CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Brian Dossey, City Manager
Shape your future; your participation in the 2020 Census directly effects the amount of federal funding Colma receives and the political voice were allowed in Congress.
Every 10 years, the Federal government is required to count all residents in the United States, citizens, and non-citizens alike, through a national census. The next national census is in April 2020. The information is used to make sure everyone is equally represented in our political system and that government resources are allocated fairly. It is also used to make important decisions about community programs and services, like where to build homes and parks, establish public transit routes, and offer language access services. Businesses also rely on census data to determine where to open facilities, what products to develop and how to market their goods and services.
One of the most powerful things you can do for yourself, your family, and your community is to participate in the census. Your participation helps make sure there is enough funding for the programs and services that we all rely on like parks, schools, public transportation, housing, hospitals, and more. The results determine how the federal government distributes more than $675 billion a year to the state. If communities are undercounted, they will not have the resources they need or a voice in the policy decisions that affect them. The census also determines how many representatives each region gets in Washington, DC. You can be sure your information will be kept confidential, by law, all census data can only be used for statistical purposes.
There is a lot at stake for San Mateo County residents in the upcoming 2020 Census. If we do not have an accurate count, we won’t have adequate representation in the State and National government or get our fair share of funding for services that residents rely on. It is estimated that California could lose up to $1,000 in federal funds for each person not counted in Census 2020. An undercount would affect critical community programs like public libraries, early childhood education, school lunch programs, health services and affordable housing. Traffic could get worse and public transportation could fall short of demand.
That is why we need every Colma resident to participate in the Census. The quality of our public services and the power of our voice in government depend on it. To learn more about the 2020 Census and how leaders across San Mateo County are working together to ensure a complete and accurate count, please visit www.smccensus.org.
COLMA POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Kirk Stratton, Police Chief
Due to changes in the law, increased property crime in the Bay Area is a result of reduced sentencing and the re-classification of most property and drug crimes. These laws affect our community and quality of life. The Colma Police Department will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch meeting on March 3, at 6 pm at the Colma Community Center. Please join us to learn about recent crime trends and safety tips and how to become involved in our neighborhood safety partnership.
What is Neighborhood Watch
- A Crime Prevention Program that enlists resident participation & involvement in a Police-Community collaborative battle against neighborhood crime
- Our primary purpose is personal and property protection for neighborhoods & residents by knowing your neighbors and working together in a program of mutual assistance
- It is an extension of the “eyes & ears” of the Police Department and about crime prevention, education and the implementation of important home and personal security strategies
- Governed by the Police Department, with the assistance of Block Captains
What is a Block Captain?
- A volunteer
- A conduit to receive and relay information to and from neighbors, and the community at large, and from the Police Department
- Provide safety & security information and advice on defensive measures and to provide advice on what to report
Block Captain Responsibilities
- Organize your block
- Know your neighbors! Meet current residents and welcome new ones
- Attend and/or host neighborhood/community meetings & events. Encourage block participation
- Provide neighbors with information and resources provided by the Police Department
If you think you might be interested in becoming a Block Captain, please contact Commander Sherwin Lum – Phone: 650-997-8336 – Email: Sherwin.Lum@colma.ca.gov for further information.