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As we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded that a strong community is built not only through celebrations, but also through the work done together year-round.
Last month, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, reinforcing our commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure our community relies on. On Tuesday, the City's Disaster Council met to review the City's draft Emergency Operations Plan, helping ensure Cupertino is ready to respond to wildfires, earthquakes, power outages, and other emergencies. Preparedness also means planning for the long-term stability of our community. Last month, the City Council approved a 12-week extension of the Sheriff's services contract, providing time to evaluate the County's proposed costs, review the findings of an ongoing assessment, and ensure uninterrupted law enforcement services for residents. I will continue to keep the community informed as negotiations move forward.
This month's newsletter also highlights the transition taking place at the former Permanente cement plant and new businesses opening in Cupertino. You'll also find wildfire preparedness resources, senior fraud prevention tips, and a reminder to celebrate responsibly by leaving fireworks to the professionals. If you're staying local this weekend, consider enjoying Cupertino's fireworks show and visit the 250th Cupertino Art Showcase at Quinlan Community Center.
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Warm Regards,
 Tina Kapoor
City Manager
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July 4th Celebration
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Cupertino with a full day of community activities, including a pancake breakfast, Flag Raising Ceremony, Children’s Parade, kids activities, live concert, swimming at Blackberry Farm, and an evening fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Bring your family, wear your red, white, and blue, and enjoy a day of community celebration. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy Cupertino's spectacular fireworks show. If you're staying local for the holiday weekend, discover local dining deals and special offers at Explore Cupertino.
Plan your day at cupertino.gov/july4 and explore local specials at cupertino.gov/explorecupertino.
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Independence Day Holiday Closure
In observance of Independence Day, Cupertino City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, with regular operations resuming on Monday, July 6. Blackberry Farm pools and picnic areas will be open regular hours on July 3 and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. Picnic areas will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Blackberry Farm Golf Course will be open regular hours July 3 and 4. The Cupertino Sports Center will be open regular hours on July 3 and closed July 4.
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Last Chance to Nominate: CREST Awards
Nominations for the 2026 Community Service Awards are closing soon. The City is recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses that make a difference in our community. Award categories include Rising Star, Organization of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Hometown Hero/es, and Business/Businessperson of the Year.
Don’t miss the chance to submit a nomination—deadline is Tuesday, July 7 at cupertino.gov/crest. Winners will be honored on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
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Disaster Council Reviews Emergency Plan
The Disaster Council met on June 30 to receive updates on the City's emergency preparedness efforts and collaborate with regional partners and community volunteers. The Disaster Council is chaired by the City Manager, with the Mayor serving as Vice Chair, and serves as the City's coordinating body for emergency management and disaster preparedness. The meeting included updates on the draft Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), emergency preparedness programs, community training opportunities, Citizen Corps and Block Leader initiatives, emergency communications, and regional coordination with the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management.
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Cement Plant Site Transition
Demolition has begun at the former Permanente cement plant, marking a major step in the site’s transition. The demolition will remove about 40 structures across 123 acres, with work expected to continue through early 2028. This effort follows the shutdown of the cement kiln in 2020 and the plant’s permanent closure announcement in 2022. For more information, please refer to Beyond the Cement Plant.
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New Finance Department Established
Effective June 27, the City of Cupertino reached an important milestone with the establishment of its first Finance Department, reinforcing the City's commitment to strong financial stewardship, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability. With As part of this milestone, Jonathan Orozco has been appointed as the City's Director of Finance. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Jonathan brings nearly two decades of finance experience, including 12 years in municipal finance. He will lead the City's Accounting, Budget, and Purchasing divisions, strengthening Cupertino's financial stewardship and long-term fiscal sustainability.
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Local Kitchens Reopens
Local Kitchens has reopened after a temporary closure to complete renovations and operational improvements. The restaurant welcomed customers back on Thursday, June 18, bringing its popular multi-cuisine dining experience back to the Cupertino community. Local Kitchens is located at 21666 Stevens Creek Boulevard and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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BonBon Matcha Grand Opening
BonBon Matcha celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 19 at its new location in the Nineteen800 shopping center at 19900 Vallco Parkway, Suite 170. Mayor Kitty Moore and Vice Mayor Liang Chao joined the celebration to welcome the business and wish its team success in Cupertino. BonBon Matcha is open daily from 1 to 7 p.m. and offers a variety of specialty matcha beverages.
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Cupertino Office Sold for $53 Million
Wolfe Square, a three-building office campus located at 10050 and 10080 North Wolfe Road, was recently purchased by an affiliate of Rubicon Point Partners for $53 million. The property was built in 1972 and renovated in 2017. The transaction was reported this week by the .
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I-280/Wolfe Road Interchange Update
Throughout June 2026, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) moved forward with construction for the I-280/Wolfe Road Interchange Improvements Project in Cupertino. Operations resumed the week of June 22, minimizing daytime traffic disruptions.
Workers focused on removing concrete islands, patch-paving, striping, and installing channelizers along the median. The project will deliver a new overpass bridge, upgraded bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and reconfigured ramps. For future construction updates, residents can visit vta.org/280wolfe.
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Senior Center Tech Lab Upgrade Complete
The Senior Center Tech Lab projection system project is complete and already improving the learning experience for participants. The new ceiling-mounted system replaces the previous portable projector and A/V cart, helping keep walkways clear and reducing blocked views during classes. The upgraded system provides a clearer, more reliable view from anywhere in the room, with brighter and sharper images and improved contrast and readability. This creates a more comfortable, engaging, and accessible learning environment for the Senior Center’s technology programs.
