HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene July 2021 - 07.01.2021 PLUS: UPCOMING PARK UPGRADES AND RENOVATIONS | VIRTUAL RECREATION:
PANDEMIC FITNESS | WATER CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPING REBATES
July is Parks and Recreation Month
A Look at Recreation Programs
from the Past Year
JULY 2021
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
FEATURES
3 Catch Up with
#CupertinoCares
Read about the ways the #CupertinoCares
initiative worked with the community to
stay connected.
4 Park Amenity
Upgrades
Learn about some of the new
amenities you can look forward
to coming to your nearby park.
IN
S
I
D
E
6 Pandemic Fitness
Recreation went virtual during
the pandemic! Read about all of
the ways the City held recreation
activities during 2020.
5 Playground Renovation
The City launched a new playground
renovation project! New playground
themes are coming to parks.
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
10 Back to School
Be aware of how you’ll walk, bike,
or drive once kids are going back
to school.
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org.
CONTENTS
Register for a Summer
activity, camp, or
program today.
cupertino.org/recreation
2
Over the course of the last year and a half, it has
never been more important to remain connected with
families, neighbors, and community as we learned
to navigate staying at home, wearing masks, and
physically keeping our distance from others. To help
foster positive and healthy community connections,
the City launched the #CupertinoCares initiative.
The #CupertinoCares initiative was introduced to the
community in April of 2020, and since that time the
initiative has successfully hosted a Citywide Chalk the
Walk, a Movie and Take-Out dinner event, a thank-
you letter writing campaign for essential workers, and
celebrated the graduating Class of 2020. The initiative
also organized Back-to-School supply and Emergency
Preparedness Bag giveaways, celebrated the July
4th holiday with a July 4th Celebration box, and
successfully organized distribution of 1,500 Halloween
themed buckets for the community. #CupertinoCares
called on the community reaffirm their commitment
on wearing masks, physically distancing, and more.
People that signed a pledge received a care
package. Hundreds joined the #CupertinoCares
team and signed the pledge.
The #CupertinoCares initiative has partnered with
the City’s Block Leader Program, the Geographic
Information Systems Division, the Chamber of
Commerce, the Santa Clara County Fire Department,
and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. From
what was considered a small initiative to help the
community come together during a very uncertain
time, has grown into a city-wide platform with plans
for a long future.
It’s easier than ever to get your COVID-19 vaccine!
All individuals age 12 and older are eligible to be
vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to individuals at
no cost. If you received your first dose of vaccine
outside of Santa Clara County, you can book an
appointment or find a drop-in center to receive
your second dose.
If you or someone in your household still haven’t
been vaccinated, now is the time.
You can book an appointment or find a drop-in
site at sccfreevax.org.
Get Vaccinated!
3
In June, City Council approved an ordinance to
reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in multi-unit
housing, entryways, public events, service areas, and
outdoor worksites.
Starting October 1, 2021, the following areas must be
smoke free:
1. Multi-unit housing (for the purposes of this ordinance,
defined as two or more attached residences that
share a wall or floor/ceiling, which could include
apartments, condominiums, townhomes, attached
single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, etc.),
including:
a. Inside multi-unit residences, including
balconies and decks
b. In indoor and outdoor common areas,
such as lobbies, halls, pathways, courtyards,
community rooms, playgrounds, and parking
lots and garages
c. In outdoor areas within 30 feet of doors and
windows of multi-unit housing
2. Entryways around the entrances of all locations
where smoking is prohibited, including businesses,
offices, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, places of
worship, etc.
3. Public events, such as farmer’s markets and
street fairs
4. Service areas, such as ATMs, ticket lines, bus
stops or shelters
5. Outdoor worksites, such as construction sites
No Smoking signs are required to be posted in locations
where smoking is prohibited.
Visit cupertino.org/smoking to request a sign from the
City, subject to availability.
To view the ordinance, FAQs, additional requirements,
a map of multi-unit housing addresses, and more
information, visit cupertino.org/smoking. These smoking
regulations will be reflected in Municipal Code Chapter
10.90. This approved ordinance is an important and
successful step towards reducing secondhand smoke
in Cupertino.
As part of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) Program, City Council
approved $200,000 to implement park amenity
improvements throughout the City of Cupertino parks
system. This CIP Project was intended to be funded in
the same amount for five years and address immediate
and short-term opportunities recommended in the Parks
and Recreation System Master Plan.
