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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.07.25 Board Correspondence - FW_ The D1 Update_ Protecting Immigrant Families, Lawsuits filed against Trump Administration, County finalizes Regional Medical Center Acquistion.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying.. From:Clerk of the Board To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod; Kitts, Melissa; Lee, Lewis; Little, Melissa; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen; Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: The D1 Update: Protecting Immigrant Families, Lawsuits filed against Trump Administration, County finalizes Regional Medical Center Acquistion Date:Tuesday, February 11, 2025 8:15:13 AM Attachments:image013.png image014.png image015.png image016.png image017.png image018.png image019.png image020.png image021.png image022.png image023.png image024.png Please see Board Correspondence - From: Office of Supervisor Sylvia Arenas <district1@bos.sccgov.org> Sent: Friday, February 7, 2025 6:46 PM To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net> Subject: The D1 Update: Protecting Immigrant Families, Lawsuits filed against Trump Administration, County finalizes Regional Medical Center Acquistion IN THIS ISSUE: Santa Clara County and San Francisco lead coalition in lawsuit protecting cities and counties against unlawful threats from the Trump Administration Santa Clara County to block Trump effort to end Birthright Citizenship Santa Clara County allocates $5 million in anticipation of Trump Administration Board of Supervisors unanimous approves Countywide Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan $150 million deal reached for Regional Medical Center Board of Supervisors unanimously approves new Office of Economic Development New LAFCO policy expands water access for agricultural housing Expanding Childcare in South County Report ICE activity to the Rapid Response Network Santa Clara County and San Francisco lead coalition in lawsuit protecting cities and counties against unlawful threats from Trump Administration On February 7, the County of Santa Clara, the City of San Francisco and a coalition of over 100 local jurisdictions from across the nation, announced a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over Executive Orders and federal administration actions illegally harming jurisdictions that have non-cooperation policies which prohibit the use of local resources to aid federal immigration officials with carrying out civil immigration enforcement. The courts have repeatedly upheld local governments’ constitutional right to choose a policy of non-cooperation. These policies in no way prevent the federal government from using its own resources to enforce federal immigration laws. This is a clear message that we will hold the line as we’ve done before, in solidarity with our immigrant communities, to stand up against the Trump Administration’s bullying and intimidation tactics to withhold federal funding for critical County services. Our region and country were built on the backs of immigrants, and we must have the courage to continue standing strong. We will remain united and stand up for justice, even if that means noncooperation with mass deportations that aim to separate our families. Santa Clara County to block Trump effort to end Birthright Citizenship On January 30, the County filed a lawsuit in federal court in San José to block President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. Santa Clara County is home to an estimated 773,000 residents or 40 percent of county residents identified as being born outside of the United States. Nearly 54 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, making our community a safe haven for immigrants fleeing devastation. As a proud daughter of immigrants who came here with hopes and dreams of a better life for myself and my siblings, this unconstitutional executive order is an attack on our entire community, in particular our immigrant community, and the moral fabric that enables Santa Clara County to thrive. At time of writing, a federal judge in Maryland has blocked President Trump's executive order to end citizenship for children born on U.S. soil to parents in the country without legal status, expanding a ruling filed on January 30 by a federal court in Seattle that blocked the executive order for 14 days. The lawsuit filed by County Council reflects the County’s commitment to our immigrant community. As one of the most diverse enclaves within the United States, Santa Clara County is home to the largest population of immigrant residents out of all of California’s 58 counties. The County will continue to serve in the best interests of our community and most importantly our immigrant families who need us now more than ever. Santa Clara County allocates $5 million in anticipation of deportation threats against immigrants Last December, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my referral to expand preparations in anticipation of threats by the Trump administration against immigrants and vulnerable residents in Santa Clara County. From legal support to preventing family separation and increasing Know Your Rights education, my referral includes rapid response efforts utilizing county resources to create safety measures for immigrant families fearing deportation threats. These proactive measures are supplemented by an unanimously approved $5 million in funds proposed by the County Executive’s Office – delegating authority to the County Executive to negotiate and execute agreements with nonprofit and community groups to temporarily streamline aid. In addition, this referral directs county administration to compile an extensive report with options to increase county staffing, immigration rights outreach in the workplace and expand County department capabilities to protect our most vulnerable against unjust deportations. County staff has begun analyzing County contracts relevant to new threats by coordinating with impacted community organizations and compiling a confidential report to review federal funding and agreements. Board of Supervisors unanimously approves $5 million for Countywide Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan On February 4, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Countywide Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan which includes $5 million in funding for the three-year workplan which I initiated with Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. The Countywide Community Violence Prevention Strategic Plan aims to address the growing incidence and impact of community violence in Santa Clara County. The plan emphasizes