The goal was to dispel misinformation, foster collaboration, and begin shaping a regional response to the federal legislation. During these turbulent times, we must unite to find innovative and effective solutions. The meeting was live-streamed and you can watch the full meeting here.  

 

From the outset, the tone was clear: This is not business as usual. Supervisor Duong opened with a call for unity and transparency, followed by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CD-18), who provided a sobering overview of H.R. 1’s potential impacts, particularly on immigration, science and technology, and public health infrastructure. Her remarks underscored the need for swift, coordinated action. 

 

State leaders Senator Aisha Wahab (SD-10), and Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (AD-25), Patrick Ahrens (AD-26), and Gail Pellerin (AD-28), spoke about the ripple effects that are already being seen: housing instability and threats to food assistance programs. County Executive James Williams followed with an assessment of how H.R. 1 will threaten core county services, including safety-net programs and hospital operations. 

 

The heart of the meeting was a panel discussion on regional response, co-led by Supervisor Duong and me. Panelists from county departments and nonprofit organizations shared what they’re witnessing so far and what is needed to respond effectively. David Campos, our deputy county executive, spoke to the importance of intergovernmental coordination, offering a perspective on how state-level policy decisions intersect with county services. Eliona Betkolia and Robert Sacasa from the County’s Social Services Administration Department of Employment and Benefit Services highlighted the strain on county services and the importance of community action. Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and Tracy Weatherby, chief impact officer at Second Harvest Food Bank, offered insight into how philanthropic partners can help fill gaps and sustain critical programs; they, too, are also bracing for financial impact.  

 

Throughout the conversation, one theme was constant: We must act together. Community members submitted questions and ideas, and the panelists responded with clarity and commitment. 

 

The final session, led by Maritza Maldonado, executive director of Amigos de Guadalupe, a community-based non-profit in San Jose, focused on practical advocacy -- strategies and ways residents can support efforts across local, state, and federal levels. Panelists discussed the impact of traditional civic tools, such as marches, phone banking, and letter-writing campaigns and emphasized the importance of sustained public engagement. The conversation highlighted what works, where to focus our collective energy and how local voices can shape decisions beyond the community. 

 

In challenging times, collaboration is paramount. The County is moving quickly to inform residents and build a response that reflects the values and needs of our region. Saturday’s meeting was just the beginning of a broader regional effort to protect our community and the well-being of our Santa Clara County residents in the face of federal policy shifts. 

If you have more suggestions or concerns, please reach out to my office at district5@bos.sccgov.org 

The LGBTQ+ community is a deeply valued part of our county, one that has long endured systemic attacks and may soon be facing the re-litigation of marriage equality. In this moment, representation is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline. Public leadership must reflect the full spectrum of our communities, and this summit made that truth unmistakably clear.

 

I showed up as an ally who believes in the power of presence and the value of standing in solidarity. The atmosphere was authentic, welcoming, and deeply affirming. Through diversity comes equity, and through equity, we build a government rooted in justice, compassion, and accountability. The work continues and I’m proud to be part of it. 

 

Show your PRIDE in your community: Next Sunday, August 31, my office and I will be walking in the Silicon Valley Pride Parade to celebrate 50 years of love, legacy, and liberation. I’d be honored to have you walk alongside us at 10:30AM from Julian and Market Street to Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in Downtown San Jose. If you’d like to join our march, please register here. We encourage everyone to dress colorfully or wear purple to show your pride and solidarity. Our office will send parking, walking and transit details to those who RSVP next week. 

 

Below are the upcoming August and September meetings that you can join in person at the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110, or virtually.

• Tuesday, August 26 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting
• Tuesday, September 16 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting 
• Tuesday, September 30 at 9:30AM -- Regular Meeting

As always, please email or call our office with any questions at 408-299-5050. 

Residents are encouraged to get involved in the decision-making process in the following ways:

On Saturday, August 30, we will explore Rancho San Vicente, a recent addition to Calero County Park. This easy-to-moderate 2-mile hike includes about 200 feet of elevation gain. We’ll make a few scenic stops along the way to learn about unique features of the trail from Open Space Trust (POST) docents. Lots of sun on this trail! 

 

If you’ve joined us for previous hikes, don’t miss this one. You will need to complete all five hikes to earn your prize in October! 

What to bring: 

• Comfortable hiking or athletic shoes 

• Water bottle 

• Hat or visor  

Parking is free. RSVP now.  

Over the next several weeks, my team and I are tabling at farmers' markets across District Five, and we’d love to see you there. Whether you have a question, a concern, or want to say hello, we’re here to listen, share updates, and build community together. 

 

Stop by on a weekend that suits your schedule best. If you’re unable to attend a market, you’re always welcome to contact my office. Call us at 408-299-5050 or send us an email. We’re here to help.  

Los Gatos’ final Music in the Park event of the season will be on Sunday, August 24, from 5 to 7PM on the Civic Center Lawn at 110 E. Main Street with a performance by Freestone Peaches, Northern California’s premier Allman Brothers Band tribute.  

 

Close your summer with classic rock! 

Celebrate the wonders of local wildlife with a drop-in bird craft activity at Vasona Lake County Park! Swing by the Youth Science Institute Nature Center at the northeastern end of the park between 10AM and 1PM to explore Santa Clara County’s native birds and create your own feathered masterpiece.  

 

No registration is required, and all ages are welcome. Please note there is a $6 vehicle entrance fee. 

There’s one full-term seat available on the Heritage Preservation Commission, with applications due November 19, 2025. Be a champion of arts, culture, libraries, and core elements that add to Saratoga’s community’s quality of life.  

 

Learn more and apply today at saratoga.ca.us/comvac. 

VTA is now recruiting for the 2016 Measure B Citizens' Oversight Committee (MBCOC). 

This volunteer committee plays a vital role in making sure transportation funds from the 2016 Measure B ballot initiative are spent responsibly and transparently. Members bring community voices into the oversight process, ensuring investments align with what voters approved.  

  

Learn more about the responsibilities and apply here.