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Welcome to Cupertino Connect
Cupertino Connect is your essential guide to important news, local events and the latest happenings around our vibrant City. This newsletter is a twice-monthly compilation of items of interest from the City and our partners. We hope you enjoy reading it. To subscribe, visit cupertino.gov/cupertinoconnect.
This Weekend: Cherry Blossom Festival
Join the community in celebrating Cupertino’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival honoring its Sister City, Toyokawa, Japan. This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at Memorial Park. Enjoy a vibrant weekend filled with Japanese food and beverages, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, demonstrations, and traditional clothing for sale. Hosted by the Cupertino Sister City Committee, the festival supports student exchange programs and fosters international friendship. Local non-profit organizations will also have booths, raising funds for youth services, sports, music, and language programs. Stop by the Mayor's booth 220 to learn about the Mayor Initiatives.
For more information, contact the Cupertino Sister Cities at (408) 252-2303 or visit cupertinocherryblossomfestival.org.
Wildfire Preparedness Workshop
As wildfire risks continue to threaten communities in California, preparedness is more crucial than ever. To help residents take proactive steps in protecting their homes and families, the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) is hosting a series of Wildfire Readiness Workshops this spring.
The next workshop will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the Joan Pisani Community Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue Saratoga, from 10 a.m. to noon
If you're interested in attending, register online at sccfd.eventbrite. Additional questions can be directed to SCCFD at 408-378-4010.
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Join the Public Safety Commission
The City of Cupertino is currently accepting applications to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Public Safety Commission. The appointed commissioner will serve the remainder of the current term, which ends on January 30, 2027. The position will remain open until filled.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a resident of Cupertino.
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Not hold any current City office or employment.
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Not be affiliated with the County Sheriff’s Department—either as a regular or reserve member—nor with the Central Fire Protection District.
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Applicants may not be related by blood or marriage to, or cohabit with, any member of the Commission, the City Manager, or City staff assigned to the Commission.
Interested community members are encouraged to apply by completing the online Commission Application at cupertino.org/vacancies. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 408-777-3223.
Torre Avenue and Pacifica Drive Water Main Replacement Project Underway
The City of Cupertino has started the Torre Avenue and Pacifica Drive Water Main Replacement Project, an essential infrastructure upgrade designed to replace aging water lines and enhance service reliability for residents and businesses in the area.
Construction began earlier this month and will continue in phases through June. Work will take place Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., excluding holidays and major City events.
Construction Schedule
Torre Avenue
Pacifica Drive
What to Expect
Traffic and Parking Impacts: Parking along Torre Avenue will be limited during construction. Traffic control measures may lead to delays—please plan your travel accordingly.
Service Notifications: Any scheduled water service interruptions will be communicated in advance. Notifications will be provided with at least 72 hours’ notice, including alerts to City Hall and the Cupertino Library.
For questions or more details, please contact Cupertino Public Works at 408-777-3354.
Reduce Fire Hazards: Weed Inspections Begins Soon
The City of Cupertino and Santa Clara County Department of Agriculture and Environmental Management are partnering to reduce fire hazards caused by overgrown vegetation and flammable materials. Property owners must meet Minimum Fire Safety Standards (MFSS) by Wednesday, April 30 and maintain them throughout fire season.
- Vegetation must be kept below six inches in height.
- County staff will inspect properties from April 30 through the end of October.
- Non-compliant properties will be cleared at the owner's expense.
- Fees, including an inspection fee, will be added to the property tax bill for non-compliant properties.
For more information, visit Santa Clara County Weed Abatement.
Active Transportation Plan
Join us at a public workshop to discuss Phase 1 of 2 of the Active Transportation Plan, where we will discuss community needs. At this workshop, community members will have the opportunity to share their experiences, identify challenges, and highlight opportunities for improving walking, biking, and rolling infrastructure in Cupertino. Your participation will directly inform the initial stages of this important project, helping shape transportation options for everyone. Visit the project webpage to learn more.
Community Workshops
Monday, May 5 (Virtual on Zoom)
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7 (In-Person at Cupertino Community Hall)
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Can’t make a meeting? You can still participate by taking a short online survey and adding your input to our interactive map. Visit to take the survey, drop a pin on our community map, and sign up for updates.
Shape Cupertino's Electrification Policy
The City of Cupertino is exploring a new policy to transition household appliances and equipment from natural gas to electric alternatives—such as replacing gas stoves with induction cooktops and gas water heaters with heat pump models. This shift is a key step in addressing climate change. Your input is important! Help shape the draft policy by sharing your thoughts on home electrification.
Take the survey by Monday, May 5 at .
