Adopt Commendation for FIRST 5 Santa Clara County on the occasion of the first Potter the Otter Day, for creating a character that has captured the imagination of countless children in Santa Clara County, across California, and throughout the United States while encouraging lifelong healthy eating and living habits. (Duong)

County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Supervisorial District Two Supervisor Betty Duong 128332 DATE: April 14, 2026 TO: Board of Supervisors FROM: Betty Duong, Supervisor SUBJECT: FIRST 5 Santa Clara County RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt Commendation for FIRST 5 Santa Clara County on the occasion of the first Potter the Otter Day, for creating a character that has captured the imagination of countless children in Santa Clara County, across California, and throughout the United States while encouraging lifelong healthy eating and living habits. (Duong) ATTACHMENTS: • FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Commendation (PDF) Board of Supervisors: Sylvia Arenas, Betty Duong, Otto Lee, Susan Ellenberg, Margaret Abe-Koga County Executive: James R. Williams Page 1 of 1

W HEREAS, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County was created following the 1998 passage of Proposition 10, the California Children and Families Act, which levied a tax on tobacco products to support, promote, and optimize early childhood development through coordinated programs for children prenatal through age five; WHEREAS, in 2012, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County developed the character of Potter the Otter to assist parents and childcare providers in talking with young children about making healthier drink choices-particularly by drinking more water-because the average 4-5-year-old consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day, or more than 65 pounds a year, much of which comes from soft drinks or fruit drinks; WHEREAS, since his first appearance in "Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water," Potter the Otter has expanded his message beyond encouraging kids to drink more water to include healthy eating, getting vaccinated, practicing proper oral hygiene, and getting ready for kindergarten; WHEREAS, Potter the Otter has become a beloved childhood role model through a series of books, activities, and museum exhibits used by educators and child advocates throughout California and reaching as far as...