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Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
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Dear Neighbors,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and an opportunity to enjoy some time with family, friends, and neighbors. Labor Day is an important opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers throughout our community.
As we enter the fall season, Cupertino continues to offer opportunities to connect with our community, stay active, and learn more about the programs and services available to residents.
The City’s ongoing negotiations with Santa Clara County regarding the Sheriff’s Office law enforcement services contract remain one of the City’s highest priorities.
September is National Preparedness Month, and the City is highlighting efforts to strengthen public safety and community preparedness, including recent community-led emergency preparedness drills.
Cupertino has seen an increase in political sign-related inquiries this election cycle compared with recent election years, resulting in increased staff time dedicated to responding to questions and enforcing the City's political sign regulations. To help residents understand where political signs may be placed, when permission is required, and how to report a concern, the City has prepared the FAQ below.
The SCENE Fall 2026 edition is out now, featuring stories and information about what’s happening in Cupertino this fall. I hope you’ll take part in the Move Moore Challenge through Wednesday, October 7. Whether you walk, run, cycle, swim, practice yoga, play sports, or enjoy another activity, every minute helps make our community more active!
Looking ahead, there are many ways to get involved this fall. The Move Moore Challenge is underway, and upcoming events include Fall Bike Fest, a business workshop on digital marketing and branding, and the return of Cupertino Restaurant Week in October. I encourage you to read on and take advantage of these opportunities to connect, learn, and participate in our community.
Thank you, as always, for staying informed and engaged with the City of Cupertino. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable start to the fall season.
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Warm Regards,
 Tina Kapoor
City Manager
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Sheriff Contract Update
The City’s ongoing negotiations with Santa Clara County regarding the Sheriff’s Office law enforcement services contract remain one of the City’s highest priorities. On September 9, the Mayor held a special Mayor’s Chat to provide an update on the contract negotiations, including the proposed cost increase, the City’s independent review, and the legal issues being evaluated as negotiations continue.
View a recording of the Mayor's Chat on the City's YouTube Channel.
The City Council will discuss this item at its September 15 meeting.
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Political Signs Activity
The City has seen an increase in political sign-related inquiries compared to past years. With several weeks remaining before Election Day, the City is prioritizing additional information to the community to help clarify rules and rights. This information is listed below and includes where signs may be placed and how to report potential violations.
Read a list of FAQs below and at cupertino.gov/politicalsigns.
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Political Signs: What Residents Should Know
What is a political sign?
A political sign is a sign that supports or opposes a candidate or ballot measure.
Can someone put a political sign in my yard without asking me?
No. A political sign cannot be placed on your property without permission.
Are political signs part of official City business?
No. Political signs are not official City business.
Can someone put a political sign in front of my home, between the sidewalk and street?
Only with permission. This area is called the park strip. A political sign cannot be placed in the park strip fronting a property without permission from the property owner or resident.
What can I do if I did not give permission?
You may remove the sign.
Who do I contact with other political sign questions?
If you think a sign is being stolen or damaged, call the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 408-299-2311. Do not confront the person.
If you see a sign that may be in the wrong place, report it through Cupertino 311: Reporting Tool for City Services.
Can the City remove a political sign?
If the property owner or residents chooses not to remove an unpermitted sign, the City can remove the sign. The City generally gives two business days to correct the problem first. A sign that creates a safety problem may be removed immediately.
What happens to a sign removed by the City?
The City stores the sign for 20 days at the City Service Center, 10555 Mary Avenue. There is a $25 retrieval fee for each sign.
When do political signs have to come down?
Political signs must be removed within five days after Election Day.
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SCENE Fall 2026 Edition Out Now
Turn the page to fall with the latest issue of SCENE! A new season brings new events, important City updates, and resources to help you plan, prepare, and stay connected. There’s plenty to discover in the latest SCENE. Turn the page and see what’s happening in Cupertino this fall.
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Juvenile Diversion Program Launch
The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Juvenile Diversion Program class focused on e-bike safety is now underway. The Juvenile Diversion Program was originally established prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been reinstated as an alternative to traffic citations for youth who commit traffic violations that don’t include operating a car (walking, bicycling, scootering, e-bikes, and e-scooters).
To learn more about the program, read the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Press Release.
