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HomeMy WebLinkAboutScene December 2019 - 12.01.2019A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO December / January 2020 PLUS Year In Review Taking a look back at 2019 Page 6 SCENE MANAGE YOUR HOLIDAY WASTE THROUGH RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING Page 5 CITY RECEIVES SUSTAINABILITY AWARD FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE Page 3 NEW ART EXHIBIT IN CUPERTINO LIBRARY FROM HSINCHU, TAIWAN Page 4 SLOW DOWN CONTENTS I’ve been walking, biking, and driving around Cupertino these last several months in an effort to reacquaint myself with my hometown. It turns out that we’re similar in many respects to other cities in our region. We lack public transit choices— minus our own Via-Cupertino shuttle program—and we lead busy lives as we chauffeur our kids to school on time and make sure we get ourselves to work. Our lives are hectic. With family concerns on our minds, and being consumed with the intricacies of our work, we can lose sight of the things most important to us in the rush to get everything done. I know December is always the time of year when we talk about safety, but I think it’s important to slow down and pay attention more. We don’t save a lot of time in our rush. In fact, speeding down our streets only shaves off a minute or two from our trip. Everyone is focused on their technology, which serves to disconnect us from each other, when we should be focused on each other when crossing the street, watching our kids play, or having dinner together. It’s important to press the reset button, slow down, enjoy our lives, and have conversations with each other. Be safe and reconnect. I hope you enjoy the holiday season. Deborah Feng City Manager FEATURES 5 Tobacco Policies City Council takes action to reduce youth access and exposure to tobacco products. 3 2020 Commission Vacancies Learn how to apply for a position on a City Commission. IN S I D E 10 Community Calendar Mark your calendars! Find out what’s going on around Cupertino this December and January. 9 Drive Sober This Holiday Season December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Follow these suggestions from the Sheriff’s Office. 12 Breakfast with Santa Have pancakes—and a mimosa— with your favorite jolly man. 6 2019 Year in Review A look back at Cupertino’s highlights from the past year. Questions or comments about The Scene? Contact staff at scene@cupertino.org. 2 City Recognized for Leadership on Climate Change The City of Cupertino received a prestigious Gold Level Beacon Award, which once again recognized the City as a leader in environmental and sustainable practices. The Beacon Program, sponsored by the Institute for Local Government, honors voluntary efforts by local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies that promote sustainability. The City received the award on October 17, 2019, for the following achievements completed over the past decade: •Platinum Level Award in 2017 for achieving 23% greenhouse gas reduction in municipal operations comparing 2010 to 2015 •Gold Level Award in 2017 for achieving 13% greenhouse gas reduction community-wide comparing 2010 to 2015 •Platinum Level Award in 2016 for achieving 22% energy savings in our municipal buildings •Platinum Level Award for Sustainability Best Practices 2020 Annual Commission Vacancies Cupertino residents are encouraged to apply for positions on City commissions that will have vacancies in January of 2020. Commissions with upcoming vacancies include: Audit Committee, Housing Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Commission, Sustainability Commission, and TICC. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020. Council will conduct interviews beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020, and Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Applications can be submitted via the Online Commission Application at www.cupertino.org/vacancies For more details, please see the website or call the City Clerk’s office at (408) 777-3223 3 From Hsinchu to Cupertino: The Universal Language of Art Beginning this year, the Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association will help organize an ongoing art exhibit at the Cupertino Library. A junior high school in Hsinchu will produce 12 new paintings to display, which will be donated each year during delegation visits. The art class of Chien Hua Junior High School provides artwork, and the Cupertino Library, in partnership with the Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association, provides picture frames to display them. The Chien Hua National Art Class was established in 1984 and as of 2019, 32 classes have graduated. Program participants are selected through a competitive process, and only 30 students are admitted each year. Every year, students enter major art competitions in the country and achieve brilliant results. In addition to the general curriculum, the students of the National Art Class take professional art courses, which are about eight sessions each week. These courses include sketches, watercolors, prints, sculptures, designs, ink paintings, calligraphy, digital design, graduation production, and more. The teachings are