The CARE program for people with schizophrenia is now open in all California counties.
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The Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program is now open in all California counties to help the most severely ill people with untreated or undertreated schizophrenia get the life-saving treatment and housing they need to stabilize, recover and thrive.
CARE Court was implemented statewide through a phased approach that began last October. The first locations to open CARE Court opened in October 2023 and included Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Stanislaus, Glenn and Tuolumne counties; Los Angeles will open in December 2023, San Mateo in July 2024 and Kern in October 2024.
“Finding treatment, housing and support for Californians with the most serious mental illnesses has been a top priority of my administration, and I am proud to see the early successes of this innovative new model,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
And, CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson said, “Starting today, all 58 counties are offering this new pathway to safety and well-being for Californians with some of the most complex behavioral health needs.”
The CARE Act builds relationships and trust between people who need the most care and those seeking it, including families, behavioral health and outreach professionals, hospitals, first responders, public defenders, and legal services attorneys. CARE also includes a special civil court that protects your rights and focuses on progress toward recovery.
First results
Initial results from CARE Court’s early implementation demonstrate that the program is having a significant impact in addressing some of the most severe cases of mental health crises on California’s streets, the state said.
She added that in the nine counties where CARE Court has already opened, the program is providing hundreds of people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders with crucial treatment and housing plans.
More than 1,400 people have connected to CARE Courts or county services directly, according to preliminary data.
CARE Court’s path to recovery is bolstered by $15.3 billion in state funding to address homelessness and $11.6 billion annually in behavioral health services.
In September, Governor Newsom signed SB 42 by Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) to streamline county and court implementation of the CARE Act by improving the petition process, facilitating communication between petitioners, respondents, judges, and county behavioral health departments, and strengthening CARE as a means to ensure long-term stabilization of participants.
San Mateo County Supervisors approve ballot measure to give them the power to fire sheriff. Photo: San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus speaking to the Board of Supervisors who were discussing how to remove Corpus from office following a scathing investigation on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Redwood City, Calif. (Alise Maripuu/Bay City News)
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors fired another salvo in their ongoing battle against Sheriff Christina Corpus on Tuesday when they voted to move forward with a charter amendment that would allow them to remove her from office.
The board voted 4-0, with Supervisor David Canepa absent, to approve the second reading of an ordinance placing the amendment on the March 4 ballot so voters can decide whether supervisors should be allowed to expand their authority to fire Corpus.
“I want people to understand that our sheriff right now is serving a six-year term, we’re finishing up the second year; there are four more years left before voters have the opportunity to vote for new leadership at the Sheriff’s Office without an intervention like a charter amendment election or a recall,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
Corzo and Supervisor Ray Mueller sponsored the legislation placing the issue before voters after a prolonged period of public recriminations directed at the sheriff and her repeated, defiant denials.
Corpus is accused of retaliating against Sheriff's Office employees, using racist and homophobic slurs and giving too much power to his civilian chief of staff, Victor Aenlle, whom independent investigator and retired judge LaDoris Cordell found in her 400-page report to have had an inappropriate personal relationship with the sheriff, an allegation Corpus denies.
Corpus has repeatedly rejected calls for his resignation that have come from the board and from local, state and federal leaders such as U.S. Reps. Kevin Mullin and Anna Eshoo, state Sen. Josh Becker and Assemblymembers Marc Berman and Diane Papan.
Since Corpus took office in 2023, more than 100 sworn employees have left the Sheriff's Office and she has been the subject of votes of no confidence by unions representing her department's deputies, sergeants and lieutenants.
“At the heart of this problem is the reality that our current sheriff fails to understand, follow or respect not only county policy, but also basic ethics around conflicts of interest and much more,” Corzo said.
During the meeting's public comment period, attorneys for the sheriff, who said they have been working for her for about a week, asked supervisors to postpone the vote on the charter amendment to give them time to respond to the allegations against them, which they said are unsubstantiated.
“We have to give the sheriff a chance to respond. It is premature for you to usurp the authority of the voters,” said attorney Thomas Mazzucco.
While the supervisors voted to move forward with the measure, they also agreed to extend a formal invitation to Corpus to speak under oath before the board at its Dec. 10 meeting. Corzo abstained from the decision to invite Corpus.
“I am, again, extremely concerned that even under oath, our sheriff is using this as a platform to continue lying, so I will recuse myself from this,” she said.
Corpus did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday, but on Monday sent the board a letter opposing its decision.
