The Bay Area Review, September 4, 2021

Volume 3 • Issue 17

September 4, 2021

What a lovely evening to celebrate the many International projects supported by Cupertino Rotary members

What a beautiful evening to celebrate a community’s generosity

Party People show their support

Guests as Flash Mob Dancers

The evening’s hostess and host Shyamoli Banerje and husband Ajay Chopra

Brigitte Jones, Irmgard LaFrentz and Shyamoli Banerje

THIS GLOBAL ELEGANCE FUNDRAISER IS JUST ONE OF MANY ACTIVITIES WITH CUPERTINO ROTARY, *SEE PAGE 8

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September 4, 2021

The Bay Area Review

A Mile From The Richest Neighborhood In America, A Community Battled Gang Members To Keep Children In Their Community Safe

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Online: www.thebayareareview.com

The Most Good Possible

Siena Youth Center credited with helping reduce neighborhood violence and gang recruitment

anguyenphotography.com

Redwood City, Calif.- Ten years ago, Redwood City’s St Francis Center in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood was overrun by gangs who flashed their colors, peddled drugs, and committed violence with impunity. The gangs regularly recruited neighborhood kids as young as eight as “look-outs,” then drug runners, and ultimately, full-fledged gang members. In this predominantly Latinx community dubbed “Little Mexico in the heart of Silicon Valley, parents knew they were losing the hearts and minds of their children to gangs and needed to find an alternative.

Working with St Francis Center Executive Director, Sister Christina Heltsley, they decided to build the Siena Youth Center to provide a haven for children afterschool and during the summer months. The youth center celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year and has had

a tremendous affect not only on the children, but on the entire community.

In the first year alone, violence decreased 19% percent in the neighborhood and today, gang recruitment is almost nonexistent – a

Sister Christina Heltsley, St Francis Center Executive Director, with local youth

Captain Christina Corpus, San Mateo Law Enforcement Officer

Andrea Hernandez, St Francis Center resident, stands in front of the Siena Youth Center

testament to a radical nun and a community that rejected the status quo.

Combined with the myriad services offered in the St Francis Center community, including affordable housing, a school, food pantry, clothing closet, community gardens, and more – the youth center is a model that has liftedup the entire community.

Across the United States,

youth centers are credited with improving student learning, boosting school attendance, and developing student’s foundational skills like improving decision making and reducing risky behavior. The Siena Youth Center is achieving all this and more, while becoming the heart and soul of the St Francis Center community. $250K Needed to

Cover Youth Center Expenses But running the Siena Youth Center is expensive with annual costs totaling over $250K. For the past two years, families have not been charged the normal nominal participation fees due to the impact of the pandemic. However, this year, Sister Christina is asking the community to help her raise $250K to cover the costs of running the youth center, so she can continue to waive all fees and maintain the size and quality of the youth program.

Children from the Siena Youth Center

The Bay Area Review

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Online: www.thebayareareview.com

Letter to The Editor Letter from Lisa Eckstrom, UCSC parent To whom this most concerns, I write as a parent of a rising sophomore at UCSC. My student chose to attend UCSC versus esteemed universities within California (including USC) and across the nation.

Because of his interest in environmental science and marine biology, he felt the programs at UCSC, and the research and internship opportunities available, would offer him the best preparation possible for a career in 4 years.

Then came Covid, and the fire. As he watched his twin brother leave in August, 2020 for another large public university, to live in a dorm and have some of his classes in person, my Slug did as he was told by administration, and dutifully studied from home. He did this for all three quarters because “that’s what the school is asking us to do.”

He studied, got good grades, and didn’t set foot on campus because, surely, rising sophomores would get their chance to experience Slug life this fall. Then, not only did word come out that many classes, at a minimum those of over 150 students, would still be online, but also, rising sophomores were prioritized lower than transferring juniors and other random categories for campus

housing. Thankfully, administration willingly listened to a group of very concerned parents about how this lack of prioritization for housing was disadvantageous and unjust for these students, many who chose UCSC because of that very housing assurance. In less than a week, word came out that rising sophomores would be guaranteed a bed on campus.

For that we are grateful.

Still distressing, however, is the incongruous decision, despite high vaccination

rates in the state, and the requirement that students and staff be vaccinated for Covid, of keeping so many classes online.

