County Supervisors support public safety and ‘community building’ with Loma Prieta community center project
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by Supervisor Joe Simitian to support development of the permanent Loma Prieta Community Center.
Simitian began advocating for enhanced emergency services in the Loma Prieta community in 2022, paving the way for the construction of this vital community space.
The County’s matching grant bolsters the Loma Prieta Joint Union School District’s project.
SAN JOSE – To enhance emergency services and community resources in the Loma Prieta area – particularly in the event of an earthquake, wildfire or a PG&E power outage, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 1:2 County matching grant proposed by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to support the restoration of the Loma Prieta Community Center on its North Campus to replace a prior community center on its South Campus which was destroyed by fire in 2015.
“Emergencies do not know or care about County lines,” said Simitian. “Having a permanent community center to serve the Loma Prieta community is vital to the community’s safety and wellbeing. But this space isn’t just about safety; it will also be a resource for various community activities.”
The restored Community Center located on the North Campus will be more accessible and continue to serve residents as a vote center, a meeting room for Loma Prieta Joint Union School District (LPJUSD) bid opening meetings and Loma Prieta Community Foundation (LPCF) meetings, and a blood donation center. In addition, the Center will serve as a cooling and warming center during extreme weather conditions and during PG&E power shutdowns. Simitian noted that, “this is a community building that plays a key role in community building.”
LPJUSD is spearheading the Community Center project. But due to a funding shortfall driven by inflation and related economic factors, the school district has faced challenges in advancing the project. With the Board’s approval, the County of Santa Clara has stepped up to provide a $100,000 grant, which will be matched 1:2 by LPJUSD and/or community contributions, totaling $300,000, or roughly half of the project’s total cost.
"Our District and community are excited to see this vital resource be able to come to fruition,” said Dr. Kevin Grier, Loma Prieta Joint Union School District Superintendent. “Since the fires in 2017, the school district has set aside $315,000 to support restoration and rebuilding, including the community center. It has been a long journey but the ultimate benefits of the facility to our mountain community will be felt for decades to come!"
LPJUSD plans to renovate two existing, adjoining buildings that will serve as the Community Center. The rear building currently serves as a temporary community center. The front building will restore the joint Sheriff’s Office substation—a collaborative effort between the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz County sheriff’s offices — that was previously lost in the 2017 fire. Both sheriff’s offices have committed to sharing the cost of outfitting the dedicated room for the substation.
At its October 9 Board meeting, the Loma Prieta Joint Union School District governing board recognized Supervisor Simitian’s support of the students, the school district and broader Loma Prieta community, located in Santa Clara County’s Fifth Supervisorial District which Simitian represents.
“Support from the County effectively helps move this project forward,” said Simitian. “I’m grateful for the partnership and dedication of all parties involved, and look forward to seeing this community space come to life in a permanent way for the benefit of our Loma Prieta residents.”