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Community-Led Safety Drills
In August, the Cupertino Office of Emergency Management attended two community-led preparedness activities: the Blaney Rides It Together (B.R.I.T.) neighborhood Earthquake Drill and The Forum at Rancho San Antonio's (FORUM) Emergency Preparedness Committee's Evacuation Drill Review. B.R.I.T.’s drill focused on home-by-home neighborhood assessments, radio communications, basic fire and gas safety, and a Neighborhood Watch presentation. The FORUM drill focused on alerts and warnings, multi-story evacuation routes, access to vehicles and garages, door-to-door home checks, and challenges residents in independent living may face during an evacuation.
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HSBC Bank Relocates Branch, Continues Service in Cupertino
HSBC Bank has relocated its Cupertino branch from its former location at 10745 South De Anza Boulevard to a new branch at 10297 South De Anza Boulevard, effective Monday, August 24, 2026. The new branch occupies a space previously leased by First American Bank and continues HSBC's commitment to serving the community with banking services. The bank hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Women in Business Symposium Luncheon
On Thursday, August 27, the City of Cupertino, in partnership with the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, KeyPoint Credit Union, and SCORE, hosted another Women in Business Symposium Luncheon. Mayor Moore welcomed attendees with opening remarks. The luncheon focused on executive presence and brought together women business professionals from across Cupertino to make new connections, exchange ideas, and strengthen their professional networks.
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San Jose Sharks Collaboration with Cupertino Library
The San Jose Sharks and Santa Clara County Library District are teaming up this September for Library Card Sign-Up Month to encourage everyone to come to the library and get one of two new Sharks x SCCLD library card designs.
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Move Moore Challenge
Join Mayor Kitty Moore and the Cupertino community for the Move Moore Challenge, running from now through Wednesday, October 7. Track your total active minutes through walking, running, cycling, swimming, yoga, sports, and other physical activities. Every minute counts!
Visit cupertino.gov/movemoore to complete the participant sign-up form and waiver, then register through Challenge Hound.
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National Voter Registration Day
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Cupertino Citywide Garage Sale
Cupertino's Citywide Garage Sale is happening Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20! Make space, money, and someone's day by hosting a garage sale. Or search for antiques, clothing, books, and more with an online or printed shopping map.
Sellers: Register your sale by Thursday, September 10 to be included on the printed and online shopping maps.
Buyers: Starting Tuesday, September 15, browse the online map or pick up a printed map at Cupertino Library, Quinlan Community Center, or Cupertino Senior Center to plan your shopping route.
Learn more about this event at .
Sell or remove unwanted items responsibly. Illegal dumping is prohibited. For waste disposal resources and information about upcoming events on how to properly remove bulky items, visit .
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Cupertino Fall Bike Fest
Join us on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Cupertino’s annual Fall Bike Fest to celebrate all things bike! There will be bike repair and education, and fun activities including bike and helmet checks, bike decorating, bike blender smoothies, bike-themed art, along with a “Safe Moves City” mini bicycle safety course for kids and two community bike rides. Learn more at cupertino.gov/bikefest.
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Composting Workshop
The Composting Basics Workshop on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Blackberry Farm Picnic Area (21979 San Fernando Avenue) is a free, all-levels class for residents to gain hands-on experience from a local Certified Master Composter.
Participants will learn the basics of backyard composting, including how to transform household kitchen scraps into a rich, fine, and nutritious soil amendment for gardens, landscaped yards, or houseplants. This class series in collaboration with UCCE's Composting Education Program occurs multiple times a year across Santa Clara County.
Cupertino residents who attend this workshop can also receive a free compost bin. RSVP or view the 2026 class schedule at link.ucanr.edu/signup.
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Lehigh-Heidelberg Cement Plant and Quarry Annual Meeting
Join Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga for a virtual meeting on Wednesday, September 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. about the future of the Lehigh/Heidelberg cement plant and Permanente Quarry.
A panel of county, state and local regulators, along with representatives from Heidelberg Materials, will provide updates and answer questions about the Permanente Quarry and the former cement plant located in the hills above Cupertino and Los Altos. Register for the virtual meeting at bit.ly/4qW0oAN.
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Restaurant Week Returns This October
Following a successful inaugural campaign, Cupertino Restaurant Week will return from Monday, October 5 through Sunday, October 11. This weeklong celebration invites residents and visitors to explore Cupertino's diverse dining scene while enjoying exclusive special offers and promotions from participating restaurants. Local restaurants are encouraged to join this community-wide effort to showcase the best of Cupertino's culinary offerings. Interested businesses can sign up at cupertino.gov/taste71.
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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 September 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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