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Wednesday, February 12, 2026 |
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Hello Neighbors,
As we gallop into the Year of the Horse, I’m celebrating by putting my beginner Mandarin to use: 新年快樂 ! (My pronunciation is improving, I promise.) I wish each of you a prosperous year filled with good luck and success.
I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the Big Game this past Sunday, whether gathering with family and friends, attending a local watch party, taking advantage of dining deals at Cupertino restaurants, or exploring public art featured on the Explore Cupertino map. If you missed out, many specials continue through February 16; see details below. Cupertino was proud to be part of the excitement as this major event came to the Bay Area.
In this newsletter, you’ll learn how the City is bringing unlicensed and expired businesses into compliance, expanding affordable housing including the first development of its kind for residents with disabilities at Mary Ave, and how Cupertino has joined with other West Valley cities to negotiate a fair policing contract with the County Sheriff’s Office.
We’re also sharing updates on the City’s progress toward digital accessibility compliance, upcoming community events, and ways to strengthen emergency preparedness.
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Warm Regards,
 Tina Kapoor
City Manager
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Dine Local, Dine Cupertino
Just because the Big Game is over doesn’t mean the deals have to end! Take advantage of special deals at local restaurants through February 16, 2026. Visit the Dine Local: Deals & Specials webpage to view interactive maps highlighting several participating restaurants.
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Explore Cupertino Supporting Public Art Engagement
Did you know there’s a new, interactive map highlighting public art throughout Cupertino? The City has launched Explore Cupertino, an online hub showcasing many of the exciting things our community has to offer. Discover more than 20 public art installations around the City by visiting the Public Art & Recreation webpage and start visiting these truly inspiring and creative works of art today!
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City Approves Business License Amnesty Program
The City is launching a Business License Amnesty Program with the assistance of Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates (HdL), the City’s contracted business license administrator, to help local businesses without a business license come into compliance. The program intends to remove barriers for unlicensed businesses, encourage voluntary compliance, and strengthen Cupertino’s overall business community. At the Council meeting on February 3, Council adopted a phased 60-day amnesty program, for all businesses out of compliance with 100% penalty forgiveness during the first 30 days and 50% penalty forgiveness during the subsequent 30 days. This approach provides businesses with a clear, time-limited opportunity to resolve licensing issues at reduced cost. Subsequent to the phased Amnesty Program, businesses who have never submitted a business license application will qualify for amnesty for a designated period of time through HdL’s discovery efforts. More information on this program will be available soon.
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Mary Ave Moves Forward
The City Council has advanced the 100% affordable Mary Ave Villas project, which includes 40 income restricted apartments—19 of them for adults and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Approval of the Disposition and Development Agreement allows Charities Housing to begin securing funding. City leaders highlighted the project’s alignment with the Housing Element and its creative funding approach. The Council’s next step is considering a Notice of Exempt Surplus Land Declaration and rightofway actions. Learn more: Mary Avenue Villas/Charities Housing.
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Updates from The Rise
The Rise has submitted a construction permit application to begin development of 232 affordable homes, including family-sized units. The homes will be located in Town Square West and integrated with planned public parks and community amenities. The developer will partner with the nonprofit organization Eden Housing to deliver the affordable housing component of the project. Additional permit applications are anticipated later this year.
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Local Cities Form Committee to Negotiate County Sheriff’s Contract
Earlier this year, the City of Cupertino, together with Saratoga and Los Altos Hills, formed an ad hoc committee to address negotiations surrounding the County Sheriff’s contract. All three cities independently contract with the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. For Cupertino, the proposed 36% increase in contract costs represents a disproportionate rise—far exceeding both historical trends and the expected 5–20% range. All three cities deeply value the service and partnership of law enforcement and remain committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and fiscally responsible contract moving forward.
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Health and Safety Element Now Available for Public Review
The City of Cupertino invites the public to review and comment on the Draft Health and Safety Element, a required part of the City’s General Plan. The Element identifies natural hazards and outlines policies to protect the community from earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, hazardous materials, and other climate-related risks. The update reflects current science and includes strategies to strengthen community resilience, emergency preparedness, and climate adaptation.
Public Review Period: Now through Friday, March 13, 2026
Submit Comments: Email: planning@cupertino.gov Mail: Planning Division, 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
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Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Cupertino Parks and Recreation offers several volunteer programs where teens can build leadership skills, support the community, and earn volunteer hours. Explore the opportunities below and find the best fit for your family.
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LIT and Techie Teens: Applications are open and close March 27.
