HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene March 2021 - 03.01.2021 PLUS: ANNOUNCING THE 2020 ARTIST AWARDS WINNERS | THANK YOU TO CITIZEN
CORPS VOLUNTEERS | #CUPERTINOCARES: RECOGNIZING OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
The New Normal
Reflecting on 2020 and
a Year of Staying at Home
MARCH 2021
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO
SCENE
One year.
That’s how long we’ve been under
stay-at-home orders. And let me
tell you, it’s felt like a lot longer than
that at times.
But I continue to be impressed
by our community’s resolve. Our
COVID-19 positivity rate is regularly
one of the lowest in the county.
That’s because you all continue to
wear your masks, wash your hands,
and physically distance. Bravo!
Now the light is at the end of the
tunnel.
Vaccines are here and are being
steadily distributed. I am heartened
by this news. I’m sure you are too.
I know that being told “you can’t do
this” or “don’t do that” can get old.
So the City of Cupertino is working
on a fun, interactive campaign our
residents can participate in. There
are still some details to be worked
out, so more information to come
soon. But you won’t be able to miss
it if you follow the City on Nextdoor,
Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
We’ll also keep the community
updated at cupertino.org.
For now, I hope you enjoy this
month’s edition of the Scene. Since
it is the one-year anniversary of the
original stay-at-home orders, we’re
thanking our very own Citizen Corps
volunteers for their aid at testing sites
and recognizing essential workers.
Don’t miss our upcoming Cupertino
Library Expansion Groundbreaking
Ceremony! It’s an exciting project.
More details on Page 3.
Lastly, be sure to turn to Page 6 to
admire this year’s Distinguished and
Emerging Artist Awards, and the
Young Artists Awards. I continue to
be amazed at the level of talent
we have here in Cupertino.
Take care, everyone.
Deborah Feng
City Manager
FEATURES
3 Expanding Our
Horizons
The public is invited to the virtual Cupertino
Library Expansion Groundbreaking
Ceremony on Friday, March 5 at 12 p.m.
4 Thank You, Citizen
Corps Volunteers
The City appreciates the Cupertino Citizen
Corps volunteers have aided the COVID-19
testing site at the Cupertino Senior Center.
IN
S
I
D
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8 2020 Artist Awards Winners
Check out the winners from the 2020
Distinguished and Emerging Artist Awards,
and the Young Artists Awards.
5 #CupertinoCares:
Recognizing our Essential Workers
Throughout the month of March, the
#CupertinoCares initiative will post stories from
essential workers reflecting on the past year.
12 Directory and Contacts
Keep this list of the most useful
contacts for the City of Cupertino.
7 Teen Commission to
Recognize Local Youth
Each month, The Cupertino Teen Commission
will recognize a local youth-led organization.
Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org.
SEEING THE LIGHT
CONTENTS
2
Expanding
Our Horizons
Library Expansion Will Allow
for More Programs in the Future
Get the
Latest City
Updates in
an Instant
The City of Cupertino is pleased to invite the community to
the Cupertino Library Expansion Groundbreaking Ceremony
on Friday, March 5 at noon. The event will be livestreamed
at cupertino.org, facebook.com/cityofcupertino, and
youtube.com/cupertinocitychannel.
On November 19, 2019, the City Council unanimously approved
the project with $8 million in funding. This is an exciting addition
that will enhance the library’s ability to meet the current and
future needs of Cupertino residents.
The Cupertino Library has enjoyed a level of success unmatched
with any library in the Santa Clara County Library District system.
More than 900,000 people visited the Cupertino Library between
July 2018 and June 2019. That number is expected to increase to
nearly a million visitors in the coming years.
The City of Cupertino has had its eye on expanding the
Cupertino Library since 2012. That dream will finally be realized
this year as the one-story, southern portion of the library is
replaced with an approximately 5,600-square-foot, two-story
addition. The first and second floors of the expansion feature
large multi-purpose rooms that will be used for library programs
for all ages, spill-over study spaces, and other community uses.
The much needed additional space will allow the library to
fulfill its mission of encouraging life-long learning and self-
improvement. The expanded library will connect the beloved
Memorial Grove to a new courtyard, and physically establish a
center for the library.
