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Home My WebLink AboutScene November 2005 - 11.01.2005November 2005November 2005November 2005November 2005November 2005 vol. xxiv no. 3 vol. xxiv no. 3 vol. xxiv no. 3 vol. xxiv no. 3 vol. xxiv no. 3 A monthly publication of the city of CupertinoA monthly publication of the city of CupertinoA monthly publication of the city of CupertinoA monthly publication of the city of CupertinoA monthly publication of the city of Cupertino CCCCC UPERTINOUPERTINOUPERTINOUPERTINOUPERTINO S S S S S CENECENECENECENECENE Reading the SignsReading the SignsReading the SignsReading the SignsReading the Signs As a part of updating the City’s regu- lations on signs, the Cupertino Planning Commission invites residents, business owners and interested parties to pro- vide input and feedback on how these regulations might be changed to better meet the needs of the community and businesses of Cuper tino. The Planning Commission is also interested in hear- ing sugg estions from residents and the business community to determine ad- equate signage advertising for businesses. The City’s sign regulations are included within Title 17 of the Cupertino Mu- nicipal Code and can be found on the City’s website at www.cuper tino.org/ planning under the section on Excerpts Municipal Code. Suggestions from residents, business owners, and interested parties on the sign ordinance may be provided to the Planning Department at City of Cupertino, Planning Department, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cuper tino, CA 95014 or by email at planning@cupertino.org prior to 5:30 p.m. on November 22, 2005. The Planning Commission is ten- tatively scheduling a study session to consider the sign regulations at its No- vember 22, 2005 meeting.Thanksgiving HolidaysThanksgiving HolidaysThanksgiving HolidaysThanksgiving HolidaysThanksgiving Holidays Affect Garbage PickupAffect Garbage PickupAffect Garbage PickupAffect Garbage PickupAffect Garbage Pickup Due to the coming Thanksgiving holi- day, Los Altos Garbage Company (LAGCo) collection services scheduled on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25 will be delayed by one day. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Thursday that week will have pickup on Friday, Nov. 25. Those with services on Friday will have pickup on Saturday, Nov. 26. For more info, call LA GCo at 408.725.4020. FloodFloodFloodFloodFlood Insurance DiscountInsurance DiscountInsurance DiscountInsurance DiscountInsurance Discount Effective October 1, 2005, Cupertino flood hazard area homeowners can receive a discount of up to ten percent on flood insurance. The discounts are available on new or renewed policies because the City has Continued on page 7 In This Issue Library News ........................................ 2 Bicycle Safety Tips .............................. 3 Election Coverage ...............................3 Light Up The Night .............................. 4 Breakfast with Santa ........................... 4 Citizenship Classes ............................ 4 Volunteers Needed .............................. 4 Library Fundraisers ............................ 5 Cupt. Symphonic Band ...................... 5 Burglary Prevention Forum ............... 6 Senior Center News ............................. 6 2006 Travel Program ........................... 6 ATLAS Literacy Tutoring .................... 6 Flood Preparation ............................... 7 Environmental News ........................... 7 Community Calendar .......................... 8 Roots ................................................... 10 Simply Safe ..........................................11 Travel Office Vacancy .........................11 Jubilee Poetry Winners .................... 12 eNotification ....................................... 12 Commission Vacancies .................... 13 The Better Part ................................... 13 Coyotes and Bobcats ....................... 13 Council Actions ................................. 14 Access Cupertino .............................. 15 City Meetings ..................................... 16 -2- The Cupertino Scene is published monthly, except in August and January, and distributed to all residents and businesses in the city. In- formation may be submitted via e-mail to rickk@cuper tino.org. Questions may be di- rected to the Public Information Office at City Hall, 777.3262. Deadline is the first Wednes- day of the month for the next month’s issue. The Friends of the Cupertino Library Bestseller Collection Funded by the Friends of the Cupertino Li- brary, the Bestseller Collection is a special browsing collection designed to make it easier than ever to find a bestseller on the library shelf when you visit the library. The books are available on a fist- come, first- served basis (no reserves). All titles check out for one week. Located in the New Book / New Maga- zines / Media area right off the lobby. Friends of the Cupertino Library also wel- comes everyone to their ongoing Lobby Book Sales. Friends of the Library Collect Cell Phones The Friends of the Cupertino Library have placed a box in the library lobby to collect used cell phones. Proceeds benefit the Cupertino Library. Internet Classes in Mandarin Beginning classes on how to use the Internet are available in Mandarin, by appointment. CupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertino Library NewsLibrary NewsLibrary NewsLibrary NewsLibrary News Knitting at the Library Bring your needles and yarn to the library ever y Tuesday, 3 to 5 p.m. and join knitting ex- pert Lakshmi Moorty in the Story Room on the main floor. Adults and Children (10+) can learn to knit or get tips for their own knitting projects. Knitters of all skill levels are welcome to attend. Databases and Research Tools Santa Clara County Library subscribes to online databases for adults and children, on a variety of subjects, including business, science and literature. Many of the databases are available even when the library is closed. If you’re not at the library, just go to the library’s webpage