HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene June 2021 - 06.01.2021 PLUS: DISCOVER ART IN UNEXPECTED PLACES | WHY YOUTH
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Walk With Pride
Celebrate Pride Month with
the New Rainbow Crosswalk
JUNE 2021
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
I always appreciate a good theme.
Whether it’s in a novel, a movie or,
better yet, the Scene.
This month’s Scene is based around
the idea of “community.” There
are a lot of great things happening
now--and in the immediate future--
all around Cupertino.
I’ve been pleased to see the
outpouring of positive responses
regarding the rainbow stripe at
Stevens Creek Boulevard and Finch
Avenue. The City installed it as a
message to say that everyone,
regardless of sexual orientation
or gender identity, is welcome in
Cupertino. Read more on Page 6.
The City also recently reopened the
Community Garden at McClellan
Ranch Preserve. The new garden
features 93 raised garden beds,
six in-ground beds, and eight
ADA-compliant beds. Community
Garden is a beautiful, safe, and
peaceful refuge for Cupertino
residents amidst the fast-paced
life of Silicon Valley. Learn more on
Page 4.
Breaking news! The ever-popular
fountain at the Cupertino Civic
Center will be back on this month.
The fountain was kept off all of
2020 to ensure there were no mass
gatherings. But it’s back this year
and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I
know our families and children are
likely excited too. Read all about it
on Page 9.
Last, but not least, what is a
community without art? In May
we highlighted our Cupertino Poet
Laureate program. This month we
are highlighting art in unexpected
places. Take a look on Page 3.
2021 is shaping up to be a whole lot
more fun than 2020.
Before I go, happy Father’s Day to
all the wonderful dads out there.
Deborah Feng
City Manager
FEATURES
3 Art in Unexpected
Places
Walk through Blackberry Farm to find a new
mural and discover beautiful artwork in an
unexpected place!
4 Community Garden
Reopens
The City is proud to announce the reopening
of the Cupertino Community Garden with
garden beds available to rent.
IN
S
I
D
E
6 Walk With Pride
Check out the new
rainbow-colored stripe across
Stevens Creek Boulevard!
5 Teens and Young Adults
– It’s Your Turn
Teens and young adults are eligible
to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
8 Plastics Reality Check
June is Recycling Awareness
Month—learn about plastics, and
how to properly recycle them.
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org.
THE SCENE THEME
CONTENTS
2
Street Sweeping Enforcement to
Resume on Monday, June 7
Art in Unexpected Places
— “Harmony” by Sarabjit Singh
The City of Cupertino will resume street sweeping
enforcement on Monday, June 7. Enforcement was
suspended in early 2020 due to stringent stay-at-home
orders. The City has decided to resume enforcement
now that the orders have loosened.
General street sweeping schedule is:
• Residential areas are swept twice a month.
Sweeping generally occurs between the hours of
7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Commercial areas are swept weekly between the
hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Foothill Boulevard is swept weekly between the
hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The City’s robust street sweeping service promotes
public health and safety. Regular street sweeping
keeps Cupertino roadways clean, beautifies
neighborhoods, ensures safer roadways by reducing
hazards, and keeps debris and trash from entering and
clogging storm drains.
For more information, including schedule maps and
notifications, visit cupertino.org/streetsweeping.
If you visit Blackberry Farm, look for the newly
installed artwork near the playground. The mural,
entitled Harmony, was painted by artist Sarabjit Singh
and completed in April. The Fine Arts Commission
chose this mural for the pilot Art in Unexpected Places
project as a way for the community to reflect on
themes and imagery that represent the heritage,
natural beauty, and creativity of our city.
The children in the mural Harmony represent the
culture of Cupertino—one that is diverse, and a
representation of our future. Sarabjit also wanted to
include habitat, flora, and fauna that can be found
in the surrounding area. Sarabjit is a resident of Santa
Clara County and a member of the Fine Arts League
of Cupertino. She has painted murals for the City of
Santa Clara, Sikh Community organizations, and a
variety of private commissions.
