HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene April 2023 - 04.01.2023
APRIL 2023SCENE
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
2023 Earth and Arbor Day Festival
Celebrate Environmental
Protection in Cupertino
PLUS: LEARN ABOUT TREE SPECIES AND LEAVES | FOOD WASTE EMISSIONS: LANDFILL
VS. COMPOST | LEARN ABOUT LOCAL CRITTERS AND WILDLIFE
Lehigh Southwest Cement Plant
and Permanente Quarry Town Hall
The Santa Clara County Supervisor’s Office, in partnership with the City of Cupertino, is
holding an in person public meeting with a hybrid option to provide an update on the
Lehigh Southwest Cement Plant and Permanente Quarry.
For more information visit district5.sccgov.org/5th-district/events.
Wednesday, April 26
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
CONTENTS
FEATURES
3 Earth and Arbor
Day Festival
Community members of all ages are invited
to this interactive event to learn about
environmental issues and solutions.
6 Match the Trees
and Leaves
Read about some of the trees in
Cupertino and take our quiz to see
if you can identify their leaves!
IN
S
I
D
E
5 Food Waste Emissions:
Landfill vs. Compost
See the impact of food waste in
Cupertino, and their emissions when
they end up in the landfill or compost.
9 A Nature Preserve in the
Middle of Cupertino
Read about McClellan Ranch
Preserve, the gem of nature and
wildlife at the heart of the City.
10 Calendar of Events
Find upcoming holiday events,
classes, and more!
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 scene@cupertino.org.
2
Celebrate Our Community
at the Earth & Arbor Day Festival
On Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the
Cupertino Library Park Field will be alive with energy as
thousands of community members gather to celebrate
our planet at Cupertino’s Earth and Arbor Day Festival.
The event will go on rain or shine.
At Cupertino’s Earth and Arbor Day Festival, we
celebrate our planet and our trees by coming
together as a community. Find resources, activities,
and conversation to inspire residents, businesses, and
community members to take action to reduce their own
impact on our planet.
This festival features more than 75 booths hosted by
local non-profits and businesses, hands-on activities, live
entertainment, a family tour through Regnart Creek Trail,
and so much more.
Earth and Arbor Day Festival honors the achievements of
the environmental movement and raises awareness of
the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future
generations. Our community is committed to protect our
planet from climate change and maintain the health of
our people, animals, and natural environment.
cupertino.org/earthday
Cupertino’s Earth and Arbor Day Festival
Saturday, April 22 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Library Park Field
3
Reducing Pollution at Home
According to a Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study, nearly 50 billion pieces of litter were
found along U.S. roadways and waterways. That equals 152 items for each U.S. resident. Over half of that
litter is reported to end up in our creeks, rivers, and oceans.
When it rains, stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants that have the potential
to flow into local creeks and the Bay where they can harm fish and other wildlife. The main sources of litter
include: overflowing or uncovered waste bins, pedestrian litter, waste falling from the car, and illegal dumping.
Did you know our local creeks lead into the San Francisco Bay? Pollution prevention is an integral part of
keeping the City’s creeks and San Francisco Bay clean and healthy, and the work starts at home!
You can help keep our waterways safe and clean. Here are helpful tips for preventing pollution to ensure
that only rain goes down the storm drains:
• Bring your car to a commercial car wash
instead of washing at home. When washing
at home, detergents and soapy water will run
off your driveway into the streets and enter
the storm drains. Commercial car washes are
equipped to treat this wastewater.
• Make sure your garbage carts are closed and
not overflowing on collection day. Litter can
easily fall out or be picked up by the winds.
• Dispose of chemicals and hazardous
waste responsibly through HHW.org.
• Utilize less toxic gardening methods.
Chemicals can easily run off from
your garden or lawn into the gutter
and storm drains. Learn more at
mywatershedwatch.org/residents/less-
toxic-gardening.
4
Please do your part to prevent pollution and report illegal dumping.
Learn more at cupertino.org/cleanwater.
Energy Efficient Travel:
Nothing Beats the Bicycle
Mice, bees, hummingbirds, and salmon are some of
the most energy efficient animals when moving from
place to place. Dogs, horses, cows, and humans are the
opposite; we typically move slow or burn a lot of calories
when we run. Thankfully, humans invented the bicycle
to accelerate our travel! With a bicycle, people can go
three to four times faster than walking and only use a third
of the energy.
