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Cupertino's Public Safety Commission invited Block Leaders to a panel discussion at the Annual Public Safety Forum last November. Thank you to Steve Hill, Carol Lim, and Fang Liu for generously giving their time to talk about their roles in the neighborhood and how they support and maintain communications with neighbors. Their words were inspiring and very encouraging. Here is a summary of their responses:
HOW HAS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BEEN SUPPORTING NEIGHBORS THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME, OR LEADING UP TO THIS TIME?
Carol – Pre-COVID, we would get to know others and have fun events. We focused on block parties and held ping pong tournaments. We created a Yahoo group, collected contact information, and emailed important news, if someone needed help, or if something seemed suspicious. Our goal shifted with COVID to make sure vulnerable neighbors were covered and able to get groceries and medicine. Our group started a task force with co-leader Anu Yagati, and met weekly to go door-to-door in our four-block group.
Fang – It's always good for people to feel connected with and supported by neighbors and the City. When we first started, we knocked on every door to meet neighbors and have a quick chat. We found that communications is key and we set up an email group and shared information from the City. Neighbors notified neighbors of vacation plans and asked for help to watch their homes. If people feel connected to neighbors and have a way to hear from the City, they’re more willing to ask for help.
Steve – I've sent information from the City and County explaining rules and dealing with closures, found information on risk categories, and promoted Alert SCC. Also, I sent links during wildfires to show where fire lines were located, the wind pattern, and air quality so people could find info that affected them. I also prepared a flee list – items people could consider if they have to leave their house in a hurry and how to prepare before they leave.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP PRIORITIES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN YOU FIRST BEGAN TO ORGANIZE AND NOW?
Fang – Our first event was Neighborhood Watch with Steffanie Turini and two deputies. Support from the City (quarterly meetings, regular emails) helped leaders and neighbors feel connected. Our neighborhood always felt City support during organized block parties and activities that covered safety and security, which we held about once or twice each year.
Carol – Building community and having fun is important, like the birthday week surprise we had for our neighborhood mail carrier, John. Neighbors celebrated with posters, balloons, drawings, ice cream, and gift cards.
Also, being there to help when needed, lets neighbors know they’re not alone, especially vulnerable neighbors. During the pandemic, a neighbor met a lost senior who was wandering the street and asked for help to get home. That neighbor asked me for help, and I called nearby senior homes and the Sheriff’s because of my Block Leader training.
Steve – I started in emergency response and wanted the block to be aware and prepared.
HOW DO YOU ENGAGE NEIGHBORS AND BUILD TRUST AMONG NEIGHBORS?
Steve – I organize a potluck, National Night Out (NNO), and offer resources. One neighbor told me, ‘You’re always looking out for us.’
Fang – We stop and chat while on walks and send emails regularly to stay in touch. I think the more the merrier and safer while organizing activities. Our neighborhood expanded the NNO invitation to neighboring streets and we had visits from the Sheriff’s and Fire. We have held three NNO events.
Carol – I walk the dog twice daily and see neighbors and ask how they’re doing. Because I'm always out, I think others feel they can come out and talk to neighbors. We used to have block parties with appetizers and ping pong tournaments at the last minute in front of our home. Now we gather in a neighbor’s backyard because our party became so large. Since I've connected, I have become a part of neighbors' Diwali parties, baptisms, funerals, and important events in people’s lives.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BEING A BLOCK LEADER? WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER?
Carol – I love being a Block Leader. I get to know what’s going on in neighborhood, meet the Sheriff's at Block Leader meetings, and other Block Leaders to learn what they’re doing.
A good leader is someone who’s interested in meeting neighbors and those who come into community, like the mail carrier.
Steve –A good leader is civic-minded. I use the contact cards with city logo when I meet new neighbors. I give them my completed card and a blank card to fill in. I also wear my identification badge with Cupertino logo.
Fang – I want to help everyone on our street and be connected to the City and neighborhood to feel we can deal with things better, like natural disasters. I have lived in Cupertino for less than 10 years. In the first few years, I got to know immediate neighbors and not others on the street. It’s a good feeling after we organized to help neighbors and see people start to talk and greet each other.
View the Block Leader Panel webinar here.
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