HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene February 2021 - 02.01.2021 PLUS: CREST 2021 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN | TAKE THE CUPERTINO
CLIMATE CHALLENGE | SMART BIKE RACKS AT CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
Love to Shop Local
Support Businesses
with the I Love
Cupertino e-Gift Card
FEBRUARY 2021
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
This is my first opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year! I hope you are
well and your year is off to a good start.
I understand that 2020 was a tough year for everyone. That includes us as
individuals, our families, our community, and our country.
That’s why I want to start off 2021 with positive thoughts. There is so much
out of our control, and so much of it can be negative.
Some studies show that 40% of our happiness (or unhappiness) is based on our intentional thoughts and actions. If
that’s true, then I’m deciding to think positive thoughts--for myself and about others, and then put that into action.
My sense of optimism is getting back to myself.
Deborah Feng
City Manager
FEATURES
3 Serving Those
Experiencing Homelessness
Read how the City of Cupertino, the County of
Santa Clara, and Abode Services worked to aid
those struggling in the community.
4 I Love Cupertino
e-Gift Card
Help support local businesses in
Cupertino with the new I Love
Cupertino Community e-Gift Card.
IN
S
I
D
E
8 February is Library Lover’s Month
The Cupertino Library and Santa Clara
County Library District continue to provide
exceptional services to patrons.
6 CREST 2021 Nominations Are Open
Do you know someone who should be
recognized for their efforts in volunteering?
Nominate them for a CREST Award!
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
7 Learn to be a Climate Champion
Sign up for the Cupertino Climate Challenge
and start taking simple steps to help the
environment.
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org.
THINKING POSITIVE IN THE NEW YEAR
CONTENTS
2
Serving Those Experiencing
Homelessness
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the
conditions for community members experiencing
homelessness in and around Cupertino. In response,
the City of Cupertino partnered with the non-profit
agency, Abode Services, and the County of Santa
Clara to support the encampment on Wolfe Road
at Interstate 280 prioritizing a pathway to housing for
each participant. Starting in July 2020 and continuing
into 2021, each response agency has maintained
consistent outreach to those at the encampment.
While engaging, all agencies maintained physical
distancing and wore face coverings.
As a part of the ongoing outreach and engagement
at Wolfe Road and Interstate 280, the County of
Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing offered
the following services:
Shelter:
• Temporary shelter beds at any County partner
shelters, as well as new shelters established as a
result of COVID-19, all abiding by social distancing
and taking necessary precautions.
• Motel placement for high risk individuals determined
through a screening conducted by a nurse.
Community Resources:
• Resources for showers including locations and
access instructions
• Employment assistance programs
• Substance abuse treatment (including residential
treatment)
• Mental health support
• Housing assistance programs, such as the
Emergency Assistance Network, which can aid in
move in costs such as deposit and first month’s rent
On November 19, 2020, the Cupertino City Council
allocated funding to support a pathway to housing
for those experiencing homelessness at the
encampment on Wolfe Road in an unprecedented
step to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of
the encampment were offered shelter in a motel and
storage for personal items for up to six months. Abode
Services made units available at an existing service
delivery location in a motel setting. Each member
in the motel has access to case management
and supportive services for help with permanent
housing options, employment assistance, substance
dependencies, and more.
Additionally, the City of Cupertino established a
temporary, alternate outdoor site for the encampment
members to relocate during the COVID-19 shelter
in place orders. Portable restrooms, handwashing
stations, and debris bins have been provided onsite
in line with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and
local Public Health guidelines. The County of Santa
Clara and Abode Services will continue to coordinate
outreach and engagement services prioritizing a
pathway to housing for each remaining individual.
3
Support Local Businesses with
“I Love Cupertino”
Community e-Gift Cards
As we embark on our journey into 2021 our
community continues to navigate the ongoing
economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
City of Cupertino is committed to working with all of its
community partners and local businesses to support one
another during these challenging times.
A new way for residents to help support local businesses
is to purchase I Love Cupertino Community e-Gift Cards
that can be used at participating local businesses.
The City is sponsoring the I Love Cupertino Community
e-Gift Card Program in partnership with the Cupertino
Chamber of Commerce. This e-gift card program is an
opportunity for residents and local shoppers to enjoy
restaurants, shops, and entertainment in Cupertino while
supporting local businesses.
The I Love Cupertino Community e-Gift Card is a
community-based digital gift card that makes it
easy to keep local spending local at participating
Cupertino businesses. E-gift cards can be purchased
securely online at app.yiftee.com/gift-card/cupertino
in different values and sent to the recipient via email or
text message. Send e-gift cards to your family, friends,
coworkers, or any of the special people in your life!
