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Dear Friends,
Happy Transit Month, and Happy 30th Anniversary to VTA! September is a time to celebrate the power of public transit and the way it connects our communities. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a board member, vice chair, and chair of the VTA Board, and I’ve deeply enjoyed working to make VTA more efficient—both in terms of energy and time.
Improving service frequency and expanding access to destinations are key to boosting ridership and making public transit a more viable option for everyone in Santa Clara County. One of my goals is to bring our system closer to the level of reliability and convenience seen in Japan, where trains arrive every five minutes—particularly during peak commute hours. I envision a future where residents of all ages confidently tap their VTA Clipper cards, knowing they’ll reach their destinations quickly, reliably, and sustainably. Others are all in for that. Check out the Ride Contest that started Sept. 1 and win swag. That’s the kind of transit culture I encourage here in Silicon Valley.
In addition to operating essential transit services, VTA continues to lead the way in advancing affordable housing through its innovative Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) program. At last night’s VTA Board meeting, my colleagues and I approved a developer for the new affordable housing development adjacent to the Milpitas Transit Center and Great Mall, reinforcing VTA's commitment to building thriving, sustainable communities near major transit hubs.
I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to VTA on 30 years of service, innovation, and dedication to riders. Thank you to everyone who chooses public transit. You are helping shape a more sustainable and connected region. VTA will be hosting anniversary giveaways, celebrations, and pop-up events throughout the month. I’ll be sure to include those details in the newsletter as they’re announced.
September is also National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on readiness in the face of emergencies. Whether it's wildfire prevention or earthquake preparedness, taking small steps now can make a big difference later. To stay informed, sign up for AlertSCC, Santa Clara County’s official emergency notification system. Residents of Los Altos Hills can also opt into the town’s dedicated alert system, Nixle, which delivers text and voice messages. Simply text your ZIP code to 888777 or register your email or phone number here.
One organization I would like to spotlight as a resource for preparedness is the Los Altos Hills County Fire District. It serves residents of Los Altos Hills and nearby unincorporated communities, including Loyola, Los Trancos, and San Antonio Hills, with a mission to protect lives, property, and the environment from fire and other emergencies. Through its partnership with the Santa Clara County Fire Department and its own robust programs, such as fuel management, hydrant infrastructure, and disaster preparedness training, the District delivers tailored fire prevention and emergency services to meet the unique needs of its community.
The District is hosting Firewise Office Hours on Tuesday, September 9 from 7-8PM on Zoom. No registration is required, simply join the link. These virtual sessions offer expert guidance on creating defensible space, strengthening your home’s ignition zone, and other wildfire prevention strategies.
Let’s use this month, both Transit Month and National Preparedness Month, as a reminder that protecting our environment starts with preparation and smart choices: building climate-resilient communities, reducing wildfire risk, and embracing public transit to cut carbon emissions. Together, these efforts strengthen our safety, sustainability, and quality of life across our county.
Now, as autumn approaches and students return to campus, I would be remiss not to highlight the incredible inaugural class of District Five interns who joined my office this summer. These 11 bright minds—from Mountain View High School to New York University, UC Santa Cruz to Leland High School—played a vital role in supporting our full-time staff while gaining firsthand experience in public service. The photos below show the interns and staff on different occasions, including the last day when several made their policy presentations to me. |
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Throughout the summer, the D5 interns immersed themselves in the daily rhythms of constituent engagement and office operations. Each was tasked with a policy research and proposal project tailored to their interests. Under the guidance of my policy aides and managers, they explored pressing issues such as achieving functional zero homelessness in alignment with the 2025 Community Plan, expanding county-level strategies to combat plastic pollution, addressing the youth mental health crisis, and advocating for a public health clinic at De Anza Community College to serve the underserved West Valley communities. They also examined alternatives to Measure A, the 2016 Housing Bond Measure, including the feasibility of a parcel tax and increased county sales tax to fund an Affordable Housing Bond. |
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Beyond the office, interns participated in weekly site visits to deepen their understanding of county services. They toured the county’s Reentry Center, which provides critical resources to individuals reentering society from the justice system, and heard directly from department leaders such as Reentry Services Director Javier Aguirre and Interim Public Defender Damon Silver. They explored VTA’s operations and sustainability efforts and even spent time with adorable, adoptable pets at the San Martin Animal Services Center. |
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Stanford University, which operates the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, graciously hosted our interns and staff on a special tour. I’m incredibly proud of my staff for launching such an educational and impactful internship program. My own journey in public service began as an intern in then San Mateo Supervisor Anna Eshoo’s office back in 1989, and that experience continues to shape how I mentor the next generation.