at www.santaclar acountylib.org, click on databases, and enter your library card and PIN number to access a database. You may choose from any of the avail- able databases. For example, you can research a company using Standard and Poor’s Net Ad- vantage, prepare for an academic or profes- sional exam with Learning Express or find in- formation for a state report in America the Beautiful. If you have any questions about the databases, please call the Reference desk, at 408.446.1677, during the library’s open hours. Hours Sunday Closed Monday Closed Tuesday 12 to 9 Wednesday 10 to 9 Thursday 10 to 9 Friday 10 to 6 Saturday 10 to 6 Phone Numbers General Number 408.446.1677 Accounts, Billing 800.286.1991 TeleCirc 800.471.0991 Web Addresses Santa Clara County Library: www.santaclaracountylib.org Teen Page: www.santaclaracountylib.org/teen Kids Page: www.santaclar acountylib.org/kids Storytimes Bedtime Stories (ages 3 and up): Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Toddler Stories (ages 1-1/2 to 3): Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. -3- If you would like to schedule an appoint- ment, please call the library’s Reference Desk at 408.446.1677. Teen Database Classes Database instruction for teens, thirteen to nineteen, is available at the library, by appoint- ment. If you would like to schedule an ap- pointment to learn about the library’s sub- scription databases, please call the reference desk at 408.446.1677. Internet Basics for Adults Basic Internet classes for adults are held at the library on the second Saturday of every month. 2 to 2:30 p.m. These drop-in classes are limited to five participants and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be able to use a computer keyboard and mouse. If interested, please come to the Adult Reference Desk at 2 p.m on the sec- ond Saturday of the month. Library Tours Library tours are conducted the third Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. and the fourth Saturday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. Call 408.446.1677 for more infor- mation. Cupertino Election CoverageCupertino Election CoverageCupertino Election CoverageCupertino Election CoverageCupertino Election Coverage Bicycle Safety TipsBicycle Safety TipsBicycle Safety TipsBicycle Safety TipsBicycle Safety Tips by May Koski, member of the Cupertino Bicycle Pedestrian Commission Bicycles today are lightweight, fully geared, and can provide a dependable means of transportation to school, work, and social ac- tivities. Bicycles give independence and added responsibility to student riders. Stay safe by becoming street smart. 1. Wear a bicycle helmet & BUCKLE IT! The helmet should be level and it needs to cover your forehead. Adjust the chin strap so it is snug, but not uncomfortable. An un- buckled strap is USELESS. Wearing the chin strap too loose may result in the helmet fly- ing off in a fall. Get a helmet that is ap- proved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You can get help finding and fitting a helmet at any bike shop. 2. Adjust your clothes so that your pant leg, shoelace, or backpack strap does not get caught in the bike chain. 3. Be seen and stay safe! Bright clothing and reflectors on your bike or backpack will help drivers see you coming. 4. Ride with traffic, in the bike lane if there is one. Drivers do NOT expect to see bi- cycles, scooters, or skateboard traveling against traffic, even in the bike lane. 5. Shed the iPod, walkman, and head- phones before you ride. It is important to hear what is going on around you. Stop to answer your cell phone. 6. Look before crossing traffic, and stop to walk your bicycle across traffic if needed. Try to make eye contact with drivers as you pass in front of their cars. As you look be- hind you while riding, be aware that you may veer slightly in the direction your head is turned 7. Ride at a speed that enables you to stop quickly. Be aware when you pass driveways. Watch for opening doors as you pass parked cars. 8. Don’t ride on the sidewalk unless you don’t feel safe on the road. Pedestrians have the right of way, so prepare to walk your bicycle if they are present. On November 8, Cupertino voters will go to the polls to elect three city councilmembers and to consider three ballot measures that will have a significant impact on the community. For the most complete coverage of candi- dates and issues in Cupertino, visit the city web site at www.cuper tino.org, or watch cable channel 26. On the web, voters will find web casts of several candidate forums, interviews with the media, and individual candidate presentations. Other information includes financial dis- closure statements, as well as complete ballot statements with arguements and rebuttals. Visit www.cupertino.org and "Jump to" elections. Live election night coverage of Cupertino races begins at 9 p.m. via webcast or on cable channel 26. -4- Breakfast with SantaBreakfast with SantaBreakfast with SantaBreakfast with SantaBreakfast with Santa Saturday, December 3, 2005 8:30 to 11: 30 am Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their elves are coming to Cupertino for a morning your children will fondly r emember. Come cel- ebrate the holiday season with the delicious North Pole Pancakes that Mrs. Claus serves to Santa and his little helpers as they prepare for the busy holiday season. Visit with Santa Claus, sing some holiday songs, and make some holiday crafts. Fee also includes a spe- cial gift for each child and a family photo. Register early, spaces are limited. For more information, please contact the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department at 408.777.3120. Light Up The NightLight Up The NightLight Up The NightLight Up The NightLight Up The Night Sunday, December 4, 2005 6 p.m., free to Cupertino residents Quinlan Community Center This annual tree lighting ceremony will fea- ture a community sing-along, Santa Claus, holiday crafts and yummy seasonal treats. Participants are asked to bring canned goods or a new toy to the event. Items will be donated to Cupertino Community Ser vices and