HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene April 2021 - 04.01.2021 PLUS: FAQ ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE | VIRTUAL EARTH
AND ARBOR DAY FESTIVITIES | SELF-CARE TIPS FOR TEENS
Looking to the Future
Cupertino Youth
Leading Us Forward
APRIL 2021
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
We all hope for a brighter future
and a better tomorrow. But that
cannot happen if we don’t nourish
and care for what we have today.
This month’s Scene focuses on a
couple of things near and dear
to the hearts of many, including
myself: our children and the
environment. Both are integral for
a healthy future for our community,
country, and society.
I encourage readers to jump to
Page 7 to read a Q&A with the
Teen Commission Chair. It’s easy as
adults to think we know best for our
kids and believe we know what’s
going on with them. It’s refreshing
to hear their perspectives about
their expectations, wants, and
dreams as contributing members of
our community.
As a mother of two, I know that
I give great advice. But I also
know that my children don’t always
listen. That’s why the article, “The
Importance of Self-Care in Youth
and Teens,” by Youth Activity
Board Vice President Ellie Kim is so
important. Teens listen to teens.
Give it a read (Page 5) and, if you
agree, pass it along to a teen in
your life.
For the second year in a row, the
City will not be able to host an
in-person Earth and Arbor Day
Festival. It’s a shame as it’s one of
the most popular events the City
hosts each year. But we have a
surprise… It’s back this year as a
virtual event!
This year’s theme is “Restore the
Earth.” An apt topic for where we
are right now. The event itself will be
held all day on Saturday, April 24 on
the City’s YouTube and Facebook
pages. You can learn more about it
on Page 4.
But not all ways of caring for our
environment have to be so big.
Much of it can be done closer
to home for the benefit of our
neighborhoods. That’s why I
encourage you to turn to Page 9
and read about pet waste (please
pick it up) and leaf blowers (we’re
turning down the noise).
Happy reading.
Deborah Feng
City Manager
FEATURES
3 COVID-19 Vaccine
Questions: Answered
Answers to FAQs about the COVID-19
Vaccine from the Santa Clara County Public
Health Department.
4 Restore the Earth: Earth
and Arbor Day Festivities
Read about the City’s upcoming virtual Earth and
Arbor Day Festival and all of the activities you can
participate in from home.
IN
S
I
D
E
6 Drafting Cupertino’s Future: Essay
Contest Winners
What would you do if you could make a
change in Cupertino? Check out the winning
essays from youth who answered this question.
5 Self-Care for Youth and Teens
From long daily walks and eating healthy to
simply accepting and expressing oneself,
self-care has taken many forms for youth
and teens in Cupertino.
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
9 Leaf Blower Ordinance
Read about the new leaf blower ordinance
that was recently passed by the Cupertino
City Council.
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org.
A HEALTHY FUTURE
CONTENTS
2
Your Questions About COVID-19
Vaccines Answered
How safe are the vaccines?
The vaccines that have been authorized have been
tested in large clinical trials with tens of thousand of
volunteers to assess their safety. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), and the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) have all evaluated the
trial information and determined the vaccines to be
safe, effective, and of high quality. These groups are
continuing to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines
to make sure even very rare side effects are identified
and appropriate precautions are taken.
Did developing the vaccines so quickly compromise
safety?
No. None of the normal steps in the vaccine vetting
process were skipped in order to quickly develop these
vaccines. Quick development was possible because:
• manufacturing started while clinical trials were
underway, normally this doesn’t begin until after the
trials are completed,
• mRNA vaccines are faster to produce than other
kinds of vaccines,
• FDA and CDC prioritized the review process for
COVID-19 vaccines,
• researchers used existing clinical trial networks
to quickly begin conducting the COVID-19
vaccine trials.
How effective are the COVID-19 vaccines?
Very effective. Clinical trials involving tens of thousands
of individuals have demonstrated that all current
available vaccines—Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and
Janssen (or Johnson & Johnson)—are highly effective at
preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
How long does it take for the vaccine to take effect?
One to two weeks after receiving the second dose for
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Two to four weeks for
Janssen (J&J).
Can children be vaccinated?
No. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is only for patients 16
years and older, and the Moderna and Janssen (J&J)
vaccines are for patients 18 years and older. Clinical
trials are underway for children, but at this time there is
no vaccine approved for children.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Serious side effects are very rare. Many vaccine
recipients experience mild or moderate side effects.
These are normal signs that your body is building
protection. Common side effects include mild to
moderate pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site,
or mild to moderate flu-light symptoms such as fever,
fatigue, headache, or chills. All side effects should
resolve in a few days.
Do I still need to follow the public health orders and
directives after I’ve been fully vaccinated?
Yes. At this time, unless a public health order or directive
says otherwise, your vaccination status does not exempt
you from State and County public health orders and
directives. The Santa Clara County Public Health
Department still recommends you get tested regularly,
wear a mask, and avoid indoor gatherings even if
you’ve been fully vaccinated. Public Health will adjust
its recommendations in the future based on new data
and evidence as it comes in.
How do I know when it’s my turn to get the vaccine?
Visit the County’s website sccfreevax.org, the State’s
website at myturn.ca.gov, or call (833) 422-4255 to see if
it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also
talk to your healthcare provider to find out how they
plan to notify you when you become eligible.
For more information, visit sccfreevax.org.
3
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District works year-
round to educate the public about the various sources of air
pollution, how to protect yourself from the harmful effects, and
what you can do to help improve air quality throughout the
region. The most common pollutants that impact air quality
and public health in the Bay Area are ozone and particulate
matter pollution:
• Ozone pollution, also known as smog, mainly occurs in
the warmer months when tailpipe exhaust combines with
hot temperatures and sunlight to cause ozone buildup at
ground level. When inhaled, ozone pollution can cause
many negative health effects, including a scratchy throat,
and itchy, watery eyes, and can even trigger long-term
health effects such as respiratory conditions like asthma,
or more serious conditions like heart disease.
• Particulate matter pollution consists of microscopic
particles that come primarily from wood smoke and
wildfire smoke. These fine particles easily bypass the body’s
natural filtration system, enter the lungs and even the
bloodstream. Particulate matter can cause lung irritation
and inflammation, exacerbate respiratory conditions
and trigger asthma attacks. Particulate matter pollution
occurs mainly in the winter months when wood smoke
can become trapped close to the ground by an inversion
layer, typically formed when a layer of warm air acts as
a lid over a layer of cooler air. Inversions prevent the air
below from rising, which causes pollutants to build up.
An amendment to the Wood Burning Rule was adopted in
2019, allowing the Air District to ban wood burning year-round
when a Spare the Air Alert for particulate pollution is called.
For more information and to sign up for Spare the Air Alerts,
visit sparetheair.org.
The Earth and Arbor Day Festival is
traditionally a one-day event held
at the Civic Center where we come
together and celebrate our planet
and community. This year, the City is
celebrating with various activities for
everyone to enjoy throughout the
month of April.
This year’s theme is “Restore our
Earth.” Join us in one of the following
activities:
Restore our Earth Speaker Series will
be held virtually on Saturday, April 24
live on the City’s YouTube Channel
and Facebook Page. Tune in and
hear about topics such as Tree Talk
with an Arborist, Waste Zero Cooking
Demo, Fast Fashion and Equity, and
a conversation on Sustainable
Career Pathways.
TREEcycle Scavenger Hunt is
available to those looking to spend
time outdoors and celebrating trees.
Throughout the month, bike riders can
enjoy a trip through Jollyman Park,
Memorial Park, and McClellan Ranch
to identify, learn, and complete the
scavenger hunt for a chance to win
a prize!
For those who like to volunteer,
Cupertino has teamed up with
CivicSpark to bring you Clean City,
Green City. Take the pledge to clean
up litter in and around Cupertino at a
time convenient for you.
More information on these events is
available on cupertino.org/earthday.
Facts About
Air Pollution
in the Bay Area
Restore The Earth:
Earth and Arbor
Day Festivities
4
From long daily walks and eating healthy to simply
accepting and expressing oneself, self-care has taken
many different forms for youth and teens in Cupertino,
but each with the same goal of maintaining good
physical and mental health.