3
The City of Cupertino is proud to announce the reopening of
the Cupertino Community Garden with gardens beds available
for residents to rent.
The Community Garden is one of the many excellent services
the City offers our residents. It’s an amenity in Cupertino that
promotes healthy living through organic food, low-impact
exercise, and social interactions. This nature-focused gathering
place strengthens our community bonds and we’re very happy
to see it reopening.
The original garden was constructed in the 1970s and was in
desperate need of a makeover. The Cupertino City Council
agreed and approved $1.3 million in “seed” funding to
completely remake the garden.
The new garden features 93 raised garden beds, six in-ground
beds, and eight ADA-compliant beds. All are six by 16 feet.
“The garden is a beautiful, safe, and peaceful refuge for
Cupertino residents amidst the fast-paced lives many of us lead,”
said Carol Stanek, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
“The organic garden is not just a benefit for the environment, it’s
also a benefit for the community.”
Cupertino residents can apply for a garden bed through the
Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information, visit cupertino.org/gardens
You can never be too prepared
for an emergency. One of the most
important things you can do is make
sure you’re connected to receive
warnings, information, and instructions
by signing up for AlertSCC.
Your ability to receive fast, accurate
information can help you survive in an
emergency.
AlertSCC can send text or voice
messages to cell phones, home
phones, personal digital assistants
(PDA’s), laptops, desktop computers,
and TTY/TDD devices for the hearing
impaired. AlertSCC can reach
you wherever you are to provide
information and instructions in a
variety of emergency situations, which
may include:
1. Flooding, wildfire, earthquake, and
subsequent evacuations
2. Public safety incidents, including
crimes, that immediately affect your
neighborhood
3. Post-disaster information about
shelters, transportation, or supplies
Registering for AlertSCC is one of the
fastest, easiest, and most immediately
productive thing you can do to
better prepare for an emergency.
It is the one step you should take
today. Registering takes minutes, the
service is free. AlertSCC is specifically
designed to help you manage your
actions in an emergency.
Register for AlertSCC at alertscc.com.
Cupertino Community
Garden Reopens with
Garden Beds
What is
AlertSCC?
4
For the last 15 months, we have all worried about our
families and friends, especially those more susceptible
to severe COVID-19 infections. In March 2020, we
stayed home. We studied, graduated, and sang happy
birthday all from a screen. In December 2020, the first
dose of vaccine for COVID-19 was administered and
demonstrated the incredible scientific capability of
this country. Our families all got the vaccine especially
those 65 and older or with underlying health conditions.
In April 2021 eligibility for the vaccine expanded for all
those aged 16 and older. Even more of our family and
friends got the vaccine.
If you have a teen or young person in your life who
still has not received their COVID-19 vaccine, it’s their
turn. All individuals aged 12 and older who live, work,
or attend school in Santa Clara County are eligible to
be vaccinated. While it’s true, younger people are less
likely to experience severe symptoms from COVID-19,
you may still spread the virus to your older family like
grandma and grandpa. No one wants that.
Still, we know the vaccines are safe. All authorized
COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials with
tens of thousands of volunteers of different ages, races,
and ethnicities to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
The FDA, CDC, State of California, and County of Santa
Clara continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19
vaccines to make sure even very rare side effects are
identified and appropriate precautions are taken. Some
manufacturers are applying for full approval as well,
validating all the testing and safety information.
By June 15, 2021,The State of California intends to
drastically change and reduce the restrictions we
have come to know. All this work means spending the
summer getting some sun and hanging out with friends
instead of stuck at home in front of a screen. The best
way to ensure the restrictions are fully removed and
remain that way is to get your vaccine.
A signed consent form is required for each dose of
vaccine for those under age 18. A copy of the consent
form is available online and at the vaccine site. A link
to the consent form is provided during appointment
registration at sccfreevax.org.
Parents and teens, make an appointment at
sccfreevax.org.
Help bring us all safely into summer 2021.
ATTENTION!