Our Slug’s twin is now a sophomore enjoying all of his classes in person, living in an apartment on campus, swimming for the club team and enjoying social activities modified only by mask wearing. His university does not have a vaccine requirement and masks are suggested but not required. Last year not one student was hospitalized due to Covid.

His younger sister is now a freshman living

September 4, 2021  Page 3 in a dorm on campus at a university in a state with drastically lower vaccination rates than CA. The university requires a Covid vaccine for students and staff (but is not yet 100% compliant) and has the dorms at capacity and ALL classes are in person regardless of size.

Yet, with vaccination rates and case loads the rest of the nation covets, with a vaccine requirement, and with other UC’s stipulating that all classes normally taught in person will be in person, I am left to wonder why UCSC is choosing a different approach and, indeed, whether UCSC has the education of its students as its top priority.

In the absence of transparency behind the ongoing decision to keep the majority of classes for freshman and sophomores (and indeed for many juniors and seniors) virtual, one is left to draw conclusions, none of which stand the university in a positive light.

As we evaluate our purchasing decision, we would like to know: 1. Why are so many classes still online despite the vaccination and 72-hour Covid test requirement?

2. Why are so many classes online when the state has removed indoor gathering restrictions?

3. Why is there a vaccination requirement if a student has no live classes?

4. What are the metrics for reopening ALL classes to live instruction.

5. Why are teachers not required to teach in person in light of the vaccine mandate?

My family doesn’t need hindsight to know where UCSC falls in terms of commitment to the student. Our Slug is reminded of it every day when he hears about his siblings’ essentially normal college experiences right now.

Lisa Eckstrom (mother of this USCS student) Greg Eckstrom (father of this UCSC student)

https://live.stanford.edu

www.rebuildingtogethersv.org

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September 4, 2021

The Bay Area Review

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Online: www.thebayareareview.com

Beware of Price Gouging During and After Fire Evacuations Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding businesses and consumers that price gouging is against California law during a state of emergency.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding businesses and consumers of the California law prohibiting excessive price hikes during a state of emergency following California State Governor, Gavin Newsom’s declaration on August 18, 2021 in response to the Caldor Fire. According to CalFire, the Caldor Fire is 20% contained, has burned over 200,000 thousand acres, and has destroyed close to three thousand structures in its way causing mandatory evacuations in and around the South Lake Tahoe area.

“Local businesses may

be overwhelmed with the influx of customers following recent evacuations in the South Lake Tahoe area and other communities experiencing these wildfires. We want to help businesses avoid potential problems as our community comes together to help one another in a time of need,” said Lori Wilson, President of the Golden Gate Better Business Bureau.

Industries affected by the consumer protection laws during a state of emergency include, but are not limited to, hotels and other lodging accommodations, gas

stations, grocery stores, and rebuilding industries.

If you need to make preparations to stay at a hotel: • Know that according to California law, under Penal Code 396, 30 days after a state of emergency is declared, it is illegal for a business or other entity to sell their goods or services for more than ten percent of their regular rate. This includes hotels, motels, the sale of food items, gasoline, and any goods or services used for emergency cleanup, emergency supplies, and building materials.

Consumers who are

told otherwise should file a complaint with their local Better Business Bureau, the California Attorney General and their local District Attorney’s Office.

• There is a penalty up to $2,500, one year of jail time, or both per violation.

• To file a citation please visit www.oag. ca.gov or call 800-9525225.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands,

and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB. org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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September 4, 2021

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The Power Is in Your Hands, San Jose/Silicon Valley: Vote in the Recall Election Bob Nunez | Special to California Black Media

California is about to make a big decision that’s going to shape the state’s future The election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom is underway.

Voters around the state are returning their mailin ballots and we have a matter of days left until September 14, election day, for us to say who should be governor.

It has been the honor of my life to lead the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP. This position has given me a keen insight into the power of civic participation.

I urge all members of our community who are registered to get out and vote either by mail or at the polls. My NAACP colleagues and I are bringing a message to all Californians: no matter who you prefer, vote in this election for your future, for your community. If you are not registered, it’s not too late to register to vote in person.

On the recall ballot, there are two questions.

