Community Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Upholding Shared Values and Serving All Residents
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — A cross section of community leaders, including the County of Santa Clara board president and county executive, held a press conference on Friday, Nov. 8, and issued a statement regarding the election of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
The statement, titled “We Stand United,” underscores a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents, including historically targeted groups.
The statement, signed by more than 50 leaders throughout the county, reads:
"We come together to send a clear message that regardless of what happens nationally, community leaders in Santa Clara County are committed to ensure everyone in this community is safe, has the resources they need to thrive, and knows they are welcome here.
"We must acknowledge the harm that many in our community experienced during Donald J. Trump’s previous administration. We also understand the anxiety and fear the results of this election bring to many of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. At the same time, we are confident that our community is ready to face the challenges ahead.
"We respect the democratic process. And we are now called to commit collectively to uphold the values of our region and bolster the progress we have made locally. This commitment must be rooted in the painful impacts that regressive policies and hateful rhetoric have had on historically targeted groups, including people of color; immigrants; Muslim Americans, Jewish Americans and other religious minorities; women; people with disabilities; and LGBTQ+ individuals. We will work unwaveringly together towards policies that advance inclusion and justice and act to ensure that communities in need have essential resources and safe spaces so all can thrive.
"This statement is not a political stance; rather, it reflects our deep commitment to the well-being of our community. We encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged in our local community. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a Santa Clara County resident, get involved in local movements, and donate to support local organizations.
"Together we will meet this moment grounded in our shared humanity. We stand united in solidarity and resilience, and pledge to build upon our work to protect the safety and dignity of all people."
For resources related to immigration, visit the County of Santa Clara Office of Immigration Relations' resources webpage or the San José City Manager's local immigration and community resources webpage.
Read the statement in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
To view a recorded livestream of Friday's event, visit the County of Santa Clara's Facebook page.
To view a recorded livestream of Friday's event, visit the County of Santa Clara's Facebook page.
A partial list of community leaders who have signed the "We Stand United" statement includes:
- County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg
- County of Santa Clara Supervisor Sylvia Arenas
- County of Santa Clara County Executive James R. Williams
- San José Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei
- San José City Councilmember Domingo Candelas
- San José City Councilmember David Cohen
- San José City Councilmember Pam Foley
- San José City Councilmember Sergio Jimenez
- San José City Councilman Peter Ortiz
- San José City Councilwoman Dev Davis
- Saratoga Vice Mayor Belal Aftab
- Sunnyvale City Councilmember Omar Din
- Sunnyvale City Councilmember Richard Mehlinger
- Los Gatos Town Councilmember Rob Moore
- Mountain View Mayor Pat Showalter
- Mountain View City Councilmember Lucas Ramirez
- Mountain View City Councilmember Emily Ann Ramos
- Gilroy City Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz
- Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen
- San José Deputy Police Chief Jaime Jimenez
- Eladio Cortes Morales, SIREN (Services, Immigration Rights, and Education Network)
- Dianna Zamora-Marroquin, Planned Parenthood/Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley
- Jessica Paz Cedillos, School of Arts and Culture, Mexican Heritage Plaza
- Jean Cohen, South Bay Labor Council
- Amy Chan, The Health Trust
- Kyra Kazantzis, Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits
- Regina Williams, SV@Home
- Maria Noel Fernandez, Working Partnerships USA
- Saul Ramos, SOMOS Mayfair
- Victor Vasquez, SOMOS Mayfair
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multicultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the United States. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.
Visit the County of Santa Clara at: www.santaclaracounty.gov
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MEDIA CONTACT: Office of Communications and Public Affairs, [email protected], (408) 299-5119