Teens and Young Adults
It’s Your Turn
5
Walk with Pride
Rainbow-Colored Strip Installed
to Promote Inclusivity
Spotlighting the County
Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Walk through Cupertino with pride and check out the newly installed
rainbow stripe across Stevens Creek Boulevard at Finch Avenue! The
City installed the rainbow crosswalk to say that everyone, regardless of
sexual orientation or gender identity, is welcome in Cupertino.
The pavement stripe is 12 inches wide and contains the colors of the
rainbow, and is easily visible to pedestrians at the intersection. The stripe
is made of a thermoplastic material similar to that used for crosswalks,
and is melted onto the pavement in order to withstand the wear
caused by the high volume of traffic on Stevens Creek Boulevard.
The Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is
committed to creating strong bridges throughout the
County that affirm and embrace the whole person,
especially LGBTQ individuals and their families. They
work to create inclusive systems of support with a
special focus on LGBTQ communities.
Programs and Services:
LGBTQ Wellness: Provides peer-based social, emotional,
and mental health support for LGBTQ+ adults in Santa
Clara County. Support groups, trainings and workshops,
and more. For more information, visit lgbtqwell.org.
Gender Health Center: The GHC, part of Santa Clara
Valley Medical Center, is the first and only clinic in the
South Bay specializing in care for transgender, non-
binary, and gender diverse individuals of all ages.
Step In, Speak Up!: Along with the Behavior Health
Services Department, they provide free online trainings
for all caring adults who work with middle and high
school students to learn LGBTQ terminology, and how
to handle certain scenarios with LGBTQ students. For
more information or to register your school, email
schoolpride@ceo.sccgov.org.
All-Gender Restroom Signs: California law mandates
that any single-stall restroom must be designated
“All-Gender” by signage. The Office of LGBTQ Affairs
currently has a limited supply of signs to provide to
businesses.
For more information about these programs and more,
visit sccgov.org/sites/lgbtq/.
6
Proclamation
WHEREAS, The City of Cupertino, which is committed to being welcoming and
inclusive of all people regardless of their sexual orientation, wishes to celebrate
and proclaim June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ)
Pride Month in Cupertino;
WHEREAS, June has been recognized as LGBTQ Pride Month since 1970,
however, the LGBTQ community has been fighting for basic civil and human
rights since the 1960s;
WHEREAS, While considerable progress has been made, unacceptable systemic
discrimination and violence continue to threaten LGBTQ community members,
with people of color and transgender individuals at the highest risk;
WHEREAS, We in the City of Cupertino stand alongside the LGBTQ community
and demand equal rights for all, promoting a world in which all people can live
free from discrimination and violence;
WHEREAS, The City Council dedicates the month of June to our LGBTQ family,
friends, and neighbors, and recognizes that Cupertino is blessed and enriched
by the diversity of our community.
THEREFORE, The Cupertino City Council does hereby Proclaim June 2021 as
LGBTQ Pride Month
and encourage the community to support all people with equity and inclusion,
and to treat others with mutual respect and understanding in the City of
Cupertino and in our country.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the City of Cupertino to be affixed this Tuesday, June First, Two Thousand and
Twenty One.
7
Plastics can be convenient, but the unintended
consequences are negatively affecting us and our
environment. Plastics are a worldwide concern
because of litter and leaching harmful chemicals, as
well as generating microplastics in the food we eat,
the water we drink, and even the air we breathe.
While recycling is part of the solution, it can be
confusing. The City of Cupertino’s Environmental
Programs team is here to break it down for you with
some inconvenient truths about plastics:
• Plastic utensils and straws do not get recycled - they
should go in the garbage
• “Compostable” plastic cups and containers made
from plant-based materials belong in the garbage.
They are not accepted in Cupertino’s green
organics or in the blue recycling carts
• Expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) cups, containers,
and packaging materials should always go in the
garbage
• Food-soiled or dirty containers of any kind belong in
the garbage
The City of Cupertino is exploring a possible ordinance
to limit single-use plastic at restaurants, and there are
bills at the state and federal level that aim to reduce
the use of unnecessary plastic. You can act now by
refusing unwanted plastic utensils when you order food
and using plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.