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Youth Advisory Board (YAB): Applications open March 3 and close May 3.
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Recreation Event Volunteers (REV): Applications are open year-round.
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Spring Recreation Schedule
The Spring Recreation Schedule is here. Explore ceramics, yoga, group fitness, and family-friendly events, and get a head start on planning your child’s summer camps.
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Cupertino Advancing Digital Accessibility Compliance
The City has improved accessibility on its website and agenda management system to ensure City documents meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards and are accessible for all residents. These updates help make online information more accessible for residents with disabilities and support the City’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive digital services. This implementation significantly improves public access to City documents and represents a major milestone in the City’s ongoing journey toward full digital accessibility compliance.
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City Hall Closed for Presidents’ Day and Lunar New Year
Cupertino City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 in observance of Presidents' Day and Lunar New Year. Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, February 18. For the 2026 schedule, see the full list of the City’s holiday closures.
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Cupertino Library Holiday Closure
All Santa Clara County Library District locations, including Cupertino Library, will be closed all day on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day. For more information, visit sccl.org.
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State of the City 2026
Residents and community partners are invited to attend the 2026 State of the City, where Mayor Kitty Moore will deliver a special address. Join us on Thursday, February 26, at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP at cupertino.gov/stateofthecity.
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2026 Chamber of Commerce Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Horse
The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration, recognizing the Year of the Horse, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Cupertino at 19429 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014. Register to attend at cupertino-chamber.org/calendar.
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Personal, Family, and Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Classes
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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy – Winter 2026
Residents who live or work in Cupertino are invited to strengthen their emergency preparedness skills by enrolling in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy, offered by the Santa Clara County Fire Department. This five-session training, held from February 24 through March 7, equips participants with hands-on skills in disaster preparedness, basic medical operations, fire suppression, and light search and rescue—empowering neighbors to help one another when first responders are not immediately available.
Registration is open to adults 18 and older, with a $35 fee covering personal protective equipment. Learn more and register at sccfd.org/cert.
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Monthly Chat with Mayor Kitty Moore
Mayor Kitty Moore hosted her Monthly Chat on Wednesday, February 11, at the Monta Vista Recreation Center. Residents and local business owners gathered for an open and informal conversation about issues that matter most to the community.
The Monthly Chat Series continues throughout 2026 on the second Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at rotating locations across Cupertino. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for meaningful dialogue and connection with one of the City’s decision-makers.
I would like to thank City staff for supporting the event and the residents who continue to engage with her during these monthly conversations.
For more information about future dates and locations, please visit cupertino.gov/mayorchat.
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Artist Awards
Thank you to everyone who joined Cupertino Parks and Recreation and the Arts and Culture Commission for the Artist Awards on Monday, January 26. It was an evening recognizing the creativity that shapes Cupertino’s culture and community.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and all who applied. The Artist Awards honor artists across visual, performing, literary, and digital arts, including Distinguished Artist, Emerging Artist, and Young Artist categories.
2025 Artist Awards Recipients
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Distinguished Artist: Jean Zuo, Elaine Chen
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Emerging Artist: Sarah Wang, Iris Zheng, Yishan Lin
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Young Artist (Ages 6 to 10): Khushi Somesh, Anahi Shaikh, Lingshan Guan
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Young Artist (Ages 11 to 14): Samuel Jung, Ivy Ma, Katherine Ahn
We are grateful to our artists, families, and supporters for continuing to champion the arts in Cupertino.
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Economic Development Committee Meeting
On January 29, 2026, the Economic Development Committee held its first regular meeting of the year. During the meeting, the committee received a presentation from staff outlining efforts to promote Cupertino in advance of the upcoming Big Game, including a demonstration of the City’s newest digital hub, Explore Cupertino. The platform serves as a centralized online resource highlighting local businesses, attractions, events, and visitor information to promote economic activity in the city. The committee also approved its regular meeting schedule for 2026, with quarterly meetings set for April 30, July 30, and October 29 at 1 p.m. at the Quinlan Community Center.
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NaiSnow Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On January 30, 2026, NaiSnow, a premium modern tea brand business, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Cupertino location, marking the company’s first store on the west coast.
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iCode Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On Friday, January 30, 2026, iCode, a national computer science education franchise concept, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the business’ transition of business ownership.
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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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SCCLD Spotlight
Get connected with the Santa Clara County Library District’s January updates, featuring upcoming programs, resources, and services available to Cupertino residents.
Read the SCCLD Newsletters at sccld.org/news.
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