HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene December 2021 - 12.01.2021 PLUS: COVID-19 VACCINES FOR KIDS | REDUCE HOLIDAY WASTE
| ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY EVENTS
A Year in City Projects
Highlights from the 2020-2021
City Work Program
DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
FEATURES
3 Safe Routes Video
Contest Winners
Hear from the student winners of the
Safe Routes to School Video Contest
to promote walking and biking.
6 Looking Back at the City
Work Program in 2021
Check out some of the highlighted projects
that were completed over the past year.
IN
S
I
D
E
9 Reduce Your
Holiday Waste
Learn how you can shrink your
carbon footprint this holiday season.
5 I Love Cupertino
Community Card
Give the perfect gift this holiday season
while also supporting local businesses.
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
11 Parks and Recreation
Updates
Find upcoming holiday events,
and more!
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org.
CONTENTS
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
2022. Commissions with upcoming vacancies include: Fine
Arts Commission, Housing Commission, Parks and Recreation
Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Sustainability
Commission. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday,
January 7, 2022. Council will conduct interviews beginning
at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022 and Tuesday,
January 25, 2022.
Applications can be submitted via the Online Commission
Application at cupertino.org/vacancies. For more details,
please see the website or call the City Clerk’s office at
(408) 777-3223.
2
Cupertino Safe Routes to School (SR2S) held a student
video contest in the spring in collaboration with the
Teen Commission. Contestants submitted videos to
inspire their fellow students to take active modes of
transportation to and from school such as walking,
biking, or riding a scooter. A panel of judges reviewed
the submissions over the summer and selected two
winning videos, which were truly inspirational! You can
view them at cupertino.org/videocontest.
Sudisha Kumar won the contest at the middle school
level with a beautiful animation called Safe Routes to
School. The group of high school students Lindsey Tang,
Avishi Trivedi, and Crystal Chen created the winning
high school video called Bike or Walk to School.
Here’s what the talented winning students had to say
about their videos:
Q: How do you get to and from school?
Lindsey Tang: I get to school by car and get home by
bike. My dad has a very useful bike rack he attaches
to the back of the car that he can easily use to put our
bikes on and bring them anywhere we want to go. In
addition, most of the ride to school is uphill, so it is pretty
efficient and faster for him to drive us to school and give
us some time to lock our bikes. I also love biking home
from school because the breeze from the downhill feels
nice and it takes no longer than 10 minutes.
Q: What motivated you to create
a video to enter the contest?
Crystal Chen: Lindsey, Avishi, and I were encouraged
to enter this video contest through YEPI, the Youth
Environmental Power Initiative, because it was the
project the three of us chose to do. In the process of
creating our video, we decided it would be interesting
to add our own perspectives in the video, as Lindsey
and I both use transportation other than driving when
we go to school.
Q: How do you feel about your
video winning the contest?
Avishi Trivedi: We are very thankful to have an
opportunity to participate in this contest, and we
are very excited to have won. Personally, I’m happy
that our video will make a difference and make
people more aware of the environmental problems
that we face today. It feels empowering to make a
difference, no matter how small it may be. We need
to protect our community from all of the pollution
caused by vehicles and I hope to see more people
walking and biking to school!
The City of Cupertino publishes a bimonthly newsletter
from the City Manager’s Office to the City Council and
Cupertino community. Items of Interest contains the
latest on City projects, programs, services, and events.
Items of Interest also includes upcoming City Council
agenda items, weekly crime reports from the Santa
Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and contact information
for various City departments.
The purpose of the Items of Interest newsletter is to keep
the City Council and residents up to date on the most
recent happenings and accomplishments of the City.
Community members can sign up to receive Items
of Interest directly in their email inboxes by signing
up for the enotification on the City’s Items of Interest
webpage at cupertino.org/itemsofinterest.
Stay Up to Date with Cupertino News
Congrats to the Safe Routes to School
Video Contest Winners!
Items of Interest Newsletter
3
The Housing Element, a part of Cupertino’s General
Plan, is required by State law to be updated every
eight years to identify where and how the City will
accommodate current and projected housing needs.
For the 2023-2031 Housing Element update, the City will
need to plan for an additional 4,588 new housing units
as required by State law. This requirement is called the
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
Through a competitive process, the City selected
EMC Planning Group to guide the City in preparing
this Housing Element update. For the past 43 years,
EMC Planning Group has worked with many
California jurisdictions successfully preparing
Housing Element updates.
