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Sustainable Santa Clara -  August 2021

Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update:
Community Feedback Needed!

The City of Santa Clara is updating our Climate Action Plan. We want to hear from all Santa Clarans as we create a roadmap to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and envision a sustainable Santa Clara together! The draft Climate Action Plan Update is now available for public comments and providing feedback is easy:

• Visit the Draft Climate Action Plan Update document and provide feedback through Konveio, our user friendly, interactive tool where you can post your comments directly in the draft plan. The comment period will close on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

• Join the CAP Community Workshop on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. This workshop will provide an overview of the draft CAP and opportunity to share your thoughts on the initiatives being proposed. Register for the community workshop.

Sustainable Santa Clara!

Modesto Ash Tree Removals and Street Tree Planting Program

Over the last year, the Department of Public Works (DPW) responded to an increased number of emergency calls due to Modesto Ash tree failures. DPW recently hired a consultant to evaluate all the City’s Modesto Ash street trees and provide maintenance and removal recommendations to minimize potential risk to property and the public. DPW will implement recommendations over a four-year period and provide advanced notification to the property owners of upcoming removals. Property owners may select a new replacement tree for planting after the removal at no charge by coordinating with the DPW. 

Street planting services are also available to homes that don’t currently have a tree. To request a tree, fill out an online service request form.

For questions call 408-615-3080 or email Street@SantaClaraCA.gov

Sustainable Parks

As part of the City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and create a more Sustainable Santa Clara, the City Parks and Recreation Department is folding sustainable parks strategies into planned renovations and upgrades. As of this summer, the Parks and Recreation Department now has 14 electric battery powered leaf blowers for maintenance of Santa Clara Parks and Cemeteries. This supports healthy air quality and reduced emissions while also being quieter for park visitors, neighbors, and maintenance staff.  Other sustainable parks strategies include smart irrigation systems for increased water efficiency, and installing electric vehicle charging stations in collaboration with SVP. Parks Make Life Better, and even more so when they also protect the environment!

For more information about how Santa Clara is becoming a more sustainable city, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/Sustainability.

Save Our Water, Santa Clara

Due to extreme drought conditions throughout the State and region the City of Santa Clara has declared a drought emergency. The City is always exploring ways to reduce water and has taken steps to conserve, including turning off decorative fountains and adjusting irrigation schedules in City parks to reduce water use.

While many Santa Clarans already have water wise mindsets, there are still many things our community can and must do to protect our precious water resources.

For more information on water conserving tips, rebates or which days a week you are permitted to water your lawn, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/SaveOurWater.

Events & Workshops

Climate Action Plan Community Workshop

Wednesday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m.

This workshop will provide an overview of the draft CAP and opportunity to share your thoughts on the initiatives being proposed. 

Register for the community workshop.

Coastal Cleanup Day

Saturday, September 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pollution prevention starts at our front doors. Trash can become harmful pollution that travels through storm drains, creeks, rivers and into the bay. Register for Coastal Cleanup Day 2021 and help be the solution to water pollution! 

Register at Cleanacreek.org.

For questions, call 408-615-3080 or email Environment@SantaClaraCA.gov.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event

Friday, September 25

The Santa Clara Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off event on Sept. 25 has been canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Residents can still properly dispose of HHW at the County of Santa Clara’s permanent drop-off location in San Jose.

For more information and accepted hazardous materials, visit HHW.org. To schedule a drop-off, call 408-299-7300.

National Drive Electric Week

September 25 - October 3, 2021

If you're not yet an EV driver, this is a great opportunity to learn why two million Americans have already switched! Events will be happening across the US and other countries. See below for a list of events. You can also search for nearby events or view the map of events. Stay tuned for a special event here in Santa Clara

For more information, visit Silicon Valley Clean Cities Coalition Ride-and-Drive Event.

Rot Right! - Compost Workshop

Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park located at 2380 Monroe St.

Did you know composting improves soil structure while minimizing water use, reduces pollution and diverts waste from landfills? During this workshop you will learn how to build, maintain and troubleshoot a home compost bin and apply the finished compost.

Register at ucanr.edu/compost or call the “Rot Line” at 408-918-4640.

Environmental Day

Saturday, October 16
1675 Rogers Ave. San Jose

Hosted by Recology South Bay, Environmental Day is designed to promote recycling, reuse and diversion of usable materials from the landfill. Residents are invited to bring the following accepted materials:

• Documents for confidential shredding (two box limit)
• E-waste (computers, monitors, printers, etc.)
• Universal waste (batteries, cell phones, CFLs and fluorescent tubes)

Clothing and children’s plastic toys will not be accepted at this time.

Note: Residents must provide a current utility bill and personal identification to verify eligibility.

For questions, contact Recology South Bay at 408-970-5100.

Save money while conserving energy

Make the Switch from a Gas Water Heater to an Efficient Heat Pump Water Heater

Outdated natural gas water heaters burn fossil fuels damage air quality and contribute to carbon emissions. Consider upgrading to an electric heat pump water heater! They are up to three times more energy efficient and, because heat pump water heaters don’t burn natural gas, they improve the air quality in and around your home.

To learn more about converting your natural gas water heater to an efficient electric heat pump water heater or to find a participating contractor, visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Electrification.

If you will need to upgrade your electric panel in order to accommodate a heat pump water heater, visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Rebates for eligibility requirements.

Get Involved

How do you contribute to a Sustainable Santa Clara? Take a photo or video and post on social media with the hashtag #SustainableSantaClara to be seen on Santa Clara's Facebook and Twitter. 

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Use a bucket in the shower to catch water to use elsewhere
• Use large appliances during off-peak times
• Ride your bike to work, school or run errands