HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr_July Spring 2024 - 04.15.2024
APRIL - JULY 2024SCENE
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
Earthbound Chronicles:
Cupertino’s Sustainable
Efforts for Today and Beyond
PLUS: HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATES | CELEBRATE AT THE ANNUAL EARTH
AND ARBOR DAY FESTIVAL | MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
A Message from
the City Manager
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you all
as we embark on another quarter filled with progress,
opportunities, and community engagement.
As your City Manager, it is my privilege to lead our
dedicated team in serving and enhancing our vibrant
city. Each quarter, we look forward to sharing updates,
highlights, and important information through the
Scene newsletter to keep you informed and connected
with the latest developments in our community.
From infrastructure projects and upcoming events to
initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, our newsletter
serves as a window into the heartbeat of our city.
This edition focuses on our Earthbound Chronicles—
more specifically, Cupertino’s environmental
conservation and sustainability efforts for today and
beyond, starting with the beloved Earth and Arbor Day
Festival. We hope you will attend this family-friendly
event and explore ways to give back to the community
while championing sustainability.
You will also find updates on Cupertino’s housing and
urban developments, such as the Rise, Westport Senior
Apartments, and streamlined two-story permitting
process. We are also excited to unveil an emergency
awareness dashboard, that brings information, from
weather-related to public safety response times, at
your fingertips.
I encourage you to explore these pages, stay informed,
and get involved.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as
we work together to build a stronger and more resilient
Cupertino.
Pamela Wu
City Manager
CONTENTS
FEATURES
4 Mobility Options
Learn about Cupertino’s efforts to
promote greener commuting and
reduce its carbon footprint.
6 Celebrate the Earth
with Cupertino
Join the Cupertino Earth and Arbor
Day Festival in raising awareness about
protecting our Earth and its resources.
IN
S
I
D
E
7 Free Bulk Compost Available
Pick up compost for your garden from
two convenient locations.
8 Housing and Development
Explore the latest updates in
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
regulations, the Housing Element, and
permitting for two-story residences.
11 Calendar of Events
View a compilation of upcoming,
family-fun events.
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at communication@cupertino.gov.
2
We Love Hearing
From Our Readers
“We just finished reading the last magazine edition and
wanted to express our gratitude. We absolutely love your
newsletter, and while it is sad that the frequency has gone
down due to budget cuts, we still look forward to finding the
magazine in our mailbox whenever it does come. We recently
moved to Cupertino after spending our 20s moving around
the country. Regularly traveling for work and personal reasons
make it difficult to feel at home; however with this move and
your newsletter, it becomes easy to remember our community
and yearn for it when we are gone. This magazine keeps us
tethered to our local neighborhood and makes us want to
engage in it, through every event, class, and offering. We
have learned so much whether it’s about what is
available locally or just a random fun fact that
sparks our interest. Thanks again for putting so
much effort into the magazine - you can feel
the love and as such, it makes our love for
Cupertino grow as well.”
- Ana & Sam
“Hello Cupertino Communication,
I am a proud resident of Cupertino and I love to
receive the Scene magazine and read what’s
happening in Cupertino.
I just wanted to provide some feedback. I really
like the section where it shows the new businesses
which opened. I think that is a great summary and is
helpful to help me pick new places to try.
Keep up the good work!!!”
- Peter D.
“I really appreciate the information you provide to
residents to keep us aware of what is happening in our
community. I am a very senior citizen, and I love hearing
about things in which I might be able to participate.”
- Kathy K.
Send us your feedback at “communication@cupertino.gov”
Connect
with Us
Get involved and stay connected
with the community. Cupertino offers
various avenues to keep up-to-date on
developments, programs, safety, events
and more.
Cupertino 311, an app
available for download in
Google Play and the App
Store, provides residents with
improved access to report
issues such as graffiti, potholes,
and illegal dumping to the City
to address and other helpful
City information. Learn more
or submit a service request at
cupertino.gov/311.
Stay engaged by following us
@CityofCupertino on Facebook,
X (Twitter), and Instagram
for updates, events, and
community highlights.
Be sure to visit the City’s
website, cupertino.gov, for
comprehensive information,
resources and more.
Subscribe to GovDelivery
for timely and crucial
announcements to keep
informed about the latest
news, projects, and programs
that shape our community at
cupertino.gov/enotification.
Take advantage of the opportunities
to stay connected with what’s
happening in Cupertino!
