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Spring 2021

Special Block Leader Appreciation Edition

Throughout the pandemic, we are reminded daily of the value and necessity of human kindness and connection. Thank you for your leadership and continued involvement as a Cupertino Block Leader during this critical time.

We are inspired by your dedication and encouraged by your good work to connect neighbors and bring hope, trust, happiness, and compassion to the neighborhoods.

As we enter the Block Leader Program’s 20^th year, we would like to showcase the outstanding impact and achievements that Block Leaders have made in our community.

GRATEFUL

For All You Do

Improve Communication

Create directories, email groups, social media to share important neighborhood information and relay City and emergency news 

Gather neighbors to go door-to-door to check on vulnerable neighbors

Welcome new neighbors

Connect kids, pet owners, bee lovers

Arrange Fun Activities

Car parade for new graduates

Weekly driveway meet-ups 

Milestone birthdays and mail carrier surprise birthday week

Block parties, potlucks, ice cream socials, 

Ping pong tournaments, yoga workshop

Park benches and playground equipment

Increase Safety

Sew handmade masks, organize food and rides for vulnerable neighbors

Prepare and distribute emergency resources

Help lost senior to find her way home

Coordinate Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, and security cameras

Plan neighborhood Community Emergency Response Team and CPR training

. . . And so much more(!)

A Look Back

Pictured Above: Meetings, Tours, and Celebrations Over the Years

First row: First Block Leader training includes: Fari Aberg, Sharon Blaine, Lynne Capener, Jay Cena, Hillary Farkas, and Taghi Saadati (2002), first Block Leader Appreciation (2002);
Second row: Former City Manager Dave Knapp, Rohini Venkatesh, and block leaders celebrate the League of California Cities' Putnam Award for Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement (2010);
Third row: Shuttle tour around the City (2012) and mapping exercise (2011);
Fourth and fifth rows: Block leader Cindy Chang presents at Multicultural training (2008); general Communications training (2016); Service Center tour of sign and auto shops (2018); and meeting with City departments (2018);
Sixth row: Block Leader Appreciation and celebration of the National League of Cities' Diversity Award (2015);
Seventh row: Deputies show Sheriff's car equipment and K-9 Dutch and Burglary and Theft Suppression teams at annual Sheriff's Update (2019);
Last row: 'Speed dating' activity at Block Leader Appreciation (2019)

Brief Program History

Just weeks after the September 11 attacks, Cupertino residents at a scheduled annual Town Hall meeting asked the City for help in getting to know neighbors. A pilot Block Leader Program was mapped out and by February 2002, the first Block Leader training was held with the mission:

To create a community in which neighbors: Know each other; Trust each other; Work together to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhood; and Build capacity to respond together in emergency 

Within the first few months, 29 residents signed up to be trained. Today, more than 360 Cupertino residents participate as Block Leaders.

Over the years, the Program has held informational meetings with city staff, officials, and public safety officers; conducted safety and communication trainings; organized tours of city facilities, historical sites, and future development; and of course, celebrated Block Leaders' long standing commitment in the neighborhoods.

Check out Block Leader Training Materials for more information.

With Hope as we Move Forward

Keep Doing What You're Doing

• Smile and say hello while on your walks
• Check in with neighbors and ask how they are
• Exchange contact information, including Know Your Neighbors cards, and add new contacts to neighborhood directories and group messages
• Ask neighbors to introduce you to new next door neighbors you have not met
• Maintain communication and look out for neighbors

Ideas to Help Seniors and Most Vulnerable Neighbors

Community Forum on Anti-Asian Racism

The forum on Challenging Anti-Asian Racism with Captain Rich Urena and City Manager Deb Feng was held on April 15. Please view the video and presentation slides here.

Slides include information on how the Sheriff's can help and what to do if you feel you're a victim.

Here are general takeaways:

Walk away from someone who is being confrontational so as to deescalate the situation and call 9-1-1 instead. Deputies will respond and maintain the peace.

Call 9-1-1 to report an incident and ask for, or obtain, medical treatment.

While on walks: Be with someone, carry a phone, bring a source of light, and have situational awareness. Keep your head up and look around and not at your phone, and acknowledge others along the way.

When you're out and about: Pay attention to what's going on around you, park up front in well-lit areas, and report anything that appears suspicious.

In your neighborhood: Look out for each other and know when your neighbors are out.

For information on how the City is taking action, visit Cupertino Solidarity.

COVID-19 News

Vaccination Updates The state is now vaccinating all interested individuals ages 16 and up. Please check the County's web page www.sccfreevax.org or your health care provider, for information about COVID vaccine distribution.

Ongoing Testing

COVID-19 testing is scheduled every first and third Wednesday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cupertino Senior Center, 21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard. Appointments will be open for scheduling seven days before a testing date. Once appointments are filled, the location will no longer appear for scheduling on the website.

You do not need to be a senior, or a member of the Senior Center to participate. The test site is designed for people without symptoms. If you, or someone you know, has symptoms and is looking for a COVID-19 test, contact your health care provider. Access the appointment site at www.sccfreetest.org, or directly at https://scl.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment.

Visit the City’s COVID-19 page, to learn more.

We Appreciate
Your Referrals

Please tell your friends about the Block Leader Program. Your leadership and good work shines brightly in our community.

Questions? Please email Laura Lee, or call (408) 777-3331

Focusing on what we share – rather than what makes us different – helps us work together and makes us better neighbors.

cupertino.org