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Wednesday, March 11, 2026 |
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Hello Neighbors,
It was great to see so many of you out and about in the community this past week. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Big Bunny 5K this past weekend. I also want to thank the residents and community partners who attended our 2026 State of the City address last month. Your engagement and participation make these moments meaningful, and they help shape the work we do together in Cupertino.
Earlier this month, many in our community also celebrated Holi, the vibrant festival of colors that marks the arrival of spring and highlights themes of renewal, joy, and community.
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on the City's efforts to negotiate a fair law enforcement contract, transportation improvements at the I-280/Wolfe Interchange, emergency preparedness planning, economic activity in our community, and opportunities for teens and residents to get involved. As always, thank you for staying informed and engaged.
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Warm Regards,
 Tina Kapoor
City Manager
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Cupertino Featured in Op-Ed on Sheriff Contract Costs
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I-280 Wolfe Road Interchange Improvements Project
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has officially signed the contract to begin the I-280/Wolfe Road Interchange Improvements Project. This project is a partnership between the City of Cupertino, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and VTA to improve traffic operations and facilities for several modes of transportation including bicycle, pedestrian, and high occupancy vehicle uses at this interchange.
Learn about the I-280/Wolfe Road Interchange Improvements Project and more at vta.org.
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Emergency Operations Plan Update and EOC Support
Cupertino has contracted with Witt O’Briens to update the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and provide emergency management support. In the event of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation, the firm will also supply on-demand emergency services and personnel to support City operations. Witt O’Briens brings extensive experience in preparedness, including planning, coordination, and operational support during incidents.
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Barnes & Noble to Open New Location in Cupertino
Book lovers rejoice! Building plans have been submitted for Barnes & Noble at 20740 Stevens Creek Boulevard. The 19,200 square-foot space has been vacant since early 2025, following Party City’s bankruptcy and closure. The new tenant, Barnes & Noble, plans to occupy the space. The project valuation listed in the application is $520,000.
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HSBC Bank to Occupy Former First Republic Bank Retail Space
Building plans have been submitted for HSBC Bank at 10297 South De Anza Boulevard. The 4,300 square-foot space has been vacant since June 2024, following First Republic Bank’s closure and subsequent consolidation under JP Morgan Chase. The new tenant, HSBC Bank, plans to occupy the space. The project valuation listed in the application is $1.5 million.
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DRAFT Health and Safety Element Comment Deadline: March 13
The City of Cupertino invites you to review and provide feedback on the Draft Health and Safety Element, now available for public review!
The Health and Safety Element is a required part of Cupertino's General Plan that identifies natural hazards, establishes policies to protect people and property, and incorporates strategies to build a more resilient community.
Provide your comments by Friday, March 13, 2026. Questions and comments can be sent to planning@cupertino.gov.
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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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New Employee Meet and Greet
On Tuesday this week, a small gathering was held to formally welcome the new employees and introduce them to the organization. During the event, the HR team shared helpful information about workplace resources and support available to staff. The City Manager also joined the group to offer a warm welcome and speak about the city’s goals, values, and commitment to serving the community. The informal setting gave new employees an opportunity to ask questions, connect with leadership, and begin building relationships with colleagues across departments.
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Organizational Updates and Leadership Appointments
The City of Cupertino is announcing several organizational updates. Lauren Sapudar has been promoted to City Clerk following her service as Deputy City Clerk, and Kirsten Squarcia has been appointed to the permanent Deputy City Manager position.
In addition, the Human Resources Division has transitioned from the Administrative Services Department to the City Manager’s Office. This change is intended to strengthen organizational alignment and support citywide workforce planning, recruitment and employee development efforts.
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Mosquito and Vector Control Update
The Santa Clara County Mosquito and Vector Control District is launching its seasonal Unmaintained Pool Program to help reduce mosquito breeding in the community. A single unmaintained swimming pool or spa can produce thousands of mosquitoes and increase the risk of disease spread.
Each year before mosquito season, the district reviews reported pools, notifies property owners to confirm maintenance and conducts follow-up inspections if needed. This proactive effort helps protect public health and keep neighborhoods safe. Report standing water and neglected pools to reduce mosquito issues.
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Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council continues to advance the countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and is coordinating with regional partners as work progresses toward formal adoption. Upcoming efforts include a CWPP Project Tracker training scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026 and continued updates to the CWPP hub site, story map, and project tracker.
The FireSafe Council is also gathering updated annex information from participating jurisdictions and organizations to support ongoing wildfire preparedness planning. To attend, please register for the CWPP – Project Tracker Training by Friday, April 10, 2026.
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Seismic Retrofit Grants for Homeowners
The California Residential Mitigation Program offers grants to help homeowners strengthen their homes against earthquake damage. Programs such as Earthquake Brace + Bolt Retrofit provide up to $3,000 to retrofit qualifying pre-1980 homes, with additional assistance available for income-eligible households. Other programs support homes with living spaces above garages or multi-unit residential buildings.
