County Update

Thank you.

Thank you for the warm welcome as your representative for Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and the surrounding area. After redistricting moved these communities from Santa Clara County’s District One to District Five in February 2022, I’ve made it my mission to re-introduce myself to constituents I represented while serving in the California State Legislature.

To begin, I sat down for lunch individually with each of the Los Gatos Town Councilmembers, as well as other locally elected council and school board members (with the bonus of getting to know the area’s many fine restaurants!).

As I’ve participated in community events over the past year, I’ve been reminded repeatedly of the commitment here to help improve people’s lives, and the many opportunities to enjoy this beautiful part of the County. It’s been an education, and a genuine pleasure. Here are a few highlights:

In February 2023, my wife Mary and I were among the hundreds enjoying the Rotary Club of Los Gatos’ annual Crabfest.

Earlier this year, in January, I joined Los Gatos’ Congregation Shir Hadash for their annual Mitzvah Day of service and social action, which coincides with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. My office helped sponsor the event, offsetting the costs of supplies for “compassion kits” that we assembled for local folks who are homeless.

Last December I attended the farewell dinner for outgoing Supervisor Mike Wasserman at Aldo’s Restaurant. My colleague for ten years, Mike represented District One—which previously included Los Gatos—for a dozen years, until his final term at the end of 2022.

If occasionally Mike and I saw things differently, it was always with respect, good will, and a clean heart. That kind of attitude and ethic is in too short a supply in our region, our state, and our nation. Thank you, Mike.

My holiday season also included the Los Gatos Children’s Holiday Parade (cold and soggy, yes; but, also great!), and the Town’s beautiful annual tree lighting ceremony.

There were local opportunities to recognize the work and sacrifice of those who came before us: the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Los Gatos Memorial Park in December; the 9/11 Remembrance at the Flame of Liberty Veterans Memorial; and, the Memorial Day Program at Los Gatos Memorial Park.

In October, I took part in the Fentanyl Awareness event at Los Gatos High School. And I was pleased to participate in the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council’s annual health fair in September, focused on mental health issues, also held at the High School.

In June, I heard from community leaders at the “Summit on Summit” in the Loma Prieta community. I’m gratified that my proposal to strengthen emergency services in this area was unanimously supported by my Board colleagues in November.

Last—but definitely not least—Sidewalk Office Hours! My ideal “outdoor office” is the local farmers’ market because it’s the place where neighbors and the community meet. Anyone can stop by and ask a question or share an opinion. In May, June, September, and October I was at the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market, and I look forward to returning this spring. Please check my website, supervisorsimitian.com, for upcoming dates. I hope to see you there.

While it’s a pleasure to be out and about in the community, there’s a purpose here: it gives me the opportunity to listen and learn, to make myself readily accessible to the people I represent in nine different cities and towns. And with that added insight, better address the challenges and opportunities we face as a County. Stay in touch!

Joe Simitian
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

This article was originally published in Los Gatos Magazine in Spring 2023.