Santa Clara County District Five

As Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian’s term ends, he looks back on his time in office and shares the long-term projects he looks forward to seeing completed in an opinion piece for The Mercury News. Wishing you and yours a healthy and joyful new year.

Read the piece here:

Opinion: Santa Clara County supervisor looks back on his time in office Simitian also looking forward to seeing long-term projects completed.

College of Adaptive Arts provides a collegiate experience to adults with disabilities who historically have not had access to higher education. With a grant from Santa Clara County, the school has been able to upgrade its technology to improve the learning experience for students. The funding, proposed by County Supervisor Joe Simitian, also supports College of Adaptive Arts’ Workforce Apprenticeship Program, which offers students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on workplace experience.

Learn more: https://d5.santaclaracounty.gov/supervisors-boost-college-adaptive-arts-grants-funding-technology

If you’ve visited Sanborn County Park and want to provide feedback on park offerings, please take a few minutes to fill out the Sanborn Visitor Survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sanbornvc?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR36PzBhTu3mroUIU8t8dZHAH389BVzEL6nLnyby9LzsbrSzGFnTKkvZ84Q_aem_HFyOc_3AzSrYdslt6s2j6Q

Have you ever visited Sanborn Park? We want to hear from you! New exhibits and potentially new programming are in the works. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Your answers will help shape the future of the park. Your input is greatly appreciated.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sanbornvc

The Loma Prieta Community Center on Loma Prieta Joint Union School District’s North Campus is one action closer to restoration. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recently approved County Planning’s recommendation to exempt the community center project from the County Zoning Ordinance which helps streamline the project review and approval process. Once complete, the restored community center will serve residents as a vote center, a meeting room for the school district and Loma Prieta Community Foundation meetings, and a blood donation center. In addition, the Center will serve as a cooling and warming center during PG&E power shutdowns.

Learn more: https://d5.santaclaracounty.gov/county-streamlines-loma-prieta-community-center-project

Expanding access to mental health resources and services for older adults in Santa Clara County is progressing. Seven strategies to reach, engage, and offer services to more older adults have been shared with the Board of Supervisors. Next steps include the County’s Behavioral Health Department developing metrics to assess program effectiveness.

Learn more: https://d5.santaclaracounty.gov/mental-health-access-older-adults-grows

High school artists are invited to create and submit an original work of art to ArtNow, New Museum Los Gatos - NUMU's annual juried high school art exhibition and educational program. The ArtNow exhibition and supporting programs offer opportunities for high school student artists, from Palo Alto to Gilroy, to gain real-world experience in participating in a juried museum exhibition. Scholarships and awards are given to select participating students. Submission deadline is Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Learn more about the ArtNow 2025 submission requirements and timeline at www.numulosgatos.org/artnow

In honor of Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian terming out of office at the end of this month, colleagues and community members lauded Simitian in a video reflecting on his 12 years of service to the County and the community.

Honoring Supervisor Joseph Simitian Video by Nick Sherrell, Office of Communications & Public Affairs

December 6, 2024, marks the 41st anniversary of when Joe Simitian took his first oath of office. Joe started his career in public service with the Palo Alto School Board followed by serving on the Palo Alto City Council, as a California State Assemblymember and then State Senator. He served a total of four terms as the Santa Clara County Supervisor representing the communities of District Five, most recently from 2012-2024.

Learn more about County Supervisor Simitian’s work : https://d5.santaclaracounty.gov/about-joe/learn-about-joes-work

Congratulations to Shozo Kagoshima on his retirement from his role as Executive Director of the local nonprofit that works to conserve and enhance Hakone Estate and Gardens. County Supervisor Joe Simitian and his Board colleagues recognized Shozo for his work to preserve and enhance Hakone as a revered community asset.

Entry to Hakone is free for Santa Clara County residents on the first Saturday of the month (November through February), and on the first Tuesday of the month (March through October).

Learn more about Hakone: https://www.hakone.com/

This Thanksgiving season Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian’s message to you is simple: thank you.

In an opinion piece for The Mercury News, Supervisor Simitian highlights our caring, committed, attentive, and engaged community and its collective efforts to make our region a better place.

Read the piece here:

Opinion: Supervisor gives thanks for his constituents Simitian terms out at year’s end.