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Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
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Hello Neighbors,
As we welcome the new year, I’m enthusiastic for what 2026 holds for Cupertino. The start of the year brings an opportunity for fresh energy, reflection, and setting our sights on new priorities. I look forward to working closely with our City Council under the leadership of Mayor Kitty Moore and Vice Mayor Liang Chao as we continue serving our community and advancing shared goals.
I’m also pleased to share that the Winter 2025 edition of SCENE is now available, highlighting a remarkable year for Cupertino and the milestones we achieved together.
Looking ahead, our focus in 2026 will be on ensuring the City remains financially strong and continues to provide high-quality services for our residents. This includes careful management of the budget, finding new ways to support city programs, and investing in services that matter most to the community. We will also continue efforts to improve processes for local businesses, enhance technology for easier access to city services, and work across departments to address challenges as they arise.
We are excited about the economic activity on the horizon as we support local businesses and prepare for major sports events in 2026. By focusing on both day-to-day operations and long-term priorities, we aim to strengthen our city for today and for the future.
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Warm Regards,
 Tina Kapoor
City Manager
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SCENE Winter 2025 Edition Out Now
The Winter edition of SCENE is here! Take a moment to reflect on a momentous 2025 in Cupertino. This issue highlights the City’s 70th anniversary, key events from the year, holiday shopping tips to support local businesses, seasonal safety guidance, and ways to keep the holidays eco-friendly.
Read the latest SCENE at cupertino.gov/scene, with printed copies available at City Hall, Cupertino Library, Quinlan Community Center, and Cupertino Senior Center.
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Unscheduled Vacancy on Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission has an unscheduled vacancy, and Cupertino residents are encouraged to apply for the open seat. A special vacancy notice advertising the open seat has been posted to the City website, and applications will be accepted and the seat will remain open until Council appoints to fill the vacancy. For more details and to apply, visit cupertino.gov/vacancies.
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City Hall Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Cupertino City Hall will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20. For the 2026 schedule, see the full list of the City’s holiday closures.
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2026 Watershed Watch Earth Day Poster Challenge
Calling all K-8 student artists in Santa Clara Valley! The Watershed Watch Annual Earth Day Poster Challenge is now open for submissions. Share your creative vision and show your love for our local waterways (creeks, rivers, lakes) or how you can prevent stormwater pollution! Enter by Monday, March 16 for your chance to win up to $250.The contest is open to K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th grade students in Santa Clara County. Winners from each grade bracket will receive cash prizes, $250 for first place and $150 for second place, and have their art featured on social media to promote water pollution prevention.
Learn more and submit your art at mywatershedwatch.org/posterchallenge.
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Safar by Karimi Now Open for Business
If you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, Cupertino has a new dining option to enjoy. Safar by Karimi, a new Indian restaurant blending heritage flavors with modern culinary practices, is now open at 19930 Stevens Creek Blvd. Safar is open Wednesday through Monday from 2 to 10 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 11 p.m.
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New Restaurant Dr.ink Now Open
Dr.ink, a new specialty coffee, premium tea, and creative seasonal retailer, is now open. Located at 19959 Stevens Creek Blvd., they welcome customers seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with adjusted hours on Tuesdays when they close at 3 p.m.
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Apple Expands Its Presence in Cupertino
Apple has further expanded its real estate holdings in Cupertino, purchasing two office buildings on Stevens Creek Boulevard for $216 million in December 2025. This acquisition continues Apple’s significant investment in the community and reinforces its long-term presence in the heart of Silicon Valley. The transaction highlights ongoing economic activity in Cupertino and the company’s continued commitment to maintaining a strong footprint in the City.
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Getting Ready for the 2026 Big Football Game
The City will celebrate the Big Football Game on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with a Shop Local campaign that promotes Cupertino’s eateries and showcases special menus, deals, and discounts. This initiative encourages residents and visitors to dine locally while enjoying The Big Game together with family and friends. Eating and dining establishments can sign up for free advertising at cupertino.gov/TheBigGame.
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Kicking Off the Year with Community Safety
The Block Leader Program held its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 6, featuring a presentation from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Residents were reminded to take simple but important safety steps, including setting up home alarms, closing all windows before leaving, and removing valuables from vehicles.
For non-emergency concerns, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (408) 299-2311. To schedule a Neighborhood Watch presentation, please reach out to Marta Drown at martad@cupertino.gov with at least one month in advance of your proposed date.