3
MOBILITY OPTIONS
Sustainable Transportation
with the SV Hopper Program
In the effort to move towards sustainable transportation,
the SV Hopper microtransit shuttle program is
revolutionizing urban mobility. With a fleet composed
entirely of all-electric vehicles, this program is not just a
ride service, but a symbol of environmental stewardship.
The SV Hopper initiative promotes Cupertino’s
commitment to reducing carbon emissions and
combating climate change. By replacing gas-powered
vehicles with zero-emission electric shuttles, the program
makes significant strides in cutting down on urban air
pollution. This shift holds particular importance in cities,
where vehicle emissions contribute heavily to the
formation of smog and poor air quality. Through the SV
Hopper program, Cupertino not only reduces its carbon
footprint, but also serves as an effective tool to help the
City achieve its ambitious Climate Action Plan goals.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the SV Hopper
program is designed to enhance community access
to essential services. It connects riders to major transit
centers, making public transportation more accessible
and convenient. With reliable service to Mountain View,
Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara Caltrain stations, SV Hopper
is a realistic door to door solution for individuals seeking
alternative transportation options.
The program emphasizes shared rides, which foster
a sense of community and encourages alternative
transportation use. It reduces traffic congestion
and promotes a more active, engaged, and
environmentally conscious lifestyle among citizens.
As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of
implementing sustainable transportation, SV Hopper
stands as an example of what can be achieved
through innovation and community-focused planning.
On Tuesday, February 13, Silicon Valley (SV)
Hopper service surpassed 100,000 total completed
trips. This increased ridership in January is primarily
attributed to its consistent popularity among City
of Cupertino users, strong ridership to Caltrain
stations, and the service expansion to the City of
Santa Clara, which began in November 2023.
For more information on SV
Hopper, scan the QR code
or visit cupertino.gov/shuttle.
4
Vision Zero Action
Plan Update
The City of Cupertino is developing a Vision Zero Action Plan
to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and serious
injuries to zero. A community meeting was held Tuesday,
January 23 and the draft plan was presented to the Bicycle
Pedestrian Commission Wednesday, March 20. The Plan is
anticipated to be presented to the City Council for adoption
in April. As a community member, we seek your input to help
make Cupertino streets safer. For more information about
future community meetings, visit the project website:
cupertino.gov/visionzero.
Clean Energy Funding
New Electric Vehicle Assistance Program Available to Multifamily
and Commercial Properties
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers the Multifamily
and Small Business Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger program, which
installs EV chargers at eligible properties at no cost within the
utility’s territory. This innovative program aims to install 2,000
EV chargers across the PG&E service area, promoting equity
in EV adoption. Ecology Action, PG&E’s third-party Program
implementer, will install the EV chargers at no cost on your
qualified property located in a priority community. Properties
outside the priority community are asked to pay a cost-share
after PG&E’s up to $6,000 per EV charger contribution.
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/43rKaU9 to
learn more and apply on the Multifamily and
Small Business Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
Program website.
Reduce Energy with the DIY Toolkit
A new sweepstakes item (valued at up to $230) is available
when you check out a DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkit from your
local library. This Toolkit serves as a free resource for renters and
homeowners to optimize your energy savings. In February, SVCE
introduced new premium energy-saving devices, such as smart
power strips and smart LED light bulbs, to include in the Toolkits. As
part of the sweepstakes, customers have the chance to win a big-
ticket item like a smart electric tower fan or a portable induction
cooktop. To enter, customers must post a photo of an energy-
saving tool and tag @svcleanenergy on Facebook, LinkedIn,
Instagram, or X. Learn more at svcleanenergy.org/diy-toolkits.
Safe Routes to
School Recruiting
High Schoolers!
The way we choose to travel to school
impacts our physical and mental health,
the safety of everyone on the roads, and
even our environment. Apply to represent
your high school on the Safe Routes to
School Working Group and help make
Cupertino healthier, safer, and more fun!
Apply by Sunday, April 21 at
cupertino.gov/saferoutes/hsrep.
If you have any questions, contact Safe
Routes at saferoutes@cupertino.gov or
(408) 777-7609.
Student Representatives
Needed for 2024-25
School Year
Apply by Sunday,
April 21
Learn more at
bit.ly/43nOOT0
Introducing E-Fleet
The City of Cupertino recently purchased
two 2023 base model Ford F-150 Lightning
electric trucks. These purchases were
made in alignment with recent State of
California mandates that require 50% of all
fleet purchases be zero-emission vehicles
starting 2024. The State further requires that
100% of vehicle purchases be zero-emissions
vehicles starting in 2027. The Ford F-150’s
have a range of 240 miles on a single charge
and can perform the same work as other
gas-powered vehicles. The Public Works
Department, in collaboration with Silicon
Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), is preparing
plans to expand the electric vehicle charging
infrastructure at the City of Cupertino Service
Center. SVCE is preparing these plans for the
City free of charge.
