(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/Bseip-855nCFhh6envdmIQ~~/AAS2yhA~/SOe0lvT1ms8T_7CfhLGg-4g_Z67lEmoOZ03a6m41VhTrZSbna7IB20riRUKXFfskhFRumTs3F9cg5SRiKB0SD8ekW_-tM_lzPujLElzRxvKTtUBYxJMDww3UxiVn7A9L)
Dear Friends,
This week, the Board of Supervisors delved into a policy topic that has gotten a lot of attention lately: ALPRs -- automated license plate readers -- and Flock Safety, the widely used vendor that is one of the largest, with 5,000 contracts with law enforcement agencies across the country, including cities in District Five that contract with the County Sheriff’s Office.
These AI-enhanced cameras that record the license plate numbers from passing cars on roads and freeways have rapidly increased in usage and have been credited with solving crimes as well as finding lost individuals ...But lately, use of ALPRs have become deeply concerning because of reports in this state and across the country that vehicle data has frequently been made available to federal agencies such as the U.S. Border Patrol.
On Feb. 24, supervisors voted to remove Flock as a vendor that county personnel can access or use. This is part of the newly updated consolidated surveillance use policy that was approved. It enhances administrative efficiency and promotes consistency across jurisdictions. The cities of Saratoga and Cupertino, who contract with the Sheriff’s Office for police services, currently have contracts with Flock. The B oard of Supervisor ’s action effectively means Flock camera usage is suspended for those cit y contracts The County cannot compel cities to drop Flock. The action taken Tuesday also does not cover private entities such as home-owners associations and businesses.
The quality of the discussion on this policy was strong. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a robust and thorough series of policy discussions on many aspects of ALPR use and data privacy in the future. We know that our constituency is both concerned about the vulnerability of their privacy and also want the use of technology.
Can we achieve a balance? Is it possible to place adequate guardrails on this technology?
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/lS5nd0yqOWZXf9N7EDJtgA~~/AAS2yhA~/XkohuAurpMnCusdtppgxt5hKMNT_CWB5x2PSNytofLHZIGCQFcbeTMEAOtZl5aakFO-PO4kGluAs3mriUHkQ_t7lb-1JdZTzMObG7JL0p1FufqqgZubQuQ7sKc0Xxh7Fc9yoPrqgpXm7PVNa6zmxCEDuh5GMPbzW8nGQ3T-kLOCN0xMnn1s3Agps4TwrmyGC)
I know this much: We have to try. And be exhaustive in the process.
Sheriff Bob Jonsen has been asked by supervisors to expand conversations with his regional peers – other chiefs who are grappling with this same issue – in an effort to develop analysis that will aid our discussions about our next steps.
Santa Clara County made headlines in 2016 for its first-in the-nation Surveillance Technology and Community Safety Ordinance that was heralded by the ACLU of Northern California as “landmark.” Nothing stays still, however, least of all technological advances.
That set the bar for Santa Clara County. And I fully expect us to research, debate and consider all aspects of ALPRs as part of our continuing commitment to be fully transparent, accountable and capable of building effective oversight measures. We owe that to the residents of this county.
Seeing people as people: An invocation from the Rev. Kaloma Smith, UAMEZ
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/-6IkcTsZQpP0Er9a_rxOJA~~/AAS2yhA~/mYqbJqFGKRmnO1CeWNGRwZhYQbUOq9rsA1BYMY0WdiKsIFgxIVS3JejG2b8UMT1ihqZw8D91InGLHBjW1rrtzA94bIuhZU5oQ_WIZf-VrrlCIWgTjmYiIMRIZngbUrVl)
To meet these challenges, we also need time for reflection. I believe the invocation we received at the beginning of our meeting help set the tone for this discussion and the many that will follow.
