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Dear Fellow Santa Clarans,
July brings with it a wave of excitement and pride as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry that makes our city truly special. Last month, we had the honor of commemorating Portuguese Heritage Month, highlighting the rich cultural contributions of our Portuguese community members who were among Santa Clara’s earliest settlers and have helped shape our city’s character and spirit for generations. In that same spirit of honoring our foundations, we also recognize Joseph J. Albanese and the family concrete contracting company, a legacy business that has literally helped build our community for over 70 years.
As we look ahead, we’re thrilled to welcome the grand opening of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Valley Fair. This theatre will offer a unique experience that promises to become a beloved entertainment destination for residents and visitors alike. Meanwhile, our dedicated Economic Development and Marketing Committee continues their invaluable work preparing for what will be the most significant events in our city’s history: hosting Super Bowl 60 and six FIFA Men’s World Cup games here in Santa Clara in 2026. These preparations beautifully embody our community’s journey, honoring the legacy of those who built our city while embracing the extraordinary opportunities that lie ahead as we prepare to welcome the world to Santa Clara.
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As we prepare to welcome the world to Santa Clara for Super Bowl 60 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, our Economic Development and Marketing Committee is hard at work designing a series of meaningful community events to mark these once-in-a-generation moments. We recently launched a citywide engagement initiative to gather your ideas, stories, and input to shape celebrations that reflect the spirit, culture, and diversity of our community. From local festivals to youth programs and cultural showcases, there are many opportunities to get involved. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or community leader, your voice matters in building a unifying theme and calendar of events that put Santa Clara on the map, both globally and locally. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14, from 4-5:30 p.m. at our Central Park Library. Please join us! To stay informed, or join the effort, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/EDMC.
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In June, the City of Santa Clara proudly proclaimed Portuguese National Heritage Month, honoring the deep roots and enduring contributions of the Portuguese American community to our city’s rich cultural fabric. At our City Council meeting, we were joined by representatives from several cherished Portuguese organizations that have helped shape Santa Clara’s identity, including members of the SES Hall, St. Anthony’s Council, Santa Clara Sporting, the Portuguese Band and a host of non-profit, religious organizations and business owners. These community leaders shared heartfelt stories of their history, heritage, and service, reminding us how Portuguese Americans have enriched Santa Clara through generations of civic engagement, traditions, and cultural pride.
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I am thrilled to announce the official grand opening of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Valley Fair Mall on July 9, bringing an extraordinary entertainment experience to Santa Clara that elevates movie-going to an art form. What sets Alamo Drafthouse apart is its innovative dine-in cinema concept, where gourmet meals, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails are served right to your seat while you enjoy the latest films. Adding to the excitement, our location will be the first to showcase a partnership with Japan’s Toho International, featuring exclusive Godzilla-themed elements as part of their collaboration with the iconic kaiju franchise. This welcome addition to Valley Fair Mall represents exactly the kind of quality, innovative entertainment venue that enhances Santa Clara’s reputation as a destination for exceptional dining and entertainment, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome this unique business to our community.
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We marked an exciting milestone with the Bay Area Host Committee at Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park. We are one year out from the FIFA World Cup 2026 games! Our young soccer players and their families joined together to unveil the official countdown clock and world cup plaque to celebrate Santa Clara’s role as a host city. It was a day full of soccer spirit, local pride, and excitement as we look forward to welcoming the world to Levi Stadium next summer.
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This year marks the 70th anniversary of Joseph J. Albanese, Inc., a proud Santa Clara family business founded in 1955 by Joseph J. Albanese. Now led by his grandson, Phillip Albanese, the company continues its legacy of excellence in concrete construction while remaining deeply rooted in our community. I was honored to present Phillip Albanese, President and CEO, with a Special Mayoral Recognition celebrating their seven decades of hard work, innovation, and commitment to Santa Clara. Congratulations to the Albanese family on this remarkable milestone!
In closing, as we embrace the warmth and energy of summer, I encourage you all to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities our city has to offer. Whether you’re enjoying a movie night at our new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, participating in one of our many community events, or simply spending time with family and friends in our beautiful parks and neighborhoods, I hope this season brings you joy, relaxation, and memorable moments. Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together to make Santa Clara an even better place to live, work, and play. From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, happy, and wonderful summer filled with the spirit of community that makes our city so special.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor
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