Currently, in the “Data and Background” stage of the
process, data related to demographics, housing needs,
and housing constraints is being gathered. Work will
concurrently focus on “Sites Analysis” - preparing an
inventory of potential sites that demonstrate Cupertino’s
capacity to accommodate its RHNA. Since there are
few vacant, developable properties in Cupertino, a
change to the City’s regulations to allow increased
residential development on a property may be needed
to increase densities.
We invite community members to participate by
visiting the project website site (engagecupertino.org).
The website is available in multiple languages and
will continually be updated with polls, surveys, maps,
events, and other ways to learn about the process and
to provide feedback.
The community is also encouraged to attend a virtual
Community Workshop on Thursday, December 9 at
6 p.m. to learn more and participate in the Balancing
Act, an online tool that allows you to indicate where
and how you would like to see development occur
on an interactive map. Additional information will be
available on the project website.
We look forward to working with the Cupertino
community and creating a successful 6th Cycle Housing
Element Update with an approach that aligns with our
community’s goals, values, vision, and priorities.
The City of Cupertino is proud to announce that the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission has identified Cupertino as having the best street
network conditions out of 109 Bay Area agencies. Cupertino received the
highest Pavement Condition Index (PCI) score of 85, which is considered
“very good.”
The City’s street network is an essential asset to residents, businesses, and
visitors and is among the most valuable assets maintained by the City.
Well maintained streets create a better community by conserving the
consumption of fossil fuels and helping to reduce noise pollution.
Cupertino’s street network is more than 138 miles in length and covers
approximately 26 million square feet (8% of the total area of the City).
Spending $1 on pavement preservation saves between $6 to $10 in future
rehabilitation and reconstruction costs. Continuing to maintain City streets
helps extend the life and improve the condition of Cupertino’s street
network, while also saving the City millions of dollars into the future.
For more information on the City’s Pavement Management Program, and
explore the condition of City streets, visit gis.cupertino.org/webmap/pci/.
Contribute to the Future of
Housing in Cupertino
Cupertino Has the Best Streets in the Bay Area
4
COVID-19 Vaccinations
for Kids: What to Expect
Try a Free Online
Class Today!
COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 have
been authorized by the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Here is what you can expect with your
child’s appointment.
Your child will need two shots:
• The second shot is three weeks after the first shot
• Your child will get the Pfizer vaccine
• This is the vaccine that will be available for kids
ages five to 11.
• It is a smaller dose than the Pfizer vaccine for adults,
one-third of an adult dose.
Your child will get a white CDC COVID-19 vaccine record card.
Bring your child’s yellow childhood immunization card if you
have one, and it will be updated too.
For more information and to book an appointment, talk to
your primary care provider or visit sccfreevax.org.
The Cupertino Library Foundation has partnered with GetSetUp
to provide free virtual classes for older adults taught by peers.
Ask questions, make friends, learn new things, and have fun!
Take classes from the comfort of your own home by using your
computer, iPad or tablet, or your smart phone. Some of the most
popular classes include Basics of Zoom, Virtual Travel, Food and
Nutrition, and Core Fitness and Yoga.
Classes are free until July 2022. For more information and to
register, visit getsetup.io/partner/CLF and use coupon code
“CLF”. For assistance, call 1(888) 559-1614 or email
info@getsetup.io.
Support local businesses and give an
e-Gift Card to family and friends!
Five easy steps to buy an I Love
Cupertino Community Card:
• Go to http://bit.ly/CupertinoGiftCard
• Choose an amount to put on the card
• Add the recipient name, email, or
phone number
• Personalize your message and
schedule the gift delivery
• Finalize your purchase
For more information and to view
participating businesses, visit
ilovecupertino.com.
Spread Joy
and Support
Local
5
Looking Back at the
CITY WORK PROGRAM
in 2021
The City of Cupertino’s Work Program guides many of the major efforts of the City for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Work Program ensures that staff efforts are aligned with the goals set by the Mayor and City Council, and thus,
the community. This approach keeps the City transparent and holds us accountable to focusing resources on
strategies to 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:
TRANSPORTATION
Via-Cupertino, the City’s on-demand shuttle that will
take you anywhere you want to go in Cupertino, was
relaunched this year. The service was missed during
the pandemic, and is now back on the roads. To
learn more on how to ride with Via, including getting
discounted fares, and weekly or monthly passes, visit
cupertino.org/shuttle.
HOUSING:
The City collaborated with De Anza College and
West Valley Community Services to develop the
Cupertino Housing Program for De Anza Students.
