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Dear Santa Clara Residents,
Summer is in full swing but mild as of now, and our community is alive with activity! I hope you're enjoying the sunshine, connecting with neighbors, and taking part in all the exciting events happening in Santa Clara. Here's a quick update on what’s going on in our district and around the city.
June a Month of Celebration and Civic Progress
 Our community celebrated Juneteenth with live music from Will Roc Project in the Central Park Pavilion on June 19th, featuring blues, jazz, soul, and rock. This event was hosted by Santa Clara City library and was generously sponsored by the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends.
 Santa Clara proudly joined the global countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting a spirited “One Year to Go” celebration at Levi’s Stadium. We were honored to welcome community members, youth soccer players, and international guests in preparation for hosting this historic event next summer. This World Cup will bring jobs, business, and global recognition to our region. And to the world—we can't wait to see you here at Levi's Stadium in 2026!
 On June 22nd I attended the International Yoga Day celebrations hosted by Association of Indo Americans and Consulate General of India. Yoga Day promotes global awareness of yoga’s many benefits. Originating in India, yoga enhances physical health, mental clarity, and inner peace. The day unites people across cultures to practice and embrace wellness, harmony, and mindfulness, emphasizing holistic living and the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Consider whether a larger garbage cart is necessary; choose the right size to save money. If you believe you are paying too much for your garbage service, consider checking whether your garbage cart is the right size. You may be able to reduce your monthly garbage bill by switching to a more appropriate size for your household.
Here are the revised Garbage Cart rates from July 1, 2025:
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Service Type (% used by residents)
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FY 2025/26 Monthly Rate |
| 20-gallon garbage cart (11%) |
$20.90 |
| 32-gallon garbage cart (52%) |
$28.92 |
| 64-gallon garbage cart (31%) |
$53.75 |
| 96-gallon garbage cart (6%) |
$78.46 |
If you really do not need the bigger garbage cart, here are the savings switching to the right size by calling utilities customer service at 408-615-2300 option 0.
Switching from a 64-gallon to a 32-gallon cart saves $24.83 monthly and $297.96 annually.
Switching from a 96-gallon to a 32-gallon cart saves $49.54 monthly and $594.48 annually.
Switching from a 96-gallon to a 64-gallon cart saves $24.71 monthly and $296.52 annually.
El Camino Real Specific Plan Update
City Council had a study session on El Camino Real Specific Plan on June 24th. Staff seeks community feedback on the revised Specific Plan, Objective Design Standards, and new Corridor Residential - Low Land Use designation for the draft El Camino Real Specific Plan. Residents are encouraged to send their feedback to staff or directly to me. New objective design standards have been proposed to protect neighborhoods. The Corridor Residential – Low designation, closer to single family residences, is intended for townhome development. These areas provide a low-intensity residential character in keeping with adjacent single-family residential neighborhoods. For details, visit redline update.
Fourth of July All-City Celebration & Fireworks Show Friday | July 4 | 5-10 p.m. | Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd.
Join us for family fun, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. For details browse: SantaClaraCA.gov/4thofJuly
Summer Concerts in the Park Series | June 27, July 11, July 25 and Aug. 15
Relax with neighbors and enjoy live local bands performing everything from classic rock to jazz. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a warm evening under the stars. For details browse: SantaClaraCA.gov/Concerts
Cultural Commission’s Street Dance | Friday, Aug. 1 | 6 - 9:30 p.m. | 1300-1400 block of Franklin Street
Get ready to try delicious food and drinks and dance the night away with Neon Velvet! Admission is free. For details browse: SantaClaraCA.gov/StreetDance
Sunset Cinema | July 18, Aug. 8, and Oct. 24
Looking for Friday evening family fun events? The City of Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the 2025 Sunset Cinema series from April to October. Join us for free movie nights under the stars on our big inflatable screen on select Fridays in parks throughout Santa Clara.
2025 Movie Lineup
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The Wild Robot (PG): July 18 | Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd.
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Moana 2 (PG): Aug. 8 | Montague Park, 3595 MacGregor Lane
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Coco (PG): Oct. 24 | Mission City Memorial Park, 420 N Winchester Blvd.
For details browse: SantaClaraCA.gov/SunsetCinema
City Council Summer Recess There will be no regular City Council meetings from July 17 to Aug. 16.
Stay Engaged
Your input helps shape our city's future. I invite you to attend community events, join a board or commission, or simply share your ideas with me. Let’s keep working together to make Santa Clara an even better place to live.
Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and connected summer.
Warm regards,
Raj Chahal
Councilmember, District 2
City of Santa Clara
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