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Hello Santa Clara Friends,
One of my favorite things about Santa Clara is how layered our community is; schools, public safety programs, parks, arts, innovation, and small businesses all creating connection points across our city. This past month, I had the chance to see those connections in action: celebrating our Safety Patrol leaders, hearing moving stories at AA Stories, and cheering on PAL’s youth programs. It was a month of celebrating our citizens and the incredible programs that support and inspire our kids.
As we move into June, there are plenty more opportunities to connect and I hope you will come out and take part in shaping and celebrating all the things that make Santa Clara unique.
 It was an honor to attend this year’s AA Stories Awards, hosted by the incredible Diana Ding. The theme of the evening, “My Gift to America,” was a powerful reminder that while our individual stories reflect unique heritage and personal journeys, they also weave us together, creating common threads of understanding, resilience, and shared humanity. The stories shared that night were moving, thoughtful, and deeply connective. It was a beautiful celebration of the richness and strength that diversity brings to our bay area community and our nation.
BUT, a big highlight for me was the masked dancer performance. I snapped a photo, but it does not do it justice. This amazing entertainer somehow pulled off (or maybe put on?! It happened so fast, I seriously couldn’t tell) about 30 different masks while gracefully and energetically owning the stage. It was honestly one of the coolest things I have ever seen! Blink your eyes and he has a new face. It was stunning. aastories.org/.
I spent a lively evening at the second annual PAL Poker Tournament, hosted at the American Legion Hall. This fun-filled fundraiser brings the Santa Clara community together, with residents coming out to play and local businesses generously contributing raffle prizes and support. PAL raised nearly $11,000 in profit this year. As for me, I spared my wallet by running drinks which is definitely more my speed than trying to win a hand! It was all in good fun and all in support of the Santa Clara Police Activities League, which continues to provide positive outlets and opportunities for our youth.
And speaking of positive outlets for our youth, PAL Wrestling wrapped up its six-week beginners program this month, and I was so happy to be there. The little ones were full of energy, and seeing them rewarded for tumbling, rolling, and moving was such a joy, especially in a world that too often values sitting still.
Chief Cory Morgan was thoroughly used and abused by back-to-back six-year-olds, which was slightly concerning to witness, but it also speaks to the excellent training these young wrestlers are receiving. On a more serious note, our PAL programs give kids lasting relationships and an understanding that public safety officers are about more than enforcement. They are mentors, supporters, and part of the community. I am proud to support PAL and all they do for Santa Clara youth.
 I had the opportunity this month to join a tour of Santa Clara University’s Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation, which also happens to be the building where I work! It was a privilege to welcome my fellow Council Members and showcase this remarkable space, where education, creativity, and cutting-edge research are on full display. SCDI is designed to foster collaboration across STEM disciplines and features state-of-the-art laboratories where both undergraduate and graduate students can discover, learn, experiment, and innovate.
One exciting project underway here, “A Personalized Assistive Robotic System that Assesses Cognitive Fatigue in Persons with Paralysis,” is one I have had the chance to participate in as a test subject. This research explores how robotics can assist with daily tasks like meal preparation and object retrieval, while also studying cognitive function. It is inspiring to be a small part of the innovative work happening right here in Santa Clara, and I look forward to seeing even more opportunities for collaboration between the City and the University in the future. Learn more at scu.edu/stem/.
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We closed out the month by honoring the incredible students who serve in Safety Patrol across our city. Through the AAA School Safety Patrol Program, these young leaders take on the important responsibility of helping protect their classmates and modeling leadership and service in their schools. I was especially proud to cheer on Washington Open Elementary’s team, led by Londa Williamson, which earned second place this year. It was also a joy to celebrate with friends and neighbors, including snapping a photo with my next door neighbor Ying Ying!
As part of the event, we also recognized the retirement of beloved Washington Open crossing guard Manny Santos who, fun fact, was once Mayor Gillmor’s mailman! Manny has faithfully served our community for many years and his friendly presence has made a difference for countless students and families, including my own.
This month’s spotlight is one of my favorite local hangouts, Café Big Mug, located at Saratoga and Stevens Creek. Whether I’m meeting someone for coffee, nibbling while I catch up on emails, or settling in to do homework, this is one of those spots that always hits the mark. The vibe is relaxed and creative and they even feature custom crafty creations for sale, which gives the space a unique, community feel.
And of course… the coffee! As the saying goes, You can never have too much coffee, only not enough cups. If you haven’t tried it yet, stop by and enjoy. You can check out their menu and more on their Instagram @cafe.bigmug.
As we welcome summer, there are some great opportunities this month to get out, connect with neighbors, and help shape the future of our community. I hope to see you at one (or all!) of these upcoming events:
June 8 | Second Sunday Garden Share, 10 to 11 a.m. | Everett N. "Eddie" Souza Park & Community Garden
A casual, family-friendly garden exchange where neighbors share seeds, cuttings, tips, and conversation. No experience or materials required. Just come enjoy some garden talk and community spirit!
June 13 | Concerts in the Park, 6:30 to 8 p.m. | Central Park Pavilion
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live rock and soul music by The Houserockers. Free and fun for all ages with food available for purchase.
June 25 | Parks & Recreation Master Plan Community Meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Santa Clara Senior Center
Have ideas for how to improve our parks and recreation programs? Now is your chance to share them. This community meeting will help guide the City’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan for the next 10 to 15 years. Your voice matters!
June 27 | Concerts in the Park, 6:30 to 8 p.m. | Central Park Pavilion
Close out the month with another great night of live music in the park! Enjoy Chrome Deluxe performing R&B, Blues, and Swing. Free and open to the community. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of music and fun.
As always, thank you for being engaged and for helping make Santa Clara a place where community thrives. I hope to see you around town. I'll be the one with a cup of coffee in hand!
With gratitude and grit,
 Kelly
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