The Parks and Recreation Commission was tasked with
evaluating 16 City parks and two special use sites to
implement of a variety of amenities. Some of these
included pickleball striping, hydration stations, waste
receptacles, benches and picnic tables, shade trees
and structures, outdoor table tennis, and other diverse
recreation options such as mile markers, inclusive swings,
and outdoor exercise equipment.
The Commission and City staff worked through wildfire
conditions, heat advisories, and pandemic restrictions
to visit all 18 sites and complete their evaluations. Four
Commission meetings were conducted, including three
special meetings, to review the evaluations, prioritize
amenities, and determine implemented for the first
fiscal year. The Commission focused on priorities and
themes from the Parks and Recreation System Master
Plan, including inclusive elements, diverse recreation
opportunities, accessibility, and increased natural
elements. Public Works is currently working to implement
the selected amenities and the improvements are
highly anticipated by the community as welcomed
additions to our City parks system.
City Council Reduces Secondhand Smoke
in Multi-Unit Housing and Outdoor Areas
Park Amenity Improvements
4
The community came out loud and clear in 2020 that
there was a need in Cupertino for park renovations
and themed playgrounds that reflect the community’s
unique environment and community characteristics.
During the summer of 2020, the City of Cupertino
launched a new playground renovation project.
The renovation project includes:
Playground Site Selection – The criteria used in the
playground selection process was based on age and
condition of play structures, and budget available.
Selecting which playgrounds to renovate was a
challenging decision as all City parks are important and
have become an essential recreation outlet due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. After thorough consideration, the
two- to five-year-old playgrounds at Varian Park and
Creekside Parks were identified as priorities.
Playground Theme Options – Selecting from a plethora
of available themes was challenging but visiting and
analyzing each area inspired the creation of two
themes per park. Sports and Creek themes were
created for Creekside Park while Nature and Farm
themes were created for Varian Park.
Playground Theme Selection – The final theme selection
was extended to the community through a survey
conducted from November 9 to December 4, 2020.
Survey respondents selected the Creek Theme with 55%
of the votes for Creekside Park and Nature Theme with
60% of votes for Varian Park. Creek Theme will highlight
the Calabazas Creek and the redwood trees that
surround the Creekside Park playground. Nature Theme
will highlight the beautiful green spaces and orchards at
Varian Park.
Playground Renovation – This project was led by a
partnership between Public Works and Parks and
Recreation. Public Works is in the process of obtaining
cost estimates for labor and materials. Once this
step is finalized, the demolition and renovation of
the playground structures will begin.
The renovation of the playgrounds encourages families
to stay active by reconnecting them to the outdoors
while fostering social engagement and promoting
healthy lifestyles. The Parks and Recreation Department
looks forward to the completion of one of many projects
listed in the Master Plan.
Playground Renovation
5
Pandemic Fitness
Fitness Classes While Staying at Home
When the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly kept
everyone in their homes, Cupertino Recreation was
quick to adapt in order to ensure people could stay
active even while staying at home.
To engage people at home, Recreation activities had
to be accessible and use things that would already
be around the house. Keeping these challenges in
mind, Cupertino Recreation managed to roll out Virtual
Recreation programs just a few weeks after Stay at
Home began. Virtual Recreation included online virtual
tours, fitness videos and links, arts and crafts, and more.
Virtual Recreation offered endless activities for families,
including arts and crafts, science, enrichment, recipes,
and more. Lots of activities were tailored to themes
and fun holidays, like World Biking Day, National Library
Lover’s Month, National Space Day, and many more.
Last March, Virtual Recreation hosted its first Virtual Egg
Hunt, a scavenger hunt that sent residents searching
through the parks to find eggs and clues.
While the Sports Center was closed, virtual fitness classes
were held every weekday. These included Zumba,
strength training classes, dance classes, and more.
The Cupertino Recreation team hopes you’ve enjoyed
these virtual fitness classes. It’s been a pleasure hosting
them over the past year, and we look forward to hosting
you in-person at the Sports Center soon.
6
Virtual Programming
Big Bunny 5K
The Big Bunny 5K has been a staple event for the Parks
and Recreation Department for over 20 years. This year
the pandemic presented a bit of a challenge, but
instead of canceling, the 5K went virtual. More than
200 participants from multiple cities and states across
the U.S., including Las Vegas, Reno, and Minnesota
registered for the virtual event. Participants ran, walked,
and hopped from their home, local park, or favorite trail
between April 3 to 11. Race packets included a t-shirt,
race bib, water bottle stickers, and bunny ears which
could be pick-up or mailed to participants homes. The
event was a great way for the department to connect
with the community and continue to offer a well-loved
event. Participants had a great time and sent in fun
pictures of their participation.