Today, we are living in a time filled with uncertainty and
isolation. According to the Journal of the American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1 in
5 teens are affected with mental illness, behavioral
problems, anxiety, or depression. Feeling glum, anxious,
stressed, or unmotivated should no longer be silently
endured and ignored. It has become increasingly
important for individuals to become more educated on
taking care of one’s mental health and how to provide
support to their peers.
Here are some ways teens and adults alike can engage
in self-care:
• Get enough sleep! Sleep can have a profound
effect on how you feel both emotionally and
physically. Consider having a nighttime routine and
leave distractions like your cell phone out of your
routine.
• Talk to a friend or family member. By reaching out to
a close friend, confidant, or family member you can
express your thoughts and experiences. If you are
speaking to a friend who needs support, let them
know you are there to listen and support them.
• Eat right and incorporate some exercise. Eating
right keeps your body healthy, and exercising can
release those brain chemicals which send positive
messages throughout your nervous system. Even
walking around your neighborhood can help.
• Do some of your favorite things! Whether it be
listening to music, reading, baking, or engaging in
your favorite hobby doing activities you enjoy can
be soothing.
• Seek out professional help. Just like you visit a
physician for your physical health, it is equally
important to visit a mental health professional for
your mental health.
Ultimately, tackling mental illness requires a community
of support. Self-care may look and feel differently for
everyone but engaging in self-care is significant and
effective. Due to stigma as well as social and cultural
norms, mental health issues often go unnoticed and
it is crucial to eliminate our tendencies to judge those
seeking help. We can unite as a community, practice
compassion, and encourage everyone to engage in
self-care.
The Cupertino Youth Activity Board has shared the
following list of organizations which offer various mental
health support resources:
• Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services – the
County has put together and created a list of robust
resources for people of all ages.
• Community Health Awareness Council (chacmv.
org) - Telehealth for individuals, families, and groups
via phone or video sessions.
• Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley
(Fcservices.org) - Counseling, prevention, and
support programs.
• NAMI Santa Clara County (Namisantaclara.org) -
Support and education programs for families and
individuals.
• Apart but Not Alone (apartbutnotalone.org) –
a local youth-led organization that provides a
free online platform for teens and young adults
worldwide to practice mindfulness in a live guided
format with a certified meditation coach.
• Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center - provides
community, leadership, advocacy, services and
support to the Silicon Valley’s LGBTQ People and
their Allies.
The Cupertino Youth Activity Board (YAB) and Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) will be hosting
the Info-Teeno: Youth Mental Health two-day webinar on Monday, April 12 and Tuesday, 13. The first webinar is
catered to students and will provide information on ways to cope with the daily stresses of school and life. The
second webinar is for parents and will cover reducing the stigma around discussing mental health and provide
parents with resources they need to support their child. For more information, visit cupertino.org/teens.
The Importance of Self-Care
in Youth and Teens
5
Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Drafting Cupertino’s Future Essay Contest! Students in 7th and
8th grade were asked, what would you do if you could make a change in Cupertino? Youth civic engagement
is crucial to building a new tomorrow, and who knows? One of these winners could be a future Commissioner or
Councilmember!
1st Place Winner: Victoria Hunt
Victoria is a seventh grader at Miller Middle School. Victoria’s essay is about reducing the
use of plastic in the City with an ordinance to ban plastic produce bags.
“Some facts about plastic waste are shocking. Even though plastic is supposed to be
recycled, 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. If humans continue to waste plastic at the current
rate, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Plastic bottles, bags, and
straws are the top three plastic waste items. Even though plastic bags have been banned
from grocery stores, fresh produce bags are still an issue.
I think an ordinance banning plastic produce bags will improve Cupertino by helping
people make changes to help the environment. This ordinance would charge people five
cents for regular plastic produce bags and could incentivize people to use biodegradable
bags. Additionally, this gives an opportunity to create a fund for the environment with the
money collected from regular plastic bags.”
Runner-Up: Emma Koch
Emma is a seventh grader at Miller Middle School. Emma’s essay is about her idea to
partner younger students with high schoolers for tutoring, homework, and other activities.
“I have also noticed in my own distance learning that while online, students don’t seem
to understand the concepts of their subjects as clearly as they would at school. Students
don’t want to ask questions for fear of embarrassment. In order to prevent the problems of
depression and falling behind in school work, a website could be created to encourage
high schoolers who feel confident to tutor younger children that need help with their work
or just want to study more STEAM related subjects.”
