plan on a consensual basis.
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October 3, 2021 Page 19
Francisco Ramirez presents
BREAKING BARRIERS
The Bay Area Review
Exploration of Self
Opening Reception: First Friday October 1st 6pm-9pm Exhibition Dates: October 1st-16th
Francisco Ramirez has been a huge contributor to the San Jose Art Scene. He will be exhibiting amazing work for this upcoming First Friday and to top it off, one of his first San Jose murals was painted on the outside of the gallery! Join us for an amazing evening! For more information about South First Friday please visit http://www. southfirstfridays.com. www.artarkgalley.com
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