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Executive Team Updates
The City begins the new year with several updates to its Executive Team. Lauren Sapudar has been appointed Acting City Clerk, allowing Kirsten Squarcia to focus on her role as Interim Deputy City Manager. Additionally, following the departure of Kristina Alfaro, Jonathan Orozco will serve as Acting Director of Administrative Services. The City thanks Kristina for her service and looks forward to working with Lauren and Jonathan in their new roles as they continue supporting City operations.
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Personal, Family, and Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Classes
The Cupertino Office of Emergency Management invites residents to free, in-person emergency preparedness classes.
Personal, Family, and Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Class Dates:
Stay up-to-date with emergency preparedness events and activities through the Cupertino Office of Emergency Management Eventbrite. For questions, call (408) 777-3176 or email kennethe@cupertino.gov.
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Environmental Recycling & Paper Shredding Day
Get a fresh start to the new year at our first Environmental Recycling & Paper Shredding Day of 2026!
Bring all your electronic waste, donatable items, paper for shredding and more on Saturday, January 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at the De Anza College Campus, Parking Lot A. This quarterly event prevents valuable resources from going to the landfill by reusing and recycling items.
No fees. No appointment needed. Just bring your identification to confirm Cupertino residency! Find out more at cupertino.gov/environmentalday.
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Psychology Tonight Concert
Join the Saratoga Symphony and Music Director Dr. Jason Klein on Saturday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. for their next concert, Psychology Tonight, with works by Sibelius and Rachmaninoff, featuring pianist Tamami Honma. Concert is held at West Valley Presbyterian Church located at 6191 Bollinger Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014.
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Poet Laureate Reception
The City of Cupertino invites the community to a special evening celebrating poetry, creativity, and connection. Join us as we honor outgoing Poet Laureate Keiko O’Leary and welcome incoming Poet Laureate Thomas Célérier. The event will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Cupertino Community Hall located at10350 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014. Guests will enjoy poetry readings, conversation, and light refreshments while connecting with fellow poetry enthusiasts.
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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event
Find old electronics, medicine, leftover paint, batteries, or other household hazardous waste (HHW) during your new year cleanout?
Safely dispose of your HHW for free through Santa Clara County's Household Hazardous Waste program! Cupertino residents can drop off HHW items at the Sunnyvale pop-up event on Saturday, January 31 or at any other upcoming pop-up events.
Make an appointment at HHW.org or call (408)299-7300.
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Green Gardener Training
Calling all gardening pros—grow your business! Meet the demand for Green Gardening practices and expand your business prospects by becoming a trained Green Gardener! This 10-week training will provide you with the key principles of sustainable landscaping. Classes start on February 5, 2026. Register for the Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener Training through the FUHSD Adult School Catalog at fuhsdadultschool.asapconnected.com.
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Mayor and Vice Mayor Election
Before the 2025 year closed out, the City Council elected Mayor Kitty Moore and Vice Mayor Liang Chao for the 2026 year during the Special City Council Meeting on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Congratulations to our new leadership! Watch the Oath of Office Ceremony on the City of Cupertino YouTube channel at youtube.com/@CupertinoCA.
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Women’s Business Luncheon
On Thursday, December 18, the City of Cupertino, in partnership with the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and KeyPoint Credit Union, hosted another Women in Business Symposium Luncheon. The event brought together entrepreneurs and small business owners to exchange ideas and gain insights on navigating the age of artificial intelligence and mastering the art of the elevator pitch. Resource partners such as Silicon Valley SBDC, NOVAworks and SCORE were present at the event, offering materials and information for attendees.
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Holiday Coat Drive 2025
From Wednesday, November 26, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026 the City’s Environmental Programs and Sustainability Division and Recology teamed up with the Cupertino Library to collect used coats and jackets. Over 220 coats were donated and given to Sacred Heart Community Services to provide warmth for those in need. Thank you to all the community members who shared the warmth this holiday season!
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City Manager Reports Posted Online
All City Manager Reports are posted with the Council agenda and can be found online at cupertino.gov/citycouncil.
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Subscribe to Other City Newsletters
Want to learn more about what's happening in the City? Sign up to receive notifications for the City's other publications below at cupertino.gov/enotification.
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Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
AlertSCC is the County of Santa Clara’s official emergency alert and warning system.
Register for AlertSCC and get emergency notifications for disasters, crime incidents and more at AlertSCC.org.
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Sheriff's Spotlight
Sign up for the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff monthly newsletter!
Weekly Crime Reports
Check out all of the City's weekly crime reports at cupertino.gov/crimesummaries.
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Fire Department's Spotlight
Stay informed with the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s January Newsletter, featuring fire safety tips, emergency preparedness information, and updates for Cupertino residents.
Read the SCCFD January 2026 Newsletter.
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