You can read the winners’ full essays at https://bit.ly/3tAawQz.
Drafting Cupertino’s Future:
Essay Contest Winners
6
In a City vibrant with actively engaged youth, the Teen Commission would like to recognize local Youth-
Led Organizations who are making positive impacts in the Cupertino community by featuring them as part
of an ongoing monthly-social media campaign. Youth-Led Organizations can include student-run non-profit
organizations, school clubs, grassroots efforts, or any other group of students who are helping improve life within
the City of Cupertino.
Organizations will be evaluated by the Teen Commissions and the selected organizations will have their profiles
featured in one of the City’s social media and engagement platforms. Cupertino residents who would like
to nominate a local youth organization are encouraged to visit cupertino.org/teencommission to get more
information and submit their nominations.
Why did you join the Teen Commission?
I wanted to create a positive impact in my community
and make a long-lasting change. I first heard of the
Teen Commission on social media and found that it
was the perfect opportunity to make a difference. We
are able to advise City Council and staff on important
issues that affect teens, and work on special City-
wide projects and events that engage community
members while having fun.
What Teen Commission accomplishment are you most
proud of?
Like most commissions in the City, our meetings were
held on Zoom, and we worked on how we can
make the Teen Commission succeed in a digital
environment. Despite the effect of the pandemic on
our planned events, I am most proud of the fact that
we were able to run <hack> Cupertino, Pizza and
Politics, collaborate with the library on the TEDx@Torre
Ave event, and run our regular meetings successfully.
What are some common misconceptions of the Teen
Commission?
One of the misconceptions of Teen Commission is that
it’s a group conducting fun events for teens. Although
this is partly true, civic engagement and providing
counsel to the City is our primary responsibility.
It’s a serious duty that is thrust upon us by the City
to advise them on issues impacting the teens of
Cupertino. There is also a misconception that the Teen
Commission meetings are informal and do not have
rules. We have worked really hard to ensure that the
meetings proceed according to the set agenda and
in compliance with the the established City process.
Why is it important for youth and teens to be civically
engaged?
As a concerned community member, I believe that
youth need to understand the work of the governing
bodies that run their City. By being part of the
commission, I am a lot more educated now on the
City initiatives. It has created a platform for me to
think broader from a City to State level, and about
problems that could affect our day to day lives. Also,
with Teens gaining this perspective early on, they
become community focused, empathetic individuals,
who will become the leaders and innovators of
tomorrow.
Should youth and teen community members attend
Teen Commission meetings? Why or why not?
Yes, absolutely! Learning how teens make an impact
in the City as well as learning about government is
important. Meetings are open to the public, and we
encourage community members to attend or share
their thoughts during public comment. It’s a great way
for community members to make their voice heard
and share the issues that affect them.
Recognizing Youth-Led Organizations Making
an Impact in the Cupertino Community
A Chat with
Teen Commission Chair,
Rushil Jayant
7
Participate in the Cupertino Safe Routes to School student
video contest! Students in 6th through 12th grade who live or
go to school in Cupertino can enter this competition by making
videos that advance the mission of Cupertino Safe Routes to
School (SR2S). Submit a video that inspires or educates others
to use active transportation such as walking, biking, or taking a
scooter or wheelchair to school and beyond. Content could be
a music video, short story, public service announcement, TikTok,
animation, or any other type of video. Winning videos will be
linked to on the Cupertino website and marketing materials, and
may be played during Cupertino bike education classes and at
City or school events or meetings. Winners will also receive SR2S
gear, an interview in the Scene, and public recognition from City
Council. For details, rules, and entry form, visit: cupertino.org/
videocontest.
Important Dates:
• April 28 (Wed): Q&A Session
co-hosted by SR2S and the
Teen Commission
• May 28 (Fri): Submissions due
• August 11 (Wed): Winners
announced
Middle School
Bike Skills
Workshop
Safe Routes to School
Video Contest
Cupertino Safe Routes to School
is pleased to announce the return of
our Middle School Bike Skills program!
This bike safety program, modified to
comply with County Guidelines and
maintain social distance, prepares
rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders for
biking to middle school and beyond.