In it, he called Cordell's report "a salacious broadcast of unsubstantiated accusations."
“There are many questions about how the county dealt with this despicable chapter,” Corpus wrote. “There will be an opportunity for these questions and more to come to light, but for now, the real question is whether the county’s actions to date and the proposed charter amendment can be a good justification for taking away voter choice.”
If approved by a simple majority of county voters, the amendment would allow supervisors to remove the sheriff by a four-fifths vote “for cause, including violation of law relating to the duties of a sheriff, flagrant or repeated neglect of duties, misappropriation of public funds, willful falsification of documents or obstruction of an investigation.”
It would also require supervisors to give written reasons for their dismissal and hold a hearing before the vote.
The charter amendment would expire on Dec. 31, 2028, ending the board's ability to fire the sheriff.
Crece persecución al periodismo critico, los periodistas críticos que simplemente desaparecen, son gente muy comprometida con la humanidad y reportar sin tendencias políticas, pues ponen en riesgo su vida para que no queden impunes todos los delitos de lesa humanidad, comentó Manuel Ortiz.
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The periodismo crítico se encuentra en peligro ante las figuras totalitarias que controlan la información en diferentes países, de acuerdo con Manuel Ortiz, quien fue testigo de la persecución de periodistas y medios de comunicación durante su labor en Líbano, contexto que no ve tan lejano para Estados Unidos ante la llegada de Donald Trump.
En los países de medio oriente se vive un ambiente de persecución a medios críticos de comunicación, donde los mandatarios tienen todo el poder y no quieren ser cuestionados por absolutamente nadie, comentó el periodista Manuel Ortiz en entrevista con Marcos Gutiérrez durante el programa de radio Península 360 Press en Hecho en California.
Ortiz realizó un viaje a medio oriente con el objetivo de documentar y conocer la situación que viven las personas desplazadas y refugiadas de Líbano por los ataques de Israel, los cuales no parecen tener fin; pero también para crear vínculos con organizaciones y periodistas que están trabajando en este contexto.
Durante su estancia en Líbano, le tocó ser testigo del acuerdo de alto al fuego, sin embargo, a pocos días de realizar el anunció se han registrado 50 ataques, según un informe emitido por Francia.
“La condición de hacer periodismo en un contexto de autoritarismo, es una labor dificil”, comentó Ortiz compartiendo su experiencia al conocer sobre un medio de comunicación israelí que ha sido critico al gobierno del Primer Ministro de Israel, Benjamín Netanyahu. Este medio realiza periodismo informativo ante el genocidio que se vive en Gaza, sin embargo, “les ha salido caro”, pues viven persecuciones por ejercer su labor.
En Turquía también se vive un ambiente de hostigamiento, pues se han encarcelado a periodistas que ejercían su derecho de libre expresión ante las problemáticas del país, llevando a que ya no existan medios críticos, destacó el también sociólogo.
Estando en Turquía, Ortiz conversó con una periodista la cual hizo comentarios para una cadena de televisión donde dijo que los ataques de Israel han causado muchos desplazamiento de civiles, niños, adultos mayores y mujeres. Tras ello, fue atacada en redes sociales a través de cuentas, la mayoría de ellas falsas.
En el contexto de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, quien tomará el cargo de presidente el próximo 20 de enero de 2025, ha elegido a Kash Patel como director del FBI, mismo que en 2023, durante una entrevista con Steve Bannon, dijo que el Departamento de Justicia iría tras miembros de los medios de comunicación.
“Saldrá y encontrará a los conspiradores, no solo en el gobierno sino en los medios de comunicación”, dijo Patel en dicha entrevista.
“Sí, vamos a ir a por la gente de los medios que mintió sobre los ciudadanos estadounidenses, que ayudó a Joe Biden a robar en las elecciones presidenciales: vamos a ir a por ustedes”, agregó.
Ante ello, Manuel Ortiz destacó que “no hay absolutamente ninguna prueba de que le robaron la elección a Donald Trump, sino todo lo contrario. Es un mensaje para los periodistas que yo interpreto como: el que no se quiera callar nos vamos contra él, contra ella o contra el medio. Así el mundo en estos momentos”.
Y es que, los periodistas críticos que simplemente desaparecen, son gente muy comprometida con la humanidad y reportar sin tendencias políticas, pues ponen en riesgo su vida para que no queden impunes todos los delitos de lesa humanidad, finalizó el también fotógrafo Manuel Ortiz.