Electric cars, scooters, and even bikes are better for the
planet than their gasoline-powered counterparts—but
a standard, human-powered bicycle requires almost no
energy to travel the same distance. This makes it the best
choice for many people to get around town. The Energy
Efficiency in Transportation chart shows the energy used
to travel one kilometer.
Biking around Cupertino is as efficient as a salmon
swimming down a stream—in Cupertino, we have
separated bike lanes and special bike cross walks to make
biking as safe and easy as possible. Find out more about
bike accessibility at cupertino.org/bikeplan.
In honor of Earth Day and Bike Month, we invite you to
consider how your transportation choices can reduce your
ecological footprint. Find your bicycle, dust it off, and take
it for a spin. Then you, too, can be energy efficient like a
hummingbird or bee.
THE MAGIC OF COMPOSTING: EASILY REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE EMISSIONS
Many people compost or sort their food scraps
to help the earth. Studies back up that choice, and
calculate the environmental benefits associated with
keeping organic materials out of landfills.
Here is a chemistry lesson to explain the basic science:
Landfill gas is made up of roughly 50% carbon dioxide
(CO2) and 50% methane (CH4). The methane is
developed due to the anaerobic decomposition—
lack of oxygen—that takes place in a landfill. Whereas
a compost pile decomposes aerobically—with oxygen—
producing mainly carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon
dioxide produced depends on what material is in the
compost pile and how much oxygen it gets.
Different greenhouse gases have more heat-holding
capability in the atmosphere. Methane can hold 25
times more heat than carbon dioxide. This means that
the more methane there is in the atmosphere, the more
heat is trapped. This is one reason that the earth
is heating up faster.
According to a waste study conducted in Cupertino,
50% of our garbage (by weight) is food waste and goes
straight to the landfill where it creates methane. The
good news is that it is easy to divert your food waste
from the landfill.
HOME COMPOSTING: Put your fruit and veggie scraps
in your backyard home compost or worm bin. Home
composting creates a nutrient rich soil amendment
which is great for your garden. Cupertino residents
can receive a free compost bin after attending a
free compost workshop taught by UC Composting
Education Program.
CURBSIDE COMPOSTING: Put your food scraps in your
green organics cart, and put your cart out every
week for collection. Recology will pick up this organic
material and process it at South Valley Organics. This
facility processes approximately 40,000 tons of organic
material every year. You can even add your meats,
bones, and cheeses to your curbside organics cart.
Visit cupertino.org/compost to learn more about
composting options and start sorting today.
5
What Tree Is That?
Identify tree species by unique leaves in Cupertino
The City of Cupertino maintains more than 22,000
trees, which consist of over 250 types of tree species.
It can be challenging to recognize them all, but
identifying different tree types is a valuable skill and can
impress your friends and relatives.
Sometimes you can identify a tree by the type of bark,
how tall it is, or the growth pattern, but leaves are
one of the easiest features to help you determine the
type of tree you’re looking at. Different tree leaves
will vary in shape, texture, color, and size. See if you
can identify Cupertino’s most common tree species
by the appearance of their leaves on the next page.
Do you want to identify even more tree types around
the City? Each City-maintained tree has a tag on it. To
learn more, you can use your phone to scan the tag or
go online to cupertino.org/trees to visit the City’s Tree
Plotter application.
This Tree Plotter app will provide details about each
unique tree, such as how many pounds of greenhouse
gases that tree has removed from the atmosphere.
The app also shows features like height, age, and
maintenance schedule.
6
Match the leaves to the descriptions!
MAPLE LEAVES resemble the
shape of a hand with five lobes
that extend in a finger-like
fashion from a central point.
SPRUCE LEAVES are needle-
like leaves, which are jointed
near the stem on a separate
woody base.
OAK LEAVES have either five or
seven rounded fingers with a
wavy edge.
ELM LEAVES have edges
like saw teeth and are often
lopsided at the base.
WALNUT LEAVES are very large
with 13 to 23 leaflets per leaf.
The trees in Cupertino are important for providing clean air, shade, clean waterways, and reducing erosion.
Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat.
On Saturday, April 29, the City of Cupertino celebrates Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a national holiday much like Earth
Day, that celebrates nature. Its purpose is to encourage people to plant trees, and many communities traditionally
take the opportunity to organize tree-planing events on the holiday, including in Cupertino as part of the Earth and
Arbor Day Festival.
Join our Arbor Day tree planting celebration on Earth Day, April 29 at 9 a.m.
on Orange Avenue and see what new tree is being added to Cupertino’s urban forest.
