HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene December 2022 - 12.01.2022
DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
The Most Wonderful
Time of the Year
Celebrate the End
of Year Holidays in
Cupertino
PLUS: LOOKING BACK AT THE 2022 CITY WORK PROGRAM | PROTECT YOUR PORCH FROM
PACKAGE THIEVES | LEARN ABOUT UTILITY AND TAX SAVINGS
The Winter 2023
Recreation Schedule
is Here!
Find an activity at
cupertino.org/recreation
CONTENTS
FEATURES
3 De Anza Student
Housing Program
Learn more about how the City and De
Anza College are working together to
help students struggling with the costs
of housing.
4 A Look Back at the
City Work Program
Check out some of the highlighted projects
that were completed over the past year.
IN
S
I
D
E
7 Protect Your Packages
Make sure to protect your porch
to ensure your incoming packages
don’t get stolen.
9 Unwrapping the Secrets
of Waste Sorting
Learn what to do with your wrapping
paper, ribbons, and other waste from the
holiday season.
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
City of Cupertino and De Anza College
Team Up to Offer Students Housing Aid
The City of Cupertino contributed $50,000 in grant
funds to help create the De Anza College Housing
Assistance Grants Program to assist students who are
struggling with the region’s high cost of housing.
With generous financial support from the City, De Anza
is able to provide one-time emergency grants of up to
$2,000 for eligible students who may be facing eviction
or need help with move-in costs.
To qualify, a student must be listed on the lease for a
rental in Cupertino, must be taking at least six units at
De Anza College and have already completed at least
12 units, and must show financial need by qualifying for
the California College Promise grant.
Students are also required to complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid and become a
client of West Valley Community Services, which helps
administer the housing program.
Interested students can learn more at the City’s
Housing website at cupertino.org/housing or through
email to Erika Flores at floreserika@deanza.edu.
Please visit the City’s Housing Programs and Resources
website for additional support at
cupertino.org/housingprograms.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SERVE
ON A CITY COMMISSION?
Cupertino residents are encouraged to apply for positions
on City commissions that will have vacancies in January of
2023. Commissions with vacancies include: Bicycle Pedestrian
Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, Housing Commission,
Library Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning
Commission and Technology Information and Communications
Commission. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday,
January 6, 2023.
Applications can be submitted via the Online Commission
Application at cupertino.org/vacancies. For more details,
please see the website or email the City Clerk’s office at
cityclerk@cupertino.org.
3
Looking Back at the
City Work Program in 2022
The City of Cupertino’s Work Program guides the major efforts of the City for the upcoming fiscal year.
The City Work Program ensures that staff efforts are aligned with the goals set by the City Council and the
community. This approach keeps the City transparent and holds us accountable to focusing resources on
strategies that best serve our community’s needs and aspirations. The City Council led the City in a wide
variety of projects, focusing on different aspects to improve the quality of life for the Cupertino community.
Take a look at some of the highlights from the past year:
Housing
The City collaborated with West Valley Community
Services (WVCS) to create a pilot program to
provide jobs to two unhoused Cupertino residents.
The pilot launched in October 2020 and it provided
employment, housing support, training, case
management, and clothing to two residents.
WVCS also provides work clothing, motel payment and
housing search support, training and job coaching,
and case management. This pilot was extended for
another year in order to provide more residents in need
with the opportunity for employment.
While these are just a couple of the major projects
that the City has accomplished, there are many more
across a wide variety of areas. Under the guidance of
City Council, this year also saw the Climate Action Plan,
Personal Preparedness Campaign, and so much more.
To learn more about the projects from the City Work
Program, visit cupertino.org/cityworkprogram.
4
Environmental
The Mayor’s Cup Challenge, an event
designed to challenge invited speakers and
members of our community to discuss the
environmental impact of single-use plastics,
was held on May 14 at the newly expanded
Cupertino Library. A full recording of the
event can be found at
cupertino.org/mayorscupchallenge.
