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Sustainable Santa Clara - September 2022 |
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Shared Mobility Program Rolls Out
The City of Santa Clara is pleased to announce that on August 8, 2022, e-scooter and e-bike vendor, Bird, received their operating permit and officially began phasing in their deployment of 800 e-scooters and 200-e-bikes throughout Santa Clara as part of the City’s Shared Mobility Program. The City is also working with Veo to finalize their operating permit to launch this Fall.
In December of 2021, the City Council approved the City’s Shared Mobility Program, which allows private operators to deploy shared mobility devices (bicycles and scooters) in Santa Clara. The goal of the program is to provide an alternative travel option for Santa Clara residents and visitors by providing bicycles and scooters throughout the City for the public to sustainably access transit, shopping, and entertainment areas. The City selected two operators, Bird and Veo, that plan to provide up to 1,300 devices total with a mix of bicycles and scooters.
Scooters and bikes are to be parked on sidewalks and should provide adequate space and not obstruct sidewalk use. The MySantaClara App module was added to allow an easy way for community members to submit comments to the City on the Bike/Scooter Share Program. The Police Department also provided education to potential Shared Mobility users about basic operating rules for devices - Shared Mobility Device Program Launched in Santa Clara | City News .
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Nearly 38,000 square feet of former turf area now displays drought-tolerant landscaping along Mission City Memorial Park’s northwest edge.
Amidst new and mature trees, California native and other drought-tolerant plants take root, thanks to a volunteer effort coordinated by Cemetery Operations Manager Phil Orr, Cemetery Worker John Souza, aspiring Eagle Scout Steven Schroeder and his Scout Troop 390, with the help of his Scoutmaster and father, also Steven Schroeder, and their all-female sister Scout Troup 2390.
The old section has few headstones, allowing for a much more large scale landscape conversion. During the cemetery’s early years, those who couldn’t afford monuments were buried in unmarked graves at a reduced price. Steven chose the large-scale project because “It stood out and seemed the most impactful and meaningful.”
Our Parks & Recreation Department has applied for Valley Water’s Landscape Conversion Rebate. With 37,790 square feet of irrigated turf approved for conversion, Parks & Recreation anticipates a rebate of about $75,000, which it plans to put toward additional Parks water conservation projects.
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 The impacts of climate change today require bold action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ensure a healthy and livable future for all. As part of our City’s commitment to creating a Sustainable Santa Clara, we established a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2013, which was recently updated to meet changing needs and regulations.
After over two years of community outreach and development of a comprehensive upgrade, the 2022 CAP was adopted by City Council on June 7. The CAP Update sets new targets for reaching aggressive emissions reductions across five main category areas: Buildings and Energy, Transportation and Land Use, Materials and Consumption, Natural Systems and Water Resources and Community Resilience and Well-Being. Targets include:
Near Term: 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030
Interim: 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2035
Long Term: Carbon neutrality no later than 2045
Some considerations for developing the CAP strategies include how actions contribute to social and economic co-benefits like emissions reductions, equity, green jobs, cost savings and others. We look forward to continued implementation of climate initiatives with our community.
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To promote building and transportation electrification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Silicon Valley Power residential customers are now eligible for a rebate of $2,000 when they upgrade their electric panel to a smart panel.
Traditional electric panels are sized assuming that all appliances may be using power at the same time. A smart panel improves efficiency by monitoring electric loads throughout the home and automatically pausing predetermined circuits when use exceeds the home’s electric capacity and resuming them when electric usage drops.
A smart panel also allows customers to monitor and control individual circuits and may include capabilities to provide notification when equipment may need service. Smart panels can also help avoid electric service upgrades.
The rebate is available to customers to accommodate additional load from converting natural gas to electric appliances and adding a Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charger to their home.
In addition to the $2,000 rebate, income-qualified customers may be eligible for a bonus rebate of $1,000 for a total of $3,000 while bonus rebates up to a total of $4,000 are available to LIHEAP qualified customers.
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Silicon Valley Power (SVP) and Santa Clara University (SCU), announced a new five-year SVP Sustainable Futures Scholarship Program to enhance college access through scholarships and support project-based learning for undergraduate students pursuing studies and careers in sustainability fields. The goal of the program is to develop a pipeline of strong, diverse future leaders in sustainability and clean energy sectors.
The innovative, five-year program is funded by a $375,000 grant from SVP. Selected students—especially those transferring from local community colleges—will use the funds to attend and receive advanced opportunities at SCU and its award-winning environmental and sustainability curriculum.
As part of this program, SCU’s Center for Sustainability will award three annual SVP Sustainable Futures Fellowships to undergraduate students pursuing project-based learning and applied research experiences. Preference will be given to students who are from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds, who intend to pursue careers in sustainability or clean energy and who show strong leadership potential and commitment to climate goals.
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 Explore the vibrant flavors of South India! Start with a traditional appetizer of cauliflower pakora. For the main course, learn to make a simple yet delicious Jeera rice, raita and a green egg curry. Complete the meal with a traditional style Indian Chai. Join us September 17, 9a.m.-1p.m. and learn unique and traditional dishes that are easy to make!
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support energy efficient technologies, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) and the Santa Clara Unified School District’s Adult Education collaborated to establish an induction cooking classroom that hosts a twelve-class induction cooking series.
Induction cooktops are faster and more efficient than cooking with gas or traditional electric stoves. And they're safer because they don't emit gas that contributes to poor indoor air quality, there is no exposed flame and they only heat the cookware, not the surrounding area. Register now to test induction out!