distributed during this holiday season. Citizenship ClassesCitizenship ClassesCitizenship ClassesCitizenship ClassesCitizenship Classes Sunnyvale-Cupertino Adult and Commu- nity Education offers two evening citizenship classes. They are an ESL/Citizenship Prepa- ration Classes, for those students who are at an intermediate level of English pr oficiency, and a Citizenship Preparation Class, for stu- dents who are advanced English speakers. Both of these free classes are on Monday and Wednesday evenings; they both start Mon- day, October 31, 2005. The ESL/Citizen- ship Class ends on Wednesday, January 11, 2006; the Citizenship Preparation Class fin- ishes on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. The ESL/Citizenship Class, whose hours are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., is in room 82, at Fremont High School. The Citizenship Class is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 83, at Fremont High School. In these classes students will learn about American history and government, fill out the N-400 application, and practice for their oral interview. In addition, there will be several speakers who will talk about the natu- ralization process, local government, and voting. In addition, on Saturday, December 3, 2005, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., a special one-day class will be offered to help pro- spective citizens prepare for their interview. Volunteers fr om the community will act as interviewers. At this class there will also be an immigration expert who will talk about the interview process and answer questions. The class will meet in the Training Center, Adult Education Center, 591 W. Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale. For all of these classes, students should register in c lass. For more information, please call 408.522.2703. Volunteers NeededVolunteers NeededVolunteers NeededVolunteers NeededVolunteers Needed Volunteers are needed to help conduct mock citizenship interviews for Sunnyvale- Cupertino Adult and Community Education’s ESL/Citizenship Interview Preparation Class. As a volunteer, you will ask prepared ques- tions and dictate prepared sentences, thus simulating an actual interview. Training for volunteers will be done on the morning of the class. If you are interested, please call Linda Brummer at 408.522.2733. -5- Free Prizes, Classes, Games, Body Fat Testing, Crafts , Face Painting, and More Join Us On Saturday Jan. 7, 2006 10 am - 12 pm 2111 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino (408) 777-3160 Open House Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming Events Save these dates: Second Annual New Years Party December 31, 2005, Quinlan Center $74.50 per person Dinner, Wine, Party Favors, Champagne Music by Cupertino Rotarian DJ, Milt Wehrman. Second Annual Super Bowl Party February 5, 2006, Community Hall $25 per person Football, food, and fun. For more information about these events, contact, Jack Hubby at 408.996.2821, or jack@hubby.org. CupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertino Symphonic BandSymphonic BandSymphonic BandSymphonic BandSymphonic Band The Cupertino Symphonic Band will present its popular, traditional Veteran’s Day concert on Sunday, 3 p.m., November 13, 2005, at Quinlan Community Cen- ter. It is located at 10185,N. Stelling Road, Cupertino. This concert is free of charge but donations of canned food for Cupertino Com- munity Services would be very ap- preciated. Tom Narcisso will conduct the varied program of patriotic music including selections from the American Civil War, a musical tribute to all branches of the ser- vice, Victory at Sea and the nostalgic Shenandoah. For more information, call 408.262.0471 or use the website: www.netview.com/csb. -6- ATLAS Literacy TutoringATLAS Literacy TutoringATLAS Literacy TutoringATLAS Literacy TutoringATLAS Literacy Tutoring You can make a difference in someone’s life. Become a volunteer tutor to help other adults improve their reading, writing and/or math skills. The free classes are offered through the Fremont Union High School District’s Adult and Community Education Center. This adult literacy program, know as ATLAS, serves adults whose basic skills are below those of an entering high school stu- dent. Students come to our program for many reasons, including: to learn to read, to get better jobs, to help their children with schoolwork, or to prepare for higher educa- tion. Volunteer tutors work with students in one-on-one pairings or in small groups, while receiving on-going support and guidance from a credentialed school teacher. Tutors meet with their students once or twice a week and both daytime and evening classes are avail- able. The next free ten-hour training, which will be held over three sessions, begins the evening of January 25, 2006. For more information on becoming a stu- dent or a tutor, contact Lareen Jacobs at lareen_jacobs@fuhsd.org, or call 408.522.2755. BurglaryBurglaryBurglaryBurglaryBurglary Prevention ForumPrevention ForumPrevention ForumPrevention ForumPrevention Forum The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has been monitoring a number of residential burglaries that have taken place within the city of Cupertino since January 2005. Crime data from the Sheriff’s Office indicates that there have been a disproportionate number of resi- dential burglaries that have involved Asian or East Indian residents within the Cupertino. In order to address this issue, the Sheriff’s Office will be offering a “Burglary Preven- tion Forum” on Nov ember 17, 2005 at the Cupertino Community Hall, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Burglary Prevention Forum will address any questions, or concerns; resi- dents may have to help prevent being a vic- tim of a burglary. The forum will be open to all Cupertino residents that would like to attend. The pur- pose of the forum is to help reduce the chance of residents becoming victims of a burglary. For more information call Lt. Terrence Calderone at 408.868.6600. The Cupertino Senior Center will be host- ing four Monday Night Football events. Enjoy watching all of the action on our huge 12-foot wide screen. The fun starts at 5:30pm with Pizza, Green Salad and Soda Tailgate Dinner then grab a comfortable seat and get ready for kickoff at 6:00pm. At the end of each quarter a prize drawing will be held. Don’t miss out. Members to the Senior Cen- ter only pay $6 for each Monday night event. Advance registration required. Please call the Cupertino Senior Center to register: 777.3150. With the start of the New Year, the Cupertino Senior Center will be offering new evening classes geared for Adults 50+. The class offerings will include Yoga, Low Im- pact Aerobics, Tai Chi Exercise, Bridge Class, Ikebana Flower Arranging and Spanish for Travelers. These great classes will be held on Tuesday evening. Please call the Cuper tino Senior Center at 777.3150 to receive a copy of our newsletter that will feature these new programs. 