The recipient can use that value to make purchases at
participating Cupertino e-Gift Card merchants.
NO FEE SPECIAL OFFER: Processing fees will be waived
for e-gift cards purchased through the end of February
2021 (standard processing fees are $1.00 per card
and 5% of the total value of the gift amount). The
card recipient and merchant receive the full value for
the card, providing a maximum benefit to our local
businesses.
Whether you choose to use the gift cards now for to-go
and curbside purchases, or to give to others as gifts,
every purchase counts! Your generosity
and support of our business
community directly
impacts local businesses
and their employees at
these locations, as well as
strengthens the vitality of
our local economy as we
all look toward better times.
While we may be ready to leave the challenges
of 2020 behind us, it is important to stay vigilant as we
continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Not feeling sick or testing negative doesn’t always
mean you aren’t infected. After exposure, COVID-19
can incubate in the body for up to 14 days. If you’ve
been exposed, quarantine and watch out for
symptoms. Don’t risk accidentally exposing others,
especially the ones you love.
If you have symptoms or are sick, assume it’s COVID-19
until proven otherwise. Too many people have thought
it was just allergies, the weather, or the time of year.
Then their loved ones fall sick and test positive, realizing
it was COVID-19 all along. Find a testing site for people
with symptoms at sccfreetest.org.
Continue to follow the Health Orders from the Santa
Clara County Public Health Department, and practice
good hygiene and safety:
• Wear a face covering when going out for
your essentials
• Stay at least six feet apart from people
outside your household
• Make sure to get your annual flu shot to
protect yourself from flu
• Avoid close contact with people who are
sick, and stay home if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched
objects and surfaces
• Wash your hands often with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds, or use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least
60% alcohol
Thank you for doing your part in stopping the spread
of COVID-19 and keeping our community safe.
Stay Healthy
in 2021
Financial assistance and food support are available
for households impacted by the coronavirus
(COVID-19) crisis. If you or anyone you know is affected
by school or business closures, loss of jobs and hourly
earnings, or are now having to take care of dependent
older adults amidst the COVID-19 crisis, West Valley
Community Services is there to help. All appointments
and consultations will be over the phone or video.
Programs and services include:
• Weekly grocery assistance
• Grocery delivery for households ages 60+ or
households exposed to COVID-19
• Financial rent and utility assistance
• Food stamps and medical insurance referrals
Please contact West Valley Community Services
for information, referrals, and services at recert@
wvcommunityservices.org or call (408) 366-6092.
Want to find ways to help? Make an
emergency donation or sign up to volunteer at
wvcommunityservices.org.
Find More Resources for Families and Individuals
Impacted by COVID-19
• Call 2-1-1 to speak with an operator about
programs and services to assist families in Santa
Clara County
• COVID-19 Business Call Center: (408) 961-5500,
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Isolation and Quarantine Support Program,
including housing, transportation, meals, and more:
(408) 808-7770
• Santa Clara County COVID-19 Assistance
Navigation for unemployment insurance, disability,
and other safety net programs: (408) 809-2124 or
email scc-can-info@wpusa.org
• Second Harvest Food Bank for food assistance:
1-800-984-3663
• Santa Clara County Joint Operations Center for
housing support: (408) 278-6420
• Santa Clara County Office of Labor Standards
Enforcement: 1-866-870-7725
• Santa Clara County Patient Access Department:
(408) 855-CARE
• COVID-19 Testing Information: sccfreetest.org
West Valley Community Services is
Supporting the Community
Day 0
You are
unknowingly
exposed to
COVID-19
Day 3
You are notified
of exposure
and asked to
quarantine
It is possible to expose others while
contagious, before showing symptoms.
COVID-19 can incubate in the body for up to 14 days
Here’s what that might look like:
Day 6
You test
negative
Day 7-9
Thinking you
don’t have
COVID-19 you
visit family
Day 10
You develop
symptoms and
test positive
5
Do you know someone who should be recognized for their
efforts in volunteering, sustainability, or public safety?
For more than 30 years, the City of Cupertino has recognized
its outstanding community volunteers with an awards program.
Hundreds of residents and community organizations have been
honored with the award, now known as the CREST (Cupertino
Recognizes Extra Steps Taken) Awards.
For the past three years, the City has presented awards in seven
categories to better reflect the Cupertino community. The
categories are:
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Volunteer) – Recognizes a
member of the community who has volunteered in the City of
Cupertino for 10+ years.
• Volunteer of the Year – Recognizes individuals who have made
a difference to the Cupertino community through volunteer
service.
