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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 E 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 FE C B D A 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. 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