2006 Travel Program2006 Travel Program2006 Travel Program2006 Travel Program2006 Travel Program Join the Cupertino Senior Center as we travel the globe in 2006. Our international excursions features Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal visiting Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona from March 25 to April 5, and a British Isles Cruise and London with ports of call in Cornwall, Wales, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Inve rness and Edinburgh from August 27 to September 8. Our national tour plans are for Tulips in the Great Northwest featuring Seattle and Skagit Valley Tulip Fields Festival from April 24 to April 27 and America Heartland & Heritage Tour from October 10 to October 22 with stops in Little Rock, Memphis, Nash- ville, Great Smokey Mountains, and so much more. For more information about our 2006 Travel Program please call 777.3150. SENIOR CENTER NEWSSENIOR CENTER NEWSSENIOR CENTER NEWSSENIOR CENTER NEWSSENIOR CENTER NEWS -7- Environmental NewsEnvironmental NewsEnvironmental NewsEnvironmental NewsEnvironmental News Flood PreparationFlood PreparationFlood PreparationFlood PreparationFlood Preparation As this year’s rainy season begins, residents should check to be sure that they’re pre- pared for the possibility of flooding in their neighbor- hoods. Those with property located in a flood zone espe- cially should be aware that standard homeowner’s insur- ance policies do not cover losses caused by floods or mudslides. Property owners can protect against potential flood damage by purchasing flood insurance and by preparing a family disaster plan. According to the Santa Clara Valley Water District, some areas in Cupertino along Calabazas Creek are considered at risk for flooding; property near Stevens Creek is also at risk, but to a lesser degree. The city provides the f ollowing services to help residents prepare for potential flood- ing: 1. Residents can find out if their property is in a flood zone by visiting the Cupertino Public Works Department (call 777.3354 for details). The Public Works Department also offers elevation certificates for new buildings constructed in the floodplain. 2. The City’s Building Depar tment has a booklet called “What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor”. Booklets are available at City Hall. 3. Other information on flood prepared- ness is available on the Cupertino website at www.cupertino.org/emergency. Or, you can pick up brochures at the Community Emer- gency Training Center at Vallco Mall. 4. Additional flood protection informa- tion and assistance can be obtained on the FEMA website at www.fema.gov. 5. The Cupertino Library also holds pub- lications for flood preparedness. The city’s storm drainage system is com- posed of street gutters, the storm drain sewer inlets (at street corners), and the pipes that connect the inlets to local creeks. This system drains street runoff into the creeks and chan- nels on the valley floor. Residents can assist the city, and help protect their imme- diate neighborhood from lo- calized flooding, by sweep- ing gutters regularly and checking that nearby storm drain grates are not covered with leaves or litter. Residents should abide by street sweep- ing/no parking signs to allow the city to keep the gutters clean and the storm drain system flowing. The city routinely sweeps the gutters in residential areas twice a month and in commercial areas once a week. Residents can protect theirResidents can protect theirResidents can protect theirResidents can protect theirResidents can protect their immediate from localized flood-immediate from localized flood-immediate from localized flood-immediate from localized flood-immediate from localized flood- ing, by sweeping gutters regularlying, by sweeping gutters regularlying, by sweeping gutters regularlying, by sweeping gutters regularlying, by sweeping gutters regularly In the fall, before the rains start, a city con- tractor vacuums out city storm drain inlets, and checks for any evidence of hazardous materials in the dr ains. This cleaning prevents any illegally dumped materials that may be sitting in the inlets, from washing into our creeks with the first rains. It is illegal to dump anything into a creek or a storm drain. Residents can report dump- ing incidents to the city by calling 777.3269 during office hours and 911 after hours and on weekends. qualified as a member of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rat- ing System (CRS), achieving a Class 8 rating. CRS membership also allows the City to ap- ply for other FEMA programs and grants. The application for CRS membership was coordinated by local resident Nina Daruwalla, engaged for the task by Cupertino Emer- gency Services. Contact y our insurance pro- vider to see if you qualify for a discount. Continued from page 1 -8- The Cupertino Library and CommunThe Cupertino Library and CommunThe Cupertino Library and CommunThe Cupertino Library and CommunThe Cupertino Library and Commun Saturday, Oct. 30, 9:30 a.mSaturday, Oct. 30, 9:30 a.mSaturday, Oct. 30, 9:30 a.mSaturday, Oct. 30, 9:30 a.mSaturday, Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m Community Calendar Submit information about clubs and organizations that meet in Cupertino to Linda Lagergren, City of Cupertino, 10300 Torre Ave., Cupertino, 95014, 777-3202 lindal@cupertino.org Clubs with asterisks meet more than once monthly. Call the contact number for details. NOV. Club/Organization Time Location Phone 1 Tues Alcoholics Anonymous* Women’s Group Al-ANON Family Group* ToughLove* Cupertino Kiwanis* Knights of Columbus 4981* Cupertino Men’s Service* Cupertino Sr. TV Prod.