focused on the cultivation of the students’ aesthetic abilities. Each semester, the class director organizes professional art school teachings, and introduces known artists that promote the diversification of art and cultivate the talents of each student. Under the edification of art, Chien Hua Art Class students not only have the expertise in art, but also possess the qualities and courage to challenge new ideas in order to achieve innovative breakthroughs. Visit the Cupertino Library children’s area to check out the exhibition and view these breathtaking paintings from Hsinchu, Taiwan. Holiday Closures Cupertino City Offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020 and will reopen Thursday, January 2, 2020. Other Cupertino City facilities will operate as follows: Cupertino City Hall: Closed from Tuesday, December 24, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020 and will open again Thursday, January 2, 2020. Quinlan Community Center: Closed from Tuesday, December 24 to Wednesday, January 1, 2020 and will open again Thursday, January 2, 2020. Closed Monday, January 6, 2020 through Sunday, January 12, 2020 for maintenance. Senior Center: Closed from Tuesday, December 24 to Wednesday, January 1, 2020 and will open again Thursday, January 2, 2020. Sports Center: Closed Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Wednesday, December 25, 2019, Tuesday, December 31, 2019, and Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Teen Center: Extended Holiday hours are Thursday, December 26, 2019 through Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Wednesday, December 25, 2019, Tuesday, December 31, 2019, Wednesday, January 1, 2019, and every Sunday. Blackberry Farm Golf Course: Closed on Wednesday, December 25. Sherriff’s Office: Closed Wednesday, December 25, 2019 and Wednesday, January 1, 2020. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency officer assistance, call (408) 299-2311. Parking regulations for street sweeping will not be enforced Monday, December 23, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Cupertino Library: Will close early at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 and Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 and Wednesday, January 1, 2020. 4 The State of Recycling (and Composting!) in Cupertino The holidays are here. That means family gatherings, holiday parties, presents, and—literally—tons of waste. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, American household waste increases by more than 25 percent, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Cupertino has a residential waste collection program rooted in the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cupertino residents have three bins: • A blue cart for recycling; • A brown or green cart for food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings; and • A gray cart for garbage. How well are Cupertino residents sorting their waste? To answer this question, the Cupertino Environmental Programs Division commissioned a waste characterization study in 2018. The study found that 76% of material discarded by residents is recyclable or compostable, but a lot of it is placed in the wrong carts. By weight, for instance, 28% of the material placed in the blue recycling carts was not actually recyclable. The study also found that the curbside compost program has a lot of room for improvement. Food scraps are the most common materials found in garbage carts that could be composted, making up almost 46% of garbage weight (3,327 tons per year!). Food decomposing in a landfill generates methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Only about one-third of single-family households place any of their food scraps in the compost cart. How can we improve? You can help Cupertino achieve zero waste. Here are some strategies to get started: 1. Put your food scraps and food- soiled paper in the brown or green compost cart. Visit Cupertino.org/foodscraps for tips and tricks. 2. Keep your recyclable containers clean, empty, and dry. Make sure to scrape out food and empty liquids before placing in your blue recycle cart. 3. Reduce and reuse! Recycling and composting are a lot easier if you generate fewer materials. Bring your reusable bags, cups, and foodware when you shop and eat out, buy items with less packaging, and only buy food you will eat. Visit savethefood. com for tips on reducing food waste. As you celebrate the holidays, be mindful of your consumption and waste decisions. They may help you focus even more on caring and celebration during this holiday season, and could even reduce the strain on your budget and the natural environment. 