In This Newsletter: Statement on recent shootings in Morgan Hill & Seattle // Preparing for earthquakes in our region // What to look forward to at this year's NNO // Boards and Commissions openings // Join us for Movie Nights in County Parks // Upcoming Events
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are deeply saddened by the recent shootings in Morgan Hill and Seattle, which claimed multiple lives and left families and communities grieving.
In Morgan Hill, seven people were shot and one person died. In Seattle, three people were killed, and we are especially troubled by reports that the shooters were minors.
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Photos courtesy of KSBW Action News 8 and The Seattle Times
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These tragedies remind us that preventing violence requires action on multiple fronts. We must continue investing in adolescent mental health, supporting families, promoting safe gun practices, and advancing commonsense gun safety measures that help keep firearms out of the wrong hands.
We also remain committed to community-based prevention efforts, including the gun buyback events hosted by our office in partnership with the District Attorney's Office and our public safety partners, which have helped remove hundreds of firearms from circulation. Together, these efforts help build safer communities for everyone.
As always, please feel free to contact our office anytime via email at Supervisor.Lee@bos.sccgov.org or visit us online at SupervisorLee.org.
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Otto Lee
Board President
Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 3
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Preparing for earthquakes in our region 🆘
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Over the past month, two major earthquakes have brought devastating loss to communities across the world.
In Venezuela more than 5,000 people lost their lives, tens of thousands were injured, and over 15,000 people were left without homes, basic necessities, and the resources needed to recover in the aftermath of this catastrophic disaster.
On Tuesday, a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region, claiming dozens of lives and injuring thousands more. We join millions around the world in keeping those affected in our thoughts and prayers, and we remain hopeful that Japan's Self-Defense Forces, along with international search and rescue teams, are able to locate and safely rescue those who remain trapped.
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Footage from some of the damage caused in both Venezuela and Japan,
courtesy of the Atlantic Council and the Associated Press
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These tragic events are a sobering reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. For many in the Bay Area, they also bring back memories of the devastating earthquakes that have shaped our own region's history. Living in one of the world's most seismically active regions, we all share a responsibility to be prepared.
We encourage every resident to take time to talk with their family and household about what to do before, during, and after a major earthquake. Preparing today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Our state and county offer comprehensive preparedness resources, including emergency planning guides, supply checklists, and safety information.
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Next Tuesday: National Night Out, August 4! 🚨
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National Night Out is a special evening when communities across America come together to celebrate what makes our neighborhoods strong: the people who call them home.
Here in Santa Clara County, families gather with neighbors, meet their local firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical professionals who serve our communities, and enjoy a fun evening filled with connection and community spirit.
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This year on Tuesday August 4, residents across District 3 and throughout Santa Clara County will find a whole slew of activities, with neighborhood gatherings including:
- Barbecues, ice cream socials, and pizza parties
- Local resource booths
- Games and activities for kids
- And, of course, some of the best weather of the year!
Be sure to keep an eye out for local flyers, community newsletters, and city emails for event details, as celebration locations vary by neighborhood. Our District 3 office will also be visiting events throughout the district with goodies for the whole family!
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Some snaps from D3 team members from National Night Out 2025, featuring Emily, The-vu, Sunnyvale Mayor Klein, and Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab.
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If you're hosting a National Night Out event and would like the D3 team to bring some of our community giveaways, please contact Director of Communications Grace Stetson so we can help make your neighborhood celebration even more memorable.
We look forward to celebrating National Night Out with you and your neighbors!
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Stay alert 🦟West Nile Virus reported in Santa Clara County
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The County's Public Health Department announced Wednesday, July 29, that they have received reports of the first two human cases of West Nile virus in our County. The two individuals are both adults, with one being hospitalized and the other seeking care at an emergency department. Both individuals are recovering at home; the cases are unrelated, and no additional details will be provided due to medical privacy concerns.
Because the individuals are Santa Clara County residents and West Nile virus is a reportable disease in California, the illnesses were reported to the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. Both cases traveled during their incubation period, so it is unclear if they were infected in Santa Clara County or elsewhere.
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To help reduce mosquito populations and lower your risk of getting ill from West Nile virus:
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Stay informed! Receive future notifications by following the steps below:
- Get mosquito alerts via the County's Vector Control team.
- Register for AlertSCC, the County's emergency alert system.
- Follow the district on Instagram, Facebook, and X at @sccmvcd.
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Apply to become Santa Clara County's next Poet Laureate ✍️
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Are you passionate about poetry and community engagement?
Santa Clara County is now accepting applications for its next County Poet Laureate, an honorary ambassador who promotes poetry and the arts through public readings, community events, and civic engagement. The selected Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term from January 2027 through December 2028.
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To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Santa Clara County resident for at least the past three years
- Be a published or recognized poet
- Be available to travel throughout Santa Clara County for events
- Complete a background check if selected as a finalist
The application period closes on August 14, 2026 at 5 PM. Apply today!
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Make Your Voice Count, Serve Your Community 🗣️🤝
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Looking for a meaningful way to get involved in your community? District 3 is seeking residents to serve on a variety of Boards and Commissions.
These volunteer opportunities allow community members to help shape local policies, provide valuable input, and make a lasting impact on issues that matter most. Explore current openings and consider applying to serve.
The following Boards and Commissions are actively seeking community members to apply:
- Animal Advisory Commission
- Behavioral Health Board
- Development Review Board
- Health Advisory Committee
- Race & Health Disparities Community Board
- Public Authority for In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Board
- Senior Care Commission
- Sustainability Commission
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Make sure to hit the "follow" button on our Facebook and Instagram pages below for all up-to-date information from our office. Another good way to stay up to date is through our newsletter, of course! Stay tuned for all to come.
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Upcoming Events & Helpful Resources
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