For more information on the Library Expansion, including the
groundbreaking ceremony, visit cupertino.org/libraryexpansion.
The City of Cupertino has started
using a new email subscription
service called GovDelivery, making
it even easier for you to receive
updates on topics that are important
you. This new service allows you to
password protect your subscriptions
and preferences, change your email
address, or remove yourself at any
time by changing your subscription
preferences.
All you need to log in with your
email address! Simply enter your
email address, select the topics
you want to be notified about,
verify your email, and you’re done!
You’ll immediately receive any
updates about the topics you’ve
selected to your inbox. Be sure to
add cupertino@public.govdelivery.
com to your contacts to make sure
emails don’t go to your junk folder.
Stay up to date and informed on all
the important news in Cupertino—
sign up for email notifications at
cupertino.org/enotification.
3
The past year has been long and trying for everyone, but the
promised COVID-19 vaccine is here. In fact, as of February
1, 2021 there are two vaccines with FDA Emergency Use
Authorization and more are various stages and are expected
to enter the health care system soon. This moment could be the
turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic, the light on the horizon
after the long, dark night.
The vaccines that have been authorized have been tested in
large clinical trials with tens of thousands of volunteers to assess
their safety. The FDA, CDC, and ACIP have all evaluated the trial
information and determined the vaccines to be safe, effective,
and of high quality. These groups are continuing to monitor the
safety of COVID-19 vaccines to make sure even very rare side
effects are identified and appropriate precautions are taken.
The clinical trials have demonstrated that both the Pfizer-
BioNTech vaccine and Moderna vaccine are highly effective at
preventing symptomatic COVID-19. After two doses, the Pfizer-
BioNTech vaccine demonstrated 95.0% effectiveness while the
Moderna vaccine showed 94.1% effectiveness. The Pfizer clinical
trials included more than 43,000 participants and the Moderna
trials included 30,000.
Serious side effects are very rare. Many vaccine recipients
experience mild or moderate side effects. These are normal
signs that your body is building protection. Common side effects
include mild to moderate pain, swelling, or redness at the
injection site and/or mild to moderate flu-like symptoms (e.g.,
fever, fatigue, headache, chills). All side effects should resolve in
a few days.
While the vaccines are up to 95% effective at preventing
symptomatic illness from COVID-19, less is known about the
vaccines’ effectiveness at preventing transmission. In other
words, getting vaccinated will help protect you from COVID-19,
but it may not prevent you from spreading it. This is why it is
important to continue wearing face coverings and maintaining
social distance, to prevent potential spread to others who have
not been vaccinated.
As more doses become available, public health officials at the
local, State, and Federal levels encourage everyone who is
eligible to be vaccinated. Individuals are encouraged to contact
their healthcare system to make an appointment. For some
helpful links visit: www.sccfreevax.org, www.myturn.ca.gov, and
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19.
Last month, the City Council
recognized the Cupertino Citizen
Corps with certificates of appreciation
to acknowledge the volunteers who
have assisted at the COVID-19 testing
site at the Cupertino Senior Center.
During the testing days, volunteers
ensured everyone’s safety by helping
visitors check in for a smooth and
efficient experience, getting them
tested and out the door quickly. The
City of Cupertino thanks all the Citizen
Corps volunteers, Santa Clara County,
and the Valley Medical staff who have
stepped up in this time of crisis to help
administer approximately 9,126 tests in
Cupertino since June 2020.
The Cupertino Citizen Corps is a
network of volunteer groups including
the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT), the Cupertino Amateur
Radio Emergency Service (CARES),
and the Medical Reserve Corps, that
is essential to the City’s preparedness
and resilience strategy. To learn more,
email cert@cupertino.org or call Ken
Erickson at (408) 777-3176.
Testing days will return to the Cupertino
Senior Center on Wednesday, March
3 and Wednesday, March 17. Testing
appointments will become available
a week before the testing date. For
more information about COVID-19
testing and to book an appointment,
visit sccfreetest.org.
