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Home My WebLink AboutScene January 2004 - 01.01.2004January 2004 vol. xxvii no. 5 A monthly publication of the city of Cupertino CUPERTINO SCENE R1 Ordinance ReviewR1 Ordinance ReviewR1 Ordinance ReviewR1 Ordinance ReviewR1 Ordinance Review The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on January 26, 2004, to con- sider modifications to the R1 zoning ordi- nance that affects roughly 10,000 single- family homes in Cupertino. The R1 Ordinance covers the regulations for single family development in the City of Cupertino. The ordinance outlines the maximum area allowed, setback and sec- ond story regulations. The R1 Ordinance also contains privacy protection regulations to protect private yards from visual intru- sion by new two-story development. The City’s R1 regulations balances prop- erty owners’ opportunities to develop their land while protecting neighbors from some of the negative impacts related to new de- velopment. To ensure the regulations are equitable, the City would appreciate input from homebuilders and residents. Please check the City’s website for more information about this issue. If you have any questions, please con- tact Peter Gilli, Senior Planner at 408-777- 3313 or at peterg@cupertino.org. Sports Center ReopensSports Center ReopensSports Center ReopensSports Center ReopensSports Center Reopens On January 10, at 10 a.m., the public is invited to the grand reopening of the Cu- pertino Sport Center. Come and meet personal trainers, check out our new equip- ment, child watch center, and teen center. Special activities are planned throughout the day, win a free membership, participate in free fitness classes, come out and watch the tennis exhibition. Free Gift Bags for the first 500 people. The Cupertino Sport Center is located at 21111 Stevens Creek Boulevard, on the North West corner of Stelling Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard. -2- The Cupertino Scene is published monthly, except in August, and distributed to all resi- dents and businesses in the city. Information may be submitted via e-mail to rickk@cupertino.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. In This Issue Sports Center Reopens .........1 R1 Ordinance Review ............1 Cupertino Library ...................2 Be an Exchange Student.......3 Senior Travel ...........................4 Donate Live Trees ..................4 The Music of Magic ................4 Unity Parade............................5 World Religion Day ................5 ECO-news ................................6 Flood Preparation ..................6 Recycle Your Computer ........6 Tree Recycling ........................7 Junk Mail Reduction Kit ........7 Extra Winter Yard Waste ........7 Oak Trees Relocated..............7 Disaster Preparedness ..........8 CERT, CPR and First Aid ........8 What is Digital Television?....9 Roots: Bits and Pieces ....... 10 John Steinbeck: life and times in Santa Clara Valley .......11 Hands-On History .................11 Cupertino Antiques Show ...11 Community Calendar .......... 12 Council Actions ................... 14 Planning Commission Agenda Preview ............................ 14 AccessCupertino ................ 15 City Meetings ....................... 16 CupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertino TTTTTemporaremporaremporaremporaremporaryyyyy LibraryLibraryLibraryLibraryLibrary is Openis Openis Openis Openis Open New Library Hours Monday 12 to 9 Tuesday 12 to 9 Wednesday 10 to 9 Thursday 10 to 9 Friday 10 to 6 Saturday 10 to 6 Sunday 1 to 5 The Cupertino Temporary Library is located at 10441 Bandley Drive, one block west of De Anza Boulevard be- tween Lazaneo and Mariani. Parking / Entrance at the back of the building. Library telephone numbers are: General Library Number 408-446-1677 Accounts, Billing 800-286-1991 Dial-in Catalog 877-471-3349 TeleCirc 800-471-0991 The library has a Web Catalog at http:// webpac.santaclaracountylib.org/, as well as a Telnet Catalog at telnet://library. santaclaracountylib.org. Bookmark these library web addresses: Santa Clara County Library Web Site: http://www.santaclaracountylib.org: Teen Page Web Site:http://www.santaclara countylib.org/teen: Kids Page Web Site: http://www. santaclaracountylib. org/kids. Chinese New Year with Stories in Mandarin Join Children’s Librarian Bonnie Wang for three special programs in Mandarin Chinese -3- Be anBe anBe anBe anBe an Exchange StudentExchange StudentExchange StudentExchange StudentExchange Student The Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister City Pro- gram will hold an informational meeting for prospective exchange students on Wednes- day, January 21, 2004, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Cupertino U n i o n School Dis- trict board room lo- cated at 10301 Vista Drive, in Cupertino. The sister city relationship between Cupertino and Toyokawa, Japan was estab- lished in 1978. Since that time, student del- egations from Toyokawa and Cupertino have exchanged visits to share experiences and cultural awareness. Each year the del- egate exchange has strengthened the bonds between our two communities and cultures. This years student delegates will: • Be selected from 6th, 7th and 8th grade students at Cupertino, Hyde, Kennedy, McAuliffe and Miller Middle Schools. • Travel to Japan during the sum- mer • Live with Japanese host families • Tour cultural sites and learn about Japanese life U.S. citizenship is required of all applicants and selected delegates and their parents are required to work at the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2004. Applications will only be available at the information meeting and attendance is man- datory for prospective students. For more information about this exciting educational opportunity, contact Ms. Lucille Honig, President of the Cupertino-Toyokawa Sis- ter City Program at 408-257-7424. featuring stories, puppets, and crafts. Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. January 15, 22, and 29, 2004 Children’s Storytimes Bedtime Storytime (age 3 years and up) Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Toddler Storytime (ages 2-1/2 to 3-1/2) Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. Twos Storytime (ages 1-1/2 to 2-1/2) Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. Parent-Child Catalog/Internet Classes Parents of schoolchildren may schedule ap- pointments with a children’s librarian for ei- ther introductory Internet (exploring web sites for children) or library catalog instruc- tion. The classes are open to parents alone or with their children. To schedule an ap- pointment, call 408-446-1677, ext. 3310. 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 every Saturday, 10 to 10:30 a.m. These drop-in classes are limited to five par- ticipants and are filled on a first-come, first- served basis. Participants must be able to use a computer keyboard and mouse. If inter- ested, come to the Adult Reference desk at 10 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Internet Classes in Mandarin Beginning classes on how to use the Inter- net are available in Mandarin, by appoint- ment. If you would like to schedule an ap- pointment, please call the library’s Reference Desk at 408-446-1677. Bestseller Collection Funded by the Friends of the Cupertino Library, 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 first-come, first-served basis. -4- Donate Live TDonate Live TDonate Live TDonate Live TDonate Live Trrrrr eeseeseeseesees If you’ve decorated a live potted tree for the holidays, and wish to donate it, you can drop off your tree on Saturday, January 3rd, from 9 a.m to Noon at the Our City Forest’s Tree Bank, at Watson Park, 22nd St. and Jack- son in San Jose. If you miss that opportu- nity, call them at 99-TREES. Our City For- est is a nonprofit group dedicated to plant- ing trees throughout Santa Clara Valley, in parks, along city streets, and at schools. Learn about this organization at www.ourcityforest.org. The Music of MagicThe Music of MagicThe Music of MagicThe Music of MagicThe Music of Magic The Peninsula Symphony’s annual Family Concert on February 29th promises to be a Magical Event featuring Magician Kevin Madden and Theremin Player Robby Virus! Assistant Conductor Geoffrey Gallegos has created a program full of comic entertain- ment and interactive participation. Magic Tricks, Clownish Acts, and Visual Surprises have been choreographed by Magician, Kevin Madden, former Education Direc- tor of the Berkeley Symphony, to introduce children and their parents to the “Music of Magic”. Selections include Williams’ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Symphonic Suite, Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird. The performance will run approximately 1 ½ hours and is sug- gested for families with children ages 5-12. The Firebird will feature San Franciscan Robby Vi- rus playing a unique in- strument called the Theremin. For those not familiar with the Theremin, this unusual and fasci- nating instrument is played without ever be- ing touched! Two antennas protrude from the Theremin- one controlling pitch, and the other controlling volume. As a hand ap- proaches the vertical antenna, the pitch gets high. Approaching the horizontal antenna makes the volume softer. Because there is no physical contact with the instrument, play- ing the Theremin requires precise skill and perfect pitch. Parents may recognize the Theremin from the Beach Boys’ epic “pocket symphony” off the 1966 hit album “Good Vibrations”. February 29th, 3 p.m., Spangenberg The- atre, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Call 650-941-5291 or or- der on-line @ www.peninsulasymphony.org. Seniors to VSeniors to VSeniors to VSeniors to VSeniors to Visitisitisitisitisit American Heritage SitesAmerican Heritage SitesAmerican Heritage SitesAmerican Heritage SitesAmerican Heritage Sites The Cupertino Senior Center is planning a tour to Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Charlottesville and Annapolis on May 9, 2004 to May 19, 2004. This tour is designed to celebrate our history in some of America’s most patriotic places. Senior travelers will enter into a recreated Colonial village, tour the Confederate seat of power during the Civil War, and visit the halls of power in Washington D.C. where tomorrow’s history is being made today. Members of the Senior Center will also drive along Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah Valley, savor the salt air of the Chesapeake Bay at Annapolis, stroll along cobblestone streets where George Washing- ton walked, explore Jefferson’s legacies at Monticello and the University of Virginia, and view our national monument in the