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Dear Santa Clara Community,
As we enter November, I’m filled with gratitude for the progress and milestones our city continues to achieve. From the exciting Sutter Health medical expansion that will enhance healthcare access for our residents, to the Mission Branch Library celebrating an incredible 70 years of service to our community, Santa Clara has much to celebrate. I recently had the privilege of sharing insights on our city’s strong business climate, and I’m thrilled about the extraordinary opportunities ahead as we prepare to welcome the world for Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup 2026. As we look toward the holiday season, I hope you’ll join us for our annual Tree Lighting ceremony in December as we come together to celebrate the warmth and spirit of our community.
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Santa Clara just welcomed a healthcare game-changer: the new Sutter East Santa Clara Care Center opened Oct. 20, bringing comprehensive primary care, pediatrics, urgent care, specialty services, imaging, and lab work all under one roof in a stunning 300,000 sq. ft. facility. No more waiting weeks for appointments or driving across town for different services. Even better? This 800 million investment is just phase one, with additional specialty care centers opening in 2027 and hundreds of new medical jobs coming to our community. It was my honor to present Sutter Health with a Mayoral Commendation recognizing their commitment to keeping quality healthcare close to home.
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Our beloved Mission Branch Library is celebrating a remarkable milestone, 70 years of serving Santa Clara! Since opening its doors on October 30, 1955, with 19,000 books on its shelves, this cherished community cornerstone has been a place where generations of families have discovered the joy of reading, learning, and connection. What began in 1902 as two rented rooms on Franklin Street has blossomed into a neighborhood treasure that continues to shape young minds and build dreams. This library holds a special place in my heart, it was the very first library I visited as a five-year-old, clutching my brand-new library card with excitement. Seven decades later, it remains a symbol of lifelong learning and the enduring power of community spaces that bring us together.
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On Oct. 16, I had the privilege of participating in “An Exciting Year Ahead in Silicon Valley,” a dynamic forum hosted by the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol at the Plug and Play Tech Center. Alongside San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and distinguished industry leaders, including Saeed Amidi of Plug and Play, Rob Lillis from NASA’s EXCAPADE Mars Mission, Warner Thomas of Sutter Health, and Shanker Trivedi from NVIDIA, we explored the breakthroughs and transformations that will define our region’s future. The conversation reinforced what makes Silicon Valley truly special: our ability to bring together government, technology, healthcare, and space exploration under one roof to tackle tomorrow’s challenges today. These collaborative dialogues are essential as we prepare for the extraordinary opportunities ahead, from hosting our events in 2026, to continuing our legacy as the global epicenter of innovation. Thank you to Deanna Tryon and Maryam Muduroglu for orchestrating this important exchange of ideas.
Mark your calendars for Friday, Dec. 5, as Santa Clara celebrates the 114th anniversary of our beloved Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Central Park from 5:30 to 8pm. Join us for an evening of festive fun featuring live entertainment on the Holiday Stage, the special proclamation for our Honorary Tree Lighter, photos with Santa, and delicious treats from local food vendors. This cherished tradition brings our community together to kick off the holiday season with the magical lighting of our magnificent tree, topped by Teddy, a Santa Clara tradition for over a century. Bundle up and bring your family and friends for this special night of holiday cheer!
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As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of how much we have to be grateful for in Santa Clara. From world-class healthcare and century-old libraries to groundbreaking innovation and cherished traditions, our city embodies the very best of community spirit.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Mayor. I wish you and your families a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of those you hold dear. Here’s to the bright future we’re building together!
With gratitude and warm wishes,
Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor
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