5 City Council Prohibits Sale of Flavored Tobacco In November, the City Council approved an ordinance to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products in Cupertino, along with other requirements listed below. This ordinance also requires retailers in the City of Cupertino to obtain a permit to sell tobacco products. The City will be working with Santa Clara County to administer and enforce the ordinance. STARTING JULY 1, 2020 All tobacco retailers are: • Required to obtain and annually renew a tobacco retailer permit • Prohibited from selling flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes • Required to check ID for those appearing under age 30 • Prohibited from covering more than 15% of windows and clear doors with any type of ads or signs • Prohibited from selling tobacco in vending machines • Prohibited from selling tobacco at mobile and/or temporary events New tobacco retailers are: • Prohibited from opening within 1,000 ft. from any K-12 school in Cupertino • Prohibited from opening within 500 ft. from an existing tobacco retailer Pharmacies are: • Prohibited from selling all tobacco products This approved ordinance is an important and successful step towards reducing youth access to tobacco in Cupertino. The regulations around schools will benefit students and keep them from developing habits and behaviors that are harmful to their health. Along with these new policies, Council is considering additional tobacco policies including a ban on the sale of vaping products. To provide input, please take the new tobacco policies survey at opentownhall.com/8018 5 2019A YEAR IN REVIEW Youth Activity Board The inaugural Youth Activity Board kickoff meeting happened on January 13. The YAB was created with the purpose of creating activities for youth and teens and encouraging them to de-stress and socialize. To achieve their vision, the YAB will work with Recreation staff and the Teen Commission to develop ideas, implement youth and teen programs, and encourage youth and teen involvement in their community. On January 22, they hosted the Youth Civic Engagement Forum, which gave youth and teens the opportunity to provide input on the citywide Parks and Recreation System Master Plan. Grant Funding for All-Inclusive Playground at Jollyman Park The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to award a grant to Cupertino for creation of an all- inclusive playground at Jollyman Park. Cupertino’s proposal won a grant of $1,448,201, the second highest funding award in the County. The grant was later executed in June. Google Workshops for Small Business The City, in conjunction with the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, Grow With Google, and Pacific Workplaces, hosted the first of a series of Google-focused free small business workshops. Several workshops were held throughout the year, including Growing Your Social Media Presence, Reach Customers Online with Google, and Using Data to Drive Growth. Cupertino Teen Center Reopening The Cupertino Teen Center was renovated to transform it into a more customizable and collaborative space, including adding several technology improvements like TVs and computers. On March 23, staff and the YAB organized a reopening event that over 60 teens attending, many of whom were visiting the Teen Center for the first time. Join-A-Ranger Series Blackberry Farm kicked off their first Join-A-Ranger Series on March 8 with a Night Hike and Flashlight Tour. Other events included a Historic Native Village Tour; a Pollinator Walk and Talk; an Apex Predator Workshop; a Nature Walk and Talk; and Wild Plant Uses: Edible, Medicinal, and Survival. Groundbreaking of The Veranda The Veranda is a 19-unit affordable housing development for extremely- low and very-low income senior citizens 62 and older. Through the assistance of Santa Clara County measure A funds, six units are reserved as permanent supportive housing units for homeless seniors with disabling conditions. The Veranda is a place where seniors can move into a mixed- use neighborhood where they can live, work, and play. In September, Cupertino and Charities Housing received a prestigious “Structures Award” from the Silicon Valley Business Journal for The Veranda. Earth & Arbor Day The City celebrated Earth and Arbor Day with hands-on activities, local organizations, delicious food, and live performances, all while learning new ways to protect the earth and urban forest. Additionally, the Trees - JANUARY - - FEBRUARY - - MARCH - - APRIL - 6 - MAY -- JUNE - Division was awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation with an Urban Forest Growth Award, as well as an award from the Tree City USA program. Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge 10-year Anniversary April 30, 2019 marked the 10-year anniversary of the official grand opening of the Don Burnett Bicycle- Pedestrian Bridge. McClellan Road Separated Bicycle Lanes Kickoff In partnership with the Cupertino Union School District and the Fremont Union High School District, the City announced a new road improvements project aimed at creating a safer environment for our students, families, and residents, particularly those who bike to work and school. This project is intended to improve biking conditions to Lincoln, Monta Vista, and Kennedy schools. The separated bike lanes will physically separate cyclists from motor vehicles using posts and curbs. National River Cleanup Day 2019 The City was a participant in National River Cleanup Day by hosting 52 volunteers for cleanup of a two-mile stretch of Calabazas Creek. A total of 217 lbs. of trash, 111 lbs. of scrap metal, and 6 lbs. of recyclable bottles and cans were pulled from the creek, including a heavy rusted metal car wheel. Last December, the City was honored to receive one of the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Volunteer