soft light of evening illumination. At Arlington Cemetery, the group will honor the sacrifices made by America’s fin- Continued on page 11 -5- Lunar New YLunar New YLunar New YLunar New YLunar New Yearearearearear Unity ParadeUnity ParadeUnity ParadeUnity ParadeUnity Parade and International Fairand International Fairand International Fairand International Fairand International Fair Mark your calendars now for Saturday, February 28, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. when the second an- nual Lunar New Year Unity Pa- rade ex- travaganza b e g i n s . The pro- c e s s i o n originates at Jollyman Park and proceeds along Stell- ing Road all the way to Memorial Park. You will hear and see marching bands from our schools, dancers from around the globe, mar- tial arts demonstrations, parade teams from community service organizations, Chinese lion dancers for good New Year luck and many local elected officials. At Memorial Park, you will dis- cover a fantastic Interna- tional Fair featuring stage performances, ethnic cui- sines and exhibits from a wide variety of countries. There will be fun family ac- tivities for all ages. The 2004 Lunar New Year Unity Parade Com- mittee is seeking corporate sponsors interested in sup- porting a special event that celebrates the multi-cultural heritage of our community. Link your com- pany name with this showcase community event. Various corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available to fit any budget – from $250 to $10,000. Help support community unity. For more infor- WWWWWorld Religionorld Religionorld Religionorld Religionorld Religion Day CelebrationDay CelebrationDay CelebrationDay CelebrationDay Celebration The Cupertino Baha’i community is spon- soring its 8th annual celebration of World Religion Day on Sunday, January 18th 2004, 3 to 5:00 p.m. at the Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road. World Religion Day is intended to help foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing the common spiritual values underlying all religions. It provides the op- portunity to seek a unified approach to the spiritual challenges that confront humanity, and recognizes that the earth is but one coun- try and humanity its citizenry. The program will feature prominent religious and civic leaders from many traditions of faith, artis- tic renditions, music and an on-site reception immediately following the program. As a public ser- vice, admis- sion is free to the public. The theme of this year’s program, “A G u i d i n g Light in Un- c e r t a i n Times,” is in- tended to call the commu- nity together to renew recognition of the power of posi- tive spiritual values found in all religions. For more information, please call 408-446- 5799 or visit www.cupertinobahais.org. mation, contact Steve Ting at (408) 838-8072 or email to: s_ting@pacbell.net. For other event information, contact the Committee co-chairs: Richard Lowenthal at richard@lowenthal.com or Michelle Hu at 996-1267 or m_hu_2000@yahoo.com. -6- ECO-newsECO-newsECO-newsECO-newsECO-news by Pamela Ledesma Flood PreparationFlood PreparationFlood PreparationFlood PreparationFlood Preparation As this year’s rainy season continues, resi- dents should check to be sure that they’re prepared for the possibility of flooding in their neighbor- hoods. Those with property lo- cated in a flood zone especially should be aware that standard homeowner’s in- surance policies do not cover losses caused by floods or mudslides. Prop- erty owners can protect against potential flood damage by purchasing flood insurance and by prepar- ing 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. The city provides the following services to help residents prepare for potential flood- ing: · Residents can find out if their property is in a flood zone by visiting the Cupertino Public Works Department (call 777-3354 for more information). · The city’s building department has a booklet called “What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor.” Booklets are available on the downstairs counter at City Hall. The building department also offers el- evation certificates for new buildings con- structed in the floodplain. 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 pro- tect their immediate neighborhood from lo- calized flooding, by sweeping gutters regu- larly and checking that nearby storm drain grates are not covered with leaves or litter. Residents should abide by street sweeping/ no parking signs to allow the city to keep the gutters clean and the storm drain system flowing. The city routinely sweeps the gut- ters in residential areas twice a month and in commercial areas once a week. In the fall, before the rains started, city work crews vacuumed out all city storm drain inlets, and checked for any evidence of hazardous materials in the drains. This annual cleaning prevents any illegally dumped materials, that may be sitting in the in- lets, from washing into our creeks with the first rains. It is illegal to dump any- thing into a creek or a storm drain. Residents can report dumping incidents to the city by calling 777-3269 during office hours and 911 after hours and on weekends. What to Do WWhat to Do WWhat to Do WWhat to Do WWhat to Do Withithithithith YYYYYour Old Computerour Old Computerour Old Computerour Old Computerour Old Computer If you received new computer equipment for Christmas, and are wondering where to take your old WORKING computer, con- tact the Resource Area For Teachers (RAFT) in San Jose, 451-1420, www.raft.net—a non- profit that provides used, working comput- ers to teachers and other nonprofit agencies. Accepting: 400 MHz PCs or faster, Power Mac 6400, computers with CD ROM drive. Printers: inkjet or laser. Monitors: 17+” screen, 1995 or newer. And laptops and pe- ripherals. If it’s NOT WORKING, take it to the City of Cupertino and Apple Computer’s free electronics recycling program: 862-2667. -7- Mon, Wed., and Fri. 8-4:30. 