Students will learn how to become
confident riders by learning the rules
of the road, practicing bike handling
skills, and participating in a group ride.
This Middle School Bike Skills program
is run by Wheel Kids once a month,
June through September. The
program includes an evening, one-
hour online interactive bike class to
learn rules of the road, plus an on-
bike, in-person half-day workshop to
practice bike skills and go for a group
bike ride, all while socially distanced.
Please register at least four weeks
in advance at wheelkids.com/
msbs-cupertino
Learn more here: cupertino.org/msbs
8
65 Category 1
Measured at 50 ft (15m) per ANSI B175.2
dB
(
A
)
The winds of change of have
come to Cupertino.
The Cupertino City Council passed a
leaf blower ordinance last November
to help decrease noise pollution
throughout the community, with the
new regulations going into effect
on Sunday, November 6, 2022. This
two-year period allows residents and
landscapers to familiarize themselves
with new regulations and acquire
permitted equipment.
Under the new regulations, leaf
blowers used within City limits must
be certified by the manufacturer to
produce no more than 65 decibels
at a 50-foot distance. There are
numerous commercially available
leaf blowers that meet this criteria,
with new models continuing to
improve in efficiency and noise
reduction. They are often labeled
with the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) B175.2
sticker, and this manufacturer’s
label (pictured). The sticker, label,
or product information will be used
to verify compliance. Property
owners are responsible for ensuring
compliance on their property,
regardless of who is using the
leaf blower.
For more information and updates,
please visit the City’s Leaf Blower
Ordinance – FAQ page at cupertino.
org/leafblowers.
A friendly reminder to those of you with furry family members,
make sure you don’t leave behind any waste that your dog may
drop when you take them out for a walk. It’s incredibly important
to pick up after your pet to help keep your neighborhood clean
and safe.
Dog waste can be harmful to plants and wildlife and does not
act like a fertilizer. Even if your dog is healthy, waste may still carry
parasites or bacteria that can cause illness to people and other
animals. Dog waste that also gets washed into water ways may
carry pathogens that harm our local ecosystems.
It’s common courtesy to clean up after your pet and dispose the
waste properly. Pet waste can smell bad, be hazardous, and
accidentally stepping in some will ruin your day. Owners that do
not pick up after their pets are subject to a fine, as per the City of
Cupertino Municipal Code.
By taking the extra minute to pick up after your pup, you’re
helping save the environment, doing your diligence as a
Cupertino resident, and being a responsible pet parent.
The Tail End of Pet Waste
Turning Down the Noise
City Council Passes
Leaf Blower Ordinance
9
The Spring Recreation
Schedule is Here
Winter is coming to an end, so it’s time to put a spring
in your step with the Spring Recreation Schedule. With
more than 150 in-person and virtual activities, camps,
classes, and events, there is something for everyone.
Register for an activity today
cupertino.org/recreation
10
Blackberry Farm
Golf Course
is Open
Daily tee times are between sunrise
to one and a half hours before sunset.
Book a tee time online at
blackberryfarmgolfcourse.com
or during business hours by phone
(408) 253-9200.
Blackberry Farm Golf Course
follows guidance from the State
of California and County of
Santa Clara regarding operating
procedures and requirements.
Esports are coming
to Cupertino
Video games are one of the most popular media in the world
today with over two billion active gamers across the world,
two-thirds of them in the United States alone. It is no surprise
that esports is rapidly growing both nationally and globally,
and the City is happy to bring this phenomenon to Cupertino.
Beginning in April, teens will be able to join the Cupertino
Esports League and participate in their favorite games like
Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and more with prizes being
available to league winners. Adult leagues are slated for
fall 2021.
If you are on the fence, consider that the wide accessibility of
video games creates a fully inclusive environment and they
are shown to benefit gamers by strengthening cognitive skills,
improving teamwork and communication skills, and fostering
socio-emotional development. Additionally, parents can join
in esports and create additional family bonding opportunities.
Who knows? You may find yourself in a friendly competition
against the family next door!
For additional Cupertino Esports League information,
visit cupertino.org/esports.
11
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For information on becoming a certified Green Business, visit cupertino.org/GreenBiz.
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POSTAL CUSTOMER
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 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.
City Directory