Interested in learning more about plastics? Visit
cupertino.org/nowaste or email environmental@
cupertino.org.
Cupertino’s stormwater pollution prevention and
storm drainage maintenance activities are funded
by two parcel-based fees. One has been in place
since 1992, and the second was adopted in 2019.
Together, the fees fund work that prevents trash and
other pollutants from flowing into local creeks and
the Bay where they can harm fish and other wildlife,
and ensures maintenance of the storm drainage
system to protect local property from flooding. The
fees also fund rebates for projects that capture or
allow rainwater to soak in rather than run off into the
gutter such as permeable pavement driveways, rain
gardens, and rain barrels. Information is available at
cupertino.org/cleanwater.
Stormwater laws prohibit any pollution—including
soapy water, dirt, paint, pool water, and landscaping
run-off—from entering storm drains because they lead
directly to creeks and the bay.
No increase to the fees is recommended for 2021-
2022, but every year City Council considers the
renewal of these fees to support this required work.
Eligible low-income residents may apply for a 20%
reduction in the 2019 fee via a cost-share program.
Apply online at cupertino.org/watercostshare or call
the Environmental Programs team at 408-777-3236
for assistance.
Plastics
Reality Check
Stormwater Parcel Fees to
Council for Renewal on June 1
8
Civic Center fountain expected to
be turned on in mid-June
The Cupertino Civic Center fountain
is a main attraction throughout late
spring, summer, and fall.
As the temperature steadily rises,
families gather to take shade under
the trees and cool off in the fountain.
Children’s laughter and shrieks of
delight can be heard echoing through
the Civic Center plaza.
The fountain is typically turned on
to coincide with the opening of the
Blackberry Farm swim season, which
is tentatively set to open in mid-June.
The City expects to have the fountains
ready by June 15.
Each year, the City prepares for
this time of year by performing
maintenance on the fountains. This
year’s maintenance included the
repair of the waterproof coating
system and the replacement of
defective lights.
Water Feature
WORLD BICYCLE DAY
June 3 is World Bicycle Day. The United Nations General
Assembly declared the yearly holiday in 2018, “to emphasize
and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering
sustainable development, strengthening education, including
physical education, for children and young people, promoting
health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual
understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion
and a culture of peace.”
World Bicycle Day is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that
cycling has the incredible potential to reshape our lives. Not only
does cycling have immense individual benefits such as improving
mental and physical health, but it also has valuable community-
wide benefits such as reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse
gas emissions. The City of Cupertino recognizes cycling’s benefits
and is currently in the process of constructing a comprehensive
network of bicycle infrastructure laid out in the City’s 2016 Bicycle
Transportation Plan, which aims to create a safe environment for
cyclists of all ages and abilities.
The City of Cupertino encourages residents to participate in this
year’s World Bicycle Day by taking a bike ride. For information on
how to ride safely, please visit: cupertino.org/saferoutes. Enjoy
and have fun riding!
#June3WorldBicycleDay
9
Reservations will be required for 1:45 hour swim blocks and can be made
two weeks in advance. To make a reservation, visit blackberryfarm.org.
Pool Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pool Rates:
Tuesday to Friday $6 resident $8 non-resident
Saturday and Sunday $8 resident $10 non-resident
Everyone who enters the pool gates must have a pre-paid reservation, even if they
will not be swimming. Children under the age of two are free and do not need a
reservation. The rates listed are for each 1:45 hour swim block.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the slide will not be open this season.
For more information on picnic reservations, the Blackberry Café, and the swimming
pools, visit blackberryfarm.org or call (408) 777-3140.
Blackberry Farm Swimming Pool
Opens On June 15
10
It’s not too late to register
for a Cupertino summer camp.
Camps run June 7 through August 13
Register today at
cupertino.org/recreation
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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CUPERTINO SCENE
Cupertino City Hall
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Cupertino, CA 95014
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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