Dear Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County,

I am a resident of Santa Clara County. Shutting down the new jail is a first step to dismantle systemic racism. There are other things that can be built besides a jail that can strengthen families and communities impacted by incarceration. Building a new jail for people with serious mental health issues is problematic because it punishes them for not receiving adequate services. I am in support of shutting down the new Santa Clara County Jail and believe there should be alternatives to incarceration, non-carceral mental health services and resources that address the root causes of crime i.e. poverty, inequality. Thank you for your time.