Volume 3 • Issue 25
December 22, 2021
OMICRON ISOLATES MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN IN THEIR HOMES. AESTHETX BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO THEIR FAMILIES. This holiday season, Aesthetx has partnered with Coastal Kids Home Care to bring gifts and financial relief to medically fragile children and their families. For years, Aesthetx has given back to the community in many ways, but when they connected with Coastal Kids Home Care, they immediately wanted to help. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, medically fragile children and their families are looking at another holiday being isolated in their homes. Everyone is exhausted from this pandemic, but the families who have children with special needs have been hit even harder. Many of these children are immunocompromised and have been isolated even before the pandemic started. These families have been hit with medical costs, job losses, and extreme stress. Aesthetx, a leading Plastic Surgery Center in San Jose, has teamed up with Coastal Kids Home Care, specialists in pediatric home health, to
make things a little easier on these families. Margy Mayfield, Co-Founder and Director of Coastal Kids Home Care, says: "We want to give a huge
shoutout to Aesthetx: Plastic Surgery San Jose. We could not have made our Winter Wishes Holiday gift program happen this year without
Surgeon Team, Aesthetx
their $10,000 donation. This holiday season, we have given out $18,000 worth of gifts and gift cards to 125 Coastal Kids families!"
One of Coastal Kids Home Care’s patients is Isla Elliott. Isla was born with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic condition which impacts her ability to see, hear, eat and breathe safely. Isla’s first few months were precarious. Her fragile respiratory status meant she was dependent on oxygen, a ventilator, continuous feeds, and very vulnerable to infection. When Isla's mother, Yesica Elliot, was struggling to balance her job and caring for Isla, she contemplated quitting because she wanted her to be home so badly. After Isla turned one, her family attempted to bring her home. However, she was once again struggling to breathe, so doctors decided she needed a ventilator and oxygen 24/7. [Continued to Page 17]
Isla Elliot, Coastal Kids Home Care Patient
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December 22, 2021
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Applications Are Now Open for the 2022 Safe Summer Initiative Grant Qualified organizations offering youth recreational or educational summer programs may apply through January 28, 2022
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The Safe Summer Initiative Grant (SSIG), in existence since 2008, funds recreational and educational programs for youth in neighborhoods with a disproportionately high rate of poor health and safety outcomes. This annual grant program provides youth a safe environment while keeping them active and engaged in positive activities. Interested groups are invited, though not required, to attend a pre-proposal workshop to review important
information about the SSIG program and learn how to apply for this grant. Applicants proposing services that will run from June 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be a nonprofit with a 501(c) (3) status, a government agency or a legally recognized faith-based organization. Proposals will only be accepted online via WebGrants. To register for a WebGrants user ID and to access the application, please go to: grants.sanjoseca.gov/ index.jsp. The deadline to
apply is Friday, January 28, 2022 by 4 p.m. If you have questions regarding this grant application, please contact Martin Cruz at martin.cruz@sanjoseca. gov. SSIG advances efforts to achieve the guiding principle of Equity & Access under ActivateSJ,
the department’s 20year strategic plan. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services strives to embrace people of all ages, cultures and abilities in its vision to build healthy communities that inspire belonging.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY Hello Neighbors, Oh WOW! We were blown away by your generosity on #GivingTuesday. Because of your partnership, we were able to raise $6,802! Your support of Teen Challenge NWCN puts hope within reach of men, women, teens, children, and families who are finding freedom from the struggle of addiction and other life-controlling problems. Thank you for your commitment to the mission of Teen Challenge and for making Giving Tuesday a huge success. Stay tuned for 'A TC Christmas' and see how Teen Challenge students celebrate Christmas while walking through recovery. We have exciting things in store and can't wait to share. Blessings, Dr. Randy & Dana Rowe Teen Challenge NWC https://hope.teenchallenge.net/e/R5F2Lg
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Malia Cohen Elected BOE Chair – for the Second Time Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Malia Cohen, Board of Equalization
Last week, the California Board of Equalization (BOE) elected Malia M. Cohen its chair. She is the first African American woman to serve on the Board. It is the second time in four years, Cohen -a San Francisco native -- has been elected chair of the five-member body responsible for representing taxpayer interests and “equalizing” county-by-county tax assessments across the state. BOE is comprised of four members that are elected to represent a region of the state, and California’s Controller Betty Yee.