of the Year awards for those efforts. CREST Awards 2019 Each year the City presents its CREST Awards, “Cupertino Recognizes Extra Steps Taken,” to honor the outstanding contributions of Cupertino community members. The winners in each category were as follows—Lifetime Achievement: Steve Hill, Volunteer of the Year: Audrey Cui, Organization of the Year: Knights of Columbus, Rising Star: Fabrizio Vitagliano, Public Safety Champion of the Year: Sidharth Rajaram, Sustainability Champion: De Anza College and Grassroots Ecology. Cupertino Native Deborah L. Feng Appointed New City Manager Deborah L. Feng started as the new City Manager this June. Feng has more than 30 years of progressive management and administrative experience with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A Cupertino native, she attended Lincoln Elementary School, Kennedy Middle School, and Monta Vista High School. She also attended De Anza Community College, where her father taught from the time the College opened in 1969 until his retirement 30 years later. “I look forward to engaging our community and working to keep Cupertino the wonderful city that I’ve known all my life,” Feng said. Pride Month Flag Raising The City hosted its first flag raising ceremony in honor of Pride Month. Pride Month serves to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Office of Emergency Services Grant & Emergency Operations Plan To increase Cupertino’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to our community’s needs during an emergency, Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) was awarded $16,500 in grant funding through Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, Cupertino OES completed updating the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), a document that outlines how the City will respond to an emergency and best care for its community members. The EOP assigns responsibility to City departments and partner agencies, while deciding how people and property will be protected. It also clarifies the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Fourth of July Celebration The City hosted its annual Fourth of July Celebration, complete with a pancake breakfast hosted by the De Anza Optimist Club of Cupertino, a carnival, a flag raising ceremony, a concert, and many more fun activities for the whole family. In the evening, the Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Public Works Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Cupertino Citizen Corps, Cupertino Union School District, Creekside Community Church, and the West Valley Presbyterian Church, collaborated to present the annual fireworks show. Citywide Wi-Fi Network Upgrade The Innovation Technology’s Infrastructure Division completed the first phase of a Wi-Fi Network upgrade for all City facilities, upgrading existing Wi-Fi network equipment at City Hall, Quinlan Community Center, Civic Center common area, Sports Center, Senior Center, McClellan Ranch, - JULY - 7 and the Service Center. Additionally, new Wi-Fi Networks were added to Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Farm Golf Course, Monta Vista Recreation Center, and the new HR office located at Town Center Lane. National Night Out 38 neighborhoods throughout Cupertino registered to participate in the 36th Annual National Night Out, an event that encourages neighborhoods to come together to build community within their neighborhood; increase crime prevention and safety awareness; and strengthen the partnership between community, city, and emergency responders. Demonstration Garden Ribbon Cutting The City held a ribbon cutting ceremony and guided tour of the City Hall Demonstration Garden. Switching to drought-tolerant plants has saved the City water and maintenance expenses. The Demo Garden is a place to learn about how to care for each plant, discover how tall they may grow, see pictures, and more. The GIS team also put together a virtual interactive tour of the garden at Cupertino.org/demogarden. Second Annual Bobateeno In collaboration between the Teen Commission, the Youth Activity Board, and the Parks and Recreation Department, the City held its second Bobateeno event. Over 600 teens enjoyed boba while connecting with valuable wellness and school resources, such as Innovation Launchpad, MVHS Bring Change 2 Mind, Code This, MVHS GSA, the ‘You Are’ Art Collective, the Cupertino Sports Center, and the Safe Routes to School program. An additional goal of this year’s event was to connect attendees with the value of outdoor recreation and socialization. Zero Waste Home Event The Sustainability Commission, Sustainability Division, and Environmental Programs Division co-hosted the event, “Zero Waste Home with Bea Johnson.” Over 100 Cupertino residents and other members of the public listened to Bea Johnson’s inspiring presentation on the benefits of waste-free living, and practical advice in how to adopt this lifestyle. 