Funds were allocated to two new programs—
Housing Assistance Grants to provide students with
monetary assistance for housing and move-in costs,
and the Housing Sharing Program which recruited
Cupertino homeowners to match with eligible De
Anza student renters.
6
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Over the past year, the City has been working to
update the Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive
strategy on how the City can best combat Climate
Change. Getting feedback from the community on
the Climate Action Plan was one of the many ways the
City has been implementing robust engagement tools
for two-way communication with Cupertino residents.
EngageCupertino.org allows project managers to host
surveys, Q&As, and project details all in one place,
while also providing residents with the opportunity to ask
questions, make comments, and engage directly with
the City.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Secondhand smoke is responsible for an estimated
34,000 heart disease-related and 7,300 lung cancer-
related deaths among adult nonsmokers each year. To
combat this issue, the City Council developed a new
ordinance to reduce the exposure to secondhand
smoke, protecting Cupertino residents, employees, and
visitors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The new ordinance requires many outdoor areas and
other locations be smoke-free including in multi-unit
housing, smoke-free service areas, and smoke-free
public events.
While these are just a few of the major projects included in the City Work Program, the City has accomplished
many more across a wide variety of areas. Under the guidance of the City Council, this year also saw the Climate
Victory Gardens program, the Bird Safe/Dark Sky ordinance, the Art in Unexpected Places program, outreach for
a Single-Use Plastics ordinance, and so much more. To learn more about the projects from the City Work Program,
visit cupertino.org/cityworkprogram.
7
In 2016, the City Council took the
step of enacting an ordinance to
increase the minimum wage in
Cupertino beyond that required
by the State of California. The City
Council recognized that families and
workers need to earn a living wage,
which helps them meet basic needs
and avoid economic hardship.
Beginning January 2022,
Cupertino’s minimum wage will
increase to $16.40 per hour.
Employers:
•Post official notice in the
workplace informing employees
of the rate increase and their
rights.
•Must document all hours worked
and keep records for four years.
•Retaliation against employees
exercising their rights is unlawful.
Employees:
•Covered employees include
anyone who performs two hours
or more of work per week in
Cupertino.
•Covered employees are entitled
to these rights regardless of
immigration status.
For more information and resources,
please visit cupertino.org/
wagewatch.
Food waste is over 25% of the waste generated in Cupertino.
We can all do our part to divert food waste, including children!
If you have kids or grandkids in your life, share this poem with
them as a fun way to learn about reducing waste and sorting
food scraps into the organics bin instead of the trash.
Save the Food!
Citrus, citrus all around,
Don’t let it rot on the ground.
Pick it when it is nice and ripe,
There is a recipe for every type.
Natural cleaning solution from lemon peel,
Or squeeze a little on every meal.
Juice or cook a pie to serve,
When there’s too much: preserve!
Shop the fridge first and save on cash,
Food waste doesn’t go in the trash.
In the green cart or bin it should be placed,
No food in the landfill means no waste!
Good food in your belly, food scraps in the green cart or bin,
Means less methane gas and more compost: a climate win-win!
Learn more about food scrap diversion in Cupertino
at cupertino.org/foodscraps.
Minimum Wage
Increases to
$16.40
in Cupertino
Save the Food!
8
Americans create 25% more trash during the holiday season, enough to fill 140,000 garbage trucks weekly just
between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. 30 million trees are cut down to wrap gifts, and 38,000 miles of ribbons
are trashed each year—that’s enough ribbon to wrap a bow around the planet! Holiday lights also use enough
energy to power 400,000 homes for an entire year. You can follow some of these tips to reduce your carbon
footprint and help fight climate change.
Sustainable Gift-Wrapping Tips
• Festive fabric can be used and re-used for wrapping presents for years.
• Wrap your gift in another gift like shirts, scarves, or bandanas.
• Paper grocery bags make great craft paper for wrapping small presents.
• Repurpose reusable containers like cookie tins instead of cardboard boxes.
• Dried flowers or fresh herbs make great décor instead of bows and ribbons.
Holiday Trees: Fresh or Fake?
Decorative trees are a big part of the holidays, but consider if a fresh or fake tree might be better for
the environment.
Waste Sorting Tips
Remember when you are unwrapping presents to separate cardboard boxes and wrapping paper (without tape
or plastic) into the recycle bin. Bows, ribbons, packing pillows all go in the trash. When the celebration is over,
the remaining food waste goes in the green organics cart or bin. Real trees can be cut shorter than five feet and
placed on the curb on your service day during the month of January. Make sure to remove all decorations and
bring your nonworking string lights to the Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Program for proper disposal.
