April 2025
Welcome, neighbors! As April brings new growth and renewed energy to our community, I'm reminded of how much we accomplish when we work together. The spring season offers us a perfect opportunity to reconnect with one another, beautify our shared spaces, and build on the strong foundation of community spirit that makes our city special. This month, we have several exciting initiatives and events planned that will allow us to come together, celebrate our progress, and chart our course forward. I hope you'll join me in embracing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to make our community the best place to live, work, and raise our families.
 Santa Clara’s 2025 Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration will take place on Thursday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Park Pavilion for a tree-mendously good time. This annual event highlights our city’s commitment to sustainability, community, and the environment. Enjoy a pedestrian rodeo, an exciting tree climbing demo with our very own City tree crew, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Bring your green thumb, your loved ones, and your sense of adventure – we can’t wait to celebrate with you! For more information, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ArborDay.
 As Mayor of Santa Clara, I was honored to serve as a judge for the inaugural ASIAN AMERICAN STORIES video competition in 2024 – a powerful and moving celebration of our local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. With the theme, All of Us Belong Here, the contest drew 72 heartfelt submissions from individuals, students, and organizations, each sharing unique stories of identity, resilience, and pride. The event brought together over 450 attendees and 40 partners, distributing $20,000 in awards and creating a beautiful sense of unity and belonging. This year’s theme, My Gift to America, will continue to showcase AAPI excellence and the incredible contributions that enrich our country. I’m proud to support this meaningful initiative by Silicon Valley Community Media, Diana Ding, and Joel Wong, as we work to amplify AAPI voices, foster inclusion, and celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes Santa Clara – and America – stronger. For more information, please visit AAStories.org.
 I had the absolute pleasure of attending a phenomenal performance of THE WIZARD OF OZ, brought to life by the incredibly talented young cast of the Roberta Jones Junior Theatre. From dazzling costumes and imaginative sets to the impressive singing, dancing, and acting, the entire production was a true showcase of creativity and heart. With a cast made up of children of all ages, their hard work and dedication transported us all to the magical world of Oz. The energy was contagious, the smiles were abundant, and the audience was captivated from start to finish. Bravo to the entire cast, crew, and staff for such a joyful and memorable experience – I even had the chance to snap a photo with the Mayor of Munchkinland!
 As Mayor, I believe one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in our community is by getting involved – and it all starts with showing up. My own journey began by serving our city as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, where I gained firsthand insight into the needs and opportunities within our city. That experience sparked a deeper commitment to public service and helped shape the leader I am today. Whether you’re passionate about parks, planning, the arts, or public safety, there’s a place for your voice and perspective. I encourage you to consider applying for one of our City’s Boards or Commissions. It’s a chance to help shape Santa Clara’s future, meet passionate neighbors, and contribute to the vibrancy of our city. Your involvement matters, and we’d be honored to have you at the table.
There are 11 vacancies on several City Commissions and Committees, including Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Cultural Commission, Historical and Landmarks Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Senior Advisory Commission and Cultural Commission. Applications are due by 5p.m. on Friday April 25, 2025. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/Commissions or stop by our City Clerk’s Office at 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara to apply. Your voice matters- come to be a part of shaping Santa Clara’s Future!
 Santa Clara is proud to continue our long-standing Sister City relationship with Izumo, Japan – an enduring friendship that celebrates cultural exchange, global understanding, and mutual respect. This past month, we had the honor of welcoming a group of students from Izumo to Santa Clara, where they experienced life in our community, stayed with local host families, and shared their culture with our residents, elementary and high school students. Their visit was a heartwarming reminder of the power of international connections and the lasting impact of people-to-people diplomacy. Through programs like this, we not only strengthen our bond with Izumo but also inspire our youth to become global citizens. We look forward to many more years of friendship, learning and collaboration.
 For 40 years, Mr. Masatoshi Yamamoto of the International Exchange Association of Izumo has served as a key bridge between Santa Clara and Izumo, Japan through our Sister City relationship. He has led student delegations from Izumo to Santa Clara year after year, inspiring generations of young people through cultural exchange and fostering lifelong friendships across cultures. Santa Clara extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Yamamoto for his decades of dedication – his leadership in youth diplomacy has strengthened the bond between our cities and enriched countless lives.
 As we celebrated Women in Construction week in Santa Clara, I am proud to highlight TriCore Panels, a Santa Clara-based, woman-owned family business making remarkable strides in the industry. Founded in 2012, this entrepreneurial family business specializes in the fabrication and installation of architectural paneling systems for both commercial and residential projects.
At the heart of TriCore Panels is CEO Misha Homara, a dynamic and charismatic leader whose passion, vision, and commitment to community have helped shape not only a successful company but movement and empowerment. Through events like the annual Plant & Play, Misha and her team are inspiring future generations, creating space for women and youth in construction, and reminding us that collaboration, creativity, and leadership knows no bounds. TriCore Panels, led by Misha Homara, is a shining example of what’s possible when women lead – and lead with heart!
As we look ahead to a vibrant spring, I’m filled with gratitude for the people, partnerships, and programs that make Santa Clara such a special place to call home. From celebrating our shared planet on Earth Day and Arbor Day, to honoring the stories of our AAPI community, to applauding our young performers and empowering women in construction, each event reminds us of the strength in our diversity and the power of civic engagement. Whether you’re inspired to serve on a City Commission, host a Sister City student, or simply cheer on local talent, there’s a place for everyone to get involved.
I am honored to be serving Santa Clara and building stronger communities together.
With Gratitude,
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