A Bridge to Benefits
Happy Veteran’s Day! Today, we celebrate those that put on the uniform for our country. Thank you for your service of our democracy and freedoms. May the ideals of this nation never be threatened because of the willingness of others to defend them.
Watch our video and read our story about Santa Clara County Office of Veteran Services taking care of our veterans to help them get the services and benefits they’ve earned. https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/bridge-benefits.
We’re live with community leaders to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents in Santa Clara County following the results of the presidential election.
We’re live for a press conference to announce expanded services that target the ongoing substance use crisis, with additional inpatient and outpatient offerings being added that will serve thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents each year.
When you visit the County of Santa Clara animal shelter these days, you’re greeted by a whimsical sight: a giant Chihuahua puppy, playing and pouncing.
The pixelated video is part of a new art installation meant to enliven the experience of visitors to the state-of-the-art Animal Services Center, which opened in 2021.
“It really makes the Animal Services Center pop and stand out,” says Lisa Jenkins, manager of the shelter in San Martin. “It sets the tone for what we’re about. This isn’t a grim or sad place. We try to make it fun and engaging for people.”
Learn more at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/new-art-installation-enlivens-animal-services-center-san-martin
County of Santa Clara Animal Care & Control
Rise Up and Run!
We’re ready to run for an awesome cause! Lace up your sneakers and register for this year’s Rise Up and Run 5K to help Reentry clients get a fresh start with new clothes to help them back on their path to success. You can race virtually or with us on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Hellyer County Park. Get details at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanJose/ReentryResourceCentersRiseUpandRun5K.
Alviso Boat Tours
Millions of migratory birds and other endangered species call Alviso Bay Marina County Park and the neighboring preserve home. The rich landscape also attracts thousands of visitors every year. The best way to experience and learn about the area is by going on Santa Clara County Parks Alviso Boat Tour. Watch our video and read our story to see how awesome it is! https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/alviso-boat-tours
Jeffrey V. Smith Street Sign Unveiling Ceremony
There’s a Jeff Smith Drive in Hollis, N.H., a Jeff Smith Road in Hempstead, Texas, a Jeff Smith Lane in Poplarville, Miss., and a Jeff Smith Loop in Glennville, Ga. But across the U.S.A. there’s only one Jeffrey V. Smith Way and that’s at the entrance to Valley Medical Center in San José. County leaders said there’s a reason for that.
“If you’ve spent any time on this campus at all, you’ll know everything is done the Jeff Smith way,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian about the beloved ex-County Exec, who retired in July 2023. “And that’s just the way it is.”
Read about the renaming of Renova Drive to honor Dr. Smith at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/valley-medical-center-roadway-renamed-honor-former-county-executive-jeff-smith.
Collectors with Compassion | The County of Santa Clara Department of Tax and Collections
At the Department of Tax and Collections (DTAC), County of Santa Clara employees work by the mantra: “Collectors with compassion.” Their mantra reflects the core of their mission: to ensure that every interaction is guided by empathy and understanding. The DTAC team navigates a mixed landscape of financial responsibilities, handling everything from property taxes and medical bills to court-related debts and social services. Watch our video and read our story at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/collectors-compassion.
This Sunday, Sept. 1, the Santa Clara County Parks Vasona Lake County Park's boat launch ramp will be featured on OpenRoad on NBC Bay Area. Learn how the ramp was redesigned and rebuilt for people with disabilities to have access to the lake. If you can’t find the program on your DVR, you can watch our video!
Lofgren and Local Leaders Celebrate Federal Funding for Housing Projects in Santa Clara County
The County has secured more than $2.6 million in funding to support our unhoused veterans and agricultural workers with the help of Representative Zoe Lofgren. These funds will go toward critical projects to improve housing for farm workers and help veterans experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. These projects also advance two of the County’s top policy priorities: improving access to housing and promoting sustainability. Read more at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/lofgren-and-local-leaders-celebrate-nearly-27-million-federal-funding-housing-projects-santa-clara.
Pavement Rehabilitation Projects on Two County Expressways Ready to Begin
The County is about to begin a pair of pavement-rehabilitation projects on the County’s busiest commuter corridors: the Lawrence and San Tomas expressways. The projects will make the roads smoother and safer for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Motorists should expect delays during construction, which is expected to last three to four months, depending on weather. Learn more at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/pavement-rehabilitation-projects-pair-county-expressways-ready-begin
County of Santa Clara and HCA Healthcare Press Conference on the Acquisition of Regional Medical Center
The County of Santa Clara and HCA Healthcare have tentatively agreed on the County’s acquisition of Regional Medical Center (RMC). This move would integrate RMC with the Santa Clara Valley Healthcare system operated by the County, preserving critical healthcare services for Santa Clara County residents.
“Making Regional Medical Center part of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare’s network of hospitals and clinics will ensure that East San José and the surrounding community continue to have access to top-notch Level II trauma, comprehensive stroke, specialized heart attack, and ultimately, labor and delivery care,” said County Executive James R. Williams. “In addition, the County will not have to make significant investments to expand staffing and facilities at our other hospitals, which would otherwise be required, by building on HCA Healthcare’s facility investments and operations at Regional Medical Center.”
Read more at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/county-santa-clara-and-hca-healthcare-reach-agreement-county-pursue-acquisition-regional-medical
Answers to frequently asked questions are available at https://news.santaclaracounty.gov/frequently-asked-questions-regarding-potential-acquisition-regional-medical-center-county-santa