City Hall News From Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor
April 2023
SantaClaraCA.gov
City Hall News Highlights Page 3 Street Tree Planting Program Request a tree to be planted in front of your home Page 5 Public Hearing on Benton/ Lawrence Interim Housing Proposal Special City Council meeting Tuesday, April 25 Page 7 Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration Celebration at Central Park Pavilion on Thursday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Page 7 HHW Drop-off Event Dispose your household hazardous waste Saturday, April 29
Message from Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor
Dear Santa Clarans, Happy April! The