Scan the QR code for more
information on the state’s
mandate or visit ww2.arb.
ca.gov/our-work/programs/
advanced-clean-fleets. 5
CELEBRATE AT THE EARTH AND ARBOR DAY FESTIVAL
Celebrate our planet at Cupertino’s Earth and Arbor
Day Festival on Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at the Cupertino Library Park Field, 10400 Torre Avenue.
Earth Day is an international holiday that honors the
achievements of the environmental movement and
highlights the importance of preserving Earth’s natural
resources for future generations.
At Cupertino’s Earth and Arbor Day Festival, we
celebrate our planet and trees by joining as a
community to provide resources, activities, and
conversation to inspire all to take action.
This Festival will feature over 100 booths hosted by
local nonprofits and businesses, hands-on activities,
live entertainment on a solar-powered stage, and
food trucks serving delicious food and beverages
in reusable containers.
Our community remains committed to protecting our
planet from climate change and maintaining the health
of our people, animals, and natural environment.
For more information about the festival, visit
cupertino.gov/earthday. The event will happen
rain or shine.
Environmental Recycling Day
Do you have unwanted stuff? Environmental
Recycling Day and On-Call Collection are Available!
On Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon, the
City will be hosting its Paper Shredding and
Environmental Recycling Day at De Anza College
parking lot A, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard. This
event offers residents a free drive-through, drop-off
service to encourage the extended use of products
and to prevent valuable resources from being sent
to the landfill.
View acceptable items at
cupertino.gov/environmentalday.
Got a bulky item that is not fit to donate?
Use the On-Call Pick-up program!
Cupertino residents are eligible for two on-call
collections per year at no additional cost. Get
your damaged or unwanted items picked up
at the curb. Call Recology to schedule your
pick-up at (408) 725-4020.
6
Pick Up Free
Compost for
Your Garden
The City of Cupertino offers free bulk
compost to all Cupertino residents
at two different sites: Stevens Creek
Quarry and Sunnyvale’s SMaRT station.
1. The compost site at Stevens Creek
Quarry will be open (weather
permitting), each Friday and
Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon
between Friday, March 29 through
Saturday, October 26. To check the
status call (408) 777-1320.
2. The SMaRT Station in Sunnyvale
offers compost and mulch for
Cupertino residents to pick up.
Compost is available during the
SMaRT Station’s normal hours of
operation, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven
days per week.
Cupertino residents must show
proof of residency and provide
their own shovels and containers.
No appointment is needed.
Learn more at cupertino.gov/compost.
Creek Cleanup Day
Did you know our local creeks lead into the San Francisco
Bay? It’s essential to prioritize pollution prevention to ensure
the cleanliness and the health of our water systems. Pollution
prevention remains important year-round; however, it is especially
important during the rainy season when stormwater can pick
up debris, chemicals, and other pollutants that flows into local
waterways harming fish and other wildlife. Help keep our creeks
and Bay safe and clean by participating in a creek cleanup.
Whether you host your own cleanup or join in events like National
River Cleanup Day on Thursday, May 18, you’ll contribute to
protecting our rivers. Stay current with upcoming cleanup events
and sign up to be notified when National River Cleanup Day
registration opens, at cleanacreek.org.
7
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
Housing Element Update
Submit your feedback and help shape the future of housing in
Cupertino. The City of Cupertino submitted a Third Draft of the
2023-2031 Draft Housing Element in February 2024. The revised Third
Draft Housing Element is now available for review on the City’s
website. The California Department of Housing and Community
Development’s (HCD) 45-day review period ends
on April 12, 2024.
For more information scan the QR code or visit
engagecupertino.org/public-documents.
Streamlined
process for ADUs and
Two-Story Permits
To improve efficiency and customer service, the City has
streamlined the processes for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
and two-story permits.
ADUs are small, secondary units built on the same property as
a larger, main home. ADUs are an affordable type of home to
construct in California because they do not require paying for
land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, elevators, and
even impact fees, in some cases. In Cupertino, you can have up
to three ADUs on single-family property and up to two ADUs on
duplex property. You can find more information about ADUs on
the City’s website, including FAQs and a step-by-step guide to the
permitting process.
Earlier this year, the City Council also approved an ordinance,
eliminating the discretionary two-story permit review process.
