July Newsletter: Community, Collaboration, and Celebration
As summer settles into Santa Clara, I am reflecting on what a vibrant and inspiring month June has been. From honoring community leaders and young achievers to preparing for global events and enjoying live music under an umbrella of wisteria, this city continues to show up for one another in the best ways. Here is a look at what we have been up to.
 We have officially kicked off our Economic Development Committee meetings to plan for Super Bowl 60 and the upcoming FIFA events, and the excitement is real. We met twice in June, on the 2nd and the 23rd, and I could not be more inspired by the creative and forward thinking energy in the room.
From residents to business owners and key partners, everyone is coming together to figure out how Santa Clara can activate in ways that are meaningful, fun, and unforgettable. We will be sharing our city’s event motto soon, and I think it will be worth the wait. This talented group is imagining ways to bring joy, visibility, and unity to our city. I cannot wait for you to see what is coming. If you are interested in participating, it is certainly not too late. The next meeting will be on July 14, from 4-5:30 p.m. at Central Park Library’s Redwood Room.
It is not every day you get to spend time with two living legends. This month, I had the absolute privilege of sharing a few lunches with Rod Diridon Sr. and Dr. Gloria Duffy, two Santa Clara residents whose fingerprints are woven into the very fabric of Bay Area history.
Dr. Duffy served in the Clinton Administration, holds a PhD in weapons of mass destruction (OMG mind blown, what a boss), and currently serves as CEO of the Commonwealth Club, one of the most respected public forums in the nation. Rod Diridon Sr. (you might recognize a certain San Jose train station named in his honor) helped shape the entire transportation landscape of our region. As he tells it, it all began when he “naively” said yes to joining a transportation commission as a Saratoga councilmember. That single yes helped launch decades of progress.
Rod even handed me a copy of the T2010 Master Plan for Santa Clara County. This visionary document expanded on the original two corridor Rail Master Plan. It imagined extensions to the 47 mile Caltrain line from San Jose to San Francisco and the 21 mile Guadalupe Light Rail from South San Jose and Almaden to North San Jose and Santa Clara. Today, we are living the legacy of those decisions. It is an incredible reminder of how vision and leadership can shape the daily lives of generations to come.
Being invited into their circle, hearing their stories, and learning from their decades of service is something I will always treasure. They remind me why this work matters and how essential it is to understand the history that brought us here, especially if we hope to build a better future.
Thank you Rod and Gloria. XOXO.
On June 13, the pavilion was packed and the dance floor stayed full as The Houserockers brought down the house at our first Concert in the Park of the season. The band was outrageous, the crowd was glowing, and the dancing? Let us just say it was half joyful expression, half cardio workout, and one hundred percent worth it.
Santa Clara summers were made for music, laughter, and spending time with neighbors. Do not miss the Street Dance coming up, and make sure to support our incredible Parks and Recreation team for bringing these beloved traditions to life. See the “What to Do in July” section below for more events.
In June, I had the honor of recognizing two extraordinary young men, Robert Ray and Charaka Kodituwakku, as they earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. This milestone represents more than just years of dedication. It reflects a deep commitment to leadership, service, and personal growth.
Earning the Eagle Scout award requires a rigorous journey of merit badges, community service, and a capstone project that leaves a lasting impact. Robert and Charaka completed this journey with determination, humility, and a clear sense of purpose and earned fifteen extra merit badges each. Celebrating their achievements with their families, friends, and Troop 394 was a powerful moment filled with pride, gratitude, and hope.
These young leaders are already shaping the world around them, and their efforts remind us that strong communities are built not just by policy or plans but by individuals willing to serve, lead, and step up when it matters. Their accomplishments are proof that the values of service and integrity are alive and well in the next generation.
It was an unforgettable ceremony and a meaningful reminder that the future is bright and growing right here among us, one act of service at a time.
Congratulations to One Workplace on celebrating one hundred years of business. This remarkable company has played a central role in shaping how we think about space, whether it is designing offices, hospitals, schools, or city buildings.
To celebrate a full century of success, innovation, and partnership right here in Santa Clara is a milestone worth shouting from the rooftops. Cheers to One Workplace on this incredible achievement, and here is to the next one hundred years of doing work that matters.
June brought a meaningful moment of cross city collaboration as Santa Clara’s and San Jose’s District Six communities came together to elevate the voices of three neighborhood groups impacted by a major construction project near our shared border. I was grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Cory Neighborhood, members of the South of Forest Neighborhood, the Concerned Cory Group, and San Jose Councilmember Michael Mulcahy.
If I may take a moment to reflect, I believe the responsibility of any public servant is to set aside personal views in order to listen with intention and amplify the voices of those they represent. It is not enough to consult a few voices. We must make every effort to reflect the will and needs of the broader community.
The residents from these neighborhoods reached out with care, clarity, and commitment. They showed up to the San Jose Council meeting united, prepared, and passionate. Sharing this moment is not about the outcome of a particular project. It is about what can be achieved when neighbors come together, organize thoughtfully, and speak as one.
It was truly an honor to witness their unity, and I am thankful to have played a small part in supporting such a strong expression of community advocacy.
Event: Fourth of July Celebration
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Location: Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd
Join the City of Santa Clara for a festive, family-friendly Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy lawn games, live entertainment, and delicious food from local food trucks. Bring a blanket for a picnic with family and friends. End the night with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:35 PM set to patriotic music, courtesy of California's Great America.
More info: SantaClaraCA.gov/4thofJuly
Event: Free Disposal Day
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: Appointment required
Location: Provided upon registration
Santa Clara residents can dispose of bulky items including appliances, e-waste, mattresses, and furniture. Hazardous waste, automotive parts, pressure-treated wood, and putrescible waste are not accepted.
To schedule: Call MTWS at 408-727-5365 between June 30 and July 11. Proof of residency required.
Event: Economic Development and Marketing Committee (Ad Hoc)
Date: Monday, July 14
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Central Park Library – Redwood Room
The committee will focus on the establishment of economic development programs and opportunities related to major 2026 events.
Event: Community Meeting – Franklin Square Paid Parking Project
Date: Monday, July 14
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers and via Zoom
City staff will provide updates and gather public input on the Franklin Square paid parking study.
Zoom Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 844 2937 3657 | Phone: +1 669 444 9171
Event: Roberta Jones Junior Theatre presents "Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr." Date: Thursday, July 17
Time: 7 to 8:15 p.m.
Location: Mission City Center for Performing Arts
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole on a whimsical adventure through Wonderland in this magical youth production.
More info: RJJT.org
Event: Sunset Cinema – The Wild Robot (Rated PG)
Date: Friday, July 18
Time: 7:45 to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Central Park
Enjoy a free outdoor movie screening under the stars with family and friends.
More info: SantaClaraCA.gov/SunsetCinema
Event: Concerts in the Park featuring Orquesta Borinquen (Salsa)
Date: Friday, July 25
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Central Park Pavilion
Enjoy live salsa music, dancing, and delicious food in a beautiful outdoor setting. Presented by the Santa Clara Cultural Commission.
More info: SantaClaraCA.gov/Concerts
In closing - thank you for taking the time to read about the many ways our community is coming alive with energy, connection, and purpose. I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve, to listen, and to lift up the stories that often go untold.
And in truly groundbreaking municipal news, the Council voted last week to end meetings at midnight. That is right. Midnight. Not one minute later. A win for transparency, good governance, and our circadian rhythm.
Happy Summer,
 Kelly
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