News

Measure A funding brings more affordable housing to North County

December 13, 2023

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

December 12, 2023

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

December 6, 2023

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.

Understanding Our Kids: Youth Mental Health and the Road to Resilience

December 5, 2023

Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian held a panel discussion that brought together experts in the mental health field as well as youth mental health advocates. Titled, “Understanding Our Kids: Youth Mental Health and the Road to Resilience,” the discussion focused on how to identify and prevent a mental health crisis, the availability of County and community mental health services for families in crisis, and the benefits of peer-to-peer support systems.

Supervisors fund North County health clinic

December 5, 2023

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approve $18.5 million allocation for North County health clinic improvements. It will be the first North County health clinic to be established.

One step closer to revitalizing Flood Park

December 5, 2023

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with the County of San Mateo to move forward with the Realize Flood Park project as part of the Stanford recreational grant program. Flood Park is an 86-year-old park in Menlo Park and one of seven projects that was designated for funding by Santa Clara County’s Stanford Mitigation Fund (SMF) in 2020. The SMF is restricted to projects that aim to mitigate the loss of recreational facilities for campus residents and facility users due to development on the Stanford University campus resulting from approval of the 2000 Stanford General Use Permit.

November 2023, Newsletter

November 29, 2023

Read about support for County veterans, older adult mental healthcare access and a "coming soon" emergency shelter for families and individuals. Also learn about local events, the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and some Joe History.

All-inclusive playground at Rengstorff Park breaks ground

November 29, 2023

Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian joined the City of Mountain View and the Magical Bridge Foundation at a groundbreaking celebration for an all-inclusive playground at Rengstorff Park, 201 S. Rengstorff Avenue. The Magical Bridge Playground at Rengstorff Park is anticipated to open in fall 2024.

County Supervisors seek mental health access for older adults

November 27, 2023

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal aiming to assess and respond to older adult mental health needs in the County. County staff will analyze programs currently available for older adults to access mental health care, and provide recommendations on how those programs can better address the unique challenges older adults are facing.

Helping veterans get the services they need, and have earned

November 11, 2023

We need to do more to help veterans take advantage of available benefits and services. I’m gratified colleagues on the Board of Supervisors agreed, approving my proposal, made together with Supervisor Otto Lee, to increase staffing at Santa Clara County’s Veterans Service Office (VSO), an agency established in 1944 and co-funded by the state and county.