The first asks if you support recalling (i.e., firing) Gov. Newsom. If more than 50% support the recall, the ballot’s second question lists all the recall candidates vying to be governor and whoever gets the most votes will hold the office through January 2023, the remainder of Newsom’s term.

Bob Nunez

Like every election, the outcome is based on our collective participation.

There’s no force in the world that’s stronger than our civic participation.

When we vote, amazing things are possible. That’s why making your voice heard and your vote count is so important.

This special election will determine whether the Governor remains or is replaced. If there are more ‘yes’ votes, the replacement candidate with the most votes will be granted the authority to make important decisions that impact your lives and your access to important services -- like

funding for our public schools and how the state taxes you pay are used to support state programs.

That person will have to collaborate with the Legislature on finding solutions to housing affordability and homelessness and lead the response to the historic drought and wildfires we’ve seen this past year.

And they will be in charge of leading the state’s recovery from the damage done by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We at the San Jose/ Silicon Valley NAACP want the community to feel empowered, and to vote your heart. Across

this nation, the NAACP has been fighting for the right for Black Americans to vote for over 100 years.

We take inspiration from activists like E.W. Steptoe, who founded the Amite County NAACP branch in Mississippi in 1954 and kept it alive despite repeated raids from police and Klansmen, even personally paying folks’ membership dues to keep the branch afloat. His personal struggle, along with countless others by racial equity fighters, remind us that the right to vote as a US citizen should never be taken for granted.

Thankfully, our state makes voting so convenient that there is no excuse for anyone not to vote. In 2016, California lawmakers passed the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA).

The VCA expanded early voting in Santa Clara County. Traditional polling places have been replaced with vote centers which serve as a one-stop shops for all your voting needs.

At a vote center, you can vote in person, get help in multiple

languages, cast your vote by using an accessible voting machine, and utilize same day registration and cast your ballot the same day. Voters can vote at any center in the county up to 10 days before Election Day. All registered Santa Clara County voters have been sent a ballot in the mail. Returned ballots have already been counted. The deadline for registering or reregistering for the recall election was Monday, August 30. If you missed the deadline, you can “conditionally” register and vote at any vote center after the voter registration deadline, up to and including election day.

Eligible voters can register on the Secretary of State’s website. If you’re not sure, you can check your status there. The SOS also offers a tool to help you find early voting and ballot drop-off locations in your neighborhood.

You can use the BallotTrax tool to confirm that your vote has been counted.

We all have a responsibility, and the right, to shape our future in this election.

About the Author Bob Nunez is the President of the San Jose /Silicon Valley NAACP.

The Bay Area Review

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County of Santa Clara Approves Affordable Housing Project with Units for Agricultural Workers The development in Morgan Hill is part of ongoing efforts to provide more affordable housing for underserved farmworkers

September 4, 2021  Page 7

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SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.— The latest affordable housing development in Santa Clara County will include units for agricultural workers, bringing more livable options to some of the region’s most underserved and low-income residents.

The County’s Board of Supervisors approved the project on Tuesday, clearing the way for construction of a 73-unit complex in South County called Royal Oak Village.

The complex, to be located at 15440 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill, will include 30 apartments for farmworkers, 18 for rapid rehousing to help homeless individuals and families with special needs, and 24 units for low-income families. (There will be one manager-occupied unit.) The $9.9 million investment from the County will come from the Measure A Affordable Housing Bond approved by voters in 2016 to address the area’s housing crisis, along with $400,000 in support from the City of Morgan Hill.

“The Housing Bond has made a tremendous difference so far, but many of these developments have really focused on the county’s urban core

despite a huge need for more affordable housing in rural areas,” said Mike Wasserman, President of the County’s Board of Supervisors.

“Farmworkers are essential community members who are critical to our agricultural success. This project takes us one step closer to ensuring they and their families have a safe and affordable place to live.”

At Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, most of the farm’s 800 fulltime employees travel far distances to get to work, said owner Bill Christopher, adding: “Very few employees can afford to live in the Gilroy and Morgan Hill area.

There is a big need for housing here. I’m just glad someone is spearheading this effort and want to do something for the agricultural workers in Santa Clara County.”

The agricultural industry in Santa Clara County employs over 8,000 residents and contributes around $830 million annually to the economy. Despite this, there is an estimated shortfall of 1,400 seasonal and 700 long term housing units to support the employment demands of the industry.

