,

SupportTeacherHousing.org Ribbon Cutting

…creating a replicable and sustainable affordable housing model for teachers and the missing middle.

Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® CEO, Neil V. Collins, was on hand earlier this month to celebrate the opening of the first of its kind, below-market-rate housing development for Los Gatos teachers and school staff.  The project, organized by volunteers with SupportTeacherHousing.org, creates a replicable and sustainable affordable housing model for teachers and the missing middle.

 

Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, the developers, and SupportTeacherHousing.org volunteers, cut the ribbon in early-November, for this exciting new project – a project designed for those who make too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing but not enough to live in the cities they work.

Teacher Housing Ribbon Cutting

Sarah Chaffin, SupportTeacherHousing.org Founder, shared, “SCCAOR helped popularize the idea of this pilot program before we even had a site.”  We are proud to lend our support as these kinds of projects help prove a model for future developments.  We need to bridge the “Missing Middle” and ensure that teachers, school staff, and other members of the workforce can live in the communities in which they serve.  Chaffin said of SCCAOR’s involvement that “with the help of local community members, you can get anything done.”

Construction was completed in November and tenants will move in before the close of the year.

To learn more about the project, visit www.supportteacherhousing.org.

SCCAOR Stands in Solidarity Against Anti-Asian Violence and Hate Crimes

 

Here at SCCAOR we are profoundly shocked and saddened by the rise in racism and attacks against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. These horrific acts of violence continue to threaten our neighbors, our community, and those around our nation.

The Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® strives to create an inclusive environment that represents all of our members and our community in Santa Clara County. We must work together to eliminate bias and discrimination while promoting unity and social justice.

We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, with our AAPI community and with everyone affected by these terrible acts of violence.

Johnny Khamis joins the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® as Public Relations Consultant

The Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) has hired Johnny Khamis as a Public Relations Consultant. In this role, Khamis will write housing related content and develop strategies to help SCCAOR expand its reach with the general public.

Johnny Khamis Headshot

Johnny Khamis, SCCAOR’s new Public Relations Consultant

“I am so excited to help SCCAOR build on their goals to increase home ownership opportunities in Santa Clara County and beyond,” Khamis said. “I want to help create possibilities for people to build their nest egg and participate in the American Dream.”

Khamis brings with him extensive experience as a Santa Clara County homeowner, housing provider, and small business owner. He recently finished his second term on the San Jose City Council, where he represented District 10.

“SCCAOR has always endorsed Johnny during his time on the city council and we are happy to get a chance to work with him to help spread our message,” said Association President Doug Goss.

Throughout his time as a San Jose Councilmember, Johnny fought for policies aimed at expanding housing while also reducing bureaucracy. He supported the simplification of the laws and procedures for residents to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their property. He also helped dramatically reduce the permitting fees for ADUs and home additions. Additionally, he supported many low-income housing projects and introduced new strategies to invest in workforce housing.

“Over the last 8 years of working as a Councilmember I got a deep understanding of the housing issues that we face in this area,” Khamis said. “At the end of the day, we are simply not building enough housing to keep up with the demand.”

Neil Collins, SCCAOR’s CEO, said that his Association works hard to support housing opportunities and protect private property rights in the community.

“We haven’t always been the best at telling our story. With his housing policy background and years of public service, Johnny will be a tremendous help on improving our public outreach,” Collins said.

Khamis immigrated to the United States from war-torn Beirut, Lebanon in 1976. For many years he and his family struggled to make ends meet. Even during turbulent times, he always aspired to become a homeowner. Like many other immigrants, this American Dream became a reality.

“That is why I’ve decided to lend my voice to the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors,” he said. “I want to work on issues that can make the American Dream more achievable locally.”

,

Doug Goss Installed as President of Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®

The Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) installed Doug as its President during a virtual ceremony on January 7, 2021. He will serve as the 2021 President of SCCAOR, a real estate trade organization that represents over 6,400 REALTOR® and Affiliate members in Santa Clara County.

“I am honored to represent the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® this year for their 125th Anniversary,” said Goss. “I look forward to working with our leadership team and serving our 6,000+ members to ensure that SCCAOR has the resources needed to provide our members ‘best in class’ resources and services. I also aim to strengthen and expand our relationships with our Broker community and create high-quality career-advancing educational course content for our members. Lastly, I plan to promote the role SCCAOR plays in protecting private property rights and increasing opportunities for homeownership.”  

Doug Goss, 2021 SCCAOR President

Goss has been a licensed REALTOR®  since 1994. He is a Principal of Keller Williams Bay Area Estates, Keller Williams Coastal Estates and Keller Williams Commercial South Bay with offices in Carmel, Los Gatos, Pacific Grove, Saratoga and Salinas. 

“We are so fortunate to have a REALTOR® of Doug’s caliber as our president,” said SCCAOR CEO Neil Collins. “He is a true professional that holds himself to the highest standards.”