• Organization of the Year – Recognizes organizations that have
made a difference to the Cupertino community through
volunteer service.
• Rising Star Award (Volunteer) – Recognizes an individual who
has volunteered in Cupertino for three or less years but shows
a continued commitment to the future of the Cupertino
community.
• Public Safety Champion of the Year – Recognizes an individual
or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the
safety of Cupertino.
• Sustainability Champion of the Year – Recognizes a person or
group committed to maintaining a sustainable and healthy
place to live, work, and play in Cupertino.
Award criteria and nomination requirements are on the
application form, which can be found at the link at the bottom
of the page. Complete the information and attach your answers
to the required questions. Please be as detailed as possible.
Applications are due by February 26, 2021.
For more information on the categories, and to nominate
someone you know, please follow the link at the bottom of the
page. Follow-up questions can be sent to Communications
Officer Brian Babcock at pio@cupertino.org.
cupertino.org/crest
The City of Cupertino is inviting
all seventh and eighth grade
Cupertino residents to participate
in our inaugural “Drafting
Cupertino’s Future” and tell our
City officials what you would do
if you could make a change in
Cupertino.
Youth civic engagement is crucial
to building a new tomorrow
and this essay contest provides
students the opportunity to
reflect on the role of the elected
officials in their cities and the staff
who work diligently to serve their
community. Who knows? One
of our winners could be a future
commissioner or councilmember.
The prompt: “What would you do
if you could improve or change
life in Cupertino?”
Our prompt is both simple and
complex. Many ideas are good,
but how feasible are they? We
are asking middle school students
to not only use their creativity
but also test their ingenuity and
logic to make a compelling
case for their proposed ideas.
For example, if the proposed
idea is to build a new park, how
would it be paid for? How will the
community and neighbors feel
about these changes? These are
only a couple of questions City
Council, Commissions, and staff
must consider when implementing
big changes, and we are
challenging students to think like
a City official drafting their essay.
For full contest rules, details, and
submission instructions, head to
bit.ly/38eU6Wb
Drafting
Cupertino’s
Future Essay
Contest
6
In the United States, a shocking 40% of greenhouse gas emissions come from household activities. Thankfully,
some of the solutions are simple, but we need your help. The Cupertino Climate Challenge is here to make it
easy to lower your greenhouse gas emissions, save money, and engage in the fight against climate change.
This free tool has dozens of possible actions that give you helpful tips and links to resources tailored just for you.
Choose from over 70 actions from home energy, transportation, food and waste, and water conservation.
Every household is different, so whether you’re just starting out or already a “climate champion,” the Cupertino
Climate Challenge is for you.
How it works:
1. Create your profile. It’s easy to get started. Create your household profile and enter some information on your
current activities so we can recommend actions that are right for you.
2. Take sustainable actions. Browse a list of actions that will help reduce your impact, then add them to your
dashboard. We’ll help with next steps, costs, and questions.
3. Work together. Are you part of a club, school, or faith community? Add your group to the platform and
have fun with some friendly competition, encouragement, and tips from your friends and neighbors. Strong,
sustainable neighborhood networks will support ongoing community efforts to build resilient and safe
neighborhoods throughout Cupertino.
Our goal is to get to 250 households this year which will make it possible to eliminate 100 tons of CO2 from
entering our atmosphere. Together we can create a safer, healthier future and a better today. Sign up today
and start exploring impactful everyday actions. Who knows how far you’ll go!
Get started at cupertinoclimatechallenge.org.
At the final meeting of 2020, City Council
authorized the execution of a new 10-year franchise
agreement with Recology for recycling, organics,
and solid waste collection; recycling and organics
processing services; and transport for disposal.
The new agreement goes into effect on February
1, and will maintain current services including extra
on-call collections for residents, compost giveaway
at the compost site, and Environmental Days (when
safe given COVID-19 restrictions). The agreement
includes several metrics to track diversion from
landfill, requires annual technology assessments of
electric collection truck technology, switches existing
trucks to renewable diesel, and prepares for new
State regulations related to diverting food waste
from the garbage that will go into effect in 2022.
Additional information about the new agreement
with links to the recorded Council meeting and
agenda documents is available at cupertino.org/
newfa.
New 10-Year Agreement Authorized for
Garbage, Recycling, and Organics Collection
Are You Ready to
Take the Cupertino
Climate Challenge?
7
Riding your bike is one of the best ways to get to Civic Center
Plaza. Whether you’re picking up a book at the esteemed
Cupertino Library, walking through the demonstration garden
outside City Hall, or getting a bite to eat from a nearby café,
riding your bike will bring you the joy of Cupertino’s beautiful
scenery while also avoiding the hassle of parking.
