|
In This Issue
Expansion of COVID-19 Vaccinations
As of Monday, March 15, individuals age 16 through 64 with qualifying high-risk medical conditions or disabilities are eligible to be vaccinated, though vaccine supply remains limited.
Residents without internet access or who need additional assistance can call 211 for assistance in multiple languages. Appointments fill up quickly, but new appointments will be regularly released as vaccine supply allows, and community members are encouraged to check regularly.
The County’s COVID-19 vaccine website will include updated information and links to healthcare providers. The County's allocation of vaccine will determine appointment availability.
Even if you've been fully vaccinated, you may still be able to spread COVID-19. A person's vaccination status does not exempt them from State and County public health orders and directives. It is important for everyone to continue following the recommended guidelines to help stop this pandemic.
We all need to do our part to stay safe while we wait for vaccines to be widely available, and for a sufficient portion of the population to be vaccinated. Santa Clara County, like everyone else, has received a limited supply to start. More will come over time.
Santa Clara County Enters Orange Tier
On Wednesday, March 24 at 12:01 a.m. Santa Clara County moved into the Orange Tier of the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The County's October 5th Risk Reduction Order, which requires everyone to follow all State orders and guidance, maintain distance, and wear face coverings as much as possible, remains in effect. The Order also requires all businesses and other entities to maximize telework, post a Social Distancing Protocol outlining specific COVID-19 safety plans, and promptly report any cases to the Public Health Department.
The following changes went into effect on Wednesday, March 24. Many of these activities remain very high-risk even though they are now allowed.
- All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier, including indoor dining, can resume in accordance with State capacity limits and safety protocols, including:
- Indoor dining at maximum 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer;
- Retail stores indoors with modifications;
- Gyms and fitness centers indoors at maximum 25% capacity, with indoor pools open;
- Movie theaters at maximum 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer;
- Family entertainment centers indoors at maximum 25% capacity with modifications for areas of increased risk of proximity; and
- Zoos, museums, and aquariums at 50% maximum indoor capacity.
Public health officials warn that loosening restrictions does not mean the community can let its guard down, particularly as variants continue to pose a threat to the area’s progress in this pandemic. In order to continue keeping the community safe and eventually move to even less restrictive Tiers, the community should be reminded:
-
Stay outdoors. Outdoor activities are far safer than indoor ones.
-
Stay masked. Consistent use of face coverings both indoors and outdoors, especially double-masking, is very effective at preventing spread of the coronavirus.
-
Maintain at least six-foot distance from others. Social distancing from those who do not live with you is effective at keeping the coronavirus away.
-
Avoid crowds. The fewer people you encounter and the fewer interactions you have, the lower the chance the virus will spread.
-
Get vaccinated when it is your turn. All federally approved vaccines work well and will help keep you, your family, and your friends safe.
-
Continue to get tested regularly. Testing is a critical tool in pandemic response.
For more information on what the State allows in the Orange Tier, visit covid19.ca.gov.
|
|
Cupertino Stands in Solidarity with the
Asian and Pacific Islander Community
On March 16 the Cupertino City Council unanimously approved a resolution to stand in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander community. See part of the resolution below:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby affirm its commitment to stand in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander community and resolves as follows:
1. The City of Cupertino denounces hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, and hateful acts; and does not tolerate discrimination, xenophobia, or harassment; and
2. The City of Cupertino will oppose any attempts to undermine the safety, security, and rights of members of our community and will work proactively to ensure the rights and privileges of everyone in the City—regardless of race; and
3. The City of Cupertino will promote safety, a sense of security, and equal protection of constitutional and human rights, leading by example through equitable treatment of all by City officials and departments; and
4. The City of Cupertino encourages the community to stand together in affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in Cupertino, California, and our country.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this 16th day of March, 2021, by the following vote:
Mayor Darcy Paul
Vice Mayor Liang Chao
Councilmember Jon Willey
Councilmember Hung Wei
Councilmember Kitty Moore
View the full resolution here.
Stop Asian Hate Rally on Saturday, March 27
You are cordially invited to attend the “Stop Asian Hate“ rally on Saturday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to noon at Saratoga City Hall, 13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070.
There have been more than 3,800 hate incidents in the US in 2020 against the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Over 700 of these incidents occurred here in the Bay Area. Six of the eight people shot and killed last week in Atlanta were Asian American. Racism against the AAPI community has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a Pew Research Center report, over 30% of Asian Americans report having been subjected to discrimination since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please join us and stand in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander Community, denounce hate crimes, hate rhetoric, and hate violence.
For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/147203338147/.