10300 Bubb Rd. Accepting: all computer components and peripherals (PCs and Macs), including moni- tors, fax machines, VCRs, stereo equipment, home copiers, and DVD players. No TVs. (Call 725-4020 for TV disposal.) No moni- tors with cracked glass. Bring proof of resi- dence. TTTTTrrrrreeeeeeeeee RecyclingRecyclingRecyclingRecyclingRecycling Christmas trees will be collected at homes from January 2 through 16 on regular recy- cling day. (Remember that garbage/recycling days will be one day later during the first week of January.) Trees will also be picked up at apartment and condominium complexes during the same period (managers should call to schedule a pickup.) They should be put out by 6 a.m., cut into 4-foot lengths, with all decorations removed. Flocked trees will be accepted for recycling. Trees with deco- rations, tinsel and stands cannot be collected for composting, but will be picked up as garbage. Junk MailJunk MailJunk MailJunk MailJunk Mail Reduction KitReduction KitReduction KitReduction KitReduction Kit Junk mail usually increases dramatically during the Christmas season. January is a good time to take a look at all of the cata- logs, credit card requests, nonprofit solicita- tions and routine advertising packets you’ve received (that you didn’t want to receive), and make an effort to remove your name from their mailing lists. Even though the city can recycle all of your unwanted mail, those re- cycling programs are expensive. It would sure make sense to stop the mail from arriv- ing at your mailbox to begin with. Our Junk Mail Reduction Kit is available on-line at www.cupertino.org/environmen- tal , pick one up at the Quinlan Center, the library, or call 408-777-3337. Extra WExtra WExtra WExtra WExtra Winter Yinter Yinter Yinter Yinter Yararararard Wd Wd Wd Wd Wasteasteasteasteaste Residents are reminded that an easy way to dispose of the extra yard waste that re- sults from winter garden cleanups and prun- ing (that doesn’t fit in the yardwaste toter) is to make an appointment for a free “On-Call” Yardwaste/Woodwaste Recycling Day. All Oak TOak TOak TOak TOak Trrrrr ees Relocatedees Relocatedees Relocatedees Relocatedees Relocated for Parking Structurefor Parking Structurefor Parking Structurefor Parking Structurefor Parking Structure On Dec. 9 and 10 after careful excavation, five beautiful oaks trees weighing between 80,000 and 90,000 pounds each were moved from De Anza College’s Parking Lot C to the east entrance of the campus at Pepper- tree Lane and Stelling Road. The tree relocation took place to make way for the construction of a $15-million, multi- level parking structure that will provide a total of 1,840 parking spaces by the fall quarter of 2004. Four of the trees are coast live oak, and one is a holly oak. College officials do not know when the trees were planted, although they believe the trees are between 30 and 50 years old. De Anza opened in the fall of 1967. The parking structure is one of De Anza’s four major construction projects funded by Measure E, which was overwhelmingly passed by local voters four years ago. De Anza’s share of Measure E funds is $130 million. residents have the right to two Recycling or Disposal Day appointments a year, starting each January. Branches can’t be larger than 6” in diam- eter and 6 ft. long. No loose piles. Please bundle or box branches and trimmings. The entire collection of yardwaste should not be bigger than 4’ X 4’ X 8’. No plastic bags, please. Call the Los Altos Garbage Co. for an appointment, 408-725-4020. -8- Office ofOffice ofOffice ofOffice ofOffice of EmergencyEmergencyEmergencyEmergencyEmergency Services, DisasterServices, DisasterServices, DisasterServices, DisasterServices, Disaster Preparedness, Part IPreparedness, Part IPreparedness, Part IPreparedness, Part IPreparedness, Part I Emergency preparedness starts with you. Even though we rely on 9-1-1 to answer our calls for help every day, when disaster strikes, everything changes. Immediately following the Loma Prieta earthquake, 9-1-1 centers were overwhelmed with phone calls. Within five minutes, every ambulance, fire engine and law enforcement of- ficer in the county was handling emergencies. For the next twelve hours, requests for emergency as- sistance were “stacked” and as- signed to first re- sponders whenever they were able to com- plete an assignment – often with delays of several hours. Compared to other counties in Northern California, Santa Clara County was barely affected by the earthquake. Imag- ine what would happen if the major dam- age had occurred here. Because first responders will be over- whelmed, the only services you will be able to count on are those you have planned to provide for yourself. Services and supplies to consider include: • Feeding yourself if