Silicon Valley Power customers can get $50 off a class by using discount code “Induction” at registration. Residents may only register for one class in the series so others can test induction cooktops. Call 408-423-3500 or register online.
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Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action to protect our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. In 2019, the Ocean Conservancy reported that nearly 800,000 volunteers collectively removed more than 20 million pieces of trash from beaches and waterways globally.
Trash in creeks can eventually land on California’s coastline and ultimately end up in our bays and the ocean, impacting wildlife and their habitat.
Volunteers throughout our state will join efforts and participate in California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 17 to clean areas around local waterways.
The City of Santa Clara will host one site at El Camino Real at Bowe Avenue near Saratoga Creek. Cleanup takes place from 9:00 a.m. – noon.
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 In Santa Clara, driving an electric vehicle (EV) is five times cheaper than gasoline and diesel-powered cars thanks to Silicon Valley Power's (SVP) low electricity rates.
Residents could save over $2,000 a year on fuel and help keep the community clean by reducing health-impacting air pollutants from tailpipe emissions. As more Santa Clarans adopt EVs, the ability to charge them is key.
To support EV adoption and access to EV charging, SVP has launched a new program to help multifamily properties, schools, and businesses successfully plan, fund and install EV charging stations.
Interested in getting chargers installed at your apartment, townhome or condominium? Help connect SVP with your property owner or manager. Encourage them to attend the “EV Charging for Multifamily Properties” webinar on September 21 from noon –1:00p.m.
 Santa Clara residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) at the free HHW drop-off event on Saturday, September 24.
Hazardous items that can be disposed of include fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, paint, automotive fluids, cleaners, solvents, batteries, propane and helium tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, wood preservatives, sharps containers, prescription medications, electronic waste (e-waste), and other types of household hazardous waste.
Items NOT accepted include cardboard, Styrofoam, large household appliances, ammunition, explosives, or containers larger than five gallons.
Residents must register to attend this event by calling the County Household Hazardous Waste Program at 408-299-7300 or by visiting hhw.org.
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Pollinators and their habitats not only support biodiversity, but they also build resilient and healthy communities by helping to address climate change, the ongoing drought, heat island effect and water quality issues, all while providing many other benefits!
BioBlitz is a citizen science event that provides a snapshot of the variety of wildlife found in your area. The data collected by the community highlights the biodiversity of our local parks and provides park professionals important information on how to manage parks to support pollinators and other species.
In support of Parks for Pollinators Campaign, the Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its annual BioBlitz on September 24 from 9:30 a.m. – noon at Everett N. Eddie Souza Park & Community Garden.
Guest speakers and children's activities are part of the agenda at this fun event for the whole family!
 Prepare those autumn and winter gardens with nutrient-rich compost! The City of Santa Clara is hosting a self-service compost giveaway event for Santa Clara residents on September 25 from 9 a.m. - noon at the City’s Corporation Yard, at 1700 Walsh Ave.
Compost will be self-served - residents must bring their own shovel and sturdy container (i.e. 5-gallon bucket) and fill and load their container into their vehicle.
Maximum of 30 gallons per household. Compost will be available while supplies last and quantity is limited. Residents must provide a current utility bill and/or personal identification to verify eligibility.
Come get your FREE compost and get your garden growing right!
Questions? Call the Department of Public Works at 408-615-3080 or email Environment@SantaClaraCA.gov.
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 If you’re looking for easy ways to conserve water and haven’t checked out your free WaterSmart account, now is the time! Find your account using the account number on your water bill and your zip code.
Personalize your WaterSmart profile with basic household information and start saving water and money with customized water conservation strategies tailored to the needs of your household and garden. Evaluate and pay bills, track seasonal/long-term water use and more! It’s fun, easy and free!
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 Creating a California native plant habitat area welcomes biodiversity while using dramatically less water than non-native plants. This is critical as we balance supporting habitat and maintaining vibrant yards in the face of continued drought conditions. See for yourself how making a lasting mindset shift about gardens and water use can be a beautiful solution.
Start your own water wise garden habitat! Visit calscape.org to learn pollinator host plants native to the City of Santa Clara.
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Rebates and Resources to Help You Conserve |
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Want to conserve, but don’t know where to start? Get help! Valley Water offers free Water Wise Outdoor Surveys to residential sites, plus just added this summer, small multi-family and commercial sites now qualify! You must have at least one valve-operated irrigation zone on your property to qualify. A trained irrigation professional will complete a comprehensive evaluation of your irrigation system, make recommendations and send a detailed report. Grab your recent water bill and schedule your survey!
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As of September 1, 2022, Santa Clara Water & Sewer Utilities increased funding in its partnership with Valley Water. Residents looking to replace their lawns are now eligible for $4 per square foot (sf) for the first 1,000 sf and $2/sf thereafter, up to $5,000!
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Household batteries contain toxic materials and should never be placed in curbside collection carts or bins. When improperly disposed of, old batteries can pose a threat to the environment. Drop off your used household batteries for recycling at any of the following City facilities during open business hours: City Hall Municipal Service Counter, all Santa Clara libraries, Senior Center and Community Recreation Center. Batteries accepted include alkaline button cell, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and lithium-ion. For added safety, please tape the ends of the battery terminals before placing into battery receptacles.
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What do you do in your daily life to be a conservation leader?
Here are a few ideas to get started:
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Get serious about deep water savings! - Visit Water Conservation for tips and resources
- Plan ahead - make sure you have re-usable bags, mugs, and food containers when you go shopping, grab a coffee or even to take home your leftovers after eating out
- Take advantage of California's incredible harvest - shop local and in season for your fruits and vegetables
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