* 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Noon 8 p.m. Noon 9:30 a.m. Redeemer Luth. Church, 940 S. Stelling Rd. Bethel Lutheran Church 10131 Finch Avenue Bethel Lutheran Church The Blue Pheasant 10201 Imperial Ave., #3 The Blue Pheasant Senior Center 650-903- 0321 379-1051 946-7970 252-3830 243-8462 252-2667 2 Wed Al-ANON Family Group* Al-ATEEN* Cupertino Sanitary Dist* De Anza Optimist Club* Cupertino Optimist Club* Tandem Toastmasters* Macintalkers Toastmasters* Cupertino Rotary Club* Philotesian Rebekah #145 Cup. Symphonic Band* Overeaters Anonymous* Connect Club III* 7 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8 p.m. 7:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Noon 5:30 p.m. Noon 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8:15 a.m. 940 S. Stelling Road Redeemer Lutheran Church, 940 S. Stelling 20833 Stevens Creek #104 Holder’s Restaurant Blue Pheasant HP, 19333 Vallco Parkway Apple Computer De Anza 3, 10500 N. DeAnza Blvd. Community Center Cupertino Odd Fellows Cupertino High School Union Church Chamber of Commerce 650-734- 5869 650-292- 8897 253-7071 253-4424 255-3212 285-4977 macintalkers .com vppr@macin talkers.com 920-2224 252-3954 262-0471 247-8488 252-7054 3 Thurs De Anza Lions Club* Cup. Host Lions Club* Northwest Y Service Club* Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service Women’s Quilting Group* Connect Club I* Connect Club II* Business Networking Intl.* HP Communicators Toastmasters #4606* Overeaters Anonymous* Food Addicts in Recovery* (FA) 6:45 a.m. 7:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Noon 8 a.m. 7 a.m. 7 a.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Holders Country Inn Mariani’s Restaurant Northwest YMCA 20803 Alves Drive City Hall West Valley Pres. Church 6191 Bollinger Rd. Holders Country Inn Chamber of Commerce BJ’s Brewery HP Cupt. site, Bldg. 46T 19055 Pruneridge Ave. Union Church St. Jude’s Church 255-3093 252-6262 725-8195 345-8372 253-2984 252-0932 252-7054 252-7054 996-9111 BNI.com 650-691- 8724 253-8394 378-3499 4 Fri Alcoholics Anonymous* Fast Start Group De Anza Kiwanis* 5:00 p.m. 7:15 a.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church 940 S. Stelling Rd Intl. House of Pancakes 374-8511 973-1456 CommunityCommunityCommunityCommunityCommunity CalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendar -9- y and Community Hall Grand Openingy and Community Hall Grand Openingy and Community Hall Grand Openingy and Community Hall Grand Openingy and Community Hall Grand Opening Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. 5 Sat De Anza Flea Market Organization of Special Needs Families* Overeaters Anonymous* Planetarium Shows* 8 to 4 p.m. 2 to 4 p.m. 9 a.m. 7 p.m. De Anza College 20920 McClellan Rd. Union Church DeAnza Planetarium 864-8946 996-0858 842-0688 864-8814 7 Mon American Legion Post 642 Al-ANON Steps for Living* Take off Pounds Sensibly* TOPS Overeaters Anonymous* Food Addicts in Recovery* (FA) 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 10201 Imperial Ave., #3 940 S. Stelling Rd. First Baptist Church 10505 Miller Ave. Union Church St. Jude’s Church 374-6392 379-1051 252-2434 650-327- 1649 246-1620 8 Tues Southbay Toastmasters* Sertoma Club* Poets Society* 6:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Tandem Bldg. 251, 10100 N. Tantau, Rm. 1258 1366 S. Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. Coffee Society 253-7622 252-2584 255-5293 725-8091 9 Wed Krazy Dazys Square Dance Club* The Powerful Pens Cross-Cultural Consortium (5Cs) Viewfinders Camcorder Video Club 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Hyde Middle School Sunnyview Retirement Community, 22445 Cupertino Rd. Community Hall Community Center Cupertino Room 245-9156 626-9784 285-7332 253-1985 10 Thurs Quota Service Club* (Aids hearing & speech impaired) Cupertino-West Valley Welcome Club Noon 11:30 a.m. Blue Pheasant 252-8568 257-6136 252-1529 11 Fri Malihini Orchid Society Cupertino Coin Club 7:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. Hewlett-Packard, Oak Rm West Valley Pres. Church 267-3397 253-1232 12 Sat Daughters of Norway 9:30 a.m. Sunnyview Retirement Community 255-9828 14 Mon Cupertino Odd Fellows* Fine Arts League 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 20589 Homestead Rd. Community Center Social Room 252-3954 255-6559 15 Tues African Violet Society 12:30 p.m. Sunnyview Lutheran Home 736-9262 16 Wed Rancho Neighborhood Association The Powerful Pens 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Rancho Pool & Recreation Facility 18000 Chelmsford 626-9784 17 Thurs Toyokawa Sister City West Valley Republican Women Rolling Hills 4H Club Embroiders’ Guild of America 7:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. City Hall Monta Vista Recreation Center Sunnyview Lutheran Home 257-7424 252-6312 257-4745 578-5917 22 Tues Historical Society De Anza Youth Soccer League meeting 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Community Center Creekside Park 973-1495 deanzayouth soccer.org -10- RootsRootsRootsRootsRoots By Gail Fretwell Hugger Thanksgiving Day HistoryThanksgiving Day HistoryThanksgiving Day HistoryThanksgiving Day HistoryThanksgiving Day History I hope many of you were able to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of our fair City of Cupertino in September. It was a wonderful event and many thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a success. I en- joyed writing the Roots articles about the his- tory of Cupertino and have a deeper appre- ciation of the hard work accomplished by all those who went before