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A SEASON OF GRATITUDE AND GROWTH
As December arrives and we enter the holiday season, I am filled with gratitude for the extraordinary vitality and community spirit that defines Santa Clara. This past month has brought remarkable developments that will shape our city's future, from groundbreaking healthcare investments to wonderful cultural performances and the steadfast dedication of our civic organizations. It's been a privilege to witness our community come together in so many meaningful ways, and I'm excited to share these highlights with you.
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November brought tremendous news for healthcare access in our community with Sutter Health's announcement of a new flagship hospital near Mission College. This is part of their overall $2.8 billion investment in Santa Clara, and will bring a state-of-the-art, 272-bed hospital, expected to open in 2031. This facility will expand healthcare capacity, improve ambulance response times, and provide more options for families who need quality care close to home. I was honored to participate in this historic announcement, which represents the largest investment in Sutter Health's history and demonstrates strong confidence in Santa Clara's future.
Our talented young performers at Roberta Jones Junior Theatre delighted audiences with "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka". With 65 cast members who had been rehearsing since late August, the production brought the magical world of chocolate and golden tickets to life at our Community Recreation Center. These performances showcase the incredible talent of our youth and the dedication of our Parks and Recreation Department in providing high-quality theatrical experiences. It's wonderful to see our children learn teamwork, creativity, and confidence through the performing arts.
We welcomed Bafang Dumpling to Santa Clara Square Marketplace with their grand opening celebration. This popular Taiwanese fast-food chain, which opened its first restaurant in Taiwan in 1998, brings authentic dumplings, potstickers, and Taiwanese noodle soup to our community, making Santa Clara the location of their first Bay Area restaurant. It's exciting to see Santa Clara Square continue to attract diverse dining options that reflect our community's rich cultural tapestry.
I had the honor of connecting with several dedicated fraternal organizations this month who exemplify the spirit of service that makes Santa Clara special. The California-Hawaii Elks Association held their mid-term conference at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara on November 7, attracting more than 1500 attendees for this energized multi-day gathering. It was my privilege to represent our city and present a Certificate of Special Mayoral Recognition to Mita Dey, Exalted Ruler of Santa Clara Elks Lodge #2347, whose contributions to the organization and community are truly limitless. Also in attendance were Father Gerald from St. Justin's Parish, who provided a special blessing, and SCUSD Trustee Kathy Watanabe. The Elks organization is well-known for their ongoing community service work, for which we in Santa Clara are forever grateful.
I was also privileged to attend the Silicon Valley Golden Hearts Lions Club of Santa Clara's Youth Mental Health & Wellness Fundraiser at Hotel Valencia at Santana Row. This wonderful service organization is being officially chartered this year with Santa Clara as its home base, and their focus on supporting mental health and wellness initiatives for our youth is truly commendable. It was an honor to present the club with a special mayoral commendation from the City of Santa Clara in appreciation of their contributions to our community.
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On Nov. 28, a shooting occurred at Westfield Valley Fair Mall that injured three people with non-life-threatening wounds. Thanks to the rapid response of the San Jose Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, our own Santa Clara Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the situation was quickly contained. I'm grateful to report that the suspect has since been arrested. This incident reminds us of the critical importance of public safety in our shared spaces. Valley Fair is our shared space, and its safety is our shared duty. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Chief Cory Morgan and the entire Santa Clara Police Department, as well as to our partners at the San Jose Police Department, for their professionalism, dedication, and seamless collaboration. Your commitment to keeping both our communities safe does not go unnoticed.
As we approach the holidays, I want to wish you and your loved ones a season filled with joy, peace, and togetherness. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply take time to appreciate family and friends, I hope this season brings you warmth and happiness. Serving as your Mayor continues to be one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for your engagement, your dedication to our community, and for making Santa Clara such a special place to call home. Here's to a wonderful December and a bright new year ahead!
With warm regards,
Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor
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