December 22, 2021 Page 3
Honored to Serve “It is a privilege and honor to serve again as Chair of the California State Board of Equalization,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, with the daily challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember that our first duty is to the People of California who deserve our continuing dedication, resolve, and service.” Besides, providing “direct representation” to Californians on their property assessments and other tax-related issues, the BOE directs an estimated $75 billion in annual revenue to the state’s schools and local governments in all 58 counties. Before her election to the BOE in 2018, Cohen served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. From 2011 to 2019, she was a
member of the board, representing the city’s second district, which includes neighborhoods along the southeastern shore of the Bay like Hunters Point-Bayview, the Central Waterfront and Sunnydale. On the BOE, Cohen represents the Second District. It spans 23 coastal counties from Santa Barbara County (about 95 miles north of Los Angeles) to Del Norte County on the Oregon border. As chair of the BOE, Cohen says remaining accessible is her priority. “For Californians who have struggled during these most difficult times, please know that my door is always open to you,” she says. Cohen has announced she is a candidate for State Controller in the 2022 election.
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December 22, 2021
CA Health In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and quickly spreading omicron variant, Covered California is partnering with African American health experts to urge
Black Californians to take action during the crises and get COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and enroll in affordable, comprehensive health coverage to stay healthy. African Americans and
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Health Experts Join Covered California to Urge Blacks to Get COVID Vaccinations and Boosters and Enroll in Health Plans
Shown during the virtual media event are clockwise from left Dr. Alice Chen, CMO Covered California; Dr. Kim Rhoads, UCSF associate professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Director of Community Outreach and Engagement; Dr. Justin Britton, emergency physician, Kaiser Permanente; and Dr. Curley Bonds, CMO Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
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other people of color continue to be hard hit by the COVID-19 virus, with infection and death rates that are still disproportionately high and vaccination rates that are still low. African American doctors joined Covered California at a virtual media event recently
to not only stress the urgency of getting COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, but also shared new data about the increased costs people face if they need emergency room care or are admitted to a hospital without health insurance, and the rising rates of mental health crises among Blacks during the pandemic. Covered California emphasized that all its health plans provide preventive health services that target both physical and mental health, and that health coverage is now more affordable than ever before – with most people getting brandname health plans for less than $10 and even $0. Covered California’s open enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2022, but you must enroll by Dec. 31 to have health coverage starting on New Year’s Day Jan. 1, 2022. You can sign up for health plans at CoveredCA.com or call (800)300-1506.
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December 22, 2021 Page 5
Actors Jaleel White, Akbar Gbajabiamila Share COVID-19 Vaccine Experiences and encourage Black and African Americans to Protect Themselves by Getting Vaccinated SACRAMENTO – Actor and producer Jaleel White and former NFL player and host of “The Talk” and “American Ninja Warrior” Akbar Gbajabiamila, are partnering with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The wellknown celebrities are sharing their COVID-19 vaccine experiences through candid conversations to help reduce hesitancy Jaleel White in Black and African American communities community due to historic across the state. injustices,” said Dr. Tomás The partnership is part J. Aragón, CDPH Director of the state’s Vaccinate and State Public Health ALL 58 campaign, Officer. “It is important which aims to provide to create a safe space for safe, effective and free the community to discuss COVID-19 vaccines to all and address concerns Californians, regardless of they have around immigration or insurance COVID-19 vaccines. status. We are so grateful to “We must acknowledge Jaleel and Akbar for their the distrust and commitment to honest skepticism that exists conversations about what between many African it personally has felt like Americans and people to overcome long-held of color and the medical fears around vaccines,
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and finally making the decision to get vaccinated. These candid discussions help get to the heart of the matter in a thoughtful way while reducing vaccine hesitancy in their community.” When White and Gbajabiamial first heard about vaccinations for COVID-19, they were admittedly hesitant. Now, both are fully vaccinated and feel safer knowing they have protection against COVID-19. In their conversation, both men share their reasons for hesitation, why they chose to receive the vaccine, and the steps taken to become vaccinated with the hopes of encouraging those who have not yet received the vaccine to do so, specifically in the African American community. “Growing up in Los Angeles, there was this belief that society didn’t