us. We have many blessings and much to be thankful for. In looking back at history and the origins of Thanksgiving Day - almost everyone knows the story of that first “day of thanks- giving” in 1621, when Pilgrims and Indians sat down together to feast on food brought and prepared by both groups, played games and at least for some years thereafter were able to live in peace. Later on, in early New England, it was the custom at Thanksgiving time to place five kernels of corn at every place at the table as a reminder of that horrible first winter when their food had been used up and the Pilgrims were rationed five kernels of corn to each individual still living. It was all they had. Later, the Pilgrim Fathers wanted their children to remember the sacrifice, sufferings and hard- ships through which they had passed. They wanted to keep alive the memory of that 63-day trip taken from England to the New World in a tiny, cramped ship. They wanted to remember the cold, rocky and inhospitable coast on which they finally landed and the loss of nearly half their members that first winter. They wanted to remember that on the day they had received their five kernels of corn, only seven healthy colonists remained to nurse the sick and nearly half their members lay in shal- low graves on a nearby hill. The five kernels of corn were also a reminder to them that God had protected and preserved them through all their hard- ships and sorrow. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, weary and heartsick over the Civil War, wrote, “ ...that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates our land ... may be punish- ment inflicted upon us for our presumptu- ous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?” He re- minded Americans how blessed they have been as a country but that they have become “intoxicated with unbroken success” grow- ing in wealth and power, but becoming too proud. He asked Americans to set apart the last Thursday in November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to God, thanking him for all our blessings. The Union Church of Cupertino (the first non-denominational house of worship in Cupertino) celebrated its first Thanksgiving service in 1888. That was only 24 years after the Civil War. While California and Santa Clara County were far removed from those states where battles were fought, many from those areas came here after to begin anew. Memo- ries were still fresh and there was much to be thankful for in this new place, much as the Pilgrims had given thanks over 250 years be- fore. As we gather together around our tables this year, let us remember and give thanks also. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Resources: Five Grains of Corn by Bliss Forbush, Thanksgiving Proclamation (1863) President Abraham Lincoln, drawing of Union Church by A. Peter Emig -11- The Office of Emergency Ser vices was very popular in October. We received many calls from people asking if the City offered emergency preparedness training and what types of emergency supplies should be kept on hand. If you are reading this article – you already know about the many training and volunteer opportunities available. Please show this article to your friends. Emergency Supplies – MUST include food (at least a 3 day supply) and water (1 gallon per person for 3 days), f lash- light, ba ttery operated radio and a first aid kit. Additional suggested supplies can be found at www.cuper tino.org/ emergency. Here are three more excellent websites for preparedness information: • www.72hours.org • www.homesafetycouncil.org • www.prepare.org Available Training Three-hour course on home and family preparedness offered monthly (FREE) – for those who want to help themselves. Four hour Neighborhood CERT training (FREE) – for those who want to help their neigh- borhood. Twenty-hour Community Emer- gency Response Team (CERT) training (FREE) – for those who want to help their City. Volunteer Opportunities Medical Reserve Corps (Medical profes- sionals and others interested in medical di- saster response). CARES (Ham radio pro- fessionals who ensure we can communicate). Block Leader (Provide an information link between the City and neighborhood pre and post disaster). Neighborhood Watch (Re- duces crime and provides and information link between the City and neighborhood pre and post disaster). Other opportunities in- clude disaster Translators, Phone Bank, Documentation, Red Cross Shelter Aid – just about anything you can offer. Simply SafeSimply SafeSimply SafeSimply SafeSimply Safe By Marsha Hovey, Cupertino Office of Emergency Services Upcoming classes: Community Emergency Response Team January 13, 2006. Five Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and graduation February 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s FREE and a great way to start the New Year. Personal Emergency Preparedness Workshop Saturday, November 5, 9 a.m. to Noon. December 8, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Infant Child CPR. November 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $25 First Aid Friday December 2, 2 to 6 p.m. $35 Preparing for emergencies, one month at a time… Install a smoke detector on every level of your home and inside every bedroom. Test monthly by pushing a broom handle against the test button. Replace batteries on a spe- cific date each year. Simply Safe is a monthly article provided to inform the community about emergency preparedness, training schedules and volun- teer oppor tunities. Contact the Cupertino Office of Emergency Ser vices at 408.777.3335, email OES@cupertino.org, or go to the website www.cuper tino.org/emer- gency for more information. Register for classes through Cupertino Parks & Recreation, 408.777.3120. Travel Office VacancyTravel Office VacancyTravel Office VacancyTravel Office VacancyTravel Office Vacancy The Cupertino Senior Center is accepting applications for a Travel Office Assistant. Successful applicants will assist the Travel Co- ordinator in planning travel and tour pro- grams. The assistant works with bus com- panies, wholesale