Residents can sign up to be notified when registration opens and learn more about eligibility and grant opportunities through the program’s website. Taking steps to retrofit homes can help improve safety and preparedness before the next major earthquake.
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Nature-Based Solutions Youth Video Competition
Share your story with nature through the Nature-Based Solutions Youth Video Contest. Create a short video highlighting topics like farming and food systems or the importance of Coyote Valley, and compete for up to $500 in cash prizes. Submissions are due Tuesday, March 31.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity, raise awareness about environmental solutions, and make your voice heard. Learn more and apply at svycanbs-contest.com.
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Law Day Video Contest for Students
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is inviting middle and high school students to participate in its 2026 Law Day Video Contest, themed “Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
Students are encouraged to create original videos reflecting on how the rule of law supports fairness, protects individual rights, and helps make the American Dream possible. The contest is part of the court’s outreach efforts to help young people better understand the judicial system and engage in civic life.
Law Day is observed each year on May 1 to recognize the importance of the rule of law in American democracy. Students and educators can learn more about the contest, including submission guidelines and deadlines, on the court’s website.
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Cupertino Cuts Costs and Emissions with Clean Power in 2025
Cupertino residents and businesses saved money and reduced emissions with their clean power in 2025!
- $3,209,600 in on-bill savings for Cupertino residents
- $592,530 awarded to Cupertino community grant projects
- $564,710 claimed in rebates for electric home upgrades in Cupertino
Through this clean, renewable electricity from Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Cupertino is using the power of community to create a healthy, safe future for the entire region. To learn more about your local electricity provider or read the full community impact report, visit svcleanenergy.org/service-area.
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Colorful Adventures Concert
Join the Saratoga Symphony and Music Director Dr. Jason Klein on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. for their next concert, Colorful Adventures, with works by Reger and Saint-Saëns, featuring pianist Natalya Lundtvedt. Concert is held at West Valley Presbyterian Church located at 6191 Bollinger Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014.
Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted. Learn more at saratogasymphony.org.
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Neighborhood Green Tours in Cupertino & Los Altos
Trying to upgrade your home with sustainable features can be impersonal and overwhelming – not anymore!
Come to Acterra’s 2026 Neighborhood Tour on Saturday, March 14 to learn directly from your fellow community members about their green home upgrade experience! Get inspired to switch to clean energy and green living.
Each home will be equipped with a knowledgeable tour host, general information provided by attending contractors, and additional specific information on the upgrades of each house.
RSVP for the tour at bit.ly/MarchNeighborhoodTour. For questions, please contact greenhome@acterra.org.
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Cupertino Teen Resource Fair
Cupertino teens can kick off their summer planning at the Teen Resource Fair on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Main Street Cupertino from noon to 3 p.m.
This event is focused on helping teens explore City of Cupertino summer job opportunities and volunteer programs that build real-world skills and look great on college and job applications. Families can learn about opportunities like REV, YAB, LIT, and Techie Teens, and meet the staff who coordinate and recruit for these programs.
In addition, the fair will include mental health and wellness resources through IDC Wellness, so teens can also learn what support is available. Learn more at cupertino.gov/teenevents.
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Annual Community Budget Workshop
Please save the date for Monday, April 13, 2026 in late afternoon. Staff is currently coordinating the logistics for the event and will provide further details as they become available.
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Big Bunny 5K
On Saturday, March 7, more than 700 runners hopped to the starting line for Cupertino Parks and Recreation’s annual Big Bunny 5K and Kids Fun Run. Whether you ran, walked, hopped, cheered from the sidelines, or volunteered, your participation helped make the morning a success.
A special thank you to Mayor Kitty Moore, the Homestead Mustangs Cheer Team, and the City’s volunteers from the Youth Activity Board (YAB) and Recreation Event Volunteers (REV) for helping make the event possible.
From bunny ears to big smiles at the finish line, we hope everyone had an egg-cellent time. The Mayor’s Initiative theme this year, “Get Moving Moore,” was definitely in action at the event! See you at the starting line next year!
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State of the City 2026
Thank you to the residents and community partners who joined the City of Cupertino for the 2026 State of the City on Thursday, February 26. Held at the Quinlan Community Center, the event brought the community together to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the city’s future.
During the program, Mayor Kitty Moore delivered the State of the City address, highlighting key accomplishments, priorities and the work underway to serve Cupertino residents.
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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 Monthly Newsletter, featuring fire safety tips, emergency preparedness information, and updates for Cupertino residents.
Read the SCCFD February 2026 Newsletter.
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SCCLD Spotlight
Get connected with the Santa Clara County Library District’s updates, featuring upcoming programs, resources, and services available to Cupertino residents.
Read the SCCLD Newsletters at sccld.org/news.
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