Recognizing this need, the

County of Santa Clara is continually looking into more funding options to build farmworker housing.

“Agricultural workers are the backbone of our food supply—we need to increase affordable housing opportunities so they can live closer to the essential work they do for all of us,” said Miguel Màrquez, Chief Operating Officer of the County of Santa Clara. “A big piece of addressing the housing and homelessness crisis in our area is prevention. These types of projects are part of a long-term, upstream goal of preventing members of our community from falling into homelessness.”

Since voters approved Measure A in 2016 to address homelessness in Santa Clara County, the Board has committed approximately $690 million in Housing Bond funds for low- to middle-income housing developments, along with a first-time homebuyer down payment assistance program. With the approval of Royal Oak Village, more than 3,600 units of affordable housing across 35 developments have been funded by Measure A. Since January 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic

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upended lives and sent many families to the edge of financial and housing insecurity, Santa Clara County housed nearly 5,000 people and cut the number of newly homeless residents by almost 30% in the past 12 months. To maintain that momentum, it will be critical to continue building partnerships to collectively address the area’s housing crisis, with a key piece being housing for agricultural workers.

“We are thrilled to partner with the County to serve our farmworkers, unhoused residents, and workforce,” said Morgan Hill Mayor Rich Constantine. “Quality and vibrant farmworker housing is long overdue. It

brings me great joy to see this development move forward.”

Constantine and Assemblymember Robert Rivas drafted letters of support for Royal Oak Village.

“California’s farmworkers – who are overwhelmingly lowincome – struggle with housing insecurity under even the best economic conditions. Workers and their families are often left with no choice but to sleep in their vehicles, in illegally converted garages, and sometimes even outdoors,” Rivas said. “Unless we create affordable housing to assist our most vulnerable populations, we will not make a significant dent in the ongoing housing crisis.”

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September 4, 2021

The Bay Area Review

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Online: www.thebayareareview.com

Climate Action Sunwork Project Cupertino Rotary has partnered with West Valley Community Services for an energizing weekend of volunteer-led activities at their Greenwood Ct lowincome affordable housing units.

The Rotary Climate Action Committee project led by Seema Lindskog is working with SunWork Renewable Energy

Projects, Hammond Climate Solutions, and Left Coast Fund to install a solar panel array on the roof of West Valley Community Services’ Greenwood Ct property which will cover 100% of the common area electricity needs and approx. 40% of the electricity needs of the low-income residents.

The Greenwood Ct apartments are some of the few 3-bedroom units in Cupertino’s affordable housing inventory, home to some of our community’s most economically disadvantaged families.

Rotarians will work side-by-side with SunWork’s professional staff to install racking,

run conduit, and mount the solar panels on the rooftop. This project is an investment in both the environment and affordable housing -- it will enable West Valley Community Services to transition to renewable energy and long-term lower utility costs while increasing household stability and selfsufficiency

for lower income families.

While some Rotarians are on the roof, members of the Cupertino Rotary Community Services Committee will be lending their hands for cleanup and maintenance around the property under the leadership of Lloyd Holmes, club member and president of DeAnza College.

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September 4, 2021

The Bay Area Review

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Board Of Supervisors Votes “No Confidence” In Sheriff Today the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 (motion by Simitian, second by Ellenberg) that the Board has “No Confidence” in Sheriff Laurie Smith to faithfully, effectively, and ethically perform the duties of the role.

The proposed resolution language was approved in its entirety, with additional language proposed by Supervisor Otto Lee (regarding the transition of the office of Sheriff) also incorporated.

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September 4, 2021  Page 11

You Can Request a Traffic Fine Reduction Online

You’re Invited to the Hunger at Home Bridge the Gap Gala: Outdoor Edition!

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.

Silicon Valley’s Premier Benefit In Support Of Ending Hunger Saturday, September 18, 2021 5:30 P.m.

San Jose Mcenery Convention Center, Lower-Level Plaza 150 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, California Join us for an evening outside under the stars at our annual Bridge the Gap Gala as we celebrate overcoming the challenges of the last year and look towards the year ahead. Put on your cocktail attire and get ready to enjoy chef-inspired food, notable wine, craft beer, signature cocktails, and lively entertainment. www.hungerathome.org

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September 4, 2021

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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for Annual Dream Big Awards Finalists chosen from a record 1,000+ applicants; will be recognized during Annual Small Business Awards Program WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for its annual Dream Big Awards, presented

by Spectrum Reach, with support from MetLife and Staples Connect.