power is out and stores are closed. • Having fresh water in case wa- ter lines are damaged. • Alternate sanitation methods if sewer lines are damaged. • Treating minor injuries. • A plan to obtain prescription medications. Emergency supplies is just a small portion of emergency preparedness. We’ll cover more in part 2, next month. Special Notes: Cupertino has been awarded a three-year, $150,000, grant to in- crease the disaster medical response capabil- ity. The Office of Emergency Services will work with the County Public Health Depart- ment, Red Cross, Santa Clara County Fire Department, County Emergency Medical Services and Cupertino Medical Clinic to coordinate the program. The plan includes: • Identifying community mem- bers who have an interest and/or experience in medical response (CERT members, doctors, nurses, technicians, and EMTs/paramed- ics). • Creating disaster medical re- sponse teams from within the com- munity. • Providing additional medical training for those who need it. • Offering more First Aid and CPR classes. • Purchasing supplies and equip- ment to implement the plan. For more information, contact the Cu- pertino Office of Emergency Services 408 777-3335. Registration for CERRegistration for CERRegistration for CERRegistration for CERRegistration for CERTTTTT,,,,, CPR and First AidCPR and First AidCPR and First AidCPR and First AidCPR and First Aid CPR class costs $15, First Aid, $25. Paid class registration is now handled by Parks and Recreation at 408-777-3110. Reg- istration forms are also available at the Li- brary and Quinlan Center. For other services, see www.cupertino.org/emergency, or call 408-777-3335. CERT graduates can register for free classes through the Office of Emergency at 408-777-3335. Free 2004 Community Emergency Re- sponse Training (CERT) Session #1 (Three Friday Nights, Three Saturday Mornings) January 16, 23, 30, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 17, 24, 31, 9 a.m. to Noon. CPR February 13, 6:30 to 10 p.m. FREE CERT Session #2 March 23, 30, April 6, 20, 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Gradu- -9- ation, May 1, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you only do one thing this month to prepare: Sign up for some form of emergency preparedness training through Cupertino OES, or the Red Cross, at (408) 577-1000, and make 2004 be the year you become part of the solution. Marsha Hovey has been the Emergency Services Coordinator for the City of Cupertino since 2000. What is DigitalWhat is DigitalWhat is DigitalWhat is DigitalWhat is Digital TTTTTelevision (DTV)?elevision (DTV)?elevision (DTV)?elevision (DTV)?elevision (DTV)? We are on the verge of a new age of television. The Cupertino Telecommunications Commission would like our residentsto become familiar with digital tele- vision. In order to help us understand the coming transition the following is a reprint from the Federal Communications Commission, Consumer & Gov- ernmental Affairs Bureau. What is Digital Television (DTV)? Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broad- casting technology that will transform television. Because DTV is delivered digitally, it allows for the delivery of a sig- nal virtually free of interference. DTV broadcasters will be able to offer television with movie- quality pictures and Dolby digi- tal surround sound, along with a variety of other enhancements. Why Are We Switching to DTV? DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. In the same band- width in which a broadcaster provides one analog programming channel, a broadcaster may provide a super sharp “high definition” (HDTV) program or multiple “standard definition” DTV programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called “multicasting.” The number of programs a station can send on one digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as “resolution,” desired in each programming stream. A broadcaster can also use DTV to provide interactivity and data services that were not possible with analog technology.Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves, allowing those portions of the airwaves to be used for other important services, such as ad- vanced wireless and public safety services (police, fire departments, rescue squads, etc.). What Is High Definition TV (HDTV)? HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. A current analog TV pic- ture is made up of 480 horizontal lines. An HDTV picture can have up to 1080 lines, allowing for stunning picture detail. Widescreen format refers to an image’s as- pect ratio, which is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16 by 9, the same as the wide scope of a movie theater screen. HDTV programs can include Dolby Digital surround sound, the same digital sound system used in movie theaters and DVDs. DTV technology is more efficient than analog technology and will allow the same number of sta- tions to broadcast more program mate- rial using fewer broadcast airwaves. DTV offers a more efficient use of the spectrum and will make available to consumers in- creased options in services.For more infor- mation about DTV, see the FCC Web site www.fcc.gov/dtv/. For information about other telecommunications-related issues, con- tact the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau:Internet at www.fcc.gov/cgb, Consumer Center: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1- 