City Hall News

City Hall News News from City Manager DEANNA J. SANTANA

Message from City Manager Deanna J. Santana

Dear Santa Clarans,

As we wrap up the Labor Day weekend, I hope you enjoyed the time with friends and family. In honor of National Preparedness month, the City Council has proclaimed September as Community Preparedness month and together we focus to be #SantaClaraReady. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/EmergencyPreparedness for tips on how to be prepared for the next emergency. As September begins, we also find ourselves 20 years later from the tragedy of 9/11. Since last month, our retired and active Santa Clara Fire Department are on a nationwide memorial ride from the Bay to Brooklyn and will reach Ground Zero this week. Thank you to all first responders who have lost their lives and all those who continue to protect us every day.

We are offering many City services for the Fall including fitness classes at the Santa Clara Senior Center, group exercise at the Community Recreation Center, Library in-person browsing and services, skate park lessons and more! Stay informed about upcoming events, meetings and news in the latest edition of City Hall News.

In Community Spirit, Deanna. J. Santana

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 SANTACLARACA.GOV

Meals on Wheels volunteers prepare and deliver meals to homebound SHD residents.

September is Community Preparedness MonthDoes your family have a household communication plan for an emergency? Make a plan today & practice it! Residents are encouraged to register for Santa Clara County’s emergency alert and warning system at AlertSCC.org to receive alerts by mobile, landline or email. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/EmergencyPreparedness for more tips on how to build an emergency supply kit and be prepared. Let’s get Santa Clara ready!

Free COVID-19 Testing at Central Park LibraryIn partnership with the County, the City continues to host free COVID-19 testing at Central Park Library. The next testing date is on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Typically 3-7 days before the testing date, schedule an appointment online. Visit sccfreetest.org for countywide testing locations.

Save Our Water Santa ClaraThe City encourages residents and businesses to conserve water to the maximum extent. As a reminder, outdoor watering days are restricted to three days per week for all customers. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/SaveOurWater for tips on how to conserve water and rules for water use. Download the informational flyer on how to conserve and a coloring page for the kids from Captain Save a Drop!

Join the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory CommitteeThe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has three openings available. The BPAC advises the City Council on matters related to the City’s recreational and commuter bikeway system and pedestrian walkway system. The committee works to promote safe, convenient, well-designed facilities by evaluating local bicycle and pedestrian-related projects. The current openings will serve a three-year term (December 2021 to December 2024). Applicants must live or work within the city of Santa Clara. To apply, contact Marshall Johnson at [email protected] or 408-615-3023. Applications are due by Oct. 13 with interviews via Zoom at the Oct. 25 meeting. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/BPAC for more information.

Provide Public Input on Santa Clara BART Station DesignThe Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) invites the community to learn more about VTA’s BART Phase II Project and to provide feedback on visual elements that contribute to the look and feel of the stations, including the Santa Clara station. The future station will be accessible for passenger drop off and parking from the terminus of Brokaw Road and for pedestrians and cyclists from El Camino Real. Provide feedback on the interactive survey at bit.ly/vtabsv2stations by Sept. 17. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/BARTSantaClara for more info.

Climate Action Plan Community FeedbackThe City is updating its Climate Action Plan to align with new State requirements, and to assess the City’s greenhouse gas emissions. View the Draft Climate Action Plan Update online and provide public comment. For more information, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ClimateActionPlan.

City Program & Services Available To stay informed about current City services and programs, and other community resources, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/OpenSantaClara.

Silicon Valley Power Honored with CMUA Award for Outstanding Programs Benefiting Customers and Local CommunitiesSilicon Valley Power is one of nine publicly owned electric utilities and water agencies that took top honors in the 2021 CMUA Resource Efficiency & Community Service Awards for outstanding projects advancing best practices and innovative ideas in the water and power industry. The utility took first place among the large-size utilities in the Energy Programs category for its innovative Energy Efficiency Grant Program for Small Businesses. This program committed $1 million in energy efficiency grants for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible customers received up to $10,000 in grant funding for energy efficiency upgrades to help lower operating costs by reducing electric consumption. In addition to assisting small businesses lower their operating costs, the program helped keep contractors working in our community during the pandemic.

Do you want to Electrify your Drive? Silicon Valley Power offers rebates up to $1,500 for income-qualified customers to purchase a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Customers installing an EV charging station may

be eligible for a rebate up to $550. If you require an electric panel upgrade when installing the EV charging station, add a circuit for an electric heat pump water heater to make your home “electrification ready”, and be eligible for a rebate on the electric panel upgrade as well! Electric panel upgrade incentives range from $1,000 - $3,000. Visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Rebates for other incentive programs and federal tax credits to help make purchasing an EV affordable! For more information on maximizing your incentives, visit Silicon Valley Power’s website.

