News
Helping veterans get the services they need, and have earned
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.
Supervisors push to bridge the gap with mobile dental services for veterans
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to augment funding for mobile dental services for the County’s resident veterans as part of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget. This action was brought forward by County Supervisor Joe Simitian and co-authored by County Supervisor Otto Lee, and looks to provide relief to over 64,000 veterans living in Santa Clara County.
County Supervisors recognize Luisa Buada for her impact on the community
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors honored longtime community health leader Luisa Buada as she retires as Chief of Executive Officer of Ravenswood Family Health Network, which provides primary and preventative care services designed to reach underserved, uninsured and low-income families in northern Santa Clara County and southern San Mateo County.
Progress on West Valley Health Clinic!
Santa Clara County and the Foothill-De Anza Community College District complete feasibility study to bring a Valley Health Center clinic to the the De Anza Community College campus in Cupertino. A community engagement process is scheduled for late 2023 and early 2024.
Palo Alto interim housing site breaks ground
Homekey Palo Alto, an emergency interim shelter, broke ground and when open will serve more than 200 people each year and provide supportive services, including counseling and vocational training. Homekey Palo Alto is partially funded by the County’s “Challenge Grant” program to combat homelessness, a program initiated by County Supervisors Joe Simitian and Otto Lee.
County bolsters support for families with children with intellectual/developmental disabilities
A Santa Clara County grant to Parents Helping Parents will help support families raising children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The nonprofit will use County funding for a free mental health program designed to connect parents with other parents of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and with licensed therapists.
October 2023, Newsletter
Read about support for the new Stanford Community Plan, the County's push for mental health parity, support for the "Making Homes Work" program, local events and a Little Joe History.
Supervisors add “reinforcements” to County Veterans Services Office
Santa Clara County Veterans Service Office will soon be getting additional Veteran Service Representatives to help connect residents who are veterans with the services and benefits to which they are entitled.
Supervisors seek to improve wireless connections and safety for residents in fire-prone areas
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by County Supervisor Joe Simitian that seeks to ensure service is maintained to wireless customers in wildfire-prone areas during a disaster or power outage. In times of emergency and disaster, wireless networks are critical infrastructure for emergency response.
Supervisors adopt new Stanford Community Plan
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted an updated Stanford University Community Plan, effectively approving new policies for governing the University’s future growth. The new Community Plan is the biggest update to the University's growth policies since the County approved the current Plan in 2000, and enhances efforts to address traffic, housing and open space concerns.