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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. 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 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