Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga

Happy 175th birthday,?County of Santa Clara!??? Today, we proclaimed and celebrated the rich history and progress the County of Santa Clara has achieved since its birth on February 18, 1850. It’s important to note how much immigrant communities have contributed to our county, even as far back as the turn of the century. We will continue to serve all residents, ensuring the collective of Santa Clara County is cared for and thriving.

I had a wonderful time at the Hakone Estate and Gardens' 17th Lunar New Year Festival! Hakone Gardens is truly a jewel in District 5's crown. Thank you for hosting this annual celebration and providing families with a meaningful way to appreciate the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year through dancing, singing, and community.

February is #AfricanAmericanHistoryMonth, a time to honor and reflect on the contributions and history of Black Americans. Last Friday, my staff, Sandra (Sandy) Runyan, represented my office at the Pan-African flag raising at San Jose City Hall. Recognizing this month is essential—not just to celebrate history but to learn from it, ensuring we continue striving for justice, equality, and progress.

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: https://lnkd.in/gahmCmCh ?

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. https://lnkd.in/g3tKtSuf

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. #OnThisDay

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.

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: https://lnkd.in/gvdvBJA6

Alta Vista High School is an alternative high school in Mountain View serving Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District and Palo Alto Unified School District. With a grant from Santa Clara County, Alta Vista students now have access to the revamped student-run “Aztec Boutique,” which provides new and gently used clothing as well as toiletries and shoes for students. This school year, students also have the opportunity to participate in Hip Hop Leadership Academy, which integrates music, culture, writing, and critical thinking to develop leadership skills. These offerings help foster an improved learning environment for students. Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian proposed funding for the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District to support these efforts. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gervHePh

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 matching grant proposed by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to support the restoration of the Loma Prieta Community Center. Once complete, the restored Community Center will be more accessible and continue to serve residents as a vote center, a meeting room for Loma Prieta Joint Union 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 extreme weather conditions and during PG&E power shutdowns. Learn more about the grant: https://lnkd.in/gW_YdVAx