My office already misses our summer interns, and we’re excited to welcome the next cohort in the coming months who will bring fresh perspectives and passion to our work.
With commitment and care, |
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Stay Informed: Your Guide to Supervisors’
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This section of my newsletter will feature key Board of Supervisors meeting dates to keep you informed about decisions that shape our community.
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
As always, please email or call our office with any questions at 408-299-5050. |
How to Participate in Board Meetings |
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Residents are encouraged to get involved in the decision-making process in the following ways:
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Meet MAK at the Market |
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Over the next few weeks, my team and I will be tabling at farmers’ markets throughout District Five, and we’d love to see you there. Please pay close attention to updated dates, such as the November 22 market.
Whether you have a question, a concern, or just want to say hello, we’re here to listen and share updates.
The times listed in the flyer are when I will be at the table. If you can’t make it in person, you’re always welcome to reach out to my office at 408-299-5050 or by email. We’re here to help, and we’re proud to serve. |
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You're Invited! Fourth Hike in the
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Join us on Saturday, September 27 from 9:30–11:30AM for a morning hike at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve. We’ll be walking the scenic Zinfandel Trail.
Docents from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District will educate us about local wildlife, native plants, and the history of the open space preserve.
RSVP here quickly, as there are only 25 spots available! |
District 10 Leadership Coalition Meeting –
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Almaden Valley residents are invited to the District 10 Leadership Coalition meeting, where I’ll share updates from recent Board of Supervisors meetings, highlight initiatives I’m leading in District Five, and answer your questions about how County government works and how we can address everyday challenges together.
This is an opportunity to hear directly from your elected officials and government department heads about the issues that matter to you.
Where: Vineland Branch Library – Community Room 1450 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95118 When: Saturday, September 6, 9AM to 12PM
Pre-registration is required. An email confirmation will be sent upon registration. |
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Speaking with Almaden Valley Community Association – Monday, 09/08 |
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I will join the Almaden Valley Community Association on Monday, September 8, at Westgate Church South Hills Campus at 7PM to share county updates, answer questions, and hear directly from residents.
As implementation of H.R. 1 begins, I will share how the County is preparing to adapt to serve residents and what the community can do in the meantime. |
Honoring Former Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei |
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The passing of former Cupertino Mayor Hung Wei has deeply moved our community, as seen in the outpouring of love and remembrance from residents, colleagues, and friends at her funeral this week. She passed away on August 28, 2025, in Cupertino, surrounded by family and close friends, after a battle with lung cancer.
Community members spoke of her deeply felt obligation to think, speak and act with honor, once entrusted with elected office, as she was when she started at the Fremont Union High School District. She served on more community organizations than one could count, from Rotary to the Northwest YMCA Board to the Asian American Parents Association and beyond. She embodied servant leadership, said one. “Junzi,” said another, invoking a Confucian principle of humane conduct.
Hung will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and ability to make everyone she met feel valued. She touched thousands of lives, whether through mentoring students, championing education, building community bridges, or simply sharing a meal and laughter with colleagues and family. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in the power of community and the unwavering commitment to make things a little better every day.
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Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine in San Jose, including District Five, Aims to Protect Local Agriculture |
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Don’t share your fruit! Three Mediterranean Fruit Flies were recently detected in residential areas of San Jose, prompting a quarantine and eradication effort led by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The response includes ground treatments with organic bait, the release of sterile male flies, and restrictions on moving host fruits and vegetables within the quarantine zone. No aerial pesticide spraying will occur. Residents in affected areas are asked to consume or dispose of homegrown produce listed on the Medfly host list and avoid sharing it to prevent further spread. These invasive pests pose a serious threat to California’s agriculture, and travelers are always urged not to bring uninspected produce or plants into the state.
About the Mediterranean Fruit Fly: The Mediterranean Fruit Fly is an exotic pest native to Africa and does not naturally occur in California. It is considered one of the most damaging agricultural pests in the world due to its exceptionally wide host range, which includes:
For a full list of host fruits, vegetables, and plants that are a host of Medfly, see the CDFA's Mediterranean Fruit Fly Host List. |
Join the Movement: Coastal Cleanup Day, 09/20 |
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Be part of a global effort to protect our waterways and local wildlife. Multiple cities across District Five invite you to roll up your sleeves for Coastal Cleanup Day, with a community creek cleanup happening on Saturday, September 20 from 9AM to 12PM.