888-225-5322) Address: Federal Communi- cations CommissionConsumer & Govern- mental Affairs Bureau445 12th Street, SW- Washington, D.C. 20554. -10- RootsRootsRootsRootsRoots By Gail Fretwell Hugger Bits and PiecesBits and PiecesBits and PiecesBits and PiecesBits and Pieces One of the fun aspects of looking for things to write about for the “ROOTS” col- umn is getting to go through lots of old pa- pers - sort of like a treasure hunt. People pass on things they have saved over the years but don’t know what to do with anymore and like the old saying goes, “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure”. Someone gave me a small pile of old Cupertino Scenes. The oldest one was dated Feb. 1974. Ad- mittedly, that’s not old, but remember, Cuper- tino wasn’t even incor- porated as a city until 1955. Anyway, in reading through these little, yel- lowed sheets, I was immediately glad that the present format is larger and so is the print! It was fun and nostalgic to read so many old familiar names, but a little sad, too because so many of these folks are gone now. There were a lot of articles about dogs - leashing dogs, cleaning up after dogs, li- censing dogs and warnings about dogs run- ning loose. Evidently there had been a case of dogs killing sheep down at the 4H pens at McClellan ranch park and dogs molesting wildlife. In the January 1977 issue the article on dogs ended with the following: “from now on, any dog found (and caught) on park property without a leash will be removed by Animal Control and taken to the pound. We urge neighbors of the parks to be aware of this and restrain their dogs accordingly. (We hate to hound you, but doggone it, it’s just another pointer on the problem and what we have to do to whippet.”) Who says city government has no sense of humor? In July 1975, the Scene reported the fol- lowing. “For those of you breathlessly wait- ing for the next chapter of Saratoga-Sunny- vale Road (if such people exist), we can re- port that the overwhelming sentiment of Cupertino residents was in favor of the name “Old Highway 9”. However, the response from the response from the County Com- munications Center and from the Calif. De- partment of Transportation was rather underwhelming. These two agencies were both strongly against the change due to pos- sible confusion with the real Highway 9 now located in Saratoga. (The moral seems to be that we can unofficially call it Highway 9, but not officially.) So, being back at the begin- ning, Cupertino Council decided in favor of De Anza Boulevard and sent the Mayor over to Sunnyvale to try to persuade the dignitar- ies there to join us. The Mayor apparently took his strategy from a textbook by Gen- eral Custer and got predictable results. So on June 16, the Council voted 4-1 (Mayor Jackson dissenting) to rename that portion within Cupertino “De Anza Boulevard,” ef- fective next year. And by now we feel that most if not all our residents hope, like us, that this is the end of the saga of Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road.” February 1976 Scene sported an inside column entitled, “Sic Transit Gloria” * re- garding a proposed local transit tax and the ended the column with (*Rough Latin trans- lation, “Yes, Gloria, without the tax there will be sick transit in Santa Clara County!)” May 1977 advised Cupertino citizens that the “Recreation Department is now planning a city-wide frog-jumping contest with the winners going to the Calaveras County An- -11- us on February 14 at the Mu- seum from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn about the history of Valentine’s Day and design some classic Victorian-era valentines to take home to your sweetheart. CupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertinoCupertino Antiques ShowAntiques ShowAntiques ShowAntiques ShowAntiques Show The Cupertino Antiques Crossroads Show hosted by the Cupertino Historical Society is coming to town in March. And we are looking for Cupertino citizens that have trea- sures in their attics or basements and would like to display them at a booth at the show. For more information please contact Chris- tine Jeffers at 408-973-1495. Heritage Sites, cont. gels Camp contest on May 21 and 22.” Citi- zens were informed that it was possible to rent - a - frog. The rent - a - frogs were being imported from Arizona because some- one thought that our own California frogs weren’t good enough. The site of the con- test was to be Stevens Croak Boulevard. My favorite Scene cover was of April 1984 cel- ebrating National Library Week. The ex- planatory box inside related, “ the month’s cover shows the Monterey County Librarian enroute to visit branches “beyond the roads”. To the left, the Pacific Ocean (Unfortunately there is no date for the old photo, but I would love to know where this little caravan was going on the narrow trail) One last tidbit - an anonymous reader com- mented that I should find out the date when the Hoo Hoo House burned down (Cuper- tino Scene, Nov. 2003). My information was quite a bit off. According to an article writ- ten by Cupertino historian, Louis Stocklmeir, in 1971, the original Hoo Hoo House went up in a spectacular fire on August 16, 1928 and the brilliant blaze was visible for many miles. Also, according to Stocklmeir, the term “Hoo Hoo” was used as a warning signal when a tree-faller