Chief’s Advisory CommitteeSince Fall 2018, 15 community members have served on the inaugural Chief ’s Advisory Committee (CAC) to advise the Police Chief on issues, matters and public policies which influence or impact the ongoing relationship between the Santa Clara Police Department and the community we serve. CAC members advise the Chief of Police on several topics including: Smoking Ordinance, Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) Policy, Crisis Communication Plan, Recreation Vehicle Parking and Vehicle Dwelling, mental health issues, Street Racing and Sideshow Activity Ordinance, Commit to Action initiative and the new SCPD website. Thank you to the following members for your service: Lino Arauz, Peter Diaz, Aaron Dillon, Caitlin Frates, Anne Hansen, Maria Horwich, Sudhanshu Jain, Kamal Koraitem, Grant McCauley, Madan Menon,

Ram Misra, Dave Molyneaux, Jennifer Roman, Corinne Sanfilippo, David Yeem. Police Chief Pat Nikolai conducted interviews among 33 new applicants and six current CAC members to determine the roster for the next two-year term. The inaugural and new CAC members will host a transition meeting on Oct. 25. Email [email protected] with thoughts or ideas regarding a project to advise the Police Chief.

Dance, Sing, Perform in All Together Now!

“All Together Now!” is a global event celebrating local theatre is an exclusive musical revue, celebrating the return of theatre arts around the world, with performances being held the weekend of Nov. 12. Rehearsals will begin on Sept. 8, and will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity to perform some of your favorite musical numbers from Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Rent, Frozen and more. This

production is for participants ages 11 - 19. Register online or call the Community Recreation Center at 408-615-3140.

City Hall Generator Replacement WorkThe City’s contractor Rosendin Electric will begin work on the City Hall generator replacement the week of Sept.13. The location is adjacent to the ramp leading up to the City Hall east wing entrance. The work consists of: excavating and removing existing landscaping/dirt at the new generator location, concrete and electrical work, installing the new emergency generator, removing the existing emergency generator, installing new screened fencing and landscaping. A temporary generator will be installed during a period of the construction until the new generator is in service. City Hall visitors should anticipate equipment and trucks on site and some construction noise. Several parking spots adjacent to this area will be temporarily closed off during construction. Construction work is anticipated for completion end of November 2021.

Around the Town

News, events, and happenings in Santa Clara.

Pruneridge Avenue Complete Streets Plan Update At the Celebrate Santa Clara event on Aug. 21, the Department of Public Works promoted the Pruneridge Avenue Complete Streets Plan project. The Plan will study and identify potential bicycle and pedestrian improvements on a 2.2-mile segment of Pruneridge Avenue between Pomeroy Avenue and Winchester Boulevard. The project is now completing outreach to obtain feedback on the draft concepts created for the corridor. Nearly 50 attendees stopped by to learn about the project and identify their preferences. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/PruneridgeAvePlan to take a survey or for more information.

Celebrate Santa Clara

The City of Santa Clara Parks & Recreation Department hosted “Celebrate Santa Clara” at Central Park on Aug. 21. The City thanks all our residents, sponsors, City teams and vendors who attended this community event full of live entertainment, kids’ activities, artists, food, beverages and City resources. We hope you enjoyed celebrating Santa Clara! Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/Celebrate for info.

Group Exercise Program ReturnsGroup exercise classes resumed Sept. 1 at the Community Recreation Center at 969 Kiely Blvd. Choose from a variety of morning and evening classes, including U Jam Fitness™, Yoga, Zumba®, Boot Camp and more. Current group exercise passes may be used until depleted, then an Activity Pass must be purchased. For the monthly class schedule or for more information, visit the Activity Pass webpage.

Public Speaking Classes for YouthGurus Education is offering a variety of online classes starting the week of Sept. 13, to help children ages 6 - 14 become better listeners and speak confidently in front of a group. Props, stories, visual aids, and jokes make learning fun and inviting. For more information and/or to register, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ActiveNet or call the Community Recreation Center at 408-615-3140.

Activity Passes Available for PurchaseLooking to swim or exercise this fall? Activity pass cardholders may attend Drop-in-Play at the Reed & Grant Sports Park, lap swim or group exercise classes at the Community Recreation Center. One activity pass gives you access to all three programs. Learn more at SantaClaraCA.gov.

Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park & Community Garden WorkshopsOn Aug. 28, the Eddie Souza Community Garden hosted two workshops. Participants learned which plants are best to seed in pots, better directly planted in the garden and practiced sowing seeds in recycled plastic pots. Learn about what to plant for a winter harvest, visit the Santa Clara County Master Gardener webpage.

Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/CommunityGarden to see September events. For questions, contact Recreation Coordinator Derek Bryant, at [email protected] or call 408-615-3743.

2021 Cultural Commission Utility Art Box ProgramThe Santa Clara Cultural Commission Utility Art Box program is underway. Khushi Kolte is one of the many talented artists who participated. See her completed artwork on the utility box located on Benton Street in front of Santa Clara High School. The art piece, “Unity and Diversity,” was inspired by the theme, “Solidarity, Resiliency and Hope.” Additional boxes will be completed within the coming months.

Senior Center Fitness Classes Return

On Sept. 1, the Senior Center now offers a variety of fitness classes for Fall. Class options include mind & body, fitness, and individuals with limited mobilities. To view classes and register, visit the webpage. For questions, email [email protected].