COVID-19 Rent Relief Opportunities
Whether it’s a health-related event or a significant financial hardship, COVID-19 has affected us all. The State of California is committed to keeping families housed. Announced on March 16, the California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program will help:
- Income-eligible renters (less than or equal to 80% Area Median Income (AMI), priority to those at or below 50% AMI) financially impacted by COVID-19. Rent relief can pay up to 25% of unpaid rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 up to 25% of rent due in the future, and 100% of up to 12 months of unpaid or future utility bills.
- Landlords who have experienced a loss in income due to unpaid rent. Rent relief can pay 80% of past due rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 for tenants who make less than or equal to 80% Area Median Income (AMI), if the landlord agrees to waive the remaining 20% of past unpaid rent.
Paying 25% of past due rent by June 30 will help keep renters in their homes under the extended eviction protections provided in SB91. Click HERE or call, toll-free, 833-430-2112 to learn more.
Take the Pledge to Get a Free
#CupertinoCares Package
The City of Cupertino is calling on you to reaffirm your commitment to protect yourself, your neighbors, and our community by signing a pledge to continue wearing masks, physically distance, wash your hands, avoid gatherings, and more.
Join the #CupertinoCares team in continuing to keep our community safe and healthy by taking the pledge any time from now through March 31 at bit.ly/CupertinoPledge. Have your household take the pledge and receive a free family care package from the City.
The family care package includes:
- Four reusable #CupertinoCares face masks
- Keychain hand sanitizer
- Sanitizing wipes
- Sidewalk chalk
- Crayons
- Coloring pages
- Children's book
- #CupertinoCares mug
Anyone who signs the pledge will be notified by Tuesday, April 6 with care package pickups scheduled for Thursday, April 8 or Friday, April 9 at the Quinlan Community Center. Find more details at cupertino.org/cupertinocares.
Cupertino's Hidden Heroes
 |
|
A full year into the COVID-19 pandemic, life has changed for many of the frontline workers who have been serving our communities in a multitude of ways. |
During the month of March, #CupertinoCares has highlighted a few Hidden Heroes by sharing their personal stories and experiences. |
|
 |
|
|
City Co-Hosts Webinar for Small Businesses
On Thursday, March 25 the City’s Economic Development Division co-hosted a free small business webinar in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the West Valley cities of Los Altos, Los Gatos, and Sunnyvale. “Financial Resources and Operational Strategies for Small Business” was an interactive webinar focusing on available financial resources and best practices for operating a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
- Best practices on how to adapt business operations and business models during the different phases of the County’s shelter-in-place order.
- Updates on California Relief Grants, EIDL and PPP loan programs, and other financial assistance options available to small business owners.
- New funding rounds for California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
- How businesses can leverage technology and social media to increase sales.
The webinar was recorded and will be posted on the City’s website for on-demand viewing as an accessible resource.
Esports Coming to Cupertino
Beginning in April, teens will compete in the inaugural Cupertino Esports League, playing favorite multi-player games like Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and more. The league winners will receive a prize from the City.
Adult leagues are slated for fall 2021 and will include games like Madden, FIFA, and NBA2k. For more information, visit cupertino.org/esports.
Drafting Cupertino's Future Essay Contest Winners
Winners were selected for the Drafting Cupertino’s Future Essay Contest. Seventh and eighth grade Cupertino residents were asked to write an essay by answering, “What would you do if you could improve or change life in Cupertino.” The goals of the contest were to introduce youth to the civic engagement process and give middle school students a voice on issues important to them.
|
Winner
Victoria Hunt, a seventh-grader at Miller Middle School, was the essay contest winner with her proposal to reduce the use of plastic in the City with an ordinance banning produce bags in supermarkets or charging a $.05 fee for their use.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Runner-Up
Emma Koch, a seventh-grader at Kennedy Middle school, was the runner-up and shared her vision for a program that paired elementary school students with high school students, who would help younger students with tutoring, homework, and general mentorship.
|
|
|
City Communications Regarding COVID-19
The City of Cupertino continues to monitor the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the safety of our residents remains our highest priority. All City facilities remain closed until further notice. While City Hall is closed to the public, the City continues to provide essential services online at cupertino.org and by phone at (408) 777-3200. These essential services include responding to 311 requests and maintaining the City’s infrastructure, among others. For detailed and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Santa Clara County Public Health Department.
The City continues to provide essential services by phone or online. Find more details here.
City Hall Contact Information
*Please note some lines may be unattended from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Scene
More than a full year into the COVID-19 pandemic and staying at home, life looks very different for many of us. The March edition of the Cupertino Scene reflects on the past year by honoring those who have stepped up to help, and through the language of art.
Check out the 2020 Artist Awards winners by downloading the March Scene at cupertino.org/scene.
Upcoming Agenda Items and Law Enforcement
View attachments here, which include the City Council agenda forecast through April 20 and the Sheriff’s weekly reports for March 8 – March 21.
|
|
|
|
|
