News
Stevens Creek Park celebrates 100 years
One hundred years ago, on January 24, 1924, Santa Clara County acquired an initial 400 acres near Cupertino with the intent to establish a public park. The park, now known as Stevens Creek County Park, opened to the public later that year, making it the first County park and laying the foundation for the modern-day Santa Clara County Parks system.
Opinion: Reflecting on data privacy at state and county levels
As our world becomes more and more technologically advanced, we have to keep pace in protecting and securing our data and privacy. And as our lives become increasingly intertwined with digital platforms, safeguarding our personal information is no longer just a matter of choice; it’s necessary to preserve our fundamental rights. This quickly became apparent to me when I served in the California State Legislature.
Paying tribute to Kitty Monahan aka “Mayor of New Almaden”
A beloved figure in the community, Kathleen “Kitty” Monahan died last year at the age of 89, but her legacy will live on at Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Visitors to the park may notice a new trailmarker dedicated to Monahan, who was instrumental in Santa Clara County’s purchase and preservation of the 4,000-acre park.
Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury seeks volunteers
Applications are now being accepted to serve on Santa Clara County’s 2024-25 Civil Grand Jury. The Civil Grand Jury acts as the County's civil watchdog agency, empowered to investigate all facets of county and city government, special districts, and school districts. The deadline to submit the application is March 29, 2024.
December 2023, Newsletter
Read about support for increasing mammography access, reflections on 2023 and housing developments using Measure A funds. Catch up on the youth mental health resources, ArtNow exhibit submission opportunities and District Five on social.
County helps make camp more inclusive
A Santa Clara County grant to Camp Via West helped provide camp facility renovations, including critical accessibility modifications for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The camp used County funding for the renovation of a sports field, which includes ADA-compliant bathrooms, storage for sports equipment, and a concession stand to provide food and water for campers and spectators at the sports field.
2023: Looking back and forward in the West Valley and North County. Let’s work together in the new year!
In 2023, the Office of County Supervisor Joe Simitian made real progress on issues championed related to health care, affordable housing, land use, education, community safety, and support for seniors and people with developmental disabilities — to the benefit of folks in District Five and countywide.
Measure A funding brings more affordable housing to North County
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to invest up to $31.4 million in three affordable housing developments in North County, with funding largely drawn from the Measure A Affordable Housing Bond voters approved in 2016. The Board also approved the real estate purchase of 1265 Montecito Avenue in Mountain View for the development of Montecito Multifamily Apartments, another Measure A-funded affordable housing development.
Supervisors push for “real access” to mental health care
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors directed County staff to pursue County sponsorship and support of legislative and regulatory strategies to address gaps in achieving mental health parity. The Board’s action came in response to a proposal by County Supervisors Joe Simitian and Cindy Chavez that seeks to push commercial health insurers to ensure that people seeking coverage for mental health care can access treatment as easily as people seeking coverage for medical treatment.
Supervisors push early detection in fight against breast cancer
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors reinforces its commitment to the early detection of breast cancer and specifically addressing the imaging needs of patients with dense breast tissue. On a proposal from County Supervisors Joe Simitian and Sylvia Arenas, the Board directed County staff to take action in early 2024 with options to improve the availability of diagnostic imaging to County residents.