Santa Clara Skate Park Classes

September skateboarding classes (5 -13 years) is open for registration. Participants will learn basic concepts such as balance, safety, pushing, and riding transitions. For more information or to register, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ActiveNet or call the Youth Activity Center at 408-615-3760.

Current Job OpeningsJoin the Center of What’s Possible! View job opportunities and for information on how to apply, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/jobs.

Employment ServicesNOVA Works job centers are now open for in-person services. These services will be by appointment only and are in addition to remote services, which will continue to be available. Call for additional information at 408-730-7232. Visit the website at NovaWorks.org for more information on free services available for job training and assistance Santa Clara residents and businesses.

Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz EventsJoin a series of BioBlitz events Sept. 1 - 30 at “Eddie” Souza Park, 2380 Monroe Street. Community members will create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found at Eddie Souza Park for the entire month of September. By downloading the mobile app called “iNaturalist,” your participation will provide information about Santa Clara’s pollinators essential to our ecosystem. Register on Eventbrite and visit the project page on iNaturalist. For questions, contact Recreation Coordinator Derek Bryant at [email protected] or 408-615-3743.

BART to Santa Clara Community PopupOn Sept. 11, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will be at the Santa Clara Farmers Market (Jackson/Homestead) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit vta.org/projects/bart-sv/phase-ii/public-involvement for info.

Sunset CinemaEnjoy a free movie in the park at Sunset Cinema on Friday, Sept. 17 at Live Oak Park, 641 Moreland Way, featuring “Peter Rabbit 2” starting around 8 p.m. Registration on Eventbrite is recommended for this free event. For more information, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/SunsetCinema or call the Youth Activity Center at 408-615-3760.

Electronic Waste, Mattress & Tire Recycling Drop-off EventResidents are invited to participate in a FREE e-waste, mattress and tire recycling drive-thru event hosted by local partners, San Jose Conservation Corps and Zero Waste Silicon Valley. On Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., bring your unwanted items to 1560 Berger Dr. in San Jose. For more information on accepted and non-accepted items, email [email protected] or call 408-314-8379.

Free Disposal DayA free disposal day for Santa Clara residents will take place on Sunday, Sept. 19, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Mission Trail Waste Systems Transfer Station. Dispose of appliances and e-waste items, as well as mattresses, furniture, and other bulky items. Hazardous waste (e.g. paints, fluorescent bulbs, chemical cleaners, and pesticides, etc.), automotive parts, pressure treated wood and putrescible waste are prohibited. Call 408- 408-727-5365 to make an appointment from Sept. 6 -17 and receive the location, load size limits and accepted materials. Appointment availability is limited, and proof of residency (utility bill or driver’s license) is required. Face coverings are required, and residents are responsible for unloading materials from their vehicles. Residents that arrive without a face covering will not be permitted to enter the facility.

Composting Basics WorkshopIn partnership with the Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission of Santa Clara County and the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Master Composters, the City is hosting a hybrid (in-person and virtual) composting workshop on Saturday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park, 2380 Monroe Street. Residents will learn how to build, maintain and troubleshoot a home compost bin and apply finished compost. Registration is required. In-person attendance is limited to 12 attendees and Public Health order guidelines must be followed. Register at ucanr.edu/compost or call 408-918-4640. For more information, email [email protected] or call 408-615-3080.

Free Residential Compost Giveaway EventThe City is hosting its first self-service compost giveaway for Santa Clara residents on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the City corporation yard at 1700 Walsh Ave. Residents must provide a current utility bill and/or personal identification to participate. Compost will be self-served. Residents must bring their own shovel and sturdy container (i.e. 5-gallon bucket), fill their container, and load their container into their vehicle. Maximum of 30 gallons per household. Compost will be available while limited supplies last. Residents and employees must wear a face covering while on City property. For questions, call 408-615-3080 or email [email protected].

Santa Clara Parade of ChampionsThe Santa Clara Parade of Champions, a 52-year-old tradition, returns to its historic downtown on Saturday, Oct. 9 to honor our heroes live and in-person. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Festivities and entertainment begin at Franklin Square and will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Farmers Market runs until 1 p.m., the “Community Village” until 3 p.m. and live music until 5 p.m. Visit scparadeofchampions.org for information. The Parade will be livestreamed, recorded and will air on Santa Clara City Television (Comcast channel 15 or AT&T UVerse 99) for a month after the Parade. Visit the event webpage at scparadeofchampions.org for information. Download the event flyer.

Kids Rock is BACKK-5th grade kids, get ready for a special night of activities that include recreation games, arts and crafts, music, bounce house, pizza, and more on Friday, Oct. 1, & Friday, Dec. 10. Our special events will be held at the Youth Activity Center, 2450 Cabrillo Ave., from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Space is limited, pre-register your child today by visiting our website.

CANCELED Santa Clara Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off EventThe event on Sept. 25 has been canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Residents can still properly dispose of items at the County’s permanent drop-off location in San Jose. Call 408-299-7300 to schedule a drop-off appointment and for the site address. For more information, visit HHW.org.

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