For more information about waste sorting in Cupertino, visit cupertino.org/nowaste.
Fresh Trees
• Produces oxygen and cleans the air
• Accepted in curbside organics bin
to be composted
• Supports local tree farmers
• Provides habitat for wildlife
Real Tree Facts:
• A six-and-a-half-foot real tree produces over
seven pounds of carbon dioxide if composted
• Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen
throughout life cycle
• Often grown on rolling hills unsuitable for other crops
Tips for Having a Real Tree:
• Seek out potted trees or trees that can be
replanted instead of composted
• Check out local tree growers in your area
• Compost your single-use tree by cutting it
smaller than five feet and placing it on the
curb for waste collection
Keep Your Holiday Waste in Check
Fake Trees
• Made from oil-based PVC plastic
• Stays in landfill for centuries
• Creates carbon dioxide emissions
when shipped overseas
Fake Tree Facts:
• Production of a six-and-a-half-foot artificial tree
produces almost 90 pounds of carbon dioxide,
and must be used for 12 years to offset its
footprint
• Impossible to recycle without special equipment
Tips for Having a Fake Tree:
• If you have one, keep using it for as long as
you can!
• Instead of trashing it, donate it to a thrift store,
charity, or nursing home
vs.
9
Cupertino Holiday Light Map
There’s a chill in the air, and neighborhoods are full of holiday spirit! Take a
moment this month to step away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the 2021
Cupertino Holiday Light Map. Neighbors have thoughtfully decorated their
homes with holiday decor for all of Cupertino to enjoy.
Download the map at cupertino.org/cupertinocares.
Tree Lighting
Friday, December 3 at 6 p.m.
Quinlan Community Center
Ring in the holiday season with the City of Cupertino as we light up the
community tree! Tree Lighting is an outdoor event and may be canceled due
to weather. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.
Register at bit.ly/treelighting21.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Quinlan Community Center
You and your family are invited to Breakfast with Santa! The elves will be
cooking up some delicious North Pole Pancakes and providing fun holiday
crafts kits for kids.
This event will look a little different to ensure the safety of our participants
and Santa.
Register at cupertino.org/breakfastwithsanta.
Signing with Santa
Saturday, December 11 from 2 p.m. 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.
Register at bit.ly/3BgEmxX.
Santa Visits
December 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19
Santa and his elf have decided to take a break from the North Pole and visit
the beautiful City of Cupertino – this special opportunity is sure to be a treasured
family memory.
This event will look a little different to ensure the safety of our participants
and Santa.
Registration must be done in-person at the Quinlan Community Center.
For more information on Santa Visits, please call (408) 777-3120.
These events are subject to change based on local, state, and federal direction related to COVID-19.
Upcoming Parks and Recreation Events
10
Spelling Bee
Saturday, January 22
Community Hall
Do you have what it takes to be the 2022 Cupertino Spelling Bee Champion?
Find out at the fourth annual Cupertino Spelling Bee!
Grades 2 to 3 compete between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and grades 4 to 5 compete
between 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Register at bit.ly/spellingbee22.
Holidays in Hawaii
Wednesday, December 15
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sway along with the Cupertino Senior Center’s Lei Nani Hula dancers and the
Pilo Ho’ okani band as they celebrate the holidays with Hawai’ian songs and
dances. Sing along with the band from the comfort of your home. The program
will be presented live on Zoom.
Register at bit.ly/3pYFqns
Contact the Cupertino Senior Center for more class and program offerings at
(408) 777-3150 or view the most recent newsletter at cupertino.org/senior.
21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Phone: (408) 777-3150
Email: senior_center@cupertino.org
Website: cupertino.org/senior
Current Hours
The Cupertino Senior Center is open Tuesday and
Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for classes and front
desk assistance. The front desk is available to assist
with in-person registration, membership, and general
questions. Stop on by to sign up or to receive more
information of on-going activities.
It’s Easy To Become An Adult 50+ Member
Membership includes access to Adult 50+ programs,
services, classes, socials, and mailing of the newsletter
It’s Easy To Become An Adult 50+ Member
• Be at least 50 years or better
• Register for membership (available at the Senior
Center or online)
• Cupertino resident price $25. Non-Cupertino
resident price $30.
Cupertino Senior Center
11
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.
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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