The awards celebrate the achievements of small businesses and honors their contributions to America’s economic growth.

This year 27 finalists were selected from more than 1,000 applications, and include some of the most innovative, diverse, and successful small businesses from across the country. They range from a yarn store in Minnesota to a wine boutique in Boston, and from a self-driving truck technology company in San Francisco to an award-winning steak house in Washington, DC. “This year small businesses have continued facing every obstacle head-on, taking risks, working hard, and dreaming big in the face of ongoing challenges and uncertainty,” said Tom Sullivan, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Small Business Policy. “Small businesses are a critical and vibrant sector of the U.S. economy, and the U.S. Chamber is proud to celebrate the very best in

American small business through our Dream Big Awards.”

The Dream Big Awards program includes nine different Business Achievement Awards to recognize the excellence of leading businesses in each of the following categories: community support and leadership, emerging, green/sustainable, minority-owned, LGBTQowned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, young entrepreneur, and small business of the year.

Award winners will be announced at the Dream Big Awards Ceremony, part of The Big Week for

Small Business virtual event, on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 5:00pm ET. Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards • Community Support and Leadership Award • Emerging Business Achievement Award • Green/Sustainable Business Achievement Award • LGBTQ-Owned Business Achievement Award • Minority-Owned Business Achievement Award • Veteran-Owned Business Achievement Award • Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award • Young Entrepreneur Achievement Award

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September 4, 2021  Page 13

Black Leaders Voice Strong Support for Gov. Newsom as Voters Return Recall Ballots Edward Henderson | California Black Media Last week in support of the campaign to stop the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) organized a ‘Black Leaders Press Conference.’ Ninety influential Black leaders in education, the church, politics, civil rights, and more – as well as members of the California Legislative Black Caucus -- attended the meeting last Tuesday via Zoom.

Lateefah Simon, a Bay Area-based women’s and civil rights activist,

moderated the zoom rally.

Each of the speakers took about one minute to voice their support for the governor and share why they intend to vote ‘no’ on the recall. Many of them also spoke out against controversial recall candidate Larry Elder, who is L.A.-based radio talk show host and who says he not an African American but an American who is Black. He is the leading candidate vying to replace Newsom.

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today as African American leaders because we understand the danger before us. We understand this is a right wing move and we’re not going to let it happen,” said U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37). “We can’t get confused by Larry Elder. I don’t care what he looks like. We know Larry Elder very well in Los Angeles. He has built his career on attacking black leaders.”

The meeting began with a prayer delivered by the Rev. Amos Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco and president that city’s NAACP branch.

Brown prayed for the “redemption of our democracy” and that the promise of the nation be upheld.

Congresswoman Lee echoed Congresswoman Bass’ support for Newsom.

“We know that the health of our children, our neighbors and our communities depend on Governor Newsom’s leadership. He’s been there for us, and we will be there for him,” she said.

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond shed light on unprecedented education

spending Newsom helped make a reality in the state.

“Our governor has given our schools a $123-billion budget for education. A record budget. It includes funding for broadband, mental health, community schools, universal meals for all kids, universal preschool for all 4-year-olds, COVID tests, PPE and anti-hate. We don’t recall governors who do good things for African Americans and for all people. We say ‘no’ to the recall.”

Malia Cohen, member of the California State Board of Equalization, called Black women to action, stressing that the recall election is especially urgent for women’s rights.

“If we lose Governor Newsom, we are losing our reproductive rights, we are losing our opportunity to have a champion that has been helping us fight the fight for child support and helping us lead the way for universal Pre-K. This is a human being that is an ally.”

San Francisco mayor London Breed thanked Newsom for believing in her and first appointing her as well as providing logistical support to her

city.

“Governor Newsom has been there for us. He has answered our calls.

He has been active and reached out to us on so many different levels.

And what I don’t want to do is to go backwards and stopped the progress we have been making,” Breed said.