Additionally, on September 6, the City
Council adopted an ordinance to ban
single-use plastic food ware and carryout
bags. Phase one became effective on
October 6, requiring that utensils, straws, and
other accessories are only to be provided
when asked for. Phase two will become
effective on September 6, 2023 and will
require the use of fiber-based food ware
instead of plastic. This ordinance will help
reduce the unnecessary use of single-use
disposable plastic food service ware by
restaurants and other food facilities. More
information on the ordinance can be found
at engagecupertino.org/single-use-plastics.
5
Stay Informed
and Get Engaged
With Housing in
Cupertino
The City is continuing through the
process of the 6th Cycle Housing
Element Update, a pivotal opportunity
to shape the future of Cupertino. The
Housing Element is a comprehensive
policy document that identifies where,
how, and how much housing Cupertino
must plan for in order to accommodate
existing and future housing needs for
people of all income groups.
In accordance with State law, the City
must update its Housing Element every
eight years, and the 2023-2031 period
is the sixth time the Housing Element
is being updated. The City expects
to accommodate new housing units
through past Housing Element sites and
new locations.
Public participation is a key component
of the Housing Element Update. It allows
community members the opportunity to
present and discuss concerns and hopes
for the future of Cupertino. You can
get the latest updates, find out when
to participate in upcoming meetings,
and share your feedback through open
surveys all on the EngageCupertino
platform at engagecupertino.org/
housingelement.
How to Use
the Pedestrian
Scramble
“All-Walk” Phase “Don’t-Walk” Phase
...at the intersection of Bubb Road
and McClellan Road
6
The City’s first Pedestrian Scramble traffic signal phase is
coming to the intersection of Bubb Road and McClellan
Road! What is a Pedestrian Scramble? It’s a phase at
an intersection when all traffic signals turn red to allow
pedestrians to cross any legs of the intersection. This will
happen during school commute hours starting in mid-January.
During the Pedestrian Scramble, all cars in all directions
will have red lights at the same time, and cars will not
be allowed to turn right on red. Pedestrians will have the
walk signal during this time, allowing them to cross in all
directions. Pedestrians should not cross diagonally—the
all-walk phase will be long enough to cross two legs of the
crosswalk in one light.
When cars have green lights, pedestrians will see the
“Don’t Walk” indication and they should wait on the
sidewalk. Pedestrians, DO NOT CROSS when the traffic
light is green, only when the walk signal is on. Separating
vehicular and pedestrian traffic in this way will make the
intersection safer.
Protect Your Packages This
Holiday Season
The holiday season is here! While the sense of normalcy
returns after the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to do most
of our shopping online. With that comes the risk of package
thefts. The West Valley Patrol would like to remind residents that
package thieves are out in full force during the holiday season.
Between 2019 and 2021, the total approximate value of known
stolen packages in the City of Cupertino was $22,508. The
gift-giving month of December sees the highest number of
package thefts. Packages left on the doorstep or porch are
susceptible to theft. Here are some other options to prevent
package theft:
1. Have a neighbor or relative pick up the package or collect
the package in your absence.
2. Schedule delivery to your place of work, if permitted.
3. Request the shipper hold the package for pick-up.
4. Utilize shipping lockers offered by some companies.
5. Track the package and collect it as soon as
it’s delivered.
6. Give delivery instructions to keep the package hidden or
placed in a side yard, if possible.
The holiday season is always a busy time of year and can
provide several distractions. The West Valley Patrol would like
to remind everyone to report any suspicious activity by calling
9-1-1 or the Sheriff’s non-emergency number at (408) 299-2311.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
Total Package Thefts By Month 2019 - 2021
Total Value Loss
0 5 10 15
2019 2020 2021
$15,754
$2,855 $3,899
7
Save on Your Utility Bills and Tax Fees
Have you felt the spending pinch this holiday season?
Saving on utility bills and property fees is a great way to
help your wallet this season. See if you qualify for any of
the cost savings opportunities listed below:
Energy Bill (PG&E):
PG&E offers two discounted programs:
1. California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
program: A monthly discount of 20% or more on
gas and electricity. Participants qualify through
income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public
assistance programs.
2. Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): A
monthly discount of 18% on electricity only. Must be
a household with three or more people.
Participants qualify through income guidelines.
Learn more and apply online at pge.com/carefera
or call (866) 743-2273.
Garbage Bill (Recology):
Residents who are currently enrolled in the PG&E CARE
program can get a reduced rate of up to 50% off their
garbage bill. Providing proof of enrollment in PG&E’s
CARE program is required.
Contact Recology at (408) 725-4020 or
recologysouthbay@recology.com for more information.
Water Bill:
Water discounts vary depending on your water service
provider. We have two providers in Cupertino.
• San Jose Water customers can apply for the
Customer Assistance Program (CAP), formerly known
as Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP), which
provides a 15% discount on the total water bill for
eligible low-income customers. Learn more about
the eligibility requirements at sjwater.com/wrap.
• CalWater customers can apply for the Customer
Assistance Program (CAP—formerly LIRA). Customers
who meet the income guidelines will qualify to
receive a fixed monthly discount equal to 50% of
the 5/8 x 3/4-inch meter service charge. Learn more
and apply online at calwater.com/cap.
• Valley Water also offers a discount to low-
income seniors. For more information, email
seniorexemption@valleywater.org or call
(408) 630-2810.
Clean Water and Storm Protection Fee
Cost-Savings Rebate:
Qualifying property owners can receive a 20% discount
off the Clean Water and Storm Protection fee on future
property tax bills. You can apply online at cupertino.org/
watercostshare or call (408) 777-3236 for help.
Holiday Coat Collection Drive is Back
The City of Cupertino, in partnership with Recology, is
hosting its annual Coat Collection Drive. Community
members can drop off new or gently used coats
between now until Wednesday, December 21 in the
Cupertino Library Lobby, 10800 Torre Avenue.
Donated items will be given to Sacred Heart
Community Services, which will distribute
them to those in need this holiday
season. For questions, email
recologysouthbay@recology.com
Give the Gift of Warmth this Holiday Season
8
Unwrapping the
Secrets of Waste Sorting
W hile opening presents is a fun and exciting experience, it can
lead to the floor being scattered with packaging and wrappings. Help
create a better environmental solution by sorting your gift debris with
these guidelines.
Wrapping Paper: Mostly Recycle
Regular wrapping paper (including the glossy type) is often recyclable
as long as it isn’t metallic, glittery, or has anything else embedded in
it that is not paper. Glittery, metallic paper should not be burned in a
fireplace as burning these releases toxic metals into the air. Toss the
fancy paper in the garbage and recycle the rest, and no need to peel
off the tape before recycling.
Bows and Ribbon: Garbage
Unfortunately, most ribbons and bows are not recyclable and need to
go in the garbage.
Cardboard Box: Recycle
Cardboard is one of the easiest materials to recycle. Make sure to break
down the boxes. If you have too many boxes to fit in your recycle bin,
bundle them neatly and set them on the side of your recycling cart.
Other Protective Packaging:
There are several different types of protective packaging.
Here are a few of the most commonly seen.
• Plastic air pillows: Garbage
• Packing peanuts: Garbage
• Styrofoam™ blocks: Garbage
• Cardboard: Recycle
• Tissue paper: Recycle
• Mixed materials (two materials such as plastic and metal glued
together): Garbage
Reusable wrapping is a great zero-waste alternative to paper.
Consider swapping out that wrapping paper for gift bags or fabric.
City Hall
Holiday Closures
C upertino City Offices will be
closed and nonoperational from
Friday, December 23, 2022 through
Monday, January 2, 2023 and will
reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Cupertino City Hall
Nonoperational from Friday,
December 23, 2022 through Monday,
January 2, 2023 and will provide
services again Tuesday,
January 3, 2023.
Quinlan Community Center
Closed from Friday, December 23,
2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023
and will provide services again
Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Senior Center
Closed from Friday, December 23,
2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023
and will provide services again
Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Blackberry Farm Golf Course
Closed on Sunday, December 25, 2022.
