HomeMy WebLinkAbout047 Simitian Proclamation - PDF - 09.02.2024COMMENDATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
HONORING
SUPERVISOR JOE SIMITIAN
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian has been a strong proponent of safety in Saratoga and the surrounding mountain
communities, leading efforts to enhance wildfire resiliency through partnerships with the Santa Clara FireSafe Council,
expanding defensible space chipping and debris removal along public areas, and supporting the Santa Clara County
Central Fire District’s Pre-Fire Management and Wildfire Resilience Programs; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian was instrumental in establishing pop-up COVID-19 testing sites in Saratoga to
keep the Saratoga community safe; and held virtual town hall meetings throughout the global pandemic to keep our
community informed; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian has played a key role in the enhancement of Sanborn Park, advocating for the
County’s purchase of 103 acres of unincorporated lands, and supporting the Board's decision to commence the clean -up
and remediation of the former Christensen Nursery site; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian’s longstanding support of Hakone Gardens has been invaluable, securing
resources for the preservation of the Azumaya, the Mon, and the extensive pond system, and making possible free public
access to Hakone Gardens on the first Tuesday of every month through 2025; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian has championed the expansion of Montalvo Arts Center’s community programs
and increased accessibility, leading to the Board's approval of funding for these initiatives; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian’s involvement with the Santa Clara Library District Joint Powers Association
has brought numerous benefits to County libraries, including the Saratoga location, making library cards free, offering
US passport services, and hosting community events such as his participation as the “celebrity storyteller” at the
Saratoga library as part of the Silicon Valley Reads series and the Protect Yourself Against Sophisticated Cyber Scams
event; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian continues to be a champion for older adults, securing resources for the Saratoga
Adult Day Services program and the Adult Day Services pilot program, of which SASCC is a participating location; and
Whereas, Supervisor Joe Simitian has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the expansion and
accessibility of open spaces and parks, fostering partnerships with County Parks and the Midpeninsula Open Space
District to ensure continuous access through multiple county parks and open space preserves in the West Valley; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian has recognized and addressed food insecurity in his district by championing the
development of a “mobile food pantry,” administered by West Valley Community Services, now widely known as the
Park-It Market, to deliver nutritious foods within the community; and
Whereas, Supervisor Simitian stays connected to all of his West Valley communities and frequently visits the
Saratoga Farmers’ Market to engage directly with residents, actively listen to their concerns, and provide valuable
insights and assistance on a range of local and regional issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga does hereby recognize and
commend Supervisor Joe Simitian for his outstanding contributions to our community, his tireless dedication to public
service, and his continued efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Saratoga and the West Valley.
WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA this 4th day of September 2024.
___________________________
Yan Zhao, Mayor
City of Saratoga