Removing this process streamlines the residential permitting
process, saving residents time and money to upgrade their
homes. All applications for new two-story residences or additions
to existing single-family residences will remain subject to the
approval of a building permit, which will be reviewed by Planning
staff for compliance with codified development standards, such
as building setbacks, floor area limitations, and height.
Westport Senior Apartments
Westport Senior Apartments is another new development occurring in
Cupertino. Consisting of 48 new construction units, these apartments
provide affordable rental housing opportunities for seniors aged 62 years or
older. With a convenient location on Stevens Creek Boulevard surrounded
by shopping, educational, and recreational resources, Westport has great
amenities including a community room with a kitchenette, laundry facilities,
bicycle storage, security features, and more.
For more information
scan the QR code or
visit bit.ly/3vmdWNB.
The Rise
The City has approved the second
modification to The Rise development
pursuant to streamlined, ministerial processes
allowed under state law for projects
that include a specified percentage of
affordable housing units. Formerly the Vallco
Town Center Development, the Rise is a
mixed-use housing development with 2,669
units, of which 890 units are affordable to
lower income households. The modified
project also includes 47 townhomes. The
project also includes approximately 1.95
million square foot of office space, 226,000
square foot of retail space, and at-grade
open space areas. The approval documents
and approved plans are available online at
cupertino.gov/vallcosb35.
For more information
scan the QR code or
visit bit.ly/4cjO05L.
8
Wow! Tea
A family-owned business, WOW! Tea serves bubble
tea made with high-quality tea leaves, organic
milk, and various toppings, whether you are
looking for a classic milk tea or something more
adventurous. Cupertino is WOW! Tea’s first location
in the US.
Cupertino Business
Outreach Program
Cupertino’s thriving business community is vital to
the city’s economic success. The City’s Cupertino
Business Outreach Program (CBOP) is an important
resource for local businesses. The program
establishes a dialogue with local businesses,
understands their unique needs, and connects
them with resources that can help. By visiting
businesses in person or virtually, our team can gain
valuable insights and identify areas where we
can improve our support. If you’re interested in
scheduling a visit with the Economic Development
Team, email Econdev@Cupertino.org.
For more information
scan the QR code or
visit cupertino.gov/cbop.
Local Business
Updates
WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME THESE NEW
BUSINESSES TO CUPERTINO:
Check out new businesses and
explore our city by scanning the
QR code or visiting
cupertino.org/businessmap.9
Exciting Event!
Emergency
Awareness
Dashboard
Stay up-to-date with the Emergency
Awareness Dashboard - a one-stop
source of information designed for
monitoring real and potential hazards
impacting Cupertino.
Learn more at
Cupertino.gov/
emergencydashboard.
Engage with the
City Budget
During April, City staff will host “Budget
TeaM Time,” a series of budget outreach
events to educate the community
on budget-related topics through
Community Engagement Booths, Focus
Groups, and a Community Budget
Meeting #2. These events are your
opportunity to get engaged with the
City’s budget. Your input is invaluable
in guiding these decisions, and we
encourage you to join us and share your
thoughts on what matters most to you
and your community.
For more information, visit
cupertino.gov/communitybudgetevents.
Special Event!
Induction Cooking
with Chef Yan
Turns out, YAN CAN COOK! Join us for a sizzling event
with celebrity chef Martin Yan at “Induction Cooking Live
Experience”. Hosted by the City of Cupertino and the
County of Santa Clara, this event is your ticket to mastering
the art of induction cooking. Dive into the culinary genius
of Chef Yan as he whips up a mouth-watering dish from his
latest cookbook, “Best of Yan Can Cook.” This live cooking
showcase, set for Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at
the Quinlan Community Center, promises to enlighten
you on the benefits of electric induction cooking, a safer,
healthier, and unmatched cooking experience compared
to traditional natural gas.
Attendees will sample Chef Yan’s exquisite dishes and
discover valuable resources and rebates to make the
switch to induction cooking a breeze. Plus, don’t miss your
chance to be entered into a drawing to win your very own
induction cooktop unit! For details and to secure your spot
at, visit sccinductioncupertino.eventbrite.com.
10
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
<hack> Cupertino
April 13 to 14
Quinlan Community Center
Organized by Cupertino’s Youth Activity Board and the
Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department, <hack>
Cupertino is a 13-hour overnight hackathon designed
to solve a (secret) problem presented during the
Opening Ceremony.
For more information, visit cupertino.gov/hackcupertino.