Creeks flow to the ocean and the bay. Remove trash and debris from our creeks and help keep pollution out of our rivers and oceans. Your time and energy make a real difference!
Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 - Site #17: Regnart Creek, Cupertino Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 - Site #18: Stevens Creek, Mountain View Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 - Site #34: Adobe Creek, Palo Alto Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 - Site #49: Deer Creek, Los Altos Hills
RSVP for the location you’d like to clean up here. |
Latinas Contra Cancer Women's Health Summit - 10/28 |
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As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, Latinas Contra Cancer is one of 39 organizations to receive an Inventory Grant from my office. They are utilizing the grant to host this upcoming Women's Health Summit.
Timed with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the summit will spotlight the importance of early detection and breast health, while also addressing key issues including reproductive care, mental health, chronic disease prevention, and maternal health. This community-centered event is designed to foster wellness, prevention, and access to care for women—bringing people together, strengthening networks, and ensuring no one faces a diagnosis alone.
RSVP here and join us for a day of learning, support, and empowerment. |
Apply This Fall:
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Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will soon launch the CARE Power-building and Engagement (Pb+E) Grant Program, an opportunity to invest in the leadership, vision, and capacity of community-based organizations across the region.
With up to $1.3 million in funding available, this program is designed to support organizations working at the intersection of housing, transportation, and environmental justice, especially those serving Equity Priority Communities.
The Pb+E Grant Program is part of MTC’s broader Community Action Resource and Empowerment (CARE) initiative, which aims to strengthen multi-sector partnerships and elevate community-led solutions that improve livability for all. In addition to direct funding, grantees will receive technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, expert coaching, and access to tools that support local leadership development and neighborhood-level impact. Eligible organizations can apply for grants in three categories:
Whether you're expanding your organizational infrastructure or implementing solutions, this program is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. Key dates:
Stay connected by signing up for the mailing list to get updates and the Call for Projects when it is released: https://mtc.one/carepbe |
Register for the Reentry Rise Up and Run 5K
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Run for change at the County of Santa Clara’s 2025 Reentry Rise Up and Run 5K Fundraiser on Saturday, October 18, at Hellyer Park at 9AM.
The County of Santa Clara’s Office of Diversion and Reentry Services invites you to run, walk, or donate in support of justice-involved residents rebuilding their lives.
This year’s Rise Up and Run 5K Fundraiser helps provide essential resources such as clothing and hygiene items, small but critical steps toward a dignified reentry journey. Your participation sends a powerful message: our community believes in redemption, resilience, and the right to start again.
Register by August 31 to receive the early bird discount, and by September 5 to guarantee your race shirt size and medal. |
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Lights, Camera, Climate! Join the Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Video Challenge |
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Whether you're passionate about clean energy, sustainable living, or protecting our planet’s future, this is your chance to make your voice heard.
Submit a 1–5 minute video by October 31st and show how youth can drive real change.
Learn more and submit your video here. |
Help Keep County Trails Safe and Beautiful with the Trail Crew Volunteer Program |
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Join the Santa Clara County Parks Trail Crew in preserving over 350 miles of scenic trails for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers will help with brushing, pruning, and tread work to reduce erosion and keep trails safe and accessible. Tools and gloves are provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves, water, and snacks. Long sleeves, long pants, and a hat are recommended for comfort and protection. Minimum age to participate is 14.
Sign up here. |
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Get Disaster Ready with Free Emergency Preparedness Programs |
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The Santa Clara County Fire Department is offering a series of free programs to help residents build confidence and readiness in the face of emergencies. From wildfire safety to earthquake preparedness, these sessions are designed to equip you with practical tools and knowledge. Registration is required. View the full calendar of events here. Below are upcoming ones in District Five cities.
Wednesday, September 17, at 10AM at Joan Pisani Community Center Monday, September 2,2 at 10AM at Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center And more! |
Plan Your Next Adventure at
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There’s still time left in summer to plan an unforgettable escape. With five scenic county parks nearby, your next camping trip is closer than you think: • Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch • Joseph D. Grant County Park • Uvas Canyon County Park • Sanborn County Park • Mt. Madonna County Park
Reserve your spot today by calling 408-355-2201 or visit GoOutsideAndPlay.org. |
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Office of Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga 70 W. Hedding Street (408) 299-5050 |
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