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.
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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