IN RECOGNITION OF JOE SIMITIAN
WHEREAS, Joe Simitian has represented Palo Alto, among other jurisdictions, in public office since 1983, an unprecedented 41 years of continuous public service to our community. Joe has held office in local and state government, including Palo Alto Unified Sc hool District Board of Education, Palo Alto City Council and as Mayor, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, California State Assembly, and California State Senate; and
WHEREAS, Joe grew up in Palo Alto, performed at the Children’s Theatre, graduated from and was a student leader at Palo Alto High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude from Colorado College, a Juris Doctor degree and Master of City Planning degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Arts degree in International Policy Studies from Stanford University; and
WHEREAS, a wide range of organizations recognized Joe as “Legislator of the Year” throughout his career, including: Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters, Californians Against Waste, Calif ornia School Boards Association, California National Organization for Women, California State University System, San Andreas Regional Center, California Library Association, NAACP San Jose/Silicon Valley, and Junior Leagues of California; and
WHEREAS, Joe prioritized connecting directly with local constituents and engaging them in the public process through initiatives like hi s annual “There Oughta Be A Law” contest, a monthly “Capitol Focus” interview program, regular “Sidewalk Office Hours” at neighborhood farmers markets, and presentations of his “13 Tips for Successful Advocacy” lecture to local organizations; and
WHEREAS, as a state legislator Joe established a strong record of principled leadership on climate protection, women’s health, public safety, and early childhood development; and
WHEREAS, for decades, Joe has led in creation of affordable housing in Palo Alto including, spearheading the preservation of Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, establishment of Palo Alto’s first safe parking site, funding for the 88-unit Project Homekey transitional housing project for families and individuals, the 110-unit teacher housing project in Palo Alto, and the 50-unit affordable housing project in Palo Alto serving disabled adults; and
WHEREAS, Joe has long been committed to universal access, health services, and youth mental health. Joe led in the funding for the first Magical Bridge Playground providing access for all. He drove provision of the first youth psychiatric beds within the County, the creation of the Allcove center for children and teens to access mental health care, and the creation of the first Valley Health Care Clinic in the north County; and
WHEREAS, Joe led in protecting the foothills in the development of the first Stanford Community Plan to assure that development impacts are fully mitigated.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby express my thanks and appreciation to Joe Simitian for his leadership, vision, and dedication throughout his exceptional years of public service.
Presented: December 9, 2024
APPROVED:
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Mayor Greer Stone
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Vice Mayor Ed Lauing Council Member Pat Burt
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Council Member Lydia Kou Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims
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Council Member Greg Tanaka Council Member Vicki Veenker
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Manager City Attorney
Proclamation