But what if you forgot your bike lock and you’re worried about
your bike getting stolen? You don’t need to worry anymore.
The City of Cupertino installed two new smart bike racks in Civic
Center Plaza. The smart racks, manufactured by Bikeep, let you
lock your bike without the need for a bike lock—all you need is
your smartphone or transportation card. Search for the Bikeep
app on your smartphone or scan the QR codes on the racks to
download the app. Setting up an account is quick, easy, and
free. Lock up your bike securely, and enjoy your visit to the Civic
Center Plaza knowing your bike will be there when you return.
February is National Library Lovers’
Month, and there’s no better way
to celebrate than showing some
love to our own Cupertino Library
and the Santa Clara County Library
District (SCCLD)!
The Cupertino Library has continued
to provide exceptional services while
maintaining the safety of patrons
and staff. Patrons can place books
they want to check out on hold,
and pick them up by walking up or
through contactless curbside pickup
during specific hours. The library
also expanded its digital services,
including virtual programs, resources
for students, and offering free
Wi-Fi to the community in the library
parking lot. Despite the challenges
of the COVID-19 pandemic,
SCCLD continued to engage the
community with additional focus
on mental health, and the City of
Cupertino and Cupertino Library
continued to move forward on
the Library Expansion Project.
The new year just got better, as
the Santa Clara County Library
District announced the elimination
of late fines for all library materials,
including books, magazines, music,
and movies. Existing fines will also be
forgiven, so you can start the new
year with a clean slate.
You can also visit the online library at
any time! Sign up for an electronic
library card, download ebooks
and audiobooks, find tutoring and
homework help, and much more at
sccld.org/online-library.
Introducing Smart
Bike Racks
No Bike Lock?
No Problem!
Loving
Our Library
8
The Winter 2021
Recreation Schedule is out!
Virtual program offerings available
Register for an activity today
cupertino.org/recreation
9
Food Needs
SURVEY
Jump Start Your
New Year’s Resolution
with a Free Fitness Class
Are you or a loved one in need
of food assistance? The City of
Cupertino is working to better
understand the level of need in
our community. Please take the
survey to receive more information
on food resources for which you
may be eligible. If you cannot
take this survey online or need
translation assistance, please call
(408) 777-3152 to complete the
survey over the phone.
Take the survey at
opentownhall.com/10154
The City of Cupertino is making it easy for you to get a jump start on
your New Year’s resolutions with free live-streamed virtual fitness classes.
For the latest information, please visit cupertino.org/virtualrecreation.
MONDAYS
Zumba® with Monica | 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Zumba® routines feature aerobic intervals with a combination of fast
and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
TUESDAYS
Bootcamp with Raychel | 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
An interval training class that mixes calisthenics and body weight
exercises with cardio and strength training. No equipment needed.
WEDNESDAYS
Zumba Gold® with Grace | 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Zumba Gold® is a dance exercise class designed for active adults 50+.
The dances feature Latin moves such as Salsa, Cumbia, Cha Cha, and
more. Steps are fun and easy to follow and learn. The class is designed
to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility.
THURSDAY
Body Sculpting with Raychel | 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Body sculpting is a muscle-toning total body workout, incorporating
strength and flexibility training.
No equipment needed.
FRIDAYS
U-Jam® with Monica | 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Join the dance party with U-Jam®, burn those calories away with easy
to follow moves and high energy music.
Cardio Dance with Monica | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Monica for her very own Cardio Dance Class filled with Pop and
Bollywood music.10
BLACKBERRY FARM GOLF COURSE
Blackberry Farm Golf Course is open.
Daily tee times are between sunrise to 1.5 hours
before sunset.
Book a Tee Time: Tee times can be reserved any
time online at blackberryfarmgolfcourse.com
or during business hours by phone (408) 253-9200.
CUPERTINO SPORTS CENTER TENNIS COURTS
The tennis courts at the Cupertino Sports Center are
open for Sports Center members. Sports Center court
hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:30
p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Reserve a Court: Court reservations can be made online
at reg4rec.org or during business hours by calling the
Cupertino Sports Center (408) 777-3160.
CUPERTINO PARK TENNIS COURTS
The tennis courts at these parks are open:
• Memorial Park
• Monta Vista Community Center
• Varian Park
Blackberry Farm Golf Course and the Cupertino
Sports Center are following guidance from the State
of California and County of Santa Clara regarding
operating procedures and requirements.
Facilities
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.
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 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 Organizations
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