was about to topple a for- est giant. John Steinbeck: his lifeJohn Steinbeck: his lifeJohn Steinbeck: his lifeJohn Steinbeck: his lifeJohn Steinbeck: his life and times in Santa Claraand times in Santa Claraand times in Santa Claraand times in Santa Claraand times in Santa Clara VVVVValleyalleyalleyalleyalley Join the Cupertino Historical Society & Mu- seum on January 27, 2004 to hear Susan Shillinglaw from the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies. The evening begins with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. Please bring your own service and a dish to share. The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Cupertino Room inside the Quin- lan Community Center located at 10185 N. Stelling Road. The lecture is $3 for nonmem- bers and free to members. For more infor- mation please call 408-973-1495. Hands-On HistoryHands-On HistoryHands-On HistoryHands-On HistoryHands-On History Ever wonder why Cupid is shooting ar- rows at people to make them fall in love? How did Valentine’s Day get it’s name? Join est young men and women. Seniors will see America’s future protected by the young men and women of today’s United States Marine Corp at the stirring Marine Barracks Evening Parade. The American Heritage Tour features air- port transfers, roundtrip airfare, hotel ac- commodations, baggage handling, 17 meals, trip transportation, all entrances and admis- sions, all taxes and tips, and tour escort. Tour price is $2790 double occupancy plus $15 Cupertino Senior Center membership fee. This tour is open to all adults 50 years and older. If you are interested in being a part of this tour, please come to the Cupertino Se- nior Center, 21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard on Wednesday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m. for a slide show presentation on the American Heritage tour. For trip registration and information, please contact the Cupertino Senior Center at 408- Continued from page 4 JAN. Club/Organization Time Location Phone 1 Thurs Overeaters Anonymous* 7 p.m. Union Church 253-8394 2 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 3 Sat De Anza Flea Market Organization of Special Needs Families* Overeaters Anonymous* 8 to 4 2 to 4 p.m. 9 a.m. De Anza College 20920 McClellan Rd. Union Church 864-8946 996-0858 842-0688 5 Mon American Legion Post 642 Al-ANON Steps for Living* Take off Pounds Sensibly* TOPS Overeaters Anonymous* 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 10201 Imperial Ave., #3 940 S. Stelling Rd. First Baptist Church 10505 Miller Ave. Union Church 374-6392 379-1051 252-2434 650-327- 1649 6 Tues Alcoholics Anonymous* Women’s Group Al-ANON Family Group* ToughLove* Cupertino Kiwanis* Knights of Columbus 4981* Cupertino Men’s Service* 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Noon 8 p.m. Noon 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 650-903- 0321 379-1051 946-7970 252-3830 243-8462 7 Wed Al-ANON Family Group* Al-ATEEN* Narcotics Anonymous Cupertino Sanitary Dist* De Anza Optimist Club* Cupertino Optimist Club* Tandem Toastmasters* Cupertino Rotary Club* Philotesian Rebekah #145 Cup. Symphonic Band* Cross-Cultural Consortium (5Cs) Overeaters Anonymous* 7:00 p.m. 8:15 p.m. Noon 8 p.m. 7:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Noon Noon 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6 p.m. 940 S. Stelling Road Redeemer Lutheran Church, 940 S. Stelling St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, 20920 McClellan 20065 Stevens Creek #C Holder’s Restaurant Blue Pheasant HP, 19333 Vallco Parkway Community Center Cupertino Odd Fellows Cupertino High School City Hall Union Church 650-734- 5869 650-292- 8897 998-4200 253-7071 253-4424 255-3212 285-4977 920-2224 252-3954 262-0471 777-3331 247-8488 8 Thurs Quota Service Club* (Aids hearing & speech impaired) Cupertino-West Valley Noon 11:30 a.m. Blue Pheasant 252-8568 257-6136 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. Clubs with asterisks meet more than once monthly. Call the contact number for details. 8 Thurs Welcome Club Viewfinders Camcorder Club 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* Connect Club III* HP Communicators Toastmasters #4606* 7:30 p.m. 6:45 a.m. 7:15 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Noon 8 a.m. Noon 7:00 a.m. Community Center Cupertino Room Holders Country Inn Mariani’s Restaurant Northwest YMCA 20803 Alves Drive City Hall West Valley Pres. Church 6191 Bollinger Rd. International House of Pancakes / St. Crk. Blvd. Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce HP Cupt. site, Bldg. 46T 19055 Pruneridge Ave. 252-1529 253-9136 253-3219 252-6262 725-8195 345-8372 253-2984 252-0932 252-7054 252-7054 252-7054 650-691- 8724 9 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 10 Sat Daughters of Norway 9:30 a.m. Sunnyview Retirement Community 255-9828 12 Mon Cupertino Odd Fellows* Fine Arts League 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 20589 Homestead Rd. Community Center Cupertino Room 252-3954 253-2230 13 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 14 Wed Krazy Dazys Square Dance Club* The Powerful Pens 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Collins School 21269 Stevens Creek, Suite 610 245-9156 777-3820 15 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 20 Tues African Violet Society 