Every year, around 150 Christmas tree fires are recorded in homes across the country, leading to serious losses.
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Every year, around 150 Christmas tree fires in homes are recorded in the country, leading to serious monetary and even human losses, in addition to causing severe civilian injuries. Therefore, authorities in the city of San José have called for attention to prevent this type of incident.
All trees, real or artificial, pose a fire risk if you are not careful.
To help keep the community safe during the holiday season, the San Jose Fire Department has created an educational video on Christmas tree fire safety and prevention.
They have also issued safety tips for this holiday season.
When selecting an artificial tree, look for the following:
Make sure the tree has a fire-retardant coating. For example, you might see a label that says “Fire Resistant.” While this protection doesn’t mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate that it will withstand fire and should be extinguished quickly.
If you choose a pre-lit tree, check to make sure it has not been previously recalled.
Pre-lit artificial trees may be recalled for safety issues, such as exposed wires, which could cause them to catch fire. Do an online search at least once a year to verify that your tree has not been recalled; new recalls may be issued when new problems are found, even with older products.
When selecting a live tree, look for the following:
Fresh trees are green. Avoid trees with brown or yellowish needles. Look for firm needles. You'll want needles that are hard to pull off the branches and won't break when you bend them with your fingers. When you tap the tree on the ground, you shouldn't lose many needles.
The underside of a fresh tree trunk is sticky with resin.
Beware of trees that have a greenish tint to the trunk and branches. Some growers may spray the trees with green paint to make them look more attractive.
How to put up a Christmas tree
The way you set up and care for your tree will greatly affect how long it lasts, how beautiful it is, and how safe it will be to have it in your home.
Keep the following tips in mind when setting up your Christmas tree:
Cut two inches off the trunk. Before placing the tree in a stand, cut two inches off the trunk at a 45° angle. This will expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Remember that a well-watered tree is less likely to catch fire.
Keep the tree away from any heat sources. Keep a distance of at least three feet between the tree and fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, wood stoves, lights, etc. More than 20 percent of Christmas tree fires are due to heat sources placed too close to the tree.
Place the tree away from stairs. Fire can spread quickly up stairs and out of control. Place the tree out of the way of traffic. Make sure the tree does not block any exits or doors.
Place water in the tree stand and check the water level daily. Water as needed. Remember that newly cut trees can absorb a lot of water in the first 24 hours.
Make sure the tree is sturdy. If it seems wobbly, center it on the stand more securely and re-attach any bolts or screws. If the stand is too small, buy a larger, sturdier one. You can also use thin guy wires to secure tall trees to walls or ceilings.
How to safely hang lights on a Christmas tree
Nearly one-third of Christmas tree fires in homes are caused by electrical problems. Lights can be a wonderful addition to a Christmas tree, as long as you keep the following safety precautions in mind:
Only use lights approved by a qualified testing laboratory.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
Do not use more than three standard-size light sets per extension cord. Use only one extension cord per outlet.
Turn off your tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
Inspect lights before use. Check both new and old lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or peeling wires, and loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
Be careful where you place electrical cords. Don't run electrical cords under carpets; foot traffic can weaken insulation and cords can overheat. Be careful when running cords behind or under furniture; tightly packed cords can fray and cause a short circuit. For more information, visit our Home Electrical Safety webpage.
Use LED lights on your tree. They consume less energy and do not get as hot.
How to safely dispose of a Christmas tree
Once the holiday season is over, dispose of your Christmas tree promptly. The longer it stays on the tree, the greater the risk of fire.
Do not store an old tree in your home or garage.
Discard trees within one month of purchase or when the tree begins to lose needles, whichever comes first.
Please dispose of your tree properly. During the holiday season, natural and textile fiber trees will be collected on the same day as yard waste. For instructions on how to prepare your tree for collection, please visit www.SanJoseRecycles.org.
Never burn Christmas trees in a fireplace or wood stove. Fir and pine trees have a lot of sap, which can explode. The needles also burn quickly and strongly. The flames can flare out of control and cause sparks to fly all over the room. They can also ignite creosote deposits and cause a chimney fire.
San Mateo County Navigation Center's permanent clinic will provide dental care to homeless individuals.
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A permanent dental clinic is now available five days a week to serve interim housing residents of the San Mateo County Homeless Navigation Center.