D
2
E
3
B
4
A
5
C
1
Check page 11 for the answers and see how you scored!7
Cupertino Runs on Clean Energy
Recent Achievements
The path towards a low carbon world starts right here
at home. Cupertino has shown strong leadership and
consistent community support that are making ripples
across the world. Cupertino recently ranked among the
top 120 cities around the globe with an “A” in climate
action.
Here are a few updates that highlight some of the
sustainability work in Cupertino:
• Passed an ordinance that waives fees for large
properties that want to remove turf grass and place
drought-tolerant landscaping.
• Streamlined permit review process for building new
electric vehicle charging stations.
• Adopted an updated building code which
requires new construction to be built to the highest
environmental standards.
• Began planning for major capital investments over
the next few years in our own fleet of vehicles and
landscaping equipment with low emissions.
• Supported the Capital Improvements team on
the design of the new City Hall Annex building,
which will be renovated with modern, clean
electric technologies.
Looking Forward
Looking forward, the City is excited to add to
our portfolio of sustainability programs. With new
development in technology, the City realized that
residents would benefit from a novel way to become
familiar with zero-carbon homes.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy awarded the City of
Cupertino a grant to develop and test a virtual reality
environment that will take the user on a virtual tour of a
carbon-free home.
The virtual reality project is just one strategy listed
in the City’s Climate Action plan 2.0. The goal is to
make these resources widely available in the region
and continue to lead the conversation about home
decarbonization. More information about this project
will be posted to our website as we start development
work in late summer 2023.
Helping Customers with Rising Energy Costs
Joining our neighboring communities to form the
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority continues to
pay dividends for the environment and for household
budgets. 22,780 households and businesses in Cupertino
collectively saved $348,000 compared to other retail
electricity rates. Every person in the community has
felt the sting of higher energy rates, largely caused by
interruptions in the fossil fuels supply chains due to global
events. Cupertino sees a path towards a decarbonized
energy supply as a step towards greater energy security
and resiliency in the future.
More information on Silicon Valley Clean Energy’s
progress report can be found at svcleanenergy.org
Cupertino’s Energy Results: Clean, Reliable, Affordable
82% reduction in electricity-
related emissions (16.540,000
pounds greenhouse gas
emissions avoided)
$84,160 in cash payments
to customers for generating
surplus solar energy
$348,000 in on-bill savings for
Cupertino customers
($4,546,000 since launch)
22,780 households and
businesses receiving
clean energy from
carbon-free sources
8
A Nature Preserve
in the Middle of
Cupertino
N estled in the neighborhoods of Cupertino, this gem
of nature shines. McClellan Ranch is a designated
nature preserve—a protected area of importance for
plants, animals, and other natural features preserved
and managed for conservation and to provide special
opportunities for research, education, and the enjoyment
of nature.
Stevens Creek is a watershed that channels rainfall and
moisture from the Santa Cruz mountains down to the San
Francisco Bay. This provides a critical migration route and
spawning grounds for the Central California Coast Steelhead
Trout, a species that was declared threatened due to
blockages and pollutants along the waterway. By protecting
this creek area, we are helping protect this species.
It is also critical to preserve the riparian ecosystem
surrounding the creek as it offers a uniquely rich habitat for
a host of native California wildlife. The floodplain meadow
adjacent to the creek is a key part of the preserve and an
abundant wellspring of biodiversity. Grassroots Ecology is an
integral partner in restoring and preserving this wildlife habitat
by planting native vegetation, controlling invasive species,
and encouraging people to become stewards of nature.
The more we learn about nature, the more we can protect
and appreciate our natural environment. Our on-site
Environmental Education Center supports this mission.
Learn more: cupertino.org/mcclellanranch
A Springtime
Walk Along the
Stevens Creek Trail
Enjoy the sights and sounds as you
meander from McClellan Ranch to
Blackberry Farm. Starting out you may
begin to see Black-tailed Deer with their
spotted fawns and Brush Rabbits foraging
in the meadow. Listen for the sounds of
hawks overhead, scurrying California Quail,
or busy Acorn Woodpeckers. Passing by
the 4H farms you may be greeted by the
goats and alpacas. As you approach an
open turf area surrounded by benches
and redwoods, a Swallowtail Butterfly may
float across the air. At the playground area,
you’ll see Scenic Circle Bridge which is
excellent for viewing Merganser or Mallard
Ducks drifting in the stream.
Going past the pool area you’ll start to hear
the rippling of the creek. Walk along the
Sycamore tree-lined path before you cross
the bridge to wind through the Stocklmeir
orchards. Smell the orange blossoms and
you may see Monarch Butterflies flutter
about. This is just a sampling of what you
could observe on a spring day.
