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HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene September 2021 - 09.01.2021 PLUS: NATIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH | IN-PERSON CITY SERVICES AND APPOINTMENTS | CITYWIDE ANNUAL GARAGE SALE RETURNS Celebrating Milestones Library Expansion Halfway There SEPTEMBER 2021 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO SCENE FEATURES 3 City of Cupertino Reopening In-person appointments are available for some City services. Find details on what’s available and how to make an appointment. 5 Are You Ready? September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Expect the unexpected by learning how to protect your home and loved ones. IN S I D E 8 Looking Back at the CZU Lightning Complex What last year’s record-breaking wildfire season taught us and the dangerous factors we need to keep in mind. 7 New Emergency Preparedness Program The City launched a new campaign aimed at engaging residents in the City’s emergency response efforts. 12 Directory and Contacts Keep this list of the most useful contacts for the City of Cupertino. 11 Fall Recreation Guide Recreation activities and events are back! This fall, enjoy the various recreation the City has to offer. Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org. CONTENTS 2 For many months now, our lives have been collectively disrupted by COVID-19. Santa Clara County was one of the first places in the nation to be affected by the novel coronavirus. We were also one of the first to act swiftly in protecting our residents by issuing a shelter-in-place order and putting protections in place for our essential workers and most vulnerable community members. It has not been easy, but the commitment and discipline of our residents have allowed us to flatten the curve several times and unquestionably saved lives. During this time, we have learned a lot from the “new normal,” especially about how resilient we are when everyone comes together to face unimaginable challenges. The Delta variant is yet another major challenge thrown our way, as this variant is proving to be one of the most infectious respiratory diseases known to science. However, vaccines remain the most powerful tool against COVID-19. Vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness from the coronavirus, including against the Delta variant. The single best thing you can do to protect yourself and our community, especially our children and the immunocompromised, is to get vaccinated. The County of Santa Clara offers many resources related to COVID-19: • For vaccine information or to book an appointment, visit sccfreevax.org • To find COVID-19 testing options, visit sccfreetest.org • If you’re interested in bringing a mobile vaccination clinic to your business or organization, email covidvaxprepare@phd. sccgov.org • In-home vaccinations are available for individuals unable to leave their residence. To request this service, call (408) 970-2818 or email covidvaxhome@phd.sccgov.org Last year, the City of Cupertino closed its facilities to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the City is reserving appointments for in-person services for Building permits, Planning permits, Public Works permits, Business Licenses, and City Clerk’s notary services. Many other programs, services, and events are coming back in-person in the coming months with many online services continuing. For more information about the City’s reopening of in-person services, programs, and events, as well as to access the booking calendar and reserve an appointment, visit cupertino.org/reopening. Due to Santa Clara County recommendation, anyone entering a City facility (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) must wear a face covering. Appointments Available for City of Cupertino In-Person Services Staying Safe from the Delta Variant Vaccines Remain Most Powerful Tool Against COVID-19 3 If the flags in the picture look a little like party streamers, it’s because the City recently celebrated a milestone this month as part of the Cupertino Library Expansion. The expansion, which began in March, is starting to take shape. The structural steel frame has been completed, as has the framing of the interiors walls and the infrastructure for plumbing and electrical systems. We’re halfway there and on track to open the new space to the public in January 2022. 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. In addition, the Cupertino Library Foundation is accepting donations for the project. Donors will have their name featured on a block as part of the Courtyard Donor Wall. For more information and to donate, visit thecupertinolibraryexpansion.com. For more information on the Library Expansion, including a livestream of the construction, visit cupertino.org/libraryexpansion. Halfway There Library Expansion on Track to Open in January 4 Prepare to Protect National Emergency Preparedness Month The years 2020 and 2021 have reminded us that unexpected catastrophes can happen at any time. We have seen over the past 18 months that disasters and emergencies are not limited to any one crisis, location, or group of people. As the novel coronavirus spread throughout the world last year, California was also hit with blistering heatwaves, the worst fire season the state had ever seen, dangerously bad air quality, and now, variants of COVID-19. Living through this variety of emergencies shows us that we must prepare in order to protect our families, homes, and communities. The United States observes National Emergency Preparedness Month every September to raise awareness of the importance of being ready for an emergency. It’s a good time to remember that natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time. This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” Each week in September, the campaign will focus on a specific aspect of preparedness. Week 1: Make A Plan (September 1-4) • Determine