The 240-unit facility, operated by LifeMoves, provides temporary housing, case management, and access to the full range of health care, mental health and substance use services, social supports, and other programs of the County and its partner agencies.
Previously, dental care was available at the Navigation Center through weekly visits from the mobile dental clinic. San Mateo County Health or scheduling an appointment with a provider located elsewhere. Now, with on-site services available throughout the week, accessing dental care at the Navigation Center is much easier.
The dental clinic is operated by the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at the University of the Pacific and provides free preventive and restorative dental care and specialty care, including examinations, cleanings, fillings and emergency treatments, as well as oral surgery, endodontics and periodontics, performed by dental students under the supervision of the faculty and with the assistance of a registered dental assistant.
With a capacity for 2,500 visits per year, the program is expected to treat up to 800 people per year.
“Good oral health is inextricably linked to overall health and well-being. We are proud to partner with San Mateo County on this cutting-edge approach to addressing the health care needs of Navigation Center clients and look forward to replicating this model in other counties and jurisdictions,” said Dean and Vice Provost Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi of the Dugoni School.
San Mateo County Executive Mike Callagy said the dental clinic is an important step toward achieving the county's goals for the homeless.
With the addition of dental services, the Navigation Centre now houses two primary care centres. A medical clinic, operated by Healthcare in Action, offers free medical consultations and treatment to Navigation Centre clients.
A referral system allows clients who enter one facility to receive an appointment for treatment at the other, as well as access other services and benefits, with the help of a LifeMoves case manager.
Dental coverage is included as a Medi-Cal benefit in California.
With preventative care, including regular cleanings, patients require fewer extractions and with a healthier mouth can see an improvement in their quality of life. Studies have shown that combining medical and dental coverage can result in a reduction in emergency department utilization for dental visits.
Regular preventive care can reduce overall dental costs compared to the costs of treating patients without preventive care, including oral surgeries. There is even a reduction in dentistry-related opioid prescriptions.
The clinic's operating partners are LifeMoves, Healthcare In Action, University of the Pacific, and Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry; it is funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Este lunes será un día histórico en la Legislatura de California: la clase más grande de legisladoras en la historia del estado prestará juramento, lo que elevará el total al 49 por ciento de sus miembros siendo mujeres. Sello del Gobernador de California. logotipo (Oficina del Gobernador vía Bay City News)
Este lunes será un día histórico en la Legislatura del Estado de California: la clase más grande de legisladoras en la historia del estado prestará juramento, lo que elevará el total al 49 por ciento de sus miembros siendo mujeres.
Un récord de 59 mujeres ocuparán cargos en la próxima sesión, el doble de la cantidad de mujeres que ocupaban cargos hace apenas siete años, según Close the Gap California, una organización sin fines de lucro que recluta y prepara a mujeres progresistas para postularse a la legislatura.
“Las mujeres líderes de California crearon leyes vitales para proteger las libertades y las comunidades que estaban bajo ataque durante la primera presidencia de Trump. La diferencia entre entonces y ahora es que en 2025 tendremos el doble de mujeres en la Legislatura, y no tengo dudas de que veremos a las mujeres de California estar a la altura de los desafíos que se avecinan”, dijo Susannah Delano, directora ejecutiva de la organización sin fines de lucro.
Según el Centro para Mujeres Estadounidenses en Política de la Universidad Rutgers, se proyecta que solo tres estados (Colorado, Nuevo México y Nevada) logren la paridad de género en sus legislaturas estatales después de las elecciones de noviembre.
Following the results of the November 5 election, the city is preparing to welcome new members of the East Palo Alto City Council.
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Luego de que la Oficina del Asesor-registrador y jefe de elecciones del Condado de San Mateo diera a conocer que no hay más boletas por contar y diera los resultados de las elecciones del pasado 5 de noviembre, la ciudad de East Palo Alto prepares to welcome the new councillors of the City Council.
Así, el próximo martes 17 de diciembre en punto de las 18:00 horas, el Ayuntamiento ofrecerá una reunión donde también se reconocerá la labor del alcalde saliente, Antonio D. López, y a la concejal Lisa Gauthier.
En el evento también se elegirá al próximo alcalde y vicealcalde de East Palo Alto.
The meeting is on the first floor of City Hall, located at 2415 University Avenue in East Palo Alto.
According to the San Mateo County Assessor-Recorder and Chief Elections Office, the three new City Council members who won seats were Carlos Romero, with 2,554 votes; Mark Dinan, with 2,341 votes; and Webster Lincoln, with 2,249 votes.
