Outlook
Youth Commission Letter for 10/22 City Council Item
From Hunter, Cassie <[email protected]>
Date Thu 10/17/2024 2:52 PM
To CMOAgendaServices < [email protected]>; City Clerk < [email protected]>; Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Cc Nguyen, Dziem <[email protected] >
U 1 attachments (77 KB)
YC Blue Zones Letter_signed. pdf;
Hello,
The San Josè Youth Commission would like to submit a letter of support for item 7.1, Blue Zone Assessment, Readiness, and Feasibility Report, that is on the 10/22 City Council agenda. This letter has been reviewed and approved by City Librarian, Jill Bourne.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Cassie Hunter
Administrative Analyst
City of San José | San José Public Library
150 E. San Fernando
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 808-2163
[email protected]://www.sjpl.org_
CITY OF
SAN JOSE San José Public Library
CAPITAL OF SILICON VALLEY YOUTH COMMISSION
October 9, 2024
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council,
On behalf of the San José Youth Commission, we write to express our support for the proposed Blue Zones Project in San José. As the Advisory Body charged with championing the perspective of San José youth to the City Council, we strongly recommend that the City Council adopt and support the implementation of this innovative initiative.
We applaud the collaborative nature of this project, involving the city and county, and the focus on improving overall well-being and longevity in our community, particularly in zip codes 95111, 95116, and 95122. This aligns closely with the needs and aspirations of San Jose's youth.
From our perspective as young people in San José, the Blue Zones initiative addresses several crucial areas that directly impact our daily lives and futures:
• Education and Career Readiness: The initiative can help improve student focus and academic performance and prepare us for successful, healthy careers by promoting healthier school and work environments.
• Mental Health and Social Connections: The emphasis on community engagement and social connections is especially important for youth. It can help combat feelings of isolation and promote better mental health, which is a growing concern among our peers. • Active Lifestyle and Nutrition: The Blue Zones' focus on creating more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, as well as improving access to healthy foods, aligns perfectly with our desire for a more active and environmentally conscious lifestyle. • Safety and Community Involvement: The initiative can help young people feel safer and more connected to our neighborhoods by fostering stronger community ties and creating more vibrant public spaces, encouraging greater civic participation. • Future-Oriented City Planning: As the generation that will inherit the long-term outcomes of today's decisions, we are deeply invested in the sustainable, health-promoting urban planning that the Blue Zones initiative champions.
Based on our involvement in the assessment process and discussions among youth in our community, we propose the following recommendations for the implementation of the Blue Zones Project:
1. Youth Voice and Equity: Ensure that youth from diverse backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented communities, continue to have a significant role in the design, implementation, and evaluation of all Blue Zones initiatives.
2. Safety and Environmental Improvements: Prioritize initiatives that enhance safety, particularly for students walking to school, and develop more accessible and safe outdoor spaces for youth recreation and community gatherings.
Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention: Increase resources and support for youth mental health services and implement comprehensive strategies to address the widespread issue of vaping and substance use in schools.
CITY OF
SAN JOSE San José Public Library
CAPITAL OF SILICON VALLEY YOUTH COMMISSION
4. Food Access and Nutrition: Develop programs to improve access to fresh, affordable foods in our neighborhoods and educate youth about nutrition to combat food insecurity.
5. Economic Opportunity and Housing Stability: Within the Blue Zones framework, address concerns about gentrification and displacement and create programs that provide youth with job skills and economic opportunities.
6. School Engagement: Collaborate closely with school districts, particularly in underserved areas, to implement Blue Zones principles and practices within educational settings.
7. Youth-Centered Communication: Ensure that all outreach and engagement efforts are youth-centered, culturally relevant, and accessible through both digital and non-digital platforms.
8. Inclusive Recreation: Develop affordable, accessible, and safe recreational programs and spaces that promote physical activity and social connection among youth.
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of maintaining equitable youth representation throughout the Blue Zones Project's entire process. This includes not only the planning stages but also the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases. By consistently involving youth from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from the most affected communities, we can ensure that the project truly meets the needs of San José's young people.
Moreover, implementing the Blue Zones initiative would position San José as a forward-thinking city that prioritizes the well-being of all its residents, including its youth. This can help retain young talent and attract new, dynamic individuals to our city.
We are committed to continuing to participate in the Blue Zones Project and look forward to receiving regular updates on its progress. This initiative has the potential to significantly improve the well-being of San Jose's youth and the broader community, especially if it continues to prioritize and amplify youth voices.
This letter was drafted with the recommendations from the Youth Commissioners who are a part of the Blue Zones Steering Committee and have lived experience as residents of 95122: District 5 Commissioner Andrew Lieu, former District 7 Commissioner Megan Luong, District 8 Commissioner Aldojoell Gonzelz-Muñiz, and current District 7 Commissioner Peter Vu. Their insights and experiences have been invaluable in shaping our perspective on this initiative.
On behalf of the youth of San José, we strongly urge the City Council to approve and support the Blue Zones initiative. This investment in our community's health and future aligns with the aspirations and needs of young people in our city. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to making San José a better place for all generations.