In addition to serving his clients, he is a very active leader at SCCAOR, serving on the Board of Directors since 2015. He also served on the Education Committee, the Santa Clara County REALTORS® Foundation, Finance Committee, Executive Committee, Chair of the Grievance Committee in 2016, Vice President in 2018, and President-Elect in 2020. Doug also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the California Association of REALTORS®.

Other 2021 SCCAOR Officers that were installed at the event include Lisa Faria (President-Elect), Don Jessup (Vice President), and William Chea (Treasurer/Secretary). They will be joined by SCCAOR Board of Directors, which includes: Ryan Alter, Kip Barnard, Jen Beehler, Kevin Cole, Kraig Constantino, Gustavo Gonzalez, Gene Hunt, Sandy Jamison, DeVonna Meyer, Elizabeth Monley, William Rehbock, John Scaglione, Rick Smith, and Jenny Zhao.

Watch the video recording of the SCCAOR Inaugural:

,

REALTORS® Host Drive-Through Toy Drive to Support Bay Area Foster Kids

Members of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) donated hundreds of toys and pajamas at their recent drive-through Toy Drive event. In addition to the donations, a total of $3950 was raised online, with everything going to the Kinship, Adoptive and Foster Parent Association (KAFPA). 

“The REALTOR® Community has once again shown their incredible support for a great cause,” said Sandy Jamison, SCCAOR President. “KAFPA does amazing work for foster kids in our community. We couldn’t all meet in person this year but I am amazed at all the toys and money that was raised by our members.”

KAFPA is a nonprofit that provides resources and advocates for the needs of foster and adoptive families in Santa Clara County. Denise Marchu, the Program Director at KAFPA, said that year, in particular, has been very difficult.

“Several of our biggest donors have not been able to get us gifts for the children and we were worried we would not have enough toys,” she said. “However, with the generosity of SCCAOR, we are now able to assure our families that we will be able to serve all our children.”

The SCCAOR Toy Drive usually occurs each year during a Member Appreciation Holiday Party. Due to the pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the party had to be canceled and many were left wondering if the toy drive would also be postponed. 

“We knew we had to shift this event around to make it both safe and successful,” said Jodee Sousa, SCCAOR Events and Education Manager. “We had members drive-through our parking lot with their donations inside their trunk. When they pulled up, a staff member removed the toys and pajamas and placed a holiday goodie bag inside their trunk as a token of our appreciation.”

KAFPA will deliver these toys to foster children ranging in age from birth to 21 years old.

“They come from all walks of life, usually with nothing but the clothes on their back,” Marchu said.” Our families provide everything for them from necessities to emotional support. You have no idea how much it means to our foster parents and the children when they know the community is supporting them.”

SCCAOR’s Statement Regarding SVO Campaign Photo

On October 27, 2020, we were made aware of the inappropriate action by the SVO of uploading a racist political campaign image to their website. This inflammatory message is totally unacceptable and does not represent the values of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®. We strive to maintain a culture that fosters inclusiveness for all.

While we had no knowledge or involvement in the posting of this photo, SCCAOR is a contributor to the SVO PAC at a level that met the legal threshold for REALTORS® to be listed on the disclaimer for all of their campaign materials. Our contribution to the SVO PAC does not represent a policy statement, but rather support for candidates that have a proven track record of supporting housing for people of all income levels.

SCCAOR members and all REALTORS® abide by a strict code of ethics that calls on us to respect all individuals and to not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® have consistently been and will continue to be champions and a voice for fair housing and equality.

,

Santa Clara County REALTORS®️ Foundation Fixes Up Home of San Jose Senior Citizen

The Santa Clara County REALTORS® Foundation (SCCR Foundation) recently participated in Rebuilding Day, a home repair blitz organized by Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley (RTSV). 29 local REALTORS® and other volunteers helped repair and rehabilitate the home of a 75-year-old San Jose resident.

“The Rebuilding Day event was a fantastic opportunity for REALTORS®️ to give back to their community,” said Clayton Dodds, SCCR Foundation Chair. “Volunteering makes such a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors and friends in Santa Clara County, which is core to our Foundation’s mission. It is especially critical this year, so we were all thrilled to participate.”

123456789101112

This project was one of 24 Rebuilding Day events organized by RTSV throughout Santa Clara County. SCCR Foundation members were joined by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and District 6 Councilmember Dev Davis, who arrived during the morning shift to thank the volunteers and lend a hand.

The SCCR Foundation is the charitable arm of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®, which is made up of over 6,000 REALTORS® and Affiliates in and around the Bay Area. The SCCR Foundation aims to bring organized real estate together by investing in our neighborhoods with compassion, foresight and action.

Learn more about SCCR Foundation at www.sccrfoundation.org

, ,

SCCAOR Endorses Candidates for the City of San Jose General Election

The Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) is proud to announce endorsements for the following candidates for the City of San Jose General Election.

  • Incumbent Dev Davis for City Council District 6
  • Incumbent Lan Diep for City Council District 4

The SCCAOR Board of Directors recognizes these candidates as aligning with our mission as a pro-housing and property rights association and are proud to offer them our endorsement. To get involved in either candidate’s race or if you are interested in any promotional material, such as lawn signs, please contact the candidate on their campaign websites listed below.

