Blog
Distracted drivers should put down cell phones
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, both nationally and here in Santa Clara County. Distracted driving is a topic Supervisor Joe Simitian has been focused on since cell phones first became a part of our lives.
The long goodbye to Lehigh Cement Plant and Quarry
Goodbyes are often hard. But there’s one goodbye Supervisor Joe Simitian is OK with – the day when we finally say ‘so long’ to the Lehigh Cement Plant and Quarry, a 3,500-acre property in the Cupertino foothills.
Celebrating County Parks: a century of preserving open space
A century ago Santa Clara County acquired 400 acres of rolling foothills between Saratoga and Cupertino for the County’s first public park — Stevens Creek County Park. This laid the foundation for the modern-day Santa Clara County Parks system, which today includes 28 locations encompassing more than 52,000 acres set aside for recreation and habitat protection.
Investing in our community by providing affordable housing
We need to build more housing – and more affordable housing – to ensure that folks don't get pushed out of our area simply because they can no longer afford to stay. On our County Board of Supervisors I’ve worked to increase funding for affordable housing, and to address the root causes of homelessness. I’ve championed affordable housing specifically for local agricultural workers, teachers, adults with disabilities, and low-income residents, because the needs are different sector to sector. I’m excited to see these efforts now come to fruition.
Pushing for early detection in the fight against breast cancer
The earlier breast cancer can be detected, the better the outcome for the patient and their loved ones. Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian shares about his efforts to expand opportunities for residents to access screenings that ensure early detection of breast cancer.
Leading locally on climate change. Now!
Addressing the impacts of climate change is a job that truly requires a range of solutions and “all hands on deck.” Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian reflects on efforts the Board of Supervisors has taken at the County level to do our part.
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.
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.
Understanding Our Kids: Youth Mental Health and the Road to Resilience
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.