Sherriff’s Office
Closed Sunday, December 25, 2022
and Sunday, January 1, 2023. For
emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-
emergency officer assistance, call
(408) 299-2311.
Parking regulations
Street sweeping will not be enforced
Monday, December 19, 2022
through Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Cupertino Library
Will close early at 5 p.m. on
Saturday, December 24, 2022 and
Saturday, December 31, 2022.
Closed on Sunday, December 25,
2022 and Sunday, January 1, 2023.
9
PARKS AND RECREACTION EVENTS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tree Lighting
Friday, December 2
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Quinlan Community Center
Ring in the holiday season
with the City of Cupertino as
we light up the community
tree! After the tree lighting,
your family will be able to visit
Santa, take festive photos,
watch a classic holiday movie,
and enjoy hot cocoa.
For more information, visit
cupertino.org/treelighting.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 3
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Quinlan Community Center
Santa will be posing for pictures while
the elves cook up delicious North Pole
pancakes. After breakfast, join the
elves in the workshop for holiday crafts
and letter writing to Santa!
To register, visit cupertino.org/
breakfastwithsanta.
Signing Santa
Saturday, December 10 • 2 to 4 p.m.
Quinlan Community Center
Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, along with their families,
are invited to spend time and share their wish list with a
Santa who’s fluent in sign language.
To register, visit bit.ly/3REIErq.
10
Santa Visits
December 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18
Santa is taking a break from his holiday
preparations and visiting the residents
of Cupertino in his decked-out vehicle!
Families can register for the Santa Visits
program and have Santa, his elf, and
the Santamobile make an outdoor
appearance at their homes.
To register, visit cupertino.org/santavisits
SENIOR EVENTS
Baer Blacksmith Shop Demonstration
December 31 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Baer Blacksmith Shop at McClellan Ranch Preserve
Learn about early Cupertino history and
the craft of blacksmithing. The forge will be
fired up and blacksmithing demonstrations
are offered on these days.
January 28 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Baer Blacksmith Shop at McClellan Ranch Preserve
Learn about early Cupertino history and
the craft of blacksmithing. The forge will be
fired up and blacksmithing demonstrations
are offered on these days.
Preschool Open House
January 17 • 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Quinlan Community Center
Preschool Room
Learn about the City’s
preschool program, meet the
teachers, and ask questions.
Cupertino Spelling Bee
January 21 • 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to
become the Cupertino Spelling
Bee champion? This event if for
elementary and middle school
students. To register, visit reg4rec.org
Holiday Ham Lunch
December 2 • Noon
Delight in a holiday
lunch with all the
familiar fixings and
enjoy an afternoon of
fun of Bingo, Ping Pong, Book Review, or Mah
Jongg! Lunch includes honey baked ham, mashed
potatoes, green bean, salad, a roll, and pecan
pie. Vegetarian option available when registering.
Pre-registration is required.
Great Valley Museum and
Hilmar Cheese Company Trip
January 26 • 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Treat yourself to a couple of gems of
California’s Great Valley!
For adult 50+ activities and classes at the
Cupertino Senior Center, see the lasted edition
of the 50+ Scene at bit.ly/50scene.
11
PRSRT-STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cupertino, CA
Permit No. 239
CUPERTINO SCENE
Cupertino City Hall
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
*******ECRWSSEDDM*******
POSTAL CUSTOMER
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
SeniorCntr@Cupertino.org
Sports Center ...............................................(408) 777-3160
Recreation@Cupertino.org
Street Light Maint. .......................................(408) 777-3342
StreetDivision@Cupertino.org
Street Sweeping ..........................................(408) 777-3269
Public_Works@Cupertino.org
Tree Maint. ...................................................(408) 777-3410
Public_Works@Cupertino.org
Other Agencies
Organization
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)
Phone Number
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.
The newsletter is produced by a certified Bay Area Green Business and is recyclable.
For information on becoming a certified Green Business, visit cupertino.org/GreenBiz.