Councilmember Davis is a proud homeowner in District 6 and wants to continue to make San Jose a great place to raise her family. She has been a champion of REALTOR Party values consistently defending private property rights and homeownership while making the necessary decisions to increase affordable housing. In her first term she has successfully eliminated barriers to building ADUs, facilitated new development of affordable housing for those most vulnerable such as veterans and seniors, while protecting existing neighborhoods and homeownership opportunities. In her second term Councilmember Davis plans to continue to protect home ownership and create more affordable housing for the most vulnerable populations to address the housing and homelessness crisis in our region.

“I am proud to receive the endorsement of SCCAOR for my re-election campaign. It has been an honor to serve as San Jose’s District 6 Councilwoman for nearly four years. Over this time, I have worked hard to be collaborative and to do what is best for the residents of District 6 and our city. There is more for us to do together, which is why I hope you will support my re-election.”
-Dev Davis

Dev’s Website Contribute to Dev Dev on the Issues

 

Councilmember Diep has called San Jose home for over 20 years. He is a true voice of his community and is consistently working to gather as much input from the District 4 constituents as possible. The Councilmember has been a consistent advocate for REALTOR® Party values, with a focus on increasing the housing supply in the City of San Jose. He strives to make it easier to get shovels in the ground; streamline our permitting process, reduce fees, and cut red tape so we can begin to increase our housing supply and reduce costs for everyone. Councilmember Diep will continue to work to build more housing of all types and affordability to ensure the right home exists for every person in the community.

 “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® as I continue to fight for a more accountable, transparent, and responsive San Jose. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I know there’s still so much more to do.”
-Lan Diep

Lan’s Website Donate to Lan Lan on the Issues

 

, ,

SCCAOR Endorses Alex Kennett for Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority District 1 Director

The Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) is proud to announce endorsements of Alex Kennett for re-election to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority as the District 1 Director. The SCCAOR Board of Directors recognizes Alex as aligning with our mission as a pro-housing and property rights association and are proud to offer him our endorsement.

“I am proud to receive the endorsement from SCCAOR and continue to represent the real estate industry as I serve on the Open Space Authority.”
-Alex Kennett

Alex is a member of SCCAOR and a past Chair of the Local Government Relations Committee. He has a strong understanding of REALTOR party values making him a great choice to continue to serve on the Open Space Authority. Alex is a long time resident of south county and knows the region very well. This gives him the expertise to understand the important balance between protecting our region’s valuable green space and facilitating new housing development in the right areas.

, ,

SCCAOR Endorses Candidates for the City of Santa Clara General Election

The Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) is proud to announce endorsements for the following candidates for the City of Santa Clara General Election.

  • City of Santa Clara District 4 Incumbent Councilmember Teresa O’Neil
  • City of Santa Clara District 5 Council Candidate Bob O’Keefe
  • City of Santa Clara District 6 Council Candidate Anthony Becker

The SCCAOR Board of Directors recognizes these candidates as aligning with our mission as a pro-housing and property rights association and are proud to offer them our endorsement. To get involved in either candidate’s race or if you are interested in any promotional material, such as lawn signs, please contact the candidate on their campaign websites listed below.

Councilmember O’Neill is a longtime resident of Santa Clara and cares deeply about the community and the residents. She believes her primary duty is to represent the residents of Santa Clara. She believes that a solid economic foundation is critical to the ongoing success of Santa Clara. Her top priorities include focusing on the economic recovery and growth needed after the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing the availability and affordability of housing in the City of Santa Clara.

“I am very pleased to have the support of the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®. I hope we can work together to find better ways to make sure everyone in Santa Clara County has a home. This is such a difficult challenge and we need all hands on deck to find a solution.”
-Teresa O’Neill

Teresa’s Website Donate to Teresa Teresa on the Issues

 

Bob is a proud native of the City of Santa Clara and now is ready to serve the City he has called home and loved for many years. He has a passion for public service as a retired Lieutenant of the CA Highway Patrol, Board Member of the Old Quad Residents Association, and former member of the Neighborhood – University Subcommittee. Bob is committed to re-vitalizing the downtown core and building more affordable ownership housing opportunities in the City of Santa Clara.

 “I consider SCCAOR a vital community stakeholder and look forward to a long and engaging relationship.”
-Bob O’Keefe

Bob’s Website Contribute to Bob

 

Anthony is a lifelong Santa Claran and current member of the Planning Commission. He is ready to take his public service to the next level by representing District 6 as their Councilmember. His background on the Planning Commission gives him the expertise needed to continue to increase development opportunities in the City of Santa Clara. Anthony has seen the cost of living in the region skyrocket during his life and wants to make housing more affordable and available for all residents. He is supportive of facilitating more mixed use housing development by reducing barriers to construction such as a cumbersome planning process, complex fees, and unnecessary requirements such as parking minimums.

Anthony’s Website Donate to Anthony Anthony on the Issues