Parks and Recreation Director City of Santa Clara, California   At the center of the Silicon Valley is the City of Santa Clara, with a population of about 129,488, just 45 miles south of San Francisco. This 170-year-old city is rich with history. For example, Santa Clara University is the oldest institution of higher learning in California and is home to the eighth California mission. Recently named one of the ten safest cities in America, the City has also been named as one of the most livable American cities because of its outstanding quality of life and opportunities for individual and business success.    The City of Santa Clara enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually and beautiful tree-lined street