Carlos Romero lleva 42 años participando activamente en la vida pública de East Palo Alto. En la actualidad, está por terminar su tercer mandato en el Ayuntamiento después de haber sido elegido en 2008 y haber sido alcalde en 2011 y 2021.
Romero es urbanista educado en Stanford y Harvard, además de promotor de viviendas asequibles con “profundas raíces en el desarrollo económico de la comunidad”.
El concejal reelecto señaló en su postulación estar comprometido con los procesos impulsados por la comunidad que buscan soluciones a los desafíos urbanos.
Mark Dinan, quien también será concejal del Ayuntamiento de East Palo Alto, preside actualmente la Comisión de Obras Públicas. Es licenciado en Historia por la Universidad de Marquette y propietario de una pequeña empresa desde 2009.
Dinan habla español con fluidez y vivió en Guadalajara después de la universidad. Su esposa es de Perú, y vive en East Palo Alto desde 2009.
En su declaración como candidato, refirió que busca que la ciudad tenga viviendas asequibles, grandes parques que sean seguros y llenos de actividad, una nueva biblioteca, agua limpia para todos los residentes, calles seguras, desarrollo que traiga a la ciudad negocios necesarios como tiendas de comestibles, cines y farmacias, servicios efectivos para animales, servicios públicos responsables, estacionamiento conveniente y un gobierno transparente que rinda cuentas a todos los residentes.
“Quiero vivir en un lugar donde no tengamos que preocuparnos de que el Ayuntamiento apruebe medidas tóxicas como la OPA, que habría perjudicado tanto a los propietarios como a los inquilinos”, destacó.
Finally, Webster Lincoln said he is running for East Palo Alto City Council because he believes in the potential of the community and the power of inclusive leadership.
En ese sentido, refirió ser firme defensor de la vivienda asequible, el desarrollo económico y la capacitación de los jóvenes.
Su visión de East Palo Alto incluye la ampliación de los programas de vivienda asequible y el apoyo a los fideicomisos de tierras de la comunidad para evitar el desplazamiento.
“Estoy comprometido con la creación de incubadoras de empresas, el apoyo a las empresas de propiedad local, y la asociación con empresas de tecnología para proporcionar capacitación laboral y oportunidades de empleo. Además, trabajaré para ampliar los programas extraescolares y ofrecer oportunidades de tutoría que ayuden a nuestros jóvenes a tener éxito”, agregó.
East Palo Alto endorses JJ measure
Cabe destacar que East Palo Alto también dio un rotundo sí a la iniciativa de medida JJ de East Palo Alto con un total de 4 mil 856 votos.
La medida JJ modificará el Código Municipal a fin de exigir que los fondos generados por el impuesto del 2.5 por ciento sobre los ingresos brutos provenientes del alquiler de ciertos tipos de unidades residenciales se utilicen únicamente para asistencia de alquiler para inquilinos, gastos administrativos y otros fines específicos de vivienda.
Ataques de Israel a Líbano se intensificaron ante la negociación del acuerdo de alto al fuego, “Mientras se estaban realizando las conversaciones del acuerdo, Israel intensificó los ataques como nunca antes se había visto, en el último día hubieron alrededor de 30 ataques solamente en Beirut”, comentó Manuel Ortiz. Foto: Manuel Ortiz.
Manuel Ortiz, periodista, fotógrafo y sociólogo, ha logrado salir de Líbano, pero muchos otros no, y es que la guerra ha dejado un sin fin de estragos, entre ellos la muerte de miles de mujeres, hombres, niños y periodistas; y pese a un alto al fuego, los ataques continúan por parte de Israel a Líbano.
Así lo relató Ortiz, quien en entrevista con Marcos Gutiérrez en el programa de radio “Hecho en California”, detalló sus últimos días en la zona de guerra fueron muy intensos mientras se estaba dialogando el alto al fuego, donde Estados Unidos y Francia fueron los mediadores.
“Mientras se estaban realizando las conversaciones del acuerdo, Israel intensificó los ataques como nunca antes se había visto, en el último día hubieron alrededor de 30 ataques solamente en Beirut”, contó.
Heading to camp Chatila, el cual es de refugiados palestinos que en 1982 vivieron una matanza de más de tres mil ciudadanos, fue a hacer un recorrido, y mientras este se llevaba a cabo, los ataques se intensificaron.