For such an invocation, I want to thank our District 5 constituent, the Rev. Kaloma Smith of the University AME Zion Church, also known as UAMEZ. In recognition of Black History Month, and of the core values of the oldest Black Church in in Palo Alto, Smith called on us to see in each other our common humanity (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/-6IkcTsZQpP0Er9a_rxOJA~~/AAS2yhA~/mYqbJqFGKRmnO1CeWNGRwZhYQbUOq9rsA1BYMY0WdiKsIFgxIVS3JejG2b8UMT1ihqZw8D91InGLHBjW1rrtzA94bIuhZU5oQ_WIZf-VrrlCIWgTjmYiIMRIZngbUrVl)
The Board of Supervisors chambers was packed with people: Constituents, who had all come to voice their views and desires. The supervisors, who each had so much on their minds. Union members and privacy activists.
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/fAhik9Pn01_462bT6udh9Q~~/AAS2yhA~/cV5cXhs5Aoju0qmVK-Q81slAbwtEo6h0ezjMi8sPyz392crdqcoMs0upiUUt_xsbxC4lCxijs5rGgVTyZabz4E1BMypH-cthmd9QLxNB1Y8iOiNpw94kyKVcs3Ad4tiouiCj6vbdQHXhI2im4dVG6KM2kpMcFGLOdNYaEDqEd2Nh3hSshIHOaEiFMo4vMwwp6U90gRFx7JpskdUFMb4hmjjDdlDtXudr4xIkcWOU5KY~)
Smith told a story about meeting Martin Luther King Jr.’s lawyer and speechwriter, Clarence B. Jones. He asked Jones for advice. It started with seeing people, Jones responded. “You have to recognize ... people are not numbers. People are not budget items. People are people.”
This is the lesson, the tradition and the gift carried down in the African-American church, he added. “...To see the domestic at the same level as we see a lawyer. To see the person who rakes the grass at the same level as an elected official.”
Rev. Smith acknowledged that we may be facing difficult times, we may be divided, and that this is a world that would have us label and marginalize each other.
“But in this chamber, on this day, and the many moving forward, my prayer is that in this place here, have light where people are seen as people, hope is given and transformation happens.”
Thats a reason to pause. And reflect. Thank you.
With commitment and care,
Stay Informed: Your Guide to Supervisors’
Board Meetings
Below are the upcoming meetings that you can join in person at the or virtually. Board of Supervisors Chambers at 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110,
Tuesday, March 10 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 24 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 14 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting
Please or call our office with any questions at 408-299-5050. email (mailto:district5@bos.sccgov.org)
How to Participate in Board Meetings
Residents are encouraged to get involved in the decision-making process in the following ways:
* Attend in person at the Board of Supervisors Chambers
* Join via Zoom to share public comment. Zoom links for each meeting are available on the Board of Supervisors Meetings Resource Page. If you need help using Zoom on your smartphone, instructions are available on the same resource page.
* Submit written comments by email to BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org . Comments will be shared with the Board as quickly as possible. Please note: It may take up to one business day for documents to appear on the meeting’s agenda outline.