Poet Laureate
Are you passionate about poetry and community? The City of Cupertino is searching for its 2026-2028 Poet Laureate. Cupertino's Poet Laureate inspires others through workshops, performances, and citywide events.
Apply at cupertino.gov/poetlaureate. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 5.
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<hack> Cupertino
On April 12 to 13, Cupertino Parks and Recreation hosted its annual overnight hackathon for aspiring coders ages 13 to 18. More than 80 participants formed 27 teams and spent 13 hours creating real-world solutions for this year's secret theme: Sustainability. Congratulations to our winners!
- First Place – Angela+Nishka (Angela Li and Nishka Jain)
- Second Place – Tech Support (Arav Bansal, Aditya Jha, and Aishani Bansal)
- Third Place – The Pit Crew (Ishan Dixit, Nikunj Bafna, Anish Dixit, and Sai Avula)
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the City's young innovators.
Community Budget Workshop
On Thursday, April 17, the City of Cupertino held its annual Community Budget Workshop, highlighting OpenGov, the City's financial transparency tool. City staff gave an overview of OpenGov and guided residents through its interactive features. Attendees also created their own sample budgets and charts, followed by a Q&A session with staff.
Watch the meeting on the City's Youtube Channel.
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Keep Santa Clara Valley Beautiful Clean-Up Event
Help “Keep Santa Clara Valley Beautiful” by volunteering for a highway clean-up event! Clean-up equipment, safety vests, and snacks will be provided for volunteers. Community service credits are available for students. Volunteers must be 16 years or older. The event will be Saturday, April 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. located at the North Wolfe Road/I-280 Northbound off-ramp.
Sign up and learn more information at vta.org/events/keep-santa-clara-valley-beautiful-clean-event.
Free Steering Wheel Locks for Hyundai Owners
In response to a national increase in auto thefts involving Hyundai vehicles, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is distributing 100 free steering wheel locks to eligible Hyundai owners. This initiative is part of a broader effort to prevent vehicle theft and promote community safety. The program is being promoted through social media and local media outlets, and community members are encouraged to help spread the word to friends, neighbors, and fellow residents.
For eligibility details and how to receive a lock, visit tinyurl.com/3e89bc9s. You can also watch the Sheriff’s Office PSA video.
April is "Distracted Driving Awareness Month"
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a statewide campaign led by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to encourage safer driving habits and reduce crashes caused by distractions. Through education and enforcement, the campaign highlights the risks of using mobile devices and other distractions behind the wheel. Show your support by pledging to drive distraction-free, sharing your commitment on social media, and challenging friends to do the same. Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone.
For more information, visit justdrivescc.org.
Spring Used Book Sale
The Friends of the Cupertino Library will host their Spring Used Book Sale on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 18, from noon to 3 p.m. at Cupertino Community Hall. Browse a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, cookbooks, foreign language and technical books, plus CDs and DVDs. On Sunday, shoppers can fill a bag with books for just $5. Proceeds support the Cupertino Library.
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City Hall Contact Information
The following departments are available by phone only on Fridays:
- Building (408) 777-3228
- Business License (408) 777-3221
- Planning (408) 777-3308
- Public Works (408) 777-3354
- Finance (408) 777-3220
- City Manager's Office (408) 777-3212
- City Clerk's Office (408) 777-3223
*Please note some lines may be unattended from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Any non-urgent service requests for trees, roadways, sidewalks, trash, or parks can be submitted at cupertino.gov/311. For urgent requests after hours, contact Santa Clara County Communications at (408) 299-2507.
City of Cupertino Careers
City of Cupertino is known throughout the world as a center of innovation. Our employees take pride in delivering exceptional customer service to our residents and businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in your career, we welcome you to discover the job opportunities with the City of Cupertino.
Visit cupertino.gov/jobs for more information.
Council Informational Memos
Council Info Memos are available at Council Informational Memos | City of Cupertino, CA.
Spring into Sustainability with the Spring SCENE
The spring edition of the SCENE e-newsletter is now available across the City’s digital platforms for residents. The issue highlights environmental sustainability efforts, Earth and Arbor Day festivities, and the City Work Program.
Download and read this edition at cupertino.gov/scene.
Cupertino Senior Center eNewsletter
To find out more information about classes and events held at the Senior Center for the month of April, check out the eNewsletter .
What do you love about Cupertino Connect? What can we improve to give you the most interesting and relevant information about what's happening in your City?
Please send us an email: communication@cupertino.gov and we look forward to hearing from you!
Law Enforcement Reports
The Sheriff’s weekly report for April 7 through April 20 can be accessed here.
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