Building a Better Community

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Building a Better Community

Whether you are a new resident, or a long time Santa Claran, this guide is intended to help you learn more about services provided by the City, and where you can get additional information. Our current fast-paced lifestyle and extensive business base is relatively new to an area rich in historical heritage. Ohlone Indians, the Valley’s first inhabitants, hunted and fished throughout the fertile land. In 1777, Spanish padres chose the area as the site of Mission Santa Clara de Asis, the eighth of 21 missions. Until the 1950’s, Santa Clara enjoyed a period of rich agricultural growth. Orchards of walnuts, prunes, apricots and peaches stretched out over the Valley.

More recently, with the invention of the silicon chip and development of other advanced technology, orchards have given way to homes and businesses. Santa Clara is in the center of the internationally known region, "Silicon Valley." The Santa Clara Convention Center is host to many public shows as well as private functions. Paramount’s Great America, the largest family entertainment center in Northern California, is just one City attraction. You will also find art, music, community theater, sports, and youth and senior citizens activities, and a great climate for business.

The Santa Clara City Council meets most Tuesdays, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. The Chambers are located in City Hall, at 1500 Warburton Avenue. Meetings are open to the public. For details about topics on upcoming City Council agendas, stop by either of the two City Libraries or the City Clerk's Office to review complete copies of agenda materials. Council agendas can be viewed online at the City Clerk's Database. Council meetings are broadcast live on Municipal Cable Channel 15. Meetings are rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Don't have Cable TV? Tapes are available at either City library for patron check-out.

Santa Clara provides most utilities in the City, including electricity. In addition, the City provides outstanding emergency services, including Police, Fire, and emergency 9-1-1 personnel, and has a long tradition of other quality public services and a well-maintained infrastructure. Santa Clara has implemented programs to maintain and preserve existing housing affordable to low and moderate income groups, as well as add new units of affordable housing. Call City Hall if you are interested in receiving more information on specific programs or services! General information: 615-2200 or 615-2210.