tour operators, museums, restaurants, music and theater companies, travel companies and agents. This position will prepare promotional material on the travel program and contact travel participants. Es- corting day trips will be required. This posi- tion works 20 hours per week and pay starts at $13.25 per hour. Applications may be pickup at and returned to the Cupertino Se- nior Center, 21251 Stevens Creek Blvd. or go online at www.cuper tino.org. For more information, please call 408.777.3150. -12- Golden Jubilee Poetry Contest WinnersGolden Jubilee Poetry Contest WinnersGolden Jubilee Poetry Contest WinnersGolden Jubilee Poetry Contest WinnersGolden Jubilee Poetry Contest Winners Born in 1902, Nellie Nakamura grew up in the apricot orchards of Cuper tino. At the age of 12, She wrote a poem titled Nacissus. The poem was published in the Mercury Herald. Nellie Nakamura lives today in Los Altos and is one of the oldest sur vivors of the Japanese Stars on Velvet BlackStars on Velvet BlackStars on Velvet BlackStars on Velvet BlackStars on Velvet Black By Alice Chen We live in a country where our lives are our own And our dreams can reach for the stars Yet so many choose to let that light fade away And gaze emptily away to afar We are protected and sheltered from storms And can bathe in the warmth of a hearth Yet families are ruined by the hands of our own And the lives of many torn apart We were given so much that others do not have And the choices to choose our own way Yet so many remain blind to this trea- sure they hold And it slips away like the passing of day Tell me why our people cannot see the stars Why they look only for what they lack For here there is more than the world can dream Or is it that light only makes the heart black Alice Chen attends Cupertino High School internment camps of WWII. Nellie's daughter read Narcissus at the city's Golden Jubilee on September 25. In conjunction with the city's Golden Jubilee, the Cupertino Historical Society conducted a poetry contest. Two winners were selected, one frome middle school and the other from high school. Each winner received a $100 check. TidepoolsTidepoolsTidepoolsTidepoolsTidepools By Alan Hong-Dang Nguyen I go to the tidepools when I’m sad, I know it won’t help, I tell my sorrows to the waves, Though he just pushes them away I would think He would know, for I’ve known him awhile, I would wait for an answer at shore, I wanted to scream, And be free of all sadness until I saw myself Looking deep into the waves, As I watched my reflection smiling at me, And then I realized, My sadness was gone Alan Hong-Dang Nguyen attends Hyde Middle School. -13- Commission VacanciesCommission VacanciesCommission VacanciesCommission VacanciesCommission Vacancies The City of Cupertino encourages resi- dents to apply for positions on city com- missions and committees that will have va- cancies in 2006. The application deadline will be in December, and Council will conduct interviews in January. Commissioners are interviewed and ap- pointed by the City Council, and may serve a total of two consecutive 4-year terms. (The Teen Commission has a different term struc- ture). If a person is appointed to fill an unscheduled vacancy, that partial term is not counted against the term limit. All meetings are open to the public. For more information or to apply for a com- mission, contact the Cupertino City Clerk’s Office at 408.777.3223, or visit the city website at www.cuper tino.org. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Steering Committee – 1 vacancy Fine Arts Commission – 1 vacancy Housing Commission – 1 vacancy Parks and Recreation Commission – 1 va- cancy Public Safety Commission – 2 vacancies Technology, Information, and Communi- cations Commission – 2 vacancies The Better PartThe Better PartThe Better PartThe Better PartThe Better Part See the following “The Better Part” shows on Public Access Channel 15. Programs are shown on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Tues- days and Fridays at 7 p.m. November 1 and 4, will be all about bugs abiding in your gar- den. Seniors Alert!: On November 7, 8 and 11, learn essential facts about Advanced Health Care Directives from an attorney specializing in elder law. November 14, 15, and 18, is about a CEO who enables highly skilled medical volunteers to bring plastic sur- gery miracles to the third world. On No- vember 21, 22, and 25, Andrew Norblin, guitarist tells about his young boy’s dream come true, including beautiful music. And on November 28, 29, learn all about good and bad mushrooms from Master Gardener Jim Maley. Pet Safety fromPet Safety fromPet Safety fromPet Safety fromPet Safety from Coyotes and BobcatsCoyotes and BobcatsCoyotes and BobcatsCoyotes and BobcatsCoyotes and Bobcats The city of Cupertino is urging all residents with pets to take simple precautions to pro- tect those pets from potential harm from wildlife. Residents should remember the fol- lowing: • Never feed native animals • Do not leave edible trash where wild ani- mals can get it, and secure containers inside your garage. • Do not leave pet food outside. • Do not allow your pets to run free. • Be aggressive toward wild animals. If one approaches, make loud noises or throw rocks so that the animal will run away. • Most animal bites occur when people try to feed the animals. Coyotes and bobcats are natural predators that are normally wary of human beings when these animals are living in their native habitat. In ur- ban areas, these animals become less fearful. They have learned to adapt to living near subdivisions and hunt- ing for food in residential neighborhoods.It is rare that a bobcat or coyote will attack humans, but small cats and dogs may be easy prey for them. For more information contact Cupertino City Naturalist, Barbara Banfield at Barbarab@Cupertino.org. -14- CouncilCouncilCouncilCouncilCouncil ActionsActionsActionsActionsActions Please Note: Agenda items are subject to change. Prior to the meeting, confirm agenda with city clerk, 777.3223. Copies of agendas are available at City Hall on the Thursday preceding