1. EDUCATION
2. WORKING FAMILIES
3. SAFETY
4. QUALITY OF LIFE
5. ENVIRONMENT
6. GOOD GOVERNMENT
   
   

3. SAFETY

Disasters happen, and it is government’s job to be prepared. Supervisor Church has planned to provide water and sanitation in case of catastrophe, and has also worked to reduce the risk from criminal and terrorist activity.

Initiated the Emergency Water Distribution Plan

The Hetch Hetchy Water System does not meet modern seismic standards, and could suffer catastrophic failure in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Concerned that county water service could be interrupted for as long as 60 days, Supervisor Church led the effort to create an emergency water distribution plan for the entire county. The plan, the first of its kind in the Bay Area, provides for obtaining and distributing potable water in case of disaster.

Initiated the Emergency Sanitation Plan

Supervisor Church also led the effort to create an emergency sanitation plan, which provides alternatives for sewage collection in the event of a water emergency that would disable local waste treatment plants. Like the emergency water distribution plan, the emergency sanitation plan is the first of its kind in the Bay Area.

Working With the State to Avoid Earthquake Damage

Supervisor Church is serving his third term on, and is currently Chair of the California State Seismic Safety Commission, having been appointed to two terms by Governor Gray Davis and to a third by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Supervisor Church helped develop the Earthquake Loss Reduction Plan, the Homeowners’ Guide to Earthquake Safety, and the Commercial Property Owner’s Guide to Earthquake Safety, in addition to numerous other policy recommendations to inform and protect California residents.

Helped Seize Guns From Domestic Batterers

As chair of the Domestic Violence Council, Supervisor Church spearheaded the formation of the Domestic Violence Firearms Compliance Unit, an intervention project that increased the Sheriff’s ability to take guns away from violent domestic batterers. San Mateo County was the first urban county in the state to partner with the California Department of Justice in adopting this program in 2006.

Created the Flight School Ordinance

Supervisor Church crafted the Flight School Ordinance in 2002, requiring flight school operators at county airports to verify the identities of prospective students. The ordinance focuses on the threat presented by individuals using false identities to apply to flight training school.

Helped Ban Gun Shows

Supervisor Church co-authored historic legislation banning gun shows on county property. This law promotes public safety by making it tougher for criminals to obtain guns, and contributes to the reduction of gunshot injuries in the county.

Initiated Jail Crowding and Facilities Task Force

To address the jail crowding problem, Supervisor Church created the Jail Crowding and Facilities Task Force, consisting of representatives from all relevant stakeholders.  The Task Force was formed to develop ways to better manage crowding in our jails through improved facilities and increased rehabilitation and re-entry programs for non-violent offenders, which will reduce recidivism and save taxpayers’dollars.  The functions of the Task Force are now merged into the Board of Supervisors standing committee on Criminal Justice.