“Parecía que Israel quería causar el mayor daño posible, matar al mayor número de personas antes de quedarse unos días sin poder bombardear, era verdaderamente brutal lo que estaba ocurriendo”, detalló.
“Desde este barrio se escuchaban las bombas muy fuerte; hay muchos niños, mujeres y personas de la tercera edad, pues es uno de los barrios más marginados. Las comunidades de refugiados palestinos que no tienen un estatus migratorio, como tal son personas, están aquí sin patria”, agregó.
Manuel Ortiz narró que los niños estaban entre los pasillos angostos, porque los edificios están pegados unos de los otros, pues hay un gran patio donde hacen actividades.
“El primer día, el día 27, el acuerdo entró en vigor a las 4:00 de la mañana, por lo que muchas de las personas desplazadas que estaban en campamentos se empezaron a dirigir hacia el sur, pese a que el gobierno, advirtieron que todavía no fueran. El día 27 hubo una celebración, una celebración agridulce”, dijo.
¿Cómo comenzó este asunto?
Ortiz explicó que hay un genocidio en curso que está cometiendo el estado de Israel en Gaza, “están masacrando a un pueblo, hay una limpieza étnica en Oriente Medio ya que se está llevando a cabo por Israel con el patrocinio con el apoyo de las grandes potencias, principalmente con Estados Unidos”.
“El alto al fuego inició el día 27 de noviembre y fue un OK, ya le dejo de pegar a Líbano. A mi me consta que han atacado a los niños, a civiles, donde vivía la gente en pueblos enteros; y lo que ocurrió el mismo día, es atacar con mucha mayor fuerza a Gaza. Este genocidio que ya estaba en curso se aceleró”.
En ese sentido, destacó que Benjamín Netanyahu, primer ministro de Israel, dijo que la paz depende de Líbano y de Hezbolá, que él esta listo para atacar en cualquier momento, lo que a Ortiz le parce un discurso que no tiene sentido, “porque se le olvida que es él quien comete el genocidio y claro que parece ser que lo único que quiere son guerras”.
“Cada que caía una bomba. Yo pensaba ¿cuántas personas están muriendo en este momento? Es doloroso: imaginemos que estamos en el tiempo en que se estaba asesinando a los judíos en los campos de concentración y en el futuro nos preguntaríamos qué estaba haciendo en contra en esos momentos, ¿fui indiferente? ¿Le aplaudí? Yo creo que en un futuro nos preguntaremos que fue lo que hicimos”, refirió.
For journalist Manuel Ortiz, things are resolved through peace and not war and weapons.
“Soy una persona que piensa que las cosas se arreglan vía la paz, vía la negociación y sigo pensando que esa es la vía, pero aquí es muy difícil, porque ves que los militares suben imágenes con fotografías de gente con la que se burlan, que persiguen a niños y les disparan”.
“Deberíamos de hacer una intervención mundial mucho más efectiva, tendríamos que tener mayor indignación ahí donde esté cada uno. Yo sé que sí, de repente, hay protestas y se apagan, yo no lo puedo creer, en un planeta tan chiquito, tan pequeñito, está ocurriendo otro genocidio en estos momentos y pues parece que no hay forma de pararlo”.
“Cada que pagamos algo, cada que pagamos nuestros impuestos se va algo de esto para que se compren armas y lleguen hasta el otro lado del mundo”, concluyó.
San Mateo County Events Center converted into temporary shelter, the space will be able to house up to 53 of the county's most vulnerable individuals and families, where they can find food, a warm place to sleep, hygiene kits and emergency clothing when the weather is at its worst.
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The San Mateo County Event Center provides homeless people with a warm, dry place to stay during severe winter weather, especially for those experiencing homelessness and families in vulnerable situations.
In partnership with the County Human Services Agency, the facility will be able to house up to 53 of the county's most vulnerable individuals and families, where they can find food, a warm place to sleep, hygiene kits and emergency clothing when the weather is at its worst.
“Our residents make such fond memories at the Event Center. The fact that it remains a trusted refuge and resource during difficult times like the pandemic is a testament to its importance in San Mateo County,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo. “This partnership with the county is what it means to come together as a resilient and compassionate community.”
The Event Center will open its Cypress Hall to single adults and families when Human Services activates its Inclement Weather Program. This program is activated when forecasts call for a period of extremely low temperatures or when a significant wet weather system is expected to occur.