“More importantly, I want to express that Gavin Newsom has been an amazing supporter and friend to African Americans – not just in his capacity as governor but when he served here as mayor of San Francisco,” Breed continued.

“The first position I was appointed to was on the San Francisco Redevelopment Commission and Gavin Newsom appointed me.

A lot of people think it was Willie Brown. It was not Willie Brown. It was Gavin Newsom.”

Brown was the first Black mayor of San Francisco and a former Speaker of the California Assembly.

Newsom, who joined the call, expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received thus far and reiterated the stances he plans to champion as governor.

He pledged to continue to put women in positions of power, to build on economic and workforce development strategies for minority communities, and to continue to reform the public education system in California.

[Continue to page 15]

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September 4, 2021

As Fentanyl Deaths in the County Continue to Rise a New Campaign Launches Santa Clara County, CA. Opioid drug overdoses have become a national epidemic and have risen dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. Many overdose deaths have been linked to fake pills and other narcotics that were laced with fentanyl.

Individuals were not aware the narcotics contained fentanyl, resulting in more fatal overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined.

Even trace amounts of fentanyl can be lethal.

In Santa Clara County, the Medical ExaminerCoroner recorded: • 27 fentanyl deaths in 2019 • 88 fentanyl deaths in 2020 • 49 fentanyl deaths* in 2021 (January 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021)

The Bay Area Review campaign will distribute

*These numbers are expected to increase and change as the Medical Examiner continues to receive toxicology reports on open cases.

To combat this trend, the Behavioral Health Services Department’s Expect Fentanyl community awareness campaign is being launched, with the goal of lessening the deaths due to fentanyl. Key messages include the need to expect that fentanyl is present in most drugs, and how to reduce the risk of overdose: Get Naloxone, Do Not Use Alone, and Know Your Source.

Younger adults who currently use narcotics are the focus for these efforts. Small focus groups and interviews were used to learn what messages and visuals could lead to less harmful behaviors. The

messages through paid social media, locationbased digital ads, and materials. Viewers will be encouraged to visit www.expectfentanyl. org for resources and information.

Behavioral Health Services Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office, and the Public Health Department have partnered to support efforts to lessen opioid overdoses. The team provides information to the Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose

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Online: www.thebayareareview.com

Public Health Prevention Project (SCCOOPP), which consists of medical providers, prevention professionals, and community organizations who are dedicated to reducing and preventing opioid overdose deaths.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl.

Investigations conducted by the District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies continue to uncover large quantities and seizures of fake

fentanyl-containing pills in circulation throughout the county. Law enforcement agencies have also seized pure powdered fentanyl, and routinely find fentanyl as an additive in other street drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine – which can be just as dangerous and deadly.

Get Trained in Naloxone Administration and Get a Kit. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan®, is a drug which can save a life when used immediately after an overdose. It is usually available as a nasal or injectable medication.

When given during an overdose, naloxone can restore breathing within 2-8 minutes. If you know someone who uses opioids, it is important to carry naloxone and receive training on how to use it. When naloxone is given, call 911 since naloxone on its own may not completely reverse the overdose.

The Bay Area Review

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Online: www.thebayareareview.com [ Continued from page 13 ]

Black Leaders Voice Strong Support for Gov. Newsom as Voters Return Recall Ballots Edward Henderson | California Black Media

September 4, 2021  Page 15 His most candid moment came during a brief question-andanswer session near the end of the meeting. He was responding to a question posed to him by California Democratic Party Black Caucus chair Taisha Brown about his agenda for Black Californians once the election is over.

“This is a point of passion for me. This is a point of pride that I didn’t just come to the issues of the African American community in the last 6 months since this recall became real,” he

said. “This has been the cause a good part of my life, working with Rev. Brown and so many other leaders on this call. I look forward to continuing this work hopefully for many years to come when we defeat this recall.”

Voting in the recall election has started in California’s 58 counties.

Voters can return their mail-in ballots now by mail or at designated drop-off stations or polling centers in their counties. Or they can show up to the polls on election day Tuesday, Sept. 14, to cast their vote.

rotarydistrict5170.org

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SEPTEMBER 4

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EARLY VOTING COUNTIES can vote in the California Gubernatorial Recall Election

SANTA CLARA YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE!

To find out more visit MyVCA.sos.ca.gov.