* Watch via YouTube at the Santa Clara County’s . YouTube channel (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/R2FUXTwGqd1o_DkbT64lpw~~/AAS2yhA~/gOLj6L5nvYW1MANpEXpTx3A0yjfnk1t2mtuwGC-jazfg72hrIvXsEupaNusQC4eyJWlfcEefctDxHFtLyGVgMxs-je5cNv__FeDqtyXpvdFpeoHkhAKuVlfR8JI18jvzEOAb7rSv0eFiDj8bPcy_9A~~)
Community Events in District 5
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/APqk5jimP04EIMk3VoclZw~~/AAS2yhA~/RYONiT7SbdQ7RmTbe8s8B2S_U8xR_yMVyWYQLfiKumE-8rm7Ln07QyyfD814oyWEBgIIRlImMiLPLeBQ_9QunW8dqnjdw7N2NXxXec3WmTWZI6WL5Heze2xtoGcJvXxcCd-VuRls5ZbFaIbZLJxRZJSNqzTn7OFbnkJJXt-Q3PtDzuCNVxMytkNDKRkkXspA)
County of Santa Clara Animal Services Center -- (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/APqk5jimP04EIMk3VoclZw~~/AAS2yhA~/RYONiT7SbdQ7RmTbe8s8B2S_U8xR_yMVyWYQLfiKumE-8rm7Ln07QyyfD814oyWEBgIIRlImMiLPLeBQ_9QunW8dqnjdw7N2NXxXec3WmTWZI6WL5Heze2xtoGcJvXxcCd-VuRls5ZbFaIbZLJxRZJSNqzTn7OFbnkJJXt-Q3PtDzuCNVxMytkNDKRkkXspA) Shelter animal s need a dental X-ray machine – Donations through March 6 Be Ready Be Prepared: Inclement Weather – Key steps for inclement weather and emergency situations – In-person, hybrid option available - Los Altos Hills County Fire District – 10AM to noon, Feb. 28 District 5 Womens History Month Luncheon - RSVP by Fri., Mar. 13 (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/Cbdbg7RiKyPYzRCZ1cwH_g~~/AAS2yhA~/KHbAx1AdrvgUfpWmn8UjLO1SWRtR15LGEGhUjCKzGU1Pz5PNHnwdmUEUF49DO3i1NFOWJGNleStMnP4MJsDHc7xkPWp9bS_ds8rOzt3prJW2XKaUJvW4l-hzb4XacMZU2q_oHZX4Nhgxy_nh8TdSAa8KEU4ZBz0kN2_upE4_rsHQrYB-suJBrFDgSc9XbYCsTNHOVN2GvMi1RZD2bolYg-68xk9IuOjG9RFkd58PMdKqVOlpPz_CBaLoF6WTWJCYm8LULdPHLWb_UNUHb5EgKa6-K9F7VjJ7ZWqAvkur4uPIzNPMGpPXAZtZbSNDWcZMLj6TlGxkVZS1eTXyU0gpKA~~) Watershed Watch Earth Day Poster Contest (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/1Zmq1wQJQDc9yL9XTdbHhQ~~/AAS2yhA~/aaQ-n1_RB4fEeldDmG5l3qVQqkfUXJ7sGREg7RMBkqGqHdijmn8Gkzdujw_PzAK2lkqSbzXLEj13GG6dl0_ej4WYop-lZkgWvbTpLUKtbwRnXhNjMaRCimkyZHJ-IVwvcJZCsQehNVwJQxwnv3W83U4W61_qqHDVm90s0Nk8LTQ7UP5oLbkbQX06myRSSPHZO_d09qzg_mUC59giCHd24UrI0-dP2aJ2ehskb4WD7lMqCe9EXg-26J2xYcWCmjzg3m2w2k435z9JPlggF3z_85DgafGv2Tf57TZ9QwLk-ARGf0IFjF8HOi8aVo7pBJSF8gT6EepnOfhuDI7HLqui8g~~) – Artwork Deadline: Mon., Mar. 16 District 5 Summer Internship Program (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/ypbAd83aN-AYJe5GM9C4yA~~/AAS2yhA~/KHbAx1AdrvgUfpWmn8UjLO1SWRtR15LGEGhUjCKzGU1Pz5PNHnwdmUEUF49DO3i1vJeEqeXwdmRVXzKePypLMW4qDrNDPCM9ThZDnh6p_SxlMn8TrHaAww3j8tKScPgJ4cN7ldl154mBSiHj45YS9b8TwArEFu02zgs2Au7q1J83DisLPvPsoxJvZUWc3uFnk64nXVNxpUvhY6cdq1jmOi7yDrFVHdON6dWlDOy7QjEObgDDAjrfnSyn6W4ZFYItF4m2VZrBlsXLcB2_gdhjqxfFubsFl8F0I7NrmZrXEJUnlACV9lPbAHZqk5LiZUmlYUQFPemgUfVs3kzoFJw2-w~~) – Applications Due Fri., Mar. 20 CalWater Service Group Scholarship applications - $2500 to $10,000: Mar. 26 Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Summer Leadership Academy (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/qqKpZfUioYKp-BLrVxOOjw~~/AAS2yhA~/7K0ZWWTOuWSzNWSrM02doQob5HeMtJI_bx-dUf83RyihEhW4XQueERAiJs-62CTHvm5ltpsByp6PuGFt1uttIbkdGVbXm2CiqRwlVdSoF6f_WLhtkwqb-rwLsPuocDkKCjxQB4K2moGMWxzt74OYskIUvmZ6FszpmONCsjAIQ_aKsK66NYeM6FTkUZCxYrptf3bTiXn_yKrYZma9IA_LoQL6B3qvb3R0MuU86dfw5ZAmmN4DnDqjh_8YXGvTWFPU9zPtAlkGfwH1AmRD0PIKBXQ9K-MQspzKutRelSIMR6y5_0OLOkG20uF4x6C_s_Ft_jUnUfnlmKEH4uT8cO06YgM-JbLissPyT5MH2tIJv74c-gAYaG2DWUVWgFpctVSYSrZEE6s--Kr6z4xzrFT7O5soS9Y4p7lGNXQTsdepj4fC2VAU5_B_L5Xs-TXBioIklRASsWoO5jkrg3wMj_4Tn8TggrgfUDJ4kJo8u5bXtDym-3oyDsfrVBIrWyaLdTlB39OzKzS04dmyFC61nYAkAhuyHoJMZBvX35kw7x5yiZvIqscAxz5ZAZhfgQkOplaFPGvzpZ9obiCZDySRX-JKbwGqVIiZj9EEghuvJUaP2rS82i7aq2vL0-JIM1VvzW5c) – Applications due Wed., Apr. 22
Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga 70 W. Hedding Street
San Jose, CA
(408) 299-5050
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/OgUq9NQGfRuumxCIm9juyQ~~/AAS2yhA~/nayb-J8pWFVTwnJXDKS7KxiOvgpA3tCY6JvxxFiSeLuGI-RqtzUk1D-mhb77r5V-jT3IrZWHUhaXg8tDpaOqPuvVXpjILnfKc9BfHBGmZsgoW33NRKoZAyMqscQURvuh7LMlfuiZe2GF47dGelqu7g~~)
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/va2L03B1kq5oSQlkz_B2vQ~~/AAS2yhA~/gOLj6L5nvYW1MANpEXpTxyfzf01JN2MxPZXl8-dpdyw2lU6vYJw43Eo1BC8a6ddGSSa7ldCXW6iZvBSbW3xsY2ykBdUGJ5aE7qK3UZKMU5lVtAfB-1U-qpqVCbDGFtOBySnMIwlWkwojUzL7Wimz9w~~)
(https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/6lHabcP4daDhlTcLjDVSSw~~/AAS2yhA~/iTdMm-n5RMrQ6Fub5BnpRIOdPbYJSNeEEUTxxFnskd8QiaW4sUrz-laLiaCFLqQDC12QBLy3odFWfByefPqQGM1jkeTqO5O2rAv6ZlG0tGRkXDHZFKJjWMpibJ8DoGTZqxrHZDc29z6Zad9YPjfdxQ~~)
from future updates (https://go.sparkpostmail.com/f/a/CWVmpJ-u-_bbdACAPNlKYg~~/AAS2yhA~/EUgiF4cNRaJN9-BplyycVs02miljZjKRgRJ8Q2WkqiH14Xfve3ABMTFx_Mzbud1XJqURvoFTtne0LmqhlSAsjZ3qErgE9y_2KuPQGV4FnxiKYSGWHV6wbOjCKdwNQS386W_Dlt6hsBF7g2CQgcme8wsuua56ojsXg3qU2xYAkyYCp9uHQ2n8VR_7IQg1U0b5lkYnWln79R5zLRoZBAAPqKlisX8m4UjU7n_F9-8P7Jh4hvWF7VLNzliT4woaMmrpJ61tlFKBanCM0gYJCi5SIDkHOwYp4i7TKXcRNuDOUO2-dxc-6iopg-GxM9ib6Wkx) Unsubscribe