how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. • Keep in mind any exigent circumstances that might affect the situation. • Share this plan with your friends and family. • Learn what to consider for your plan and more at ready.gov/plan. Week 2: Build A Kit (September 5-11) • Assemble an emergency kit with supplies that will last for several days for everyone living in your home. • Remember to consider the unique needs of each person or animal. • Find a list of supplies you should have in your kit at ready.gov/kit. Week 3: Prepare for Disasters (September 12-18) • Know the risk of disasters in your area, sign up to get local warnings and alerts, and take the measures necessary to protect your home and family. • Learn how to make your home stronger in fires, earthquakes, and other emergencies. • Sign up for AlertSCC to receive emergency alerts from the City of Cupertino and County of Santa Clara at alertscc.org. • Get involved in your neighborhood by communicating with your neighbors or volunteering in emergency response efforts at cupertino.org/oesvolunteer. Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness (September 19-25) • Talk to your kids about emergency preparedness and discuss plans about evacuation, safety, and what to do if you get separated. • Teach them what they should do before, during, and after a disaster or evacuation when they are in the home and out of the home. • View more on preparing kids for disasters at ready.gov/kids. 5 Preparedness Starts with Simple Steps An Interview with Thomas Chin, City of Cupertino’s Emergency Manager In observance of National Emergency Preparedness Month, City of Cupertino’s Emergency Manager, Thomas Chin, talks about what should be in your emergency kit, the importance of social connectivity, and where to start in preparing for an emergency. What is the importance of having an emergency kit and what does one look like? “Given the magnitude of catastrophic events, I recommend working towards being prepared to survive on your own for at least seven days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies (or predetermined access to supplies) to last until the end of an emergency. Make sure you have enough for each member of your family, including pets. To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. I also recommend comfort items, including toys or games for kids, books, a favorite bottle of wine, and extra charged battery packs for cell phones. Being prepared does not mean austerity. Being prepared means anticipating your needs after a disaster.” What’s in your personal emergency kit? “I believe in preparedness that matches my regular lifestyle. In my emergency kit, I only keep tools and equipment that I know how to use and do so on a regular basis. If I do not use it regularly, how can I expect to use the emergency kit during a disaster? That’s why I keep my camping supplies interchangeable with emergency preparedness supplies. My family and I love to go camping and keep our supplies in labeled, waterproof plastic bins. All the pieces of our camping equipment can be used as emergency supplies. Tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, batteries, fire starters (matches or flint and steel), utility tool, pocketknife, can opener, first aid kit, garbage bags, maps, and even an extra (charged) battery pack for my mobile phone. The same principle applies to food and water. I do keep extra shelf-stable foods on hand, but only food my family likes to eat on a regular basis. I then rotate my extra stored food with my family’s regularly planned meals. As for water, I take stored larger gallon containers on beach days, road trips, or long weekends camping. When we return home, I refresh my inventory as soon as possible. Using a camping trip can be a good way to make sure your family knows how to use certain tools and equipment.” How else can our residents prepare themselves for a disaster, such as a wildfire or earthquake? “A more connected community is a safer, more prepared community. Connect with your extended family, friends, and neighbors. By building a better connection within your networks, you may find beneficial relationships that you can rely on in the event of an emergency. Get connected to the Cupertino Office of Emergency Management and the County of Santa Clara. Sign up for AlertSCC for emergency alerts from the City and County through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Emergency alerts may come in the form of protective actions to take, such as shelter-in-place or evacuation orders. Other alerts may be more informative, warning you of high heat or severe weather.” If this all seems like too much to some, what is the one thing residents should do to prepare no matter what? “Make a plan. Start with your immediate family and determine one thing you can do today, next week, next month, and next year. Preparedness isn’t just a status update. Preparedness is a continuous process, but you can start with simple steps. Try one thing today and set a reminder on your phone to try another. I often suggest families start with food. Buy an extra can of food your family likes next week at the grocery store. Repeat until you have an adequate amount stored up and then rotate through your normal meals.” 