care about what happened to Black people medically,” said Gbajabiamial. “Now that I’m vaccinated, I want to keep it real with my community and encourage everyone to protect themselves.” The four-part conversation details their vaccination journeys, including their experiences with mild side effects, getting a booster, and why getting the facts is important for someone to make their decision on getting vaccinated. “No one should be shamed or condemned for being hesitant and this is exactly why I want to share the story of how I came to be vaccinated,” said White. “None of us have ever had to navigate through a pandemic before. So, helping people get the facts, with
Akbar Gbajabiamila
understanding for their personal experiences, and doing that with grace, is how we are going to get through this together. I hope my story will inspire and help others get to a place where they feel good about getting vaccinated.” All videos will be shared on the digital and social media platforms found below: • California Department of Public Health (CDPH)IG: @capublichealth; Twitter: @capublichealth • Jaleel White- IG: @ jaleelwhite; Twitter: @ jaleelwhite • Akbar GbajabiamilaIG: @akbar_gbaja; Twitter: @akbar_gbaja Please visit MyTurn. ca.gov or call 833-4224255 to find a vaccine nearby and to learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness.
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Omicron in California: Officials Push Booster Shots to Stem Rise in Variant Cases Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media As of December 15th, there were 39 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in California, according to the California Department of Public Health. That number represents a 140% increase in new variant cases since Thanksgiving. As authorities monitor and work to stem the spread of the new strand of COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to promote booster shots for eligible Californians: Adults 18 and older -- or teens who are 17 or 16 – who have been fully vaccinated for at least six months. Additionally, the state has reinstated mask mandates in several counties that have been without them during the pandemic. “Yesterday California reinstituted – in counties and in sections of the state where we don’t currently have any indoor masking requirement – a one-month masking requirement indoors in public settings. This is intended to lean in, as we all have for a long time in California, to keep our guard up in a period of uncertainty and unknown with Omicron,” said California Health & Human Services Agency Dr. Mark Ghaly. “Requiring the indoor masking as California
continues to learn more about Omicron gives us a chance to keep our guard up in a very purposeful and meaningful way during these critical weeks of celebration without needing to do what some other countries have had to do which is put further limitations on the things that we all miss,” Ghaly elaborated. Ghaly says once the federal government approves the booster shot for children, the state will issue a vaccine mandate for students in the state, adding to other immunizations California requires. At a recent press conference, Newsom said it is unlikely that there will be another lockdown due to the new variant. According to the Governor, the first confirmed case of the variant in California, which was reported in San Francisco two weeks ago, was someone who was not eligible for a vaccine booster shot. He expects the person to “fully recover.”
Across the United States, there are now over 43 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in at least 25 states. Chief Medical Advisor to the President, Dr. Anthony Fauci says the booster shot is the surest method to combat the threat of the Omicron variant. "There's every reason to believe that if you get vaccinated and boosted that you would have at least some degree of cross-protection," Fauci said in reference to the variant. Last week, Fauci said he expects the official definition of “fully vaccinated” to change from the current twovaccination requirement to including the third booster shot. He said it’s a matter of “when, not if.” Last Friday, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a five-page report sharing the results of study that focused on the 43 people across the country who have contracted the Omicron
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Booster Time variant. Only one of them was hospitalized and most experienced mild symptoms like coughing or a runny nose. More than 75 % of them were fully vaccinated and nearly 33 % had received booster shots. California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris took to Twitter to calm Californian's fears regarding the state's response to this new variant. "While we are still learning about the Omicron variant,
our focus remains on protection and prevention. Our best protection is getting vaccinated, wearing masks, getting tested if you have symptoms, and staying home if sick," Burke Harris tweeted. "When these four interventions are taken by all Californians, we help slow the spread of COVID-19 – including the Omicron variant," her tweet continued. California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.