Sincerely,
Nolan Mascarenhas
Chair, San José Youth Commission
2 Outlook
Fw: SCHP Letter of Support for Council Item 10/22
From City Clerk < [email protected]>
Date Fri 10/18/2024 3:58 PM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
U 1 attachments (159 KB)
SCHP Blue Zones Letter of Support to City.pdf;
Office of the City Clerk | City of San José
200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower 14th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Main: 408-535-1260
Fax: 408-292-6207
How is our service? Your feedback is appreciated!
From: Chelsea Byom
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 3:43 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Christine M. Tomcala Ngoc Bui-Tong Tyler Haskell
Subject: SCHP Letter of Support for Council Item 10/22
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Good afternoon,
Santa Clara Family Health Plan is pleased to submit the attached letter of support regarding the 10/22 council agenda item
7.1, Blue Zone Assessment, Readiness, and Feasibility Report.
Thank you,
Chelsea Byom
Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Outreach
Mobile: 408-680-3175 Great
[email protected] Place
To
Work.
Santa Clara Family Certified
NOV 2023-NOV 2024
Health Plan._
USA
6201 San Ignacio Ave, San Jose, CA 95119
Confidentiality Notice: This electronic mail transmission (including any documents, files, or previous email messages attached to it) may contain confidential information that is intended for a specific individual and purpose and that is privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, please delete this message and notify me of the error. Any disclosure, copying, distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. Thank you.
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Santa Clara Family
Health Plan..
October 18, 2024
City Council Members
City of San José
200 E. Santa Clara St.
San José, CA 95113
Re: Supporting a Full Blue Zones Launch in San José
Dear Mayor Mahan and Members of the San José City Council:
As a partner in the Blue Zones Phase 1 Readiness Assessment, Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCHP) is pleased to support a full Blue Zones Project launch in San José. In the heart of Silicon Valley where innovation thrives, the Blue Zones Project has the potential to transform our community, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities to be healthy.
For more than 25 years, SCHP has served our communities through our Medi-Cal and Medicare lines of business. We currently serve more than 290,000 members, representing 20% of the population of San José. Our mission is to improve the well-being of our members by addressing their health and social needs in a culturally responsive manner, and partnering with providers and organizations in our shared commitment to the health of our community.
The Blue Zones Project will allow this shared commitment to advance in ways that would not be possible on our own. As a health plan, we focus on the social determinants of health, understanding that where we live, work, and play fundamentally influences our health. Creating meaningful change requires collaboration beyond the healthcare sector. The Blue Zones Project presents an extraordinary opportunity for government, businesses, and community organizations to join forces, leveraging our collective resources to create a healthier, more vibrant community. A healthier population will not only experience better quality of life, but will also fuel our economy and drive our city's future success.
We look forward to your continued support of the Blue Zones initiative, ensuring that we prioritize the needs of our Medi-Cal population and build a healthier, more connected San José for all.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Tomcala
Chief Executive Officer
Santa Clara Family Health Plan
PO Box 18880, San Jose, CA 95158
1 1.408.376.2000 | www.scfhp.com
Outlook
FW: Item7.1 Blue Zones Assessment, Readiness, and Feasibility Report- Support From City Clerk < [email protected]>
Date Mon 10/21/2024 10:29 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Seven Trees Neigborhood Association •
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 10:25 AM
To: District7 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>
Cc: Davis, Dev < [email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio < [email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>
Subject: Item7.1 Blue Zones Assessment, Readiness, and Feasibility Report- Support [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.] Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor, Councilmember Doan and Councilmembers,
The Seven Trees Neighborhood Association enthusiastically supports the full adoption and launch of the Blue Zones Project. The Blue Zones project will educate our youth on healthy living habits, while creating communities that give all residents lifestyle options that make healthy choices easier.
As one of the pilot zip codes 95111, we are excited to work with the Blue Zones team to potentially transform our community. The partnership between the City of San Jose and the County of Santa Clara will be integral and crucial to the success of the program.
We are excited to think that over the next four to five years, our community will be stronger and more connected, our neighborhoods will be pedestrian and cyclist friendly, our children will understand healthy eating habits and those options will be readily available in the community. These are just a few of the many benefits the Blue Zones program will bring to Seven Trees and neighboring communities.
We are excited to begin the work which will begin with your support.
Thank you,
Alie Victorine.
President, Seven Trees Neighborhood Association
TREES
ESSOCIATION
Seven Trees Neighborhood Association
Alie Victorine, President
Maria Garcia, Vice-President
Outlook
Fw: Item 7.1 Blue Zones Assessment Readiness, and Feasibility Report From City Clerk < [email protected]>
Date Mon 10/21/2024 4:28 PM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Office of the City Clerk | City of San José
200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower 14th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Main: 408-535-1260
Fax: 408-292-6207
How is our service? Your feedback is appreciated!
From: Orlana Mejia
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 4:26 PM
To: District7 <[email protected]>
Cc: City Clerk < [email protected]>
Subject: Item 7.1 Blue Zones Assessment Readiness, and Feasibility Report [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.] Dear Councilmember Doan,
As a resident of D-7 I fully support the full adoption and launch of the Blue Zones Project. The Blue Zones project will educate our youth on healthy living habits, while creating communities that give all residents lifestyle options that make healthy choices easier.
Thank you,
Orlana Mejia
President of Lone Bluff Senter Neighborhood Association This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.