evidence-based approaches to prevent violence from occurring by addressing the immediate needs of those impacted by violence and introducing strategic preventative measures. We must use every tool at our disposal to break the cycles of violence and poverty that impact too many of our families. This action is a critical step to move our county to a coordinated approach that is strategic with our existing investments and new ones. Santa Clara County reaches agreement to purchase Regional Medical Center for $150 million On January 13, the County of Santa Clara and HCA Healthcare reached a definitive agreement to purchase Regional Medical Center (RMC) for $150 million. The agreement finalizes an Asset Purchase Agreement expected to close on April 1 where the County will begin overseeing operations. As the leading emergency healthcare provider in East San José, RMC's integration into the Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) system will see the restoration of Level II trauma care, labor and delivery services, in addition to STEMI and comprehensive stroke services. HCA Healthcare downgraded RMC's Trauma Care Center from Level III to Level II in July of 2024, resulting in potentially severe impacts to low-income and underinsured residents in East San José. The addition of the 258-bed hospital marks the fourth hospital in the SCVH System. By moving quickly to purchase RMC within the last six months, the County is preserving and enhancing critical life-saving care for a historically disenfranchised area of Santa Clara County. The RMC acquisition also prevents the further inundation of patients to sister hospitals within the SCVH system, ensuring that quality care remains local and accessible to residents while addressing the diverse medical needs of our community. I’d like to thank the County Executive’s Office for their leadership and commitment to ensuring our most vulnerable have continued access to critical care when they need it most. Board of Supervisors unanimously approves new Office of Economic Development to support South County agritourism On December 10, 2024, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my referral to create a new Office of Economic Development (OED). This new office will focus on aiding economic development in unincorporated Santa Clara County, specifically in South Santa Clara County by supporting and preserving agricultural businesses and promoting agritourism. In 2018, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan – which called for the long-term agricultural investment and growth of our agricultural economy. While the County has economic strategies in place, we currently do not have a central coordinated hub whose sole focus is to drive economic initiatives forward. The OED offers an economic lifeline to the farmlands of South Santa Clara County, home to the vast majority of our county’s farmlands, vineyards, and fruit stands. South County's charm lies in its vibrant small farms, wineries, and agricultural legacies that enrich our community. This office will allow us to develop a regional brand identity, reclaiming the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” to showcase our world-class produce and agricultural community. New LAFCO policy expands water access to unincorporated Santa Clara County, clearing agricultural housing hurdle It’s been two decades since Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) policies were updated in Santa Clara County. LAFCO is a key agency in determining land use like agricultural housing and plays a major role in our Agricultural Worker Housing Workplan. As a state-mandated independent local agency, LAFCO oversees the boundaries of cities and districts in Santa Clara County, setting regional planning and regulatory policy for water access, sewer services and fire protection. In December of 2024, we reduced a key barrier to developing agricultural housing by adopting a new policy allowing for the extension of potable drinking water and sewer services to future agricultural worker housing projects in unincorporated county lands. LAFCO’s outdated policies made it impossible for farmers to develop housing for their workers, and I am proud to serve on a LAFCO board that understands the vital role of agricultural workers in feeding our families. Thank you to outgoing LAFCO Chair, Russ Melton, for his support in helping us clear this major hurdle to develop housing for our agricultural workers. By expanding water access to unincorporated Santa Clara County, future agricultural housing projects will allow farmworkers to live and work with dignity. Expanding childcare access and development in South County with $1.8 million grant for Gavilan College I joined South County leaders at Gavilan College in Gilroy last December to announce a $1,749,800 grant from the Valley Health Foundation for the YMCA of Silicon Valley to support the renovation of the Gavilan College Child Development Center and the launch of the Early Learning Center. The grant announced by YMCA comes from the County’s Childcare Expansion Grant Program through the Federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act. The $1.8 million will help expand childcare access and development in South County with new facilities, programs, and affordable childcare. The Childcare Expansion Grant Program enhances childcare facilities across Santa Clara County, prioritizing families most affected by the pandemic or those unable to afford early learning programs. Through the $1.7 million grant, the YMCA of Silicon Valley will build a state-of-the-art facility focused on early childhood development while addressing the rising demand for childcare in South County. I am excited to see this grant become reality to change lives and allow South County families to access affordable, quality childcare. By building development facilities and investing in the next generation of childcare workers, we are creating a future that prioritizes our children and families. Video Report ICE activity to the Rapid Response Network of Santa Clara County The Rapid Response Network is a community defense project in Santa Clara County to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Report ICE activity by calling the 24/7 hotline at 408-290-1144 Register for an upcoming training Follow the Rapid Response Network on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS If you are in need of assistance, please contact the District 1 Office at 408-299-5010 or district1@bos.sccgov.org Follow Supervisor Arenas on Socials! 70 West Hedding, East Wing, 10th Floor San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 299-5010 Email Supervisor Arenas District 1 Website Unsubscribe from future messages.