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Fraud Prevention Seminar
Learn how to recognize and avoid common scams targeting older adults at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office “Stop Scams Against Seniors” seminar. Topics include romance scams, Medicare fraud, fake tech support, utility scams, and government impersonation schemes. The free seminar is open to seniors, family members, and caregivers.
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Date and Time: Saturday, July 11 | 3 – 5 p.m.
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Location: De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014
The event is co-sponsored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens and the California State Contractors State License Board.
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Grant Funding for Lawrence-Mitty
The City has been awarded a $500,000 grant from Valley Water to support the Lawrence-Mitty Park and Trail Project. The funding will help transform blighted land into a public park designed around urban wildlands, with a focus on environmental stewardship, habitat preservation, and connecting the community with nature.
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Environmental Education Center Receives Grant
The City received a $10,000 Valley Water grant to enhance environmental education at the McClellan Ranch Preserve Environmental Education Center. The funding will support Creek Tour staffing, community outreach, interactive educational displays, an enviroscape watershed model, and updated exhibits featuring native fish and snakes.
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FIFA World Cup No Drone Zone Information
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding the public that Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will be in effect around stadiums and event areas during matches and related activities.
At Levi's Stadium, drone operations—including recreational flights—will be prohibited within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level during match times. Unauthorized drone activity may interfere with public safety operations and could result in FAA enforcement action.
Although today’s match marks the final FIFA World Cup match at Levi’s Stadium, the FAA’s No Drone Zone / Flight Restrictions remain in effect through July 21, 2026 due to ongoing FIFA related activities, events, and lodging. Residents are encouraged to check the for the latest updates and restriction details.
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Memorial Park Pickleball Trail
Beginning Tuesday, July 7 and running through Sunday, February 7, 2027, the City will launch a pickleball trial program at the Memorial Park courts in response to growing demand for this popular intergenerational sport. The trial will help the City evaluate court usage, operational needs, and community feedback while balancing free, equitable drop-in recreation opportunities with quality of life considerations for nearby residents. More information about the trial and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at cupertino.gov/pickleballtrial.
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MTC Seeks Feedback
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has released its Draft 2026 Public Participation Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area, opening a 45-day comment period that closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Public input is being gathered to guide future regional transportation engagement via an online survey, email, and mail. For more details, visit the MTC website at mtc.ca.gov/PPP.
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Move Moore with Mayor Kitty Moore
Join Kitty Moore for Move Moore, a community health and wellness initiative bringing neighbors together through free activities across Cupertino. Two events are just around the corner:
Cupertino America 250 Art Showcase
Visit the Cupertino America 250 Art Showcase during the Fourth of July Celebration to view artwork created by community members.
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Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Location: Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
For more information and future events, visit cupertino.gov/mayorsinitiative.
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GenAI Pitch Competition Comes to Cupertino
Have an AI-driven idea, prototype, or project? Don't miss the GenAI Pitch Competition on July 16 at Cupertino Community Hall. The event will feature welcoming remarks from Cupertino Mayor Kitty Moore, AI pitches, networking opportunities, and insights from industry leaders. Selected innovators will compete for up to $25,000 in AWS partner funding. The deadline to apply to pitch is July 7. To register to attend or to apply to pitch, please visit .
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Monthly Chat with Mayor
Join Mayor Kitty Moore for the next Monthly Chat on Wednesday, July 8, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Quinlan Community Center: Social Room, 10185 N Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014.
Monthly Chats are held on the second Wednesday of each month and provide an open, informal setting where community members can share ideas, ask questions, and connect directly with the Mayor.
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Wildfire Preparedness Workshop
Prepare for wildfire season with the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) 2026 Workshops. Learn essential "Ready, Set, Go!" strategies—from home hardening to evacuation planning—and connect with local agencies like CAL FIRE and the Red Cross.
Cupertino Workshop Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
- Location: Cupertino Community Hall
Registration is required. Sign up at the SCCFD Eventbrite and learn about additional wildfire workshops offered in neighboring cities. Visit genasys.com to find your evacuation zone and sign up for local emergency alerts.
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Block Leader Meeting: Building Division
Join us for the Summer Block Leader Meeting on Thursday, July 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Quinlan Community Center Social Room (10185 N. Stelling Road). Featured speaker Sean Hatch, CBO, CASp, will provide an overview of the Cupertino Building Division, including current building code requirements, projects that require permits, and what to expect during the inspection process.
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CERT Academy - Summer 2026
The Santa Clara County Fire Department offers the CERT Academy to train residents on disaster preparedness skills. In the event of a disaster or public safety emergency, CERT volunteers can assist their family and neighbors when first responders are not immediately available.
CERT classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, 6 to 9 p.m., on the following dates: August 4 , August 6, August 11, Aug 13. The final in-person Skills/Graduation day is Saturday, August 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Questions please contact: Gracie Hernandez at (408) 341-4425 or by email at cert@sccfd.org.
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CERT Exercise
CERT volunteers are invited to participate in the annual Countywide CERT Exercise on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Mission College in Santa Clara. The event provides an opportunity for volunteers from across Santa Clara County to train together, share best practices, and build connections with other CERT teams.
Additional details, including registration and event times, will be shared by local CERT leadership as the date approaches.
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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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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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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.
Find evacuation information and your zone at protect.genasys.com.
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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 June 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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