BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt a Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Dr. Sara Cody for her Dedicated Years of Public Service to the People of Santa Clara County and Honoring her Retirement. (*Previously Listed as Item 4.1)
End
RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO DR. SARA CODY for her dedicated years of public service in the County of Santa Clara and honoring her retirement after a distinguished career in public health.
Body
SUMMARY:
This Resolution provides the Board an opportunity to express its sincere appreciation for Dr. Sara Cody for her exceptional dedication to public health and honors her retirement after nearly three decades of serving the Santa Clara County community.
Dr. Sara Cody began her career with the County of Santa Clara (County) in 1998 as the Communicable Disease Controller and Deputy Health Officer, where she oversaw investigation of reportable diseases and outbreaks, planned for public health emergencies, and responded to SARS, H1N1 influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. She was promoted to County Health Officer in 2013 and added the role of Director of the Public Health Department in 2015.
A graduate of the Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Cody completed residency in Internal Medicine at Stanford University, where she previously received a bachelor's degree in human biology. Before joining the County, she served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer in the world-renowned Epidemic Intelligence Service at the Centers for Disease Control.
A nationally recognized public health leader, Dr. Cody served as the County’s Health Officer for 12 years, playing a crucial role in the County’s proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Health Officer, she was responsible for issuing the first stay-at-home order in the nation following some of the earliest COVID-19 deaths in the nation occurred in Santa Clara County. She worked collaboratively with neighboring jurisdictions like Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) to present a unified front against COVID-19, ensuring consistent health policies to prevent the spread of infection.
In each of these roles, Dr. Cody has worked extensively to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Santa Clara County, and this year, she is retiring after devoting 27 years of extraordinary public service to the County of Santa Clara.
Valley Water’s Response to COVID-19, Guided by Dr. Sara Cody's Leadership:
Valley Water, as a critical public agency providing essential water services to Santa Clara County, was deeply impacted by the challenges posed by COVID-19. Under Dr. Cody’s guidance, Valley Water implemented a variety of policies and strategies designed to protect its employees, ensure continuity of operations, and safeguard the public. Some key areas of impact include:
1. Employee Health and Safety Protocols:
Valley Water followed Dr. Cody’s public health directives in implementing rigorous health and safety protocols. These included mandatory mask policies, social distancing measures, and regular health screenings, which helped minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission among employees and the broader community.
2. Remote Work and Flexible Arrangements:
Dr. Cody's guidance on social distancing and minimizing in-person interactions enabled Valley Water to quickly adapt to remote work for non-essential personnel, ensuring that employees remained safe while continuing to contribute to the agency’s mission remotely. This policy shift also allowed essential staff to continue their critical work with minimal disruptions.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Sanitation Standards:
Based on Dr. Cody’s guidance, Valley Water prioritized the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintained high standards of sanitation across its facilities. This ensured that field and office employees remained protected while performing their duties.
4. Coordination with Public Health Officials and Emergency Services:
Dr. Cody's collaborative approach with local, state, and federal agencies served as a model for Valley Water’s own coordination efforts. Valley Water regularly aligned its operations with public health measures, including Stay-at-Home orders and travel restrictions, allowing for a unified, community-wide response to the pandemic.
To recognize Dr. Sara Cody’s distinguished career, honor her contributions to public health, and thank her for her partnership with Valley Water over the years, staff has prepared this Resolution of Appreciation.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY IMPACT:
There is no environmental justice impact with this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Marta Lugo, 408-630-2237