Santa Clara County supervisors proclaim African American History Month and Saka Nakodar Day, honor educator Bob Nunez and county employees

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on an afternoon meeting approved its presented agenda, adopted proclamations marking February 2025 as African American History Month and Feb. 4 as Saka Nakodar Day, presented a commendation to retiring educator Bob Nunez and recognized county employee excellence award winners.

The board approved the agenda by roll call before moving into presentations. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from the five supervisors present; the chair said, “That carries with 5.”

The board read and adopted a proclamation declaring February 2025 as African American History Month in Santa Clara County. The board noted the month’s historical recognition at the national level and said the county would continue to mark the contributions of Black Americans. The board asked that the formal flag-raising for the proclamation take place at the San José City Hall ceremony on Feb. 7, 2025.

The board also presented a proclamation recognizing Feb. 4 as Saka Nakodar Day to remember four Sikh students killed in Punjab, India, on Feb. 4, 1986. Supervisor Arenas introduced the proclamation and described the killings and the family’s ongoing pursuit of justice. Supervisor Arenas said, in part, “On 02/04/1986, these 4 unarmed and peaceful Sikh students were killed by state police in Punjab, India in an unprovoked firing while participating in a peaceful religious procession and protest.”

A family member, introduced in the chamber as Dr. Harinder Singh, addressed the board and described the events and the family’s efforts to seek accountability. He recounted details that were included in an earlier judicial commission report and said that the family continued to press for justice. He told the board that the California State Assembly has recognized Feb. 4 as Saka Nakodar Day and thanked the board for the local recognition.

The board presented a commendation recognizing Bob Nunez for decades of work in education and public service. The proclamation summarized his career roles and leadership and noted his retirement from a leadership role with La Raza Roundtable de California. Nunez addressed the board briefly, saying, “You know, I don't like to speak, right? There's really only 1 thing I want to be able to say... Thank you.”

County Executive James Willing led the board in presenting the February employee excellence awards, recognizing staff from Valley Health Plan, the Office of the Medical Examiner, Pretrial Services, the Sheriff’s Office, Technology Services and Solutions, the Social Services Agency, and Santa Clara Valley Health. Winners named in the presentation included Carly Flores (Valley Health Plan), Charles Rios (medical examiner’s office), Gladys Arriaga (pretrial services), Sergeant Thomas Crevillo (sheriff’s office), and several others; the county executive described their work and the reasons each was chosen.

Meeting logistics and next steps: the board recessed the chamber session and announced it would reconvene for a subsequent meeting the following morning at 9:30 a.m., per the clerk’s announcement.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve presented agenda items: moved (mover not specified in transcript); second recorded as “Adanath.” Roll-call recorded five affirmative votes (Abe Kogan/Abe Koga: aye; Jung/Young: yes; Ellenberg/Allenberg: yes; Vice President Arenas: yes; President Lee: aye). Outcome: approved. (Transcript roll-call block preserved.)