6th Annual Fall Bicycle Fest At the 6th annual Fall Bicycle Fest, there were many more participants, vendors, activities, and volunteers helping to run the event than ever before, and the community’s feedback indicates this was Cupertino’s biggest and best Bike Fest to date. New additions included bike safety clinics, cargo bikes on display, bike safety gear for sale, and contests to see who had the most magnificent bike in three different categories. The Bike Fest also hosted many activities including helmet fitting, an educational bike rodeo and obstacle course, two bike rides led by the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission, blender bike smoothies, bike decorating, and face painting. Launch of Via-Cupertino Cupertino’s Transportation Division is excited to introduce Via-Cupertino, an on-demand shuttle service providing transportation anywhere in Cupertino and to Sunnyvale Caltrain. The system features Mercedes Metris vans, each equipped with a bike rack and ADA accessibility. Unlike traditional bus networks that rely on routes and schedules, Cupertino’s new partnership with Via allows riders to hail a shared ride right when they need it. By making public transportation more comfortable, convenient, and affordable, city leaders hope to encourage residents to leave their private vehicles at home, reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Distinguished & Emerging Artist Award Every year the Fine Arts Commission presents awards to deserving artists in recognition of local talent in the fields of visual, verbal, and performing arts. This year’s Distinguished Artists are Divya Eby and Kaia Tseng, and the Emerging Artists are Alisha Gao, John Dorrance, Elysha Tsai, Nidhi Moghariya, and Zara Vakath. Gold Level Beacon Award for Leadership on Climate Change The Beacon Program recognizes voluntary action by local government sin California for best practices in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability in their communities. Poverty Simulation West Valley Community Services, Step Up Silicon Valley, and City of Cupertino held a poverty simulation on November 2. The poverty simulation immersed more than 30 participants in the reality of a Silicon Valley that grows in disparity as much as prosperity. During the simulation, participants worked to overcome barriers to social services, lived off in- sufficient income, and encountered unforeseen economic obstacles along the way. - AUGUST - - SEPTEMBER - - OCTOBER - - NOVEMBER - 8 Happy Holidays ‘Tis the Season to Drive Sober As we approach the holidays, we look forward to being surrounded by family, savoring tasty food, and in some cases a nice glass of wine. In the midst of enjoying a glass of wine or a holiday cocktail, we must remain mindful that both alcohol and drugs can affect our driving abilities. Impaired driving ultimately puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at serious risk. This is especially prevalent during the holiday season, when drunk or drugged driving accidents occur more frequently. Here are some simple tips for celebrating and driving safely this holiday season: • Designate a sober driver ahead of time •Plan on using ride-share (such as the City’s Via- Cupertino shuttle program) • Don’t mix alcohol with drugs or over-the-counter prescription medications • If drinking alcohol, remember that even one drink can impair your driving ability • Do not ride with someone who is impaired • If drinking alcohol, eat food, drink water, and set a limit beforehand Not Worth It From January 2017 through October 2019, the Sheriff’s Office made 191 arrests associated with impaired— or drunk—driving in Cupertino. Of the 191 arrests, 45 occurred as a result of a collision. Most of the arrests and collisions occurred during the holiday season. A DUI or impaired driving arrest can cost you hundreds of dollars in fines, including penalty assessments. In the worst cases, such arrests can result in jail time ranging from 48 hours to six months, in addition to a license suspension and/or formal probation. Most people would never imagine their holiday celebration resulting in a fatality or imprisonment. However, the risks associated with impaired driving are very real and they can result in tragic consequences. In 2017, California suffered an estimated 1,059 deaths as a result of impaired driving. Please remember to drink responsibly, drive responsibly, and encourage your family members to be safe this holiday season. On behalf of Sheriff Smith and all the men and women of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, we thank you for your continued support and we wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. This article was provided by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. 9 COMMUNITY CALENDAR © COMMUNITY LGBTQ+ Listening Forum Monday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave. Join the County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the City of Cupertino for a community Listening Forum. Share your voice and give your feedback on what you think are the best ways we can all work together to support LGBTQ+ residents in Cupertino. Discuss issues and concerns, and make recommendations aimed at improving the quality of life for the LGTBQ+ community. © Coffee Talks Series Friday, December 13, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Panera Bread, 20807 Stevens Creek Blvd. Friday, January 10, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Nosh Bagel Café, 19700 Vallco Pkwy. Grab your reusable mug and get ready to talk