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Meet the 29-Year-Old Activist and Atty Chairing California’s Reparations Task Force Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Photo by Kara Coleen: Kamilah Moore, Chair of the Reparations Task Force
In June, California launched the nation’s first Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans this year. The nine-member committee was established to meet the requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, which California Secretary of State Shirley Weber authored and introduced in 2020 when she served in the Legislature. Gov. Newsom signed it into law September 2020. “This is a debt that is owed, just because it hasn't been paid doesn't mean it goes away,” said the newly elected chair of the California reparations task force Kamilah V. Moore. At the task force’s first meeting on June 1, Moore’s colleagues
elected her the task force chairperson. “It stems from President Lincoln’s promise to give emancipated Black people 40 acres and a mule,” Moore told California Black Media. “But that failed with Johnson coming in after Lincoln's assassination and taking all of that back, leaving my ancestors to fend for themselves in a country that facilitated their demise through discrimination,” she said. As the task force chair, Moore, 29, aims to use her knowledge of domestic and international human rights to help guide the reparations push for African American descendants of enslaved people who live in California – and, perhaps, across the country.
Moore, an attorney, earned her law degree at Colombia University in New York City. Her specialization, she says, was the study of reparations.
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Legal Ace Although she practices entertainment law in Los Angeles, Moore says she is determined to ensure that the task force proposes a package that is in accordance with international standards for reparations. “I hope that the reparations package that comes out of this comports with international law standards,” said Moore. With her deep knowledge of international law, Moore hopes that reparations for African Americans in California will follow the international guidelines provided by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. The recommendations based on the United Nations Charter offer basic protocols on reparations for victims of gross violations of international human rights law.
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However, the violations need to be acknowledged by the UN and other actors on the global stage. Unfortunately, the transatlantic slave trade is yet to be acknowledged as a gross violation of international human rights law, consequently, the United States is not obligated to compensate African Americans, Moore points out. International human rights law states that reparations must be administered in five forms namely restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of nonrepetition. “The package must include all five forms of reparations under international law, not just one, two, or three, but all five would be the ultimate success,” Moore explained. [Continued to Page 12]
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December 22, 2021
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Tips on Donating to Help Areas Impacted by Tornadoes Oakland, CA -- Many donors are seeking ways to help those in need as Kentucky and other states begin to recover from the damage caused by severe storms and multiple tornadoes. BBB’s Give.org recommends before making a contribution or sending a donation to verify if the charity they choose to support meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability
and review this list of charities. Instead of clicking on links that others may send in texts and social media, consider making a cash donation directly through the charity’s own website. In an emergency situation, this is likely the fastest way of sending help. Inkind donations of supplies may be well intended but can sometimes be difficult and costly to manage if the charity
does not already have an established means to help distribute them to those in need. Food Banks • Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity) is active in providing groceries to those in need. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding campaigns are already being set up for those in need. While some may be
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Disaster Donations drawn to providing direct assistance to individuals, BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends the following tips: • Give to people and organizations you know. It is safest to give to crowdfunding postings of people you personally know. • Not all crowdfunding sites operate alike. Some crowdfunding platforms do a better job of vetting postings and projects that appear on their site than others. Review the site’s description of its procedures. • See if the posting describes how funds will be used. Vague descriptions of how the collected funds will be used should also be a yellow caution light. Thoughtful collections will take the added step of identifying and verifying needs before money is raised. • Don’t assume pictures represent an official connection to the person or family identified. Unfortunately, some crowdfunding postings may be using pictures of needy individuals without their permission. As a result, you can’t assume an official connection. • Your contribution may not be deductible as a charitable gift. If a crowdfunding posting is claiming to be helping a specific named individual or family, donors in the
U.S. generally cannot take a federal income tax deduction, even if the individual or family is in need. See IRS Publication 526, for more information on this subject. About BBB: BBB is a nonprofit, businesssupported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. There are over 100 local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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East San José Celebrates Restaurant Opening Third Mariscos Costa Alegre
December 22, 2021 Page 11
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USE CODE: PAIN & get 3 FREE Gifts SAN JOSE, Calif.– The grand opening of a new Mariscos Costa Alegre restaurant in East San José was December 9, 2021, at 1521 Alum Rock Avenue. This is the third San José location for the local family business that was established in 2018. Mariscos Costa Alegre was founded by the Hernandez-Barón family who immigrated from Mexico. María de Guadalupe Barón, Marco Hernandez, and their son operate all locations, specializing in the traditional seafood of Mexico in addition to an extensive menu of Mexican standards and cocktails. The other locations are on 13th Street close to Downtown and on Monterey Road in South San José.
