Greetings from Linda . . .

Dear Friends,

The season of holidays and the onset of a new year is a time in which so many of us reflect on the past year, count our many blessings and remind ourselves what is truly important.  What I know is that this year has been especially good to Roddy and me and so challenging to so many of those that I swore to serve when I took office only a year ago.  I want to thank all of you and especially Roger and Cathy for making the transition from private citizens to Solano County officials so smooth.

 
As your District 2 Team reflected on its first year, we made the list that is included below.  We are proud of what we have been able to do.  None of it could have been done without the support of so many of you-coming to us with issues that are important to you and to the community, graciously agreeing to educate us on topics of concern to the county, volunteering to attend meetings on behalf of the team, inviting us to attend social and business events, and welcoming us to the political and policy community of Solano County.  Thank you so much.  
 
What I learned early in my tenure is that the demands on county resources have never been greater and at the same time the unprecedented financial and budgetary obstacles have never been more onerous. The challenges resulting from this dichotomy have been our greatest difficulty this past year and I have soul searched many a time for answers that will best serve our citizens.  Many need the help and support of our staff and are desperate for government services.  At the same time, we have reduced our workforce and lost federal and state funds that were leveraged to maximize the services we offered.  I did what I could, and will continue to do what I can, to maintain a strong workforce in the coming year. 
 
As I sign off for 2009, I want to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season.  Enjoy family and friends, play well, laugh out loud, share your joy with others, and count your blessings.  I will look forward to meeting up with each and every one of you in 2010.
 
From your District 2 Team [and Roddy]...

Linda

Accomplishments for 2009 

What a whirlwind 2009 has been for your District 2 Team!  We spent this last year educating ourselves to the county system and its employees, learning about unique opportunities, confronting daunting challenges and making new friends.  We truly appreciate all the support and advice we received over this past year from all of you.  And despite our newness to the job, we were still able to accomplish much.
 

Accomplishments for 2009

• Responded to over 150 constituents on a variety of issues and concerns
• Made appointments of many talented individuals from our District to County boards and commissions:
• Dan Healy, Civil Service Commission
• Dana Dean, First Five Commission
• Donna Fields, Senior Coalition of Solano County
• Rod Boschee, Solano County Planning Commission
• Rick Ernst, Solano County Fair Association Board
• Reverend Emma Powell Davis, Solano County Maternal Child Adolescent Health Advisory Board
• Grant Kreinberg, Animal Care Advisory Board
• James Wallace, PhD, Agricultural Advisory Commission
• Teena Miller, Solano County Library Advisory Council
• Gene Doherty, Tri-City and County Citizens Advisory Group
• Judith Boring-Surratt, Solano County Maternal Child Adolescent Health Advisory Board
• Proposed a "Local Preference" ordinance to favor local businesses in the award of county contracts for goods and services, which was approved by the Board on May 26, 2009
• Represented the Board on twelve county and regional boards and commissions including First Five Commission, the Yolo Solano Air Quality Management District, and the Solid Waste Independent Hearing Panel
• Held regular office hours in Benicia and Vallejo, meeting with dozens of constituents
• Strongly advocated against the First Five June 2009 Ballot Initiative which would have reduced local funding for programs for children aged 0-5
• Sat in on labor negotiations representing the Board and advocated for retaining as many jobs as possible while cutting the County's $18 million budget structural deficit
• Met with State, Federal and local elected representatives and departmental administrators on issues of importance to Solano County and the cities in our district
• Held our first veterans' town hall meeting at the Vallejo Veterans Memorial Hall which provided information to over 100 veterans on employment, benefits, medical, burial and other services available to them through the VA and the County 
• Advocated for and facilitated upcoming renovations at the Benicia and Vallejo veterans halls
• Assisted the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce with their submission for project funding under the Federal Stimulus Program to the Bay Area Council
• Opened the Health and Human Services facility on Tuolumne Street in Vallejo
• Assisted the residents of Sandy Beach in Vallejo in their efforts to bring down the costs of their flood control insurance
• Toured Homeacres in unincorporated Vallejo to view County improvements and review constituent complaints
• Met with City of Vallejo representatives regarding rising water system costs for Green Valley residents
• Introduced legislation for Cordelia Fire District to correct past property tax share inequities which have caused the district to be underfunded
• Attended and monitored the progress of the Middle Green Valley Citizens Action Committee, which is developing a long-term land use plan for that area
• Worked with the Solano Land Trust, Green Valley Landowners Association and others to establish a park in the Rockville Hills

Rebuilding together ... Vallejo Veterans Hall

Rebuilding Together Solano County District 2 staff, and the Vallejo veterans will get together to paint and rehab the Veteran facility.

Plans include new paint for the dining hall and annex walls/ceilings and new wainscoting in the dining hall.  We will do electrical repairs if skilled volunteers are available.  Veterans will provide breakfast for the volunteer workers.

Can you help?  I know we will be there!  Call Elizabeth Hoffman at (707) 580-9360 or Cathy Ritch at (707) 784 2974.  Come join us for all or any portion of the day!

Non Profit Funding Available

The Solano Community Foundation has announced that it is making $5000 available for partner non-profits providing services within the City of Vallejo to address education issues.  Applications will be accepted beginning January 4, 2010 and must be received on or before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.  Further selection criteria and the grant application is available on line at solanocf.org/vallejocommconv.aspx.