about the issues that matter most to you. City Manager Deb Feng and Councilmembers are hosting a Coffee Talks Series around Cupertino throughout the fall and winter seasons. Residents and business owners/operators are invit- ed to these casual meetings where they can discuss any topic they want with two of the City’s decision makers. TEENS Cupertino Cafe Tuesday, December 7; Sunday, December 8; and Saturday, December 14, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd. The Youth Activity Board is opening up Cupertino Facilities for finals crunch time! There will be snacks, drinks, and games/ activities to relieve stress and have fun. © Ugly Sweater Party Tuesday, December 10, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Teen Center, 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd. Throw on your craziest holiday themed sweater and come to the Teen Center for some eggnog! © Cookie Decorating Day Friday, December 20, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Teen Center, 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd. Decorate some holiday cookies with as much frosting and sprinkles you can handle at the Teen Center! Holiday Movie Saturday Saturday, December 21, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cupertino Teen Center, 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd. Bring a blanket and get cozy on the couch while watching your favorite hol- iday movies at the Teen Center! Warm popcorn will be provided. © Teen Center Holiday Break Extended Hours Wednesday, December 26 – Saturday, January 4, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Closed: December 24, 25, 31, January 1, & Sundays The Teen Center will be open extended hours while students are out of school for the holiday break. Each day we will have a new holiday craft or activity for you to enjoy. FAMILY-FRIENDLY Join a Ranger – Wild Plant Uses: Edible, Medicinal, & Survival Sunday, December 1, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Blackberry Farm, 21979 San Fernando Ave. Join the Park Rangers in the exploration of many native and non-native wild plants found within the Riparian zones and Oak Savana grasslands of Mc- Clellan Ranch Preserve and Blackberry Farm. We will dive into the identification properties, edible-uses, medicinal-uses, and survival-uses of these amazing plant species. © Tree Lighting Friday, December 6, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd. Join Cupertino Parks & Recreation as we light up the community tree! The evening will include a countdown to the tree lighting, music & caroling, refresh- ments, a special visit from a friend who lives in the North Pole, and a holiday movie screening. Dress warm, as part of the event takes place outdoors. © Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 7, 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd. Santa will be posing for pictures while the elves cook up delicious North Pole pancakes. After breakfast, join the elves in the workshop for holiday crafts and letter writing to Santa! Mimosas anyone? This year will have a Holiday Mimosa bar (not included in reg fee). The cost is $16 for residents and $19 for non-resi- dents. Registration can be done online at www.reg4rec.org or in person at the Quinlan Community Center. © Cultures of the World - Nigeria Thursday, December 12, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd. Cultures of the World is a free monthly program where children ages 4-12 learn about different cultures throughout the world. Each month will feature a differ- ent culture where children will explore what makes that culture unique. © Signing Santa Saturday, December 14, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd. At Signing Santa, deaf and hard of hear- ing children, along with their families, are invited to spend time and share their wish list with a Santa who’s fluent in sign language. Participants will also be treat- ed to cookies, hot cocoa, and crafts. Register at bit.ly/SigningSanta19. © Baer Blacksmith Shop Drop-In Hours Sunday, December 29, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. McClellan Ranch Preserve, 22221 McClellan Rd. The restored Baer Blacksmith Shop is now up and running! Come and learn a bit about early Cupertino history and the craft of blacksmithing. © Cupertino Spelling Bee 2020 Saturday, January 25, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave. The Cupertino Spelling Bee 2020 is a spelling contest organized by Cupertino Recreation and Community Services and is for students grades 4-6. Register online at www.reg4rec.org or in person at the Quinlan Community Center. CUPERTINO LIBRARY For more information on library programs, visit the Events section of the Cupertino Library’s website at sccl.org/cupertino. 