"Family-owned and operated businesses are the lifeblood of our city and their growth and expansion in the midst of the pandemic represent the very best of our local, small business owner community," said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Yum! I’m so excited to see the newest Mariscos Costa Alegre open! Alum Rock is home to diverse businesses and eateries and having Mariscos Costa Alegre will add to the resilience of our small business community and the overall vibrancy of the City of San José. ¡Les deseo éxito!,” said East San José Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco. The expansion of the Mariscos Costa Alegre chain into East San José was made possible by a
creative collaboration that included Prosperity Lab and the Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association (ARSCSBA), according to Mimi Hernandez, Prosperity Lab Executive Director. Prosperity Lab provided business support in the areas of finance, Human Resources and marketing. Armando Ricardez, Mesa Redonda Director, walked the restaurant team through compliance and permit challenges. Lastly, the ARSCSBA and their business resiliency manager identified further resources and welcomed them to the business corridor. Mariscos Costa Alegre employs 140 staff, with 50 local jobs in the new East San José restaurant.
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December 22, 2021
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Meet the 29-Year-Old Activist and Atty Chairing California’s Reparations Task Force Bo Tefu | California Black Media [Continued from Page 09]
Photo by Kara Coleen: Kamilah Moore, Chair of the Reparations Task Force
“The challenge is making sure that it is as comprehensive as possible. I know compensation is a tricky issue,” she said. The members of the task force are collaborating with the California Department of Justice and several researchers to set guidelines for who will be eligible to receive reparations in the state. According to data compiled by the Pew Center, there are 46 million people in the United States who identify as Black. That research shows that Generation Z, people born between 1997 and 2012, make up 35 % of the total Black population. Another 23 % are Millennials, people
born between 1981 and 1996. Moore believes it is important for young African Americans to include their voices and perspectives in the conversations about reparations, especially since census data reveals that they make up the majority of the Black population in the US. “There are more millennial and Gen Z Black Americans than there are Black baby boomers and people who are from the Silent Generation. So, America is increasingly becoming younger and younger. But, you know, that's not necessarily reflected in our politics,” said Moore. “It's important for us to have a voice, not a
marginal voice, but we should be at the center of these conversations, taking the advice and insight and working alongside our elders,” she said. According to Moore, her experiences growing up in Los Angeles, ignited her passion for social justice. She was involved in various community service projects as a teen and young woman. While studying at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) she worked with other community organizers in the University of California (UC) system to campaign for all UC schools to divest from private prison corporations and companies that do business with them. She was among the student leaders who passed a resolution that organized for UC to sell its shares in Corrections Corporation of America to security and prison management companies. During her time at Columbia Law, she challenged the Academic Vice Provost to offer courses on reparations. Moore worked with the university’s human rights clinic to introduce classes on reparations taught by professors and experts in the field.
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Moore followed up on her interest in human rights and her track record working and organizing in her community with a Master of Law degree in international criminal law from the University of Amsterdam. Her thesis focused on reparatory justice for victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and their enslaved descendants who suffered numerous atrocities and centuries of legal discrimination. Moore acknowledges that, for some activists, there is fatigue and impatience when she and other advocates push the country to do a deeper study on reparations. But she emphasized that a research study is an allimportant first step. She and the rest of the reparations committee intend to use the power of persuasion to help build enough public interest and support that will strengthen the legal argument for reparations across the US. “I acknowledge the hesitancy because I have reservations, too.