12:30 p.m. Sunnyview Lutheran Home 736-9262 27 Tues Historical Society 6:30 p.m. Community Center 973-1495 28 Wed Rancho Neighborhood Association The Powerful Pens 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Rancho Pool & Recreation Facility 18000 Chelmsford 777-3820 Deadline for submitting February calendar information is Jan. 7. -14- CouncilCouncilCouncilCouncilCouncil ActionsActionsActionsActionsActions City Council Monday, December 15, 2003 Council Members Present: James, Kwok, Lowenthal, Sandoval, Wang Study Session – 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room C, discussed funding for the Stevens Creek Corridor project. Council gave gen- eral direction to staff to finish the Master Plan and to apply for state grant funding. Adopted a resolution declaring weeds on certain properties a nuisance and set a hear- ing date for January 20. Adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) that will enable the City to receive a Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) grant for $1,114,797 for the Mary Avenue Pedestrian Footbridge project. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Joint Use Agreement with Santa Clara Valley Water District for the Regnart Creek Trail. Adopted a resolution authorizing addi- tional construction contingency for the con- tract for the DeAnza Boulevard Adaptive Traffic Signal System, for $30,000, to cover the installation of additional traffic signal detector loops and to cover any additional unforeseen work required to complete the project, to bring the total project amount including contingency to $224,550. Approve the Second Amendment to Sec- ond Restated and Amended Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA) creating the Sili- con Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) for notice of withdrawal from the Authority as of July 1, 2004 and the devel- opment and approval of the Authority’s budget for fiscal year 2004/05. Council denied a use permit to demolish 17,800 square feet of the Oaks Shopping Center and construct 49 townhomes, and to make signage, landscaping and parking im- provements to the Oaks Shopping Center. Council approved a use permit to con- struct a 107-unit condominium project and 6,450 square feet of new retail space. Adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute Amend- ment No. 3, for additional consultant ser- vices with SMWM Architects, for the addi- tional items added to the Library and Civic Center project, as approved by the City Council, not to exceed an amount of $350,000, and approval of $100,000 for additional services, as may be required and approved by the Director of Public Works, through the completion of the project. Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionPlanning CommissionPlanning CommissionPlanning Commission Agenda PreviewAgenda PreviewAgenda PreviewAgenda PreviewAgenda Preview City Council Chambers January 12, 2004, 6:45 p.m. Applicant: Leah Hernikl/ Cingular Wire- less, Location: 10881 S. Blaney Ave. (Tin Tin Market). Use permit to erect a 50-foot arti- ficial tree monopole and an equipment shel- ter for wireless phone antennas. Applicant: Lisa Brooke/ Kindercare, Lo- cation: 1515 S. De Anza Boulevard. Use per- mit to locate a child care facility and play- ground to accommodate 160 children in an existing commercial building. Applicant: Todd Lee/ Marketplace, Lo- cation: 19770 Stevens Creek Blvd. Use per- mit modification (16-U-76) to permit new food services and restaurants adjacent to the gated portion of the rear corridor through a use permit process. City Council Chambers January 26, 2004, 6:45 p.m. Applicant: City of Cupertino, Location: Citywide. Municipal Code Amendment af- fecting single-family residential development in the R1 zoning district. One-year review of modification of a use permit to locate a children’s playground at the front of the property and extend the hours of operation at 20803 Alves Drive (YMCA). 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. -15- 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 Monthly City Meetings January 1 Parks and Recreation Commission*** CANCELED January 5 City Council*** 6:45 p.m. January 5 Teen Commission (Community Center) 6:00 p.m. January 7 Telecommunications Commission CANCELED January 8 Housing Commission (Conf. Rm.) 6:30 p.m. January 8 Public Safety Commission (Conf. Rm.) 7:00 p.m. January 11 Planning Commission *** 6:45 p.m. January 14 Environmental Review Committee (Conf. Rm.) 4:30 p.m. January 19 City Council*** 6:45 p.m. January 20 Library Commission (Conf. Rm.) 7:00 p.m. January 21 Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission (Conf. Rm.) 7:00 p.m. January 21 Teen Commission (Community Center) 6:00 p.m. January 26 Planning Commission *** 6:45 p.m. January 27 Fine Arts Commission (Conf. Rm.) 7:30 p.m. January 28 Environmental Review Committee (Conf. Rm.) 4:30 p.m. CITY OFFICES CLOSED FOR NEW YEARS DAY ON JANUARY 1, 2004 AND MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY ON JANUARY 19, 2004 Unless otherwise noted, all City Council and commission meetings are held at 10300 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 (AT&T 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 prior to the meeting. ***These meetings will be seen live via webcast at www.cupertino.org, or on The City Channel, Cable 26. www.cupertino.org