Teen Programming
The Cupertino Youth Advisory Board hasn’t slowed
down despite the ongoing pandemic. They held the
annual hackathon, <hack> Cupertino, with over 120
participants and 43 project submissions. Along with
other cities, they organized the Kindness Week social
media campaign with the hashtag #teenkindnessweek.
To help with financial preparedness, they organized
the InfoTeeno Webinar series that reached more
than 350 participants. They transformed some of
their major events not virtual one, the YAB and the
Teen Commission held the TEDx Youth@TorreeAve
event in collaboration with the library, and the Teen
Commissions of Cupertino Saratoga and Campbell
streamed Pizza and Politics and engaged with their
local elected officials.
Third Grade Creek Program
In a normal year, the third grade classes in the
Cupertino Union School District travel to McClellan
Ranch Preserve to learn about Storm Water Pollution
Prevention and take a nature walk along the banks
of beautiful Stevens Creek. The year 2020-2021 was
different. Quarantine, no buses, no group meetings –
the COVID-19 crisis had things locked down.
A video that teachers could use as a teaching tool
was created in lieu of in person tours. Staff had to
learn the following:
• Learning video recording and editing
• Learning audio recording and editing
• Learning movie production
• Learning video production software
In April, we were able to release the video to the
schools. Hopefully it will encourage the kids to come
out and explore the beauty and nature out at
McClellan Ranch Preserve and elsewhere!
7
The 50+ Scene is typically a bi-monthly newsletter
that includes Senior Center classes, trips, socials, and
events. When the Stay at Home Order first went into
place, it became apparent that the 50+ Scene would
need to get creative to stay connected to readers.
Converting to an easily accessible digital production
was an easy way to pivot outreach and continue to
reach readers. For the Senior Center members who
don’t have emails, the City instituted monthly wellness
check-in phone calls.
The newsletter expanded to include scavenger hunts,
engaging on Facebook, virtual Travel, Sudoku and
crosswords, links to virtual classes, and many more
resources. After a year of Stay at Home Orders, print
newsletter began being mailed to Senior Center
residents members without emails. You can read the
latest 50+ Scene at cupertino.org/senior.
The Cupertino Senior Center has partnered with
local youth to write letters to senior residents,
mailing more than 1,600 letters with uplifting
messages and short stories. The program emerged
in July 2020 as a way to bring generations together
and create a positive, connected community
during the pandemic. Recipients were thankful
to be thought of during the Stay at Home Order,
and the youth participants were excited to have
an opportunity to volunteer and create something
positive for an at-risk population during the
pandemic. The care cards program allowed for
an opportunity to come together in a time where
it has been difficult to engage as a community.
The New Era of the 50+ Scene
Care Cards
for Seniors
8
Climate Action
in your Hands
Cupertino’s average rainfall is 18 inches of water per year.
This winter season Santa Clara County only received 5.8 inches
according to Valley Water reports. The lack of rainfall has resulted
in the County being in an extreme drought.
On June 9, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) declared
a Water Shortage Emergency Condition in Santa Clara County. This
resolution calls for:
• Mandatory water use restriction, such as were experienced during
the 2012-2016 drought.
• 15% reduction from 2019 water use levels.
• Urges Santa Clara County to proclaim a local emergency.
As we proved during the last drought, small changes how we use
water can have a collective impact right away, by quickly reducing
demand for water. Having clean water is crucial for our economy and
our environment. It is critical that all our residents and business owners
continue do their part to make water conservation a way of life.
Cupertino has resources to help:
Free Water Conservation Devices
• Have free items shipped to your home such as low-flow
shower heads, moisture meters, tabletop signage, and
more cloud.valleywater.org/shopping-cart
Outdoor Landscaping Upgrades & Rebates
• Request a no-contact outdoor water efficiency
home check-up: sjwater.com/catch
• Water Saving Calculator to decide how long to turn
on your sprinklers: sanjose.watersavingplants.com/calc/
• Residential and commercial rebates have recently increased,
becoming more valuable for residents, businesses, and HOAs
who can invest in water conservation improvements. Visit
valleywater.org/rebates
• turf conversion ($3 per square foot)
• greywater to landscape ($200 to $400)
• drip line irrigation ($0.25 per square foot)
• rain garden ($1 per square foot)
• rain capture barrel ($35 per barrel)
Water Saving Education
• Free virtual education bawsca.org/conserve/programs/classes
• Valley Water Board Vice Chair Gary Kremen has offered to join
groups or organizations to discuss conservation programs. For
scheduling, email info@valleywater.org.