How many more years do we need to study? We see the writing on the wall. There's ample documentation of the harms, but in order for the recommendations or the proposals to be as comprehensive as possible, the study has to be as well.” said Moore. Before joining the task force, Moore worked with several public figures to facilitate public discussions about reparations held on Club House, the popular new audio-only social networking platform. “It was a great opportunity to democratize the conversations around reparations and make it more accessible to folks because in the past 30 years or so it's been mainly discussed in political and academic circles,” said Moore. The young attorney is optimistic that African Americans from different backgrounds will contribute to conversations about reparations because “you don't have to be an expert to join something new,” she said.
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City of San José Recognized as ‘The Most Innovative City Government’ in the United States for Second Consecutive Year SAN JOSÉ, CA -- For the second consecutive year, the Center for Digital Government recognized the City of San José as the most innovative city in the United States with a population of over 500,000. Winning this award means San José exemplifies the best deployment of technology to address the most pressing issues of city life. From tackling social challenges like the digital divide to redoubling a commitment to equitably delivering the highest level of city services, San José’s recognition through this award reflects the hard work of city staff who continue to strive for innovative service. “The pandemic has tested, to the limits, the challenges of delivering services to residents equitably, but our resilient city staff has risen to meet the moment,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Their continuous push
to innovate and iterate the best digital tools and outreach is a model to cities across the country and one of the finest exercises in public service in our city.” This award hits a major milestone in Mayor Liccardo’s Smart City Vision aiming to make San José the most innovative city in the country. The Smart City Vision defined a series of core values and goals that influence the transformative, usercentric technology being developed for the benefit of our communities. 2021 is the fifth consecutive year San José has placed in the Center for Digital Government survey top ten and its second top place finish. Progress toward the City’s Smart City Vision goals is spearheaded by teams within the City Information Technology (IT) Department, the San José Public Library, and the Mayor’s Office Technology and Innovation. In a time marked by an increased reliance on online connectivity, these City teams partnered with a variety of community partner organizations and local companies to achieve the following: • Connect 300,000 residents - the size of the
population of St. Louis, MO - by the end of 2022. • IT staff worked with Google and SpringML to create an artificial intelligence-driven process to ensure city services accessed by the public, such as City Council and committee meetings, would have live transcriptions available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. • The $24 million San José Digital Inclusion Fund operated by the San José Public Library is on track to connect 50,000 San Joséans with highspeed internet over the next ten years. • Through the Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation, the City offers device refurbishment through a partnership with Revivn to bridge the device gap for low-income families and distribution MERRY CHRISTMAS
December 22, 2021 Page 13
Smart City, SJ of over 15,800 mobile WiFi hotspots. In 2021, the City completed a new IT Strategic Plan aligned to the City Council’s new City Roadmap. A “Drive to Digital” initiative supports community and economic recovery efforts, which provide process reengineering and automated service delivery In addition to external changes to public service delivery, the City made strides in enhancing collaboration across departments including IT, Human Resources, Public Works, and others through Powered by People. “City of San José departments protected lives and livelihoods through the pandemic. They used technology and data to provide crucial services in moments of historic need. Now, teams are focused on creating equity and opportunity as we recover. We continue to use IT in building a culture that cares for our
digital workforce and our digital public,” said City of San José Chief Information Officer, Rob Lloyd. The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education. ### About the City of San José With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States, and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.