Scenic, family-friendly walks on the Stevens Creek Trail
1. McClellan Ranch to Blackberry
Farm—2 mile out-and-back,
paved ADA accessible path.
2. Nature Trail—short loop along
creek and meadow, bumpy dirt
path, no dogs or bikes allowed.
3. McClellan Ranch to Linda
Vista—1.2 mile out-and-back, part
gravel, part paved, slight grade.Blackberry Farm
McClellan Ranch Preserve
9
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Big Bunny 5K
Saturday, April 8
8:30 a.m. | 5K Race
9:30 a.m. | Kids Fun Run
Cupertino Civic Center
Run, walk, or hop to the Big Bunny 5K and Kids Fun
Run—this is an event you won’t want to miss! Kids
aged 7 and younger will have a blast on a special
course built just for them at the Kids Fun Run.
Register at cupertino.org/bigbunny5k.
<hack> Cupertino
Saturday, April 15 to
Sunday, April 16
Quinlan Community Center
<hack> Cupertino is a 13-
hour overnight hackathon
organized by Cupertino’s
Youth Activity Board and Cupertino’s Parks and
Recreation Department. During our opening
ceremony, <hack> staff will present a problem
that teams will have to work together to address.
For more information, visit cupertino.org/
hackcupertino.
Earth and Arbor Day
Saturday, April 22
Cupertino Library Park Field
Read more on page 3 or visit
cupertino.org/earthday.
Join-A-Ranger: Wild Flowers
Saturday, April 22
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Environmental Education Center
at McClellan Ranch Preserve
Spring is upon us and many of the native flora are
in full bloom. Join the Park Rangers as we walk
through McClellan Ranch Preserve, exploring
identification properties, ecosystem services,
connection to wildlife, and how native flowers
were a part of the everyday life for the Ohlone
Indians. Registration is required, sign up at
reg4rec.org.
The Blackberry Farm Spring Swing Scramble
Sunday, April 23
10 a.m.
Blackberry Farm Golf Course
Join us for a fun morning of golf in the very first
Blackberry Farm Spring Swing Scramble. Shotgun
start tournament—all levels and ages welcome!
Each participant will receive a goodie bag. Prizes,
snacks, and fun for all! Register at reg4rec.org.
10
Join-A-Ranger: Wildlife Tracking
Saturday, April 29
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Environmental Education Center
at McClellan Ranch Preserve
Join the Park Rangers for a fun-filled wildlife
tracking class. You’ll learn about species
identification through their tracks and sign-
tracking. Become a nature detective and learn
to read the ground like a storybook through the
art of tracking. Registration is required, sign up at
reg4rec.org.
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Memorial Park, Quinlan Community Center,
and Senior Center
Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister Cities Inc. is proud to
present the 39th annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
This fun family festival honors Cupertino’s sister
city relationship with Toyokawa, Japan by sharing
Japanese arts and culture with the
entire community.
Summer Camps
Registration has begun!
June 12 to August 18
Camps start June 12 and run through
August 18. See the City’s summer camp
schedule at cupertino.org/camps.
Answers: 1. D 2. E, 3. A, 4. B, 5. C
11
CUPERTINO SCENE
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10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
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City Directory
City of Cupertino
Department Phone / Email
Building Department ...................................(408) 777-3228
Building@Cupertino.org
Business License ...........................................(408) 777-3221
BL@Cupertino.org
City Clerk ......................................................(408) 777-3223
CityClerk@Cupertino.org
City Manager ..............................................(408) 777-3212
Manager@Cupertino.org
Code Enforcement .....................................(408) 777-3182
Code@Cupertino.org
Planning Department .................................(408) 777-3308
Planning@Cupertino.org
Recreation ...................................................(408) 777-3120
Recreation@Cupertino.org
Senior Center ...............................................(408) 777-3150
Senior_Center@Cupertino.org
Sports Center ...............................................(408) 777-3160
Recreation@Cupertino.org
Street Light Maint. .......................................(408) 777-3342
StreetDivision@Cupertino.org
Street Sweeping ..........................................(408) 777-3269
Engineering@Cupertino.org
Tree Maint. ...................................................(408) 777-3410
Engineering@Cupertino.org
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.org/cupertino311 or call (408) 777-3200.
The Cupertino Scene is printed on post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy ink.
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For information on becoming a certified Green Business, visit cupertino.org/GreenBiz.