“People experiencing homelessness are extremely vulnerable during cold weather. Adding warm beds at the Events Center can literally save lives this winter,” said Claire Cunningham, director of the County Human Services Agency. “The Events Center will now be an option for people with few options.”
The Human Services Agency, with funding from the local Measure K half-cent sales tax, contracts with the Events Center to provide emergency shelter services.
Participants must be referred by one of the County's eight Basic Service Agencies (non-profit agencies that work closely with the County) and walk-ins will not be permitted.
“Our partnership with the San Mateo County Human Services Agency underscores our deep dedication to supporting our community when it matters most,” said Dana Stoehr, executive director of the San Mateo County Events Center.
“As an emergency management site, we are fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment during inclement weather, and we are honored to open our doors in this capacity,” he added.
County officials expect most activations to last between one and three days.
Anyone in need of social protection services such as: food, emergency housing assistance, emergency utility assistance, shelter, and other basic needs should contact one of the Basic Service Agencies.
Basic Service Agencies provide clients with crisis intervention and referrals based on an assessment of their needs and qualifications for assistance.
Christmas in the Park needs about $100,000 to keep going after three key sponsors pulled out due to the poor economy. Photo: Facebook Christmas in the Park San José
Dozens of people gather around hundreds of trees wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers, hanging ornaments and laughing. The beloved Christmas in San José Park is about to enchant Plaza de César Chávez.
This year, the nonprofit that brings Christmas cheer is asking people to pull out their wallets to fill a six-figure gap and keep the tradition alive.
Christmas in the Park needs about $100,000 to keep going after three key sponsors pulled out due to the poor economy. The funding gap won't affect the 44-year-old tradition this year, but it could impact next year's festivities. The fun begins with the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 29 in downtown San Jose.
Debbie Degutis, executive director of Christmas in the Park, said that without the money, staff won't be able to invest in new interactive activities or upgrades to older exhibits to keep things fresh.
Degutis said the event will return next year and will not disappear, but he is confident that the 700,000 visitors expected will raise the $100,000 so that no expense will be spared.
She added that the best way the community can show its support is by purchasing a ticket to the nonprofit's other event: the History Park Drive-Thru Light Show. The light show runs from Nov. 21 to Jan. 1 and features more than a mile of twinkling lights. Tickets cost between $25 and $30 per car, depending on the day.
“More than ever, we really need the community to step up and support the largest community event in the city,” Degutis told San José Spotlight.
Christmas in the Park is free to attend and relies heavily on donations, sponsorships and fundraising to recreate the magic of Christmas year after year.
Real estate developer Chuck Toeniskoetter is one of those donors. His companies, including real estate and development firms and Silver Creek Self Storage, donated $25,000 this year. He said that as someone who took his four children when they were young, he made the donation because it is a gem for the families.
“They have Santa Claus, they have the Christmas tree, music… it’s a joyful place to take your kids,” she told San José Spotlight.
The festivities extend beyond the Christmas cheer in the heart of downtown, livening up small businesses in the area as hundreds of thousands of people walk through the bustling streets.
Alex Stettinski, executive director of the San Jose Downtown Business Association, said the economic boost during the holiday season is critical to downtown's vitality. The area has struggled to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left it with high vacancy rates for retail and office space.
Stettinski said the ice rink, provided by the downtown association next to the Signia Hotel, along with Christmas in the Park transform the downtown core.
“All of these (events) that we have throughout the year are absolutely crucial to continue to attract people and visitors downtown to visit our businesses,” she told San José Spotlight. “They have an immediate impact on the vitality of our business economy.”
However, the heart of the tradition is the joy it brings to people each year, from the sugary hot chocolate topped with plenty of whipped cream to the 600 trees that organizations and families decorate among the holiday decorations.
San Jose resident Erin McCarthy has been attending the event since she was a child. She brings her nieces and nephews every year, and this year she helped decorate a tree for Orchard Middle School, where she teaches. She plans to continue doing so for many years to come.
“Some traditions are simply the foundation of society,” he told San José Spotlight. “They give people a sense of belonging, of being part of something that is bigger than themselves.”
Degutis has also been coming since she was a child, when she and her parents established a tradition of volunteering at the information booth on Christmas Eve. She has about 20 years of photos with Santa as an adult and wants that magic to last.
“Life is not free and if we value something, we should take care of it,” she said. “That is why I hope people will help take care of Christmas in the park.”