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December 22, 2021
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Ask the DMV - What You Need to Know for Holiday Travel Season
Intro: Whether you’re planning to travel by car or plane this upcoming holiday season, the last thing you need is added stress. In this edition of Ask the DMV, learn how you can expedite your travels with DMV online services, DMV NOW Kiosks and our Business Partner Automation (BPA) program, while also knowing what documentation is required for air travel. Q1: I am planning to fly from my home state to another state this holiday season. Do I need a REAL ID to board domestic flights? What about to enter a federal facility, such as a military base? A1: While you will not need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or to enter federal facilities this holiday season, there is no reason to wait. The enforcement date has been moved to May
3, 2023, but we highly bank statement, or even encourage all Californians your vehicle registration. to get a REAL ID as soon Finally, you will need to as possible because of provide your FULL social high demand. REAL ID security number. appointments are available It's as easy as 1-2-3 to and you can also check get your REAL ID. View DMV Office wait times a full list of acceptable online if you do not have documents and start your Page 10 May 10, 2021 an appointment. Even application online today better – you can complete at CaliforniaREALID.org. your REAL ID application Q3: My car Housing Funds online and simply finish registration is out of date the transaction in person and I don’tBig haveCity time to California’s at a DMV Office. visit the DMV before the Mayorsholidays. BoldlyCan AskI renew Statemy To apply for a REAL Leaders for Record ID, you will need to registration online? provide the following Level A3: Yes! Skip the Funds to End documents: ONE identity line this holiday season Homelessness document that includes and renew your vehicle your date of birth and registration online. The Historic $16 billion state investment would largest allocation your full name – such as become DMVthe offers a variety in the country an original or certified of funds of online services that birth certificate, or a valid make completing your Big City Mayors Jerry Dyer,easy Mayorand of U.S. passport. You’llThe also DMV business (BCM), a coalition of the Fresno need to provide TWO efficient, Darrell fromSteinberg, renewing mayors from California’s Mayor documents that show vehicle registration 13 largest cities, came of Sacramento to together to virtuallychanging to Libby Schaaf, Mayor of your name and address your address, ask the Governor and Oakland prove you’re a California or driver’sKaren license renewal Legislative Leadership Goh, Mayor of to include a historic resident. You can use cell – and much more! You Bakersfield $16 billion over four Harry Sidhu, Mayor of phone and utility bills, can find a list of online years in the state budget Anaheim a mortgage statement, services at dmv.ca.gov/ to permanently house Patricia Lock Dawson, nearly every Californian who entered a homeless shelter in 2020. This would become the largest allocation of funds
Mayor of Riverside Vicente Sarmiento, Mayor of Santa Ana Kevin Lincoln, Mayor of
portal/dmv-online/. In addition to online services, the DMV offers other methods for completing select transactions to help reduce your trips to the DMV and save you time this holiday season, The Bay NOW Area Review including DMV
Kiosks and Business Partner Automation (BPA) locations: DMV kiosks are a freestanding self-service touchscreen devices that guide you through various DMV transactions, from registration renewal and payment to submitting proof of insurance. You can find a list of DMV kiosk locations at https:// www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/ locations/kiosks/. Our Business Partner Automation (BPA) program authorizes qualified partners to process vehicle related transactions, including vehicle registration and titling, from their remote locations. Learn more about our BPA program and what transactions can be processed at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/ portal/vehicle-industryservices/business-partnerautomation-program/. For more information or answers to questions not listed here, please visit Online: www.thebayareareview.com www.dmv.ca.gov.