Baer Blacksmith Shop
Saturday, April 27
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McClellan Ranch Preserve
Learn about early Cupertino history and the craft of
blacksmithing at the restored Baer Blacksmith Shop.
Environmental Education Center
Saturdays
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McClellan Ranch Preserve
Visit the City’s animal ambassadors and engage with
preserve staff at the Environmental Education Center.
Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, June 6 to August 8
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Memorial Park Amphitheater
View the 2024 Summer Concert Series lineup
at cupertino.gov/summerconcert.
Cupertino Campout
July 20 to 21
Creekside Park
Pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars with
friends and family. No camping experience is necessary.
Visit cupertino.gov/campout for more information.
4th of July Celebration
Pancake Breakfast
7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Quinlan Community Center
Flag Raising and Children’s Parade
10 a.m.
Memorial Park
Children’s Parade will begin concluding Flag Raising.
Concert
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Memorial Park Amphitheater
Featuring the music of ‘Phil n the Blanks’ Band.
For additional information, visit cupertino.gov/4thofjuly.
Cupertino Summer Camps
As summer draws near, our camps are gearing to
kick off on Monday, June 17 and will continue
through Friday, August 9.
To view the City’s summer camp schedule, visit
cupertino.gov/camps.
50+ ACTIVITIES
Live Well Age Well Health Expo
Friday, May 10
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Cupertino Senior Center
Discover the resources tailored for individuals ages 50
and older needed to live a positive and healthy life
at our expo event! Explore booths and educational
sessions to learn about our community and its health
resources. Activity demonstrations will be offered for the
opportunity to get active and learn new exercises. Plus,
the first 50 attendees will receive a free lunch. For those
interested, boxed lunches will be available for purchase
while supplies last.
Spring 50+ Scene
See what socials, events, and
classes the Cupertino Senior
Center has planned by visiting
cupertino.gov/senior and flipping
through the April to May 50+ Scene.
11
City Directory
City of Cupertino
Department Phone / Email
Building Department ...................................(408) 777-3228
Building@Cupertino.gov
Business License ...........................................(408) 777-3221
BL@Cupertino.gov
City Clerk ......................................................(408) 777-3223
CityClerk@Cupertino.gov
City Manager ..............................................(408) 777-3212
Manager@Cupertino.gov
Code Enforcement .....................................(408) 777-3182
Code@Cupertino.gov
Planning Department .................................(408) 777-3308
Planning@Cupertino.gov
Recreation ...................................................(408) 777-3120
Recreation@Cupertino.gov
Senior Center ...............................................(408) 777-3150
Senior_Center@Cupertino.gov
Sports Center ...............................................(408) 777-3160
Recreation@Cupertino.gov
Street Light Maint. .......................................(408) 777-3342
maintenance@Cupertino.gov
Street Sweeping ..........................................(408) 777-3269
maintenance@Cupertino.gov
Tree Maint. ...................................................(408) 777-3410
maintenance@Cupertino.gov
Other Agencies
Organization Phone Number
Animal Control ........................................................(408) 794-7297
AT&T ..........................................................................(800) 331-0500
California Water Service .........................................(650) 917-0152
Chamber of Commerce ........................................(408) 252-7054
Comcast ..................................................................(800) 945-2288
Cupertino Library .....................................................(408) 540-3947
Cupertino Sanitary District ......................................(408) 253-7071
Cupertino Union School District .............................(408) 252-3000
Fremont Union High School District .......................(408) 522-2200
Hazardous Waste Drop-off .....................................(408) 299-7300
PG&E .........................................................................(800) 743-5000
Project Sentinel (Landlord/Tenant Issues) .............(408) 720-9888
Recology (Garbage & Recycling) ........................(408) 725-4020
San Jose Water Company .....................................(408) 279-7900
Santa Clara Registrar of Voters ..............................(408) 299-6863
VTA (Transportation Authority) ...............................(408) 321-2300
Vector Control, Santa Clara County ....................(408) 918-4770
First Responders
Emergency Calls ...................................911 or (408) 299-3233
(Police, Fire, Medical)
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office ..............(408) 299-2311
(Non-Emergency)
Santa Clara County Fire Department ...........(408) 378-4010
(Non-Emergency)
Need to report an issue or have a City-related question?
Visit: cupertino.gov/cupertino311 or call (408) 777-3200.
The Cupertino Scene is printed on post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy ink.
The newsletter is produced by a certified Bay Area Green Business and is recyclable.
For information on becoming a certified Green Business, visit cupertino.gov/GreenBiz.
CUPERTINO SCENE
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