council and planning commission meetings. Tuesday, October 4, 2005 Council Members Present: Kwok, Lowenthal, James, Sandoval, Wang Authorize recruitment of a full-time Infor- mation Technology (IT) Assistant position in lieu of replacing the current part-time posi- tion. Approved an agreement for grading, sur- veying, site hardscape, landscaping and irri- gation, fencing, traffic control, and erosion control for Cupertino Town Centre, Voted to remove the inoperable traffic barrier from Kim Street, keep the median, eliminate the current turning restrictions from Bollinger Road onto Kim Street, and keep it a one-way street northbound. Regarding the General Plan, Council took straw votes (confirming votes will occur later), for these items: Remove Regnart Creek from the Draft General Plan; Add new language to the Draft General Plan regarding the Union Pacific Trail; Use the wording pro- vided by the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission regarding the; location of the trails; Not add the wording to prohibit non-retail uses from exceeding 25% of a shopping center; Bal- ance the needs of the pedestrians with de- sired traffic services; Stay with the current General Plan regarding Public Art; Set stan- dards for Green Building design; Not include the language regarding the cashout program; Keep the R-1 designation.. The public hear- ing was continued to October 18. The appeal regarding Application No. TM- 2004-05, Wayne Aozasa (CA Water Ser vice), located on Greenleaf Dr., was postponed to October 18. Second reading and enactment of Ordi- nance No. 1968, to remove the parking pro- hibition on the west side of Vista Drive. Tuesday, October 18, 2005 Council Members Present: Kwok, Lowenthal, James, Sandoval, Wang Regarding the General Plan, Council took straw votes (confirming votes will occur later), to :Approve 1,429 hotel rooms; Keep the current general plan number of 94 residen- tial units (remaining out of the original 100) allocated for Bubb Road; Allow 400 addi- tional residential units at Vallco South; Al- low 300 additional residential units at Vallco North. The appeal regarding Application No. TM- 2004-05, Wayne Aozasa (CA Water Ser vice), located on Greenleaf Dr., was postponed to November 1. Regarding Vallco Shopping Center, Coun- cil took this action: Approved staff’s recom- mendation and extended the agreement for 3 years; Hotel designation required on the subdivided site; Use per mit approval required for any parking garage over 3 stories located at the location north of Macy’s; Use permit approval required for any hotel other than at the Rose Bowl site; Neighborhood meetings required regarding height and design of the parking structure. Conducted first reading of Ordinancd 1969 to require a hotel use for future development in the northeast portion of the property. Applica tion No. M-2005-02, Dan Ikeda (PSS Ventures, LLC), 20415 Via Pa viso, APN 315-01-213 through 222, regarding a modi- fication of a use permit (8U-94) to convert a 140-unit apartment project (Aviare) to for- sale residential condominiums. Continued to Nov. 1. Consider Scenic Circle access to the Stevens Creek Corridor Park. Continued to Dec. 6. Receive a report on commissions and com- mittees with terms expiring January 15, 2005, select an application deadline date of De- cember 23, and interview dates of January 9 and 10, 2006; and extend the expiration of commissions from January 15 to January 30 beginning in 2006. Continued to Nov. 1. Receive the resignation from Technology, Information, and Communications Com- missioner initiate the process to fill the un- scheduled vacancy. Continued to Nov. 1. Consider canceling or changing the meet- ing of December 20, 2005. Continued to Nov. 1. -15- Ac c e s s C u p e r t i n o Su b m i t y o u r c o m m e n t s , s u g g e s t i o n s , c o n c e r n s To m a i l , f o l d i n t h i r d s w i t h r e t u rn a d d r e s s s h o w i n g . T a p e a t t o p . Or , v i s i t Ac c e s s C u p e r t i n o an d s u b m i t y o u r r e q u e s t s o n l i n e a t : ww w . c u p e r t i n o . o r g Yo u r re q u e s t : Wh a t i s t h e b e s t w a y t o r e s p o n d t o y o u ? Ca l l m e a t t h i s n u m b e r : Se n d m e a n e m a i l a t : Se n d m e a n a l e t t e r a t : st r e e t : ci t y : zi p : I d o n ’ t n e e d t o b e c o n t a c t e d Cupertino Scene PRSRT-STD Cupertino City Hall U.S. Postage 10300 Torre Avenue PAID Cupertino, CA 95014 Cupertino, CA Permit No. 239 ECRWSS Postal Customer City Meetings November 1 City Council*** 6:45 p.m. November 2 Teen Commission (Sport Center) 6:00 p.m. November 2 Technology, Information & Communications Commission (Conf. Rm. A) 7:00 p.m. November 2 Technology, Information & Communications Comm. 7:00 p.m. November 3 Design Review Committee (Conf. Rm.A) 6:00 p.m. November 8 Planning Commission*** 6:45 p.m. November 9 Environmental Review Committee (Conf. Rm.A) 4:30 p.m. November 10 Parks and Recreation Commission (Reg. Adj. Mtg)*** 7:00 p.m. November 15 City Council*** 6:45 p.m. November 15 Fine Arts Commission (Conf. Rm. A) 7:00 p.m. November 16 Bicycle Pedestrian Commission (Conf. Rm.) 7:00 p.m. November 16 Environmental Review Committee (Conf. Rm. A) 4:30 p.m. November 16 Teen Commission (Sports Center) 6:00 p.m. November 17 Design Review Committee (Conf. Rm.A) 6:00 p.m. November 22 Planning Commission*** 6:45 p.m. CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON NOV. 11 FOR VETERAN’S DAY AND NOVEMBER 24 & 25 FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. Unless otherwise noted, all City Council and commission meetings are held at 10350 Torre Ave. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For recorded meeting schedule/information after hours, call 777-3200. The City Channel (Comcast Cable Channel 26) offers agenda information, broadcasts of council/planning commission meetings and other programs. All meeting agendas are posted outside of City Hall 72 hours before the meeting. ***These meetings will be seen live via webcast at www.cupertino.org, or on The City Channel, Cable 26. www.cupertino.org