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December 22, 2021 Page 15
Women's Health
Supervisors Declare County Support For Reproductive Rights SAN JOSE – At the urging of County Supervisor Joe Simitian, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has affirmed its support for reproductive freedom and abortion rights, adopting a resolution to that effect proposed by Simitian at the Board’s Tuesday, December 7 meeting. The measure passed 5-0. Simitian said he was moved to offer the resolution as a consequence of “hostile action” by state legislatures around the country, and by the “inhospitable” reception abortion rights advocates received at the US Supreme Court last week in arguing the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. Simitian noted that for almost 50 years Americans have largely assumed they could county on the Court’s Roe v. Wade decision to protect their reproductive freedoms. “But,” said Simitian, “it’s clear those rights are no longer guaranteed. Far from it,” he said. As a general rule, Simitian said he was not inclined to offer “largely symbolic” resolutions for Board consideration, but
he felt that, “the current climate nationally requires a strong statement from local government officials, particularly now, given that protections afforded by Roe are increasingly at risk.” The resolution also called on the United States Congress to protect reproductive freedom nationwide. “Healthcare for all has to include access to reproductive healthcare,” said Simitian. “This was an opportunity for our County to voice its commitment to reproductive rights, and indicate our support for those who have or will seek a medical abortion, and for the medical professionals who care for them.” The County has a well-established history of providing and protecting access to reproductive healthcare and reproductive freedoms. In June 2019, the Board approved a partnership with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte to augment health care services in the North County, and to improve care coordination for shared patients of Planned Parenthood and the County’s healthcare
system. Later that same year, the Board allocated almost $500,000 to replace Title X funding lost by new federal rules that penalized organizations that made referrals to access abortion services. “For more than 45 years, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte has been committed to providing essential health care to all members of our community,” said Stacy Cross, CEO of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. "We applaud the County for their dedication to preserving services and creating a safe and welcoming community for people to seek care. The Board recognizes the importance of all Americans having access to those services.” “Whether it’s choosing a provider, ensuring access to contraception and preventative care, or ensuring the affordability of services, our County recognizes that the ability to access and provide family planning and reproductive healthcare is essential for the health and well being of our residents,” said Simitian.
“Folks need to know they’ll have access to safe and legal family planning services so they can make the informed decisions that are best for them.” Simitian serves as Chair of the County’s Health and Hospital Committee. The County of Santa Clara Health System, which includes Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, is the second largest public healthcare system in
California. It is the only health provider in the region with a 100% open door policy, providing comprehensive family planning services for all residents regardless of background or ability to pay. “For almost 50 years our nation has protected access to family planning services, and honored an individual’s right to choose; we shouldn’t stop now,” said Simitian.
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December 22, 2021
The Bay Area Review
Online: www.thebayareareview.com
Fado ... Intense, Beautiful Music That Evokes Genuine Emotions For Artists and Audience Interview by : Brigitte Jones, Publisher
Brigitte: Tell me about Fado, where did it all begin? Cuca: Fado began in Lisbon, as early as the 1800's, and is now known all over the world. Of course, it has spread
out all over Portugal; with each area expresses Fado so differently. Brigitte: Yes, I see. These areas each have their own way in expressing the FLAVOR of Fado!
Julio Resende, pianist and Cuca Roseta, singer
Julio: We have the voice and the piano to express this gift of "no pretense" and strong emotion to people. Cuca: Fado is a Poem that tells a story. In Fado, the voice is a slave to the
story. People around the world know Fado, maybe not understanding the words but feel the emotion of the songs. This music is called, The Song of the Soul.
Julio: A beautiful catharsis of powerful music and silence ... Brigitte: A Dance! Cuca: Fado, you understand from the heart - melancholy is not felt from the head.
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December 22, 2021 Page 17
OMICRON ISOLATES MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN IN THEIR HOMES. AESTHETX BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO THEIR FAMILIES. [Continued from Page 01] With this additional medical need, she was considered high-risk, and her mom struggled to find nurses with adequate training. Thus, began her search. Elliot was posting online and asking anyone to give her information on how to get Isla home. Finally, after 14 months of hospitalization,
You Can Request a Traffic Fine Reduction Online 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.
www.svcentralchamber.com
she received responses from two moms and was connected with Coastal Kids Home Care. Elliot says: “Coastal Kids Home Care saved our family. They brought our daughter home, and have given the support we need in order for our family to thrive and enjoy our life to the fullest.”
Page 18
December 22, 2021
The Bay Area Review
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THANK YOU!! We raised $14,769 towards our goal of $20,000, thank you to everyone who donated and participated!! While we didn’t hit our target, we are excited to have successfully hosted our 2nd Virtual Outrun Lupus 5K! Thank you to everyone who signed up, fundraised and participated virtually!
Upcoming Events ¡Únase a nosotros el sábado 13 de noviembre de 2021, para una conferencia virtual sobre lupus en español! Favor de registarse en linia.
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