Thank You,
Cupertino Citizen
Corps Volunteers
In the Homestretch:
Vaccines for COVID-19
4
Almost a full year into the COVID-19 pandemic and
staying at home, life looks very different for many of us.
However, life has especially changed for the frontline
workers who have been serving our communities in a
multitude of ways. When we think of frontline workers,
we typically think first of doctors, nurses, and other
healthcare workers. But we also want to acknowledge
and recognize the essential workers we interact with
every day as we stop by the grocery store, go to the
bank, hire a cleaning company, or even take a walk.
During the month of March, #CupertinoCares will
highlight a few of these hidden heroes through a few
local individuals who have been working to support our
Cupertino community. We’ll share their unique stories,
challenges, and experiences from over the past year
to get a glimpse into how drastically their lives have
changed.
Every Friday in March, be sure to check out the
City’s social media pages and the #CupertinoCares
webpage at cupertino.org/cupertinocares.
#CupertinoCares:
Recognizing our Essential Workers
5
The Emerging Artist Award was established to encourage and recognize demonstrations of artistic promise.
This award recognizes younger artists, as well as those rediscovering their love of artistic expression later in
life. Judging criteria includes evidence of imagination and individuality, as well as effective use of media
and tools to create a work of personal expression.
Alexandra Wong – Emerging Artist, Silver Award:
Alexandra attends Archbishop Mitty High School. She
has been a student of Hongyun Art for nine years, and a
teacher’s assistant for five years. She was part of the artist
team for the Cupertino Earth and Arbor Day 2020 poster.
Rachael Ding – Emerging Artist, Gold Award:
Rachael creates in many different mediums. She uses
recycled materials, colored pencils, graphite, digital
media, and almost anything she can find. She loves
being creative and is constantly seeking the avantgarde.
Rachael is a freshman at Monta Vista High School.
Tanmayi Dasari – Emerging Artist, Platinum Award:
Tanmayi is a well-rounded art student who has found a
way to balance all aspects of creative arts. She has been
an art student at the Little Artist’s Studio for the past seven
years. She is a freshman at Cupertino High School. Beyond
school and art, Tanmayi likes growing plants, longboarding,
and robotics.
The City of Cupertino’s Fine Arts Commission has a mission to foster and encourage artistic expression and
achievement in the fields of visual, verbal, and performing arts while preserving and advancing the arts for the
benefit of the citizens of Cupertino. Each year, the Commission presents awards to deserving artists in recognition
of local talent in these fields.
Distinguished and Emerging Artists
Emerging Artists
Art by Alexandra Wong
Art by Rachael Ding
Art by Tanmayi Dasari
6
Distinguished Artists
Art by Geeta Taneja Art by Geeta Taneja
Art by Geeta Taneja
The Distinguished Artist Award Recognizes established artists
having a substantial body of work that display merit and
excellence, as well as a history of contributions to their artistic
field and the community. Prior winners of the Distinguished
Artist Award have taught art classes, participated in shows or
performances, and won awards for their work.
Geeta Taneja – Distinguished Artist, Platinum Award:
Geeta has been a member of the Fine Arts League of Cupertino
since 2016, and currently holds the position as Publicity Manager
for the organization. She is also an active member of the
Sunnyvale Art Club. Geeta says that large scale murals are one
of her most passionate forms of expression. The ability to create
a centerpiece for the community to cherish and enjoy gives
her immense pleasure and pride. Geeta has been serving the
community with her skills in many ways. She has taught art pro
bono for kids in both Cupertino and India. Currently, during the
pandemic, Geeta has taught weekly free virtual art classes to
children living in different places in the world.
7
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The Young Artist Awards are given to deserving young artists in recognition
of local achievements in the visual arts. The primary criteria for the award
are how effective and creatively the applicant communicated the contest
theme.
Young artists were asked what the year 2020 meant to them with the theme
“The Year 2020---The New Normal.” Through their artwork, these artists
have reflected on the trials from the past year, including everything from
the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, to the nation wide social justice
movement, and to how it feels to learn and socialize virtually.