6 The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management has launched a new, more comprehensive emergency preparedness campaign aimed at engaging with residents at various, individual levels of comfort. For every member of our community, engagement with the City is a personal and family decision. The City understands that some people may simply want to receive information and notifications, while others may want to get involved in volunteering, speaking at City Council meetings, hosting Block Parties, or helping the City prepare to respond to emergencies. The new Cupertino Community Preparedness Program includes volunteer programs that allow every individual or family an opportunity to get involved with their neighbors and the City at the level of participation they feel comfortable with. This new program now encompasses Neighborhood Block Leaders, Neighborhood Watch, and Cupertino Citizen Corps—otherwise known as Cupertino Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and Cupertino Amateur Radio in Emergency Services (CARES). Block Leader Program • Teaches residents how to get to know their neighbors • Helps open communication between neighbors • Receives updates on neighborhood activities and services • Acts as vital link between the City and Cupertino neighborhoods Neighborhood Watch • Crime prevention program that enlists active participation of residents • Works with local law enforcement to reduce crime in communities • Encourages neighbors to get to know each other and work together Citizen Corps • Trains volunteers to provide first line of emergency assistance • Supports local emergency responders, provide disaster relief, and promote community safety • Encompasses Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES), Cupertino Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Each program has a different level of expectations and training requirements. Many residents are a member in all programs, but you may choose to focus your time in one or more areas. The Cupertino Community Preparedness Program allows for your own self determination of your involvement. The programs may meet in joint or individual sessions based on the programmatic goals and objectives set each year. For details and information on how to join, email oes@cupertino.org. Expecting the Unexpected City Launches New Emergency Preparedness Campaign 7 With a new and rapidly evolving fire climate, it is more important now than ever before to prepare our families and homes in anticipation of wildfires. More than 11,000 lightning strikes and numerous fire starts lit up the central coast of California on August 16, 2020 when a series of lightning events swept into the area. This came to be known as the CZU Lightning Complex of 2020 and burned across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo counties. The CZU Lightning Complex eventually burned 86,509 acres, destroyed 1,409 structures, and killed one resident over the course of two weeks. The lightning initially started fires near the community of Davenport in northern Santa Cruz County and communities of southern San Mateo County. Within a span of 14 days, the fires burned into the communities of Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, Swanton, and southern San Mateo County near Butano State Park. The fires also burned through Big Basin State Park. Western Santa Clara County was spared from devastating fire loss, but the potential for loss was very similar to what was experienced in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. The Santa Clara County Fire Department reminds residents to take the first step in protecting their homes by creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes in anticipation of wildfire. Wildfires are a normal part of our ecosystem here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. However, with a changing climate and over 100 years of fire suppression, anything that can burn is fuel for a fire and susceptible to rapid fire spread. These fuels can be any burnable material, including grasses, trees, dead leaves, and shrubs and are often overgrown. The Santa Clara County Fire Department has a robust community education program aimed at teaching citizens how to create defensible space, be ready to go in the event of a fire, and have an evacuation plan. Find resources and additional information at sccfd.org. The best way to protect your family and home is to have a plan. Being ready for wildfires starts with creating a plan of action and taking the steps necessary before an emergency happens. Here are some steps to take: What We Can Learn from the CZU Lightning Complex of 2020 Ready, Set, Go! How to Prepare for Wildfires For details and more information, visit sccfd.org/rsg. Get Set Create an evacuation plan and emergency kit • Include a meeting place outside of the area, multiple evacuation routes, and a plan for animals • Emergency kits should include the basics: food, water, identification and important documents, first aid, personal care items, and warm clothes. Get Ready Maintain your home and yard • Remove dead vegetation, leaves, and pine needles within 100 feet of your home • Ensure that your roof is clear of debris • Install mesh screens on vents and remove flammable items within five feet of your home Go! When evacuations are ordered, leave immediately • Have an evacuation checklist that guides your actions inside and outside your home • Do not return home until officials declare the area is safe. 8 Page 9 Public Safety Commission Has Served the Community since 1988 Playing it Safe WHEREAS, Climate change is intensifying the impacts of drought on our communities, environment, and economy, while California— including Cupertino—is in a second consecutive year of dry conditions, resulting in drought throughout the State; and WHEREAS, In June 2021 the Santa Clara Valley Water District established a water reduction program by calling on water retailers to achieve a 15% reduction in water usage from 2019 levels; and WHEREAS, The City of Cupertino has been and will continue to be a leader in water conservation and has already taken steps to reduce outdoor irrigation by limiting watering of turf areas, not filling ponds at Memorial Park, and stopping the operation of the interactive fountain at the Cupertino Civic Center; and WHEREAS, The conservative watering of trees is encouraged during the drought to preserve our urban forest and protect our soil, leading to less erosion and runoff into sewers, streams, and rivers; and WHEREAS, The City has created a drought webpage at cupertino.org/drought to identify helpful information and links for residents; and WHEREAS, The City encourages its residents to follow some easy and simple tips to save water at home, including letting lawns go brown, taking shorter showers, only doing full loads of laundry and dishes, and checking for leaks. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cupertino City Council does hereby proclaim its support in Local Water Conservation Efforts and urges each citizen and business to join the efforts of water conservation and become more aware of the need to save water during this drought. Cupertino City Council Urges Residents to Reduce Water Usage Cupertino is one of the safest cities in California, and a part of that is because the City takes the health and well-being of its community seriously. The Cupertino City Council established the five-member Public Safety Commission in 1988. The Commission’s main responsibility is to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to safety, traffic, police, fire, and other areas wherein the matter of public safety may be of concern. Today, meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. In-person meetings have been held at City Hall, but recent meetings have been held through teleconference due to the ongoing pandemic. Public Safety Commission meetings are open to the general public and residents are encouraged to get involved in the safety and well- being of Cupertino. To learn more about the Public Safety Commission, visit cupertino.org/ commissions. Strap on a helmet and bike to City Hall on September 25 for Cupertino’s 8th annual Fall Bike Fest! Here are some highlights: Bike Rodeo: Safe Moves will erect a mini city and skills course where kids can learn the rules of the road and bicycle handling skills. Family Bike Ride: Join Bicycle Pedestrian Commissioners for a family- friendly bike ride at 10:30 a.m. Bring a signed waiver to speed up ride registration. Download waivers here cupertino.org/bikefest. Helmet Fit: Walk Bike Cupertino will make sure your helmet fits properly. Come early to receive a bike safety wing that alerts drivers to give you three feet of space (while supplies last). Bike Safety and Reliability Checks: Community Cycles of CA will make sure your tires have air, brakes are working, and chain is well-lubed. There may be a line so come early! No major repair jobs, please. Ask a Mechanic: A mechanic will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about how your bike works. Bike Activities: Participate in fun activities such as creating bike art, decorating your bike, entering fun contests, and more. Come prepared to beat the last bike-carrying capacity contest record of 12 bags of groceries! Cargo Bike Demo: Cargo bikes change lives by allowing people to carry almost anything by bike: kids, groceries, you name it! Come check out Yuba’s various bikes and see how the cargo bike revolution is enabling people to live a car-free lifestyle. Via-Community Shuttle: Via-Cupertino is re-launching this fall, and most shuttles will have bike racks! Learn more at the Via booth. Summer Bike Challenge Prize Pick-up: If you participated in Cupertino’s Summer Bike Challenges in July, pick up your prizes at the prize booth between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. At 10 a.m., we’ll announce winners of Bike Challenge contests and raffles. We encourage you to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible to maintain. We hope to see you there! Cupertino’s 8th Annual Fall Bike Fest Cupertino City Hall Parking Lot Saturday, September 25 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Family-friendly group ride departs at 10:30 a.m. cupertino.org/bikefest The Cupertino Senior Center is open and offering programs and services at a reduced schedule and limited capacity. See cupertino.org/ reopening for details. The Silicon Valley Day ’n Night Fun Fest is back this year on Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park. The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Cupertino and sponsored by the City of Cupertino. This family friendly event brings together Cupertino’s diverse cultures in a day of celebration and enjoyment while providing opportunities to learn and participate in fun, educative, and inspirational activities. It’s a community, family, cultural, and educational event that caters to everyone. This year, the event is split into two parts: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Activities in the kid’s zone • Cultural booths • Environmental booths • Balloon artists • Food trucks 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. • Music by band Font72 • Local restaurant food tastings • Beer and whiskey tasting • Awards for the art exhibits • More food trucks Find more information at siliconvalleydaynightfunfest.com. Come and enjoy a day of fun and celebration! Let’s Ride! Cupertino’s 8th Annual Fall Bike Fest Cupertino Senior Center Reopening Fun Fest 10 While the COVID-19 pandemic canceled last year’s Annual Garage Sale, it’s back! You are invited to find hidden treasures, help keep stuff out of the landfill, and meet your neighbors during this year’s Garage Sale. On Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents across Cupertino will be selling items that need a new home. More than 200 households participate every year. You can search for bargains and find rare and unusual items throughout Cupertino. Commonly found items at garage sales include used clothing, books, toys, household decorations, sports equipment, board games, furniture, and appliances. Go to cupertino.org/garagesale to access the online map to find sales and items. Printed maps are also available at the Cupertino Library, Quinlan Community Center, and Cupertino Senior Center. The Fall Recreation Schedule Is Available Online Now! See this year’s Fall Recreation Schedule and register for activities today at cupertino.org/recreation. Cupertino’s Citywide Annual Garage Sale is Back! Fall Recreation Schedule 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