10 © COMMUNITY CALENDAR CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Game Day Thursday, December 26, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cupertino Library Story Room Kids in grades 1-8 can join us for a fun- filled hour of new and classic board and card games. Relax, play, meet new friends, and learn new games. All games are provided and must remain in the library. © Noon Year’s Party Tuesday, December 31, 11:00 a.m. Cupertino Library Children’s Room Kids of all ages are invited to a special celebration to ring in the new year. Join us at 11:00 a.m. for crafts, and then at 11:30 a.m. for dancing, and a noon year’s countdown. TEEN PROGRAMS Cupertino Café Teen Study Day Saturday, December 14, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cupertino Community Hall Join us at Community Hall for snacks and study space for final exams. Please visit www.cupertino.org for a list of other Cupertino Café dates. ADULT PROGRAMS Community Poetry Night Thursday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. Cupertino Library Story Room Cupertino Poet Laureate Kaecey McCormick will present, followed by poetry read and recited by invited speakers. The floor will then open to everyone for an open mic portion of the evening! Come to listen and enjoy or bring a poem to share (original or borrowed)! Open mic readers—please sign in upon arrival. Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Saturday, January 11, 2:00 p.m. Cupertino Community Hall Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Firebird Orchestra! This youth orchestra plays both Chinese and Western instruments. The concert program will consist of both Chinese folk tunes and Western classical music. All ages welcome. © San Francisco Shakespeare Presents: Macbeth Sunday, January 26, 2:00 pm Cupertino Community Hall Join us for a very short performance of this Shakespeare classic. SF Shakespeare’s touring production presents an abridged version of Macbeth with plenty of opportunities for audience participation. Suitable for school-age children to adult. Stay after the performance for Q&A with the cast. SENIOR CENTER For more info on the Senior Center, or to sign up for classes or events, visit cupertino.org/senior or stop by 21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard. EVENTS & SOCIALS Monday Night Basketball Social Monday, December 2, 4:15 p.m. Enjoy clam chowder in a bread bowl, salad, and dessert as the Golden State Warriors take on the Atlanta Hawks on our BIG screen! Member fee $8, senior guests add $5 day pass. Sign up online or at the front desk. © Holidays in Hawaii Wednesday, December 4, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sway with our own Lei Nani Hula dancers and the Pila Ho’okani band as they celebrate the holidays with Hawaiian songs and dances. Light refreshments will be served. Members free, senior guests pay $5 guest pass. Sign up online or at the lobby. © Concussion Education Monday, December 9, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Learn valuable information regarding concussion prevention, signs, and symptoms from Jessica Huckabay, MPH of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center at Palo Alto. Members free, senior guests pay $5 day pass. Sign up online or at the lobby table. © The Better Part Presents: “An Old Fashioned Christmas” Tuesday, December 17, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join us this holiday season as Shannon Grissom sings your favorite Christmas songs to get you into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy cookies and cider with the show hosted by producer, Val Jeffrey. Open to the public. Sign up online or at the lobby table. CLASSES & PRESENTATIONS Techie Assistance Drop-In Ongoing until April 2020 Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Need general technology help or have general technology questions? Come receive assistance from our local youth experts regarding your smartphone, email, tablet, computer, and more! Both Mac an Androids are welcome. Members free, senior guests pay $5 day pass. First-come-first-serve in the Technology Lab. © Flipster Workshop Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Enjoy reading magazines and want them for free? Learn about Flipster which allows access to various popular magazines to read in a browser, or download! Preregistration required. Members free, senior guests pay $5 day pass. Sign up online or at the front desk. © Nutrition Made Easy: Maintaining a Healthy Diet Friday, December 6, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. With the holidays, travel, and cold weather it can be easy to succumb to an unhealthy diet. Join Instructor Jen Oh as she discusses what foods, vitamins, and tips will keep you healthy. Member fee $25. © Nutrition Made Easy: Healthy Holiday Baking Monday, December 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Discover how to bake delicious, guilt- free, easy-to-make sweet treats with Instructor Jen Oh! You will bake 2 cookies and a cake you can take home to enjoy later. Member fee $40. © Humanities Tuesday, January 7-February 25, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This Humanities discussion course will host experts to argue the topic of “The Jesus seminar, Eschatology, and the Apocalypse.” Member fee $40. © CSC Wednesday Jam Wednesday, January 8 – February 19, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Play guitar, bass, steel, or banjo while being able to change chords in time at an intermediate level? Enjoy fellowship and improve your skills while having fun. Member fee $15. 11 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 The Cupertino Scene is printed on 40% 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.