• Room-by-room water conservation tips:
sjwater.com/conservation-tips
• Additional tips and learn about water saving actions when
participating in CupertinoClimateChallenge.org
Drought and Water
Conservation Resources
Make sure your opinions, priorities,
and questions about climate action
are heard to guide the City of
Cupertino in sustainable development
that is reflective of our community.
You are invited to a virtual public
workshop on July 29, at 5:30 p.m.
to talk about potential actions,
challenges, and Cupertino’s next
steps in climate action.
This is the first of three workshops and
other events designed to educate the
public on what actions have had the
most impact so far. Climate action can
lead to more jobs, greater prosperity,
and better lives while also creating a
healthier environment. Together, we
can address climate change, but we
must vastly increase our efforts.
Your feedback will help inform
Cupertino’s second edition of the
Climate Action Plan (CAP 2.0). The
CAP 2.0 will provide a roadmap
toward a carbon-neutral and zero-
waste City. This plan will include a
strategic framework and a roadmap
of specific steps as we continue our
journey as leaders in sustainability.
The City of Cupertino adopted a
Climate Action Plan in 2014 and we
have made great reductions in our
community emissions, hitting our 2020
target. Our most recent greenhouse
gas inventory shows that we have
more work to do in addressing fossil
fuels used in our transportation and
buildings. Climate action is a priority
for Cupertino at large, and Climate
Emergency demands that we
continue to work together for the next
set of ambitious goals. We all need
to continue addressing this crucial
issue if we are going to reduce GHG
emission to a substantial level and
help our planet.
Learn more at cupertino.org/
climateaction
9
The City of Cupertino welcomes students back to school!
Public schooling resumes August 16 and will likely be fully in-person
Monday through Friday. Please drive with extra caution near
schools, looking out for students, families, and crossing guards
using the roads and sidewalks.
Families with students: Cupertino Safe Routes to School encourages
you to walk, bike, or scooter to school! If you live too far, consider
skipping the long, slow line of cars by walking the last few blocks.
It’s good exercise, can actually be faster, and fewer cars directly
in front of school makes the road safer.
Prepare to go back to school by visiting Cupertino’s new Back to
School webpage, where you will find the resources you need to:
• Understand the Benefits: Did you know that getting a little
exercise before school by walking, biking, or taking a scooter
can improve academic performance? This is just one benefit
of taking active transportation to school.
• Plan Your Route: Explore the Suggested Routes to School map
for your school, which includes walking and biking routes, bike
parking locations, crossing guard locations (note: not all schools
receive crossing guard services), estimated travel times, and
more. Be sure to test your route before the first day back.
• Gear Up: Make sure that you’re visible; your backpack, helmet,
and bike are the right size and are properly adjusted; your bike
is functioning well; you can carry everything you need by bike;
and you know how to lock your bike or scooter.
• Stay Safe: Find bicycle classes, tips on social distancing
while walking and biking, and information on how to be
a safe road user.
• Determine Readiness: Parents, determine if your child is
ready to walk or bike to school on their own.
Learn more here: cupertino.org/backtoschool
Cupertino is a wonderful place to
ride a bike! With beautiful weather
most of the year, mostly flat terrain,
and miles of paths, bike lanes,
separated bike lanes, and bike
boulevards throughout the city,
biking is easy, safe, and enjoyable.
During the month of July, Cupertino
SR2S is hosting five summer bike
challenges to encourage anyone
who lives, works, or goes to school in
Cupertino to explore, exercise and
have some fun – by bike!
Challenges:
• Ride More Miles
Ride at least 10 miles.
• Bike to Art
Use the City’s virtual ARTour App to
explore art throughout Cupertino.
• Organize a Group Ride
Ride with friends.
Optional: give your ride a theme.
• Bike Date
Go on a bike adventure with your
sweetheart.
• Bike to School / Work / Shop
Bike to work. Shop by bike.
Earn a prize for each challenge
you complete.
Prize and Participation Details:
cupertino.org/bikechallenge
Prize redemption at City Hall during
the City’s 8th Annual Fall Bike Fest
on September 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Back to School
Time is Here
Summer Bike
Challenges
10
For the latest facility status, visit cupertino.org/reopening.
The City of Cupertino is currently in
the process of reopening facilities,
just in time for summer!
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