• Aparaajita Rajesh, Age 10 – Young Artist Group A, Silver Winner
• Elsa You, Age 8 – Young Artist Group A, Gold Winner
• Minglang Li, Age 9 – Young Artist Group A, Platinum Winner
• Jessica Kwandou, Age 13 –Young Artist Group B, Silver Winner
• Abha Dash, Age 14 – Young Artist Group B, Gold Winner
• Serene Kim, Age 13 – Young Artist Group B, Platinum Winner
Young Artist Awards
8
In response to State legislation (SB 743), and in lockstep
with neighboring communities, Cupertino is transitioning
from Level of Service (LOS) to Vehicle Miles Traveled
(VMT) as a way of measuring the impact of traffic
generated by new development. While LOS grades
traffic congestion on City streets, VMT shows how much
driving a development project causes. This shift in
perspective is intended to align transportation analysis
with California’s climate goals and is now required under
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).*
VMT is the total number of miles that a person drives
every day. On average, a Cupertino resident travels
36 miles per day. Our daily VMT is directly tied to the
amount of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that we
generate. We can reduce our VMT on a citywide level by
building more bicycle and pedestrian facilities, operating
programs like the Via-Cupertino on-demand shuttle and
advocating for quality transit to serve the community.
The Council established a 14.4% VMT reduction
threshold, setting an aggressive target that projects
must comply with in order to be approved. For
development projects, VMT can be reduced by
providing transit passes to residents, providing a fleet of
e-bikes or a private shuttle service, among many other
potential mitigation measures to meet the City’s new
target. In accordance with the State law, some types
of projects will be screened out from a more thorough
analysis, including 100% affordable housing projects,
local-serving retail, and those close to transit (within ¼
mile of Stevens Creek Blvd).
A new City webpage has been created that contains
additional information on VMT and the transition
underway, cupertino.org/vmt.
*LOS will continue to be used in Cupertino in development
review outside of the environmental process to manage
congestion on City streets.
Rain or shine, the City of Cupertino needs your help
to keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris. This is
especially important during the rainy season to help
prevent flooding in our streets. The City of Cupertino
staff regularly maintains the storm drains, but it is difficult
to check every one before each rain to ensure it is clear
of leaves and debris, which is why we need your help!
Become a steward of the storm drains on your block or
in your neighborhood by checking on them regularly
to make sure they are clear. You and your family can
even make it a fun socially distant activity with your
neighbors! Make sure you are prepared with gloves, a
rake or shovel, and a bag or bucket to safely collect
and remove any debris. Do not remove the storm drain
grate or reach inside the inlet to remove anything, but
keeping the surface area and gutter free of leaves and
debris will make a big difference. If you notice the storm
drain inlet is full of leaves, please call (408) 777-3269
and our maintenance department will respond and
evaluate.
Only rain down the drain! If you see anything besides
rainwater going into the gutter or storm drain,
that’s pollution that could reach our creeks! Please
immediately call the City at (408) 777-3354 (weekdays
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or County Communications at
(408) 299-2311 (all other times).
If you have questions, email environmental@cupertino.
org or call (408) 777-3236.
Shifting Gears and Acronyms: the Skinny on VMT
Be a Steward of the Storm Drains
9
Cupertino Teen Commission
to Recognize Local
Youth-Led Organizations
Virtual
Recreation
The Cupertino Teen Commission is recognizing
local youth-led organizations making a positive
impact in their community. Organizations will
be chosen and highlighted on the City’s social
media channels.
For more details and the nomination form, visit
cupertino.org/teencommission.
While much of the City’s recreation
programming continue to look different,
the City’s Parks and Recreation
Department is committed to being a
resource for fun, education, and healthy
activities. Every week, the City posts ideas
for indoor and outdoor activities to keep
you and your family entertained.
To see this week’s activities, visit
cupertino.org/virtualrecreation.
Check back every week for new activities!
10
Blackberry Farm
Golf Course
Blackberry Farm Golf Course is open.
Daily tee times are between sunrise to
one and a half 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.
Blackberry Farm Golf Course
follows guidance from the State
of California and County of
Santa Clara regarding operating
procedures and requirements.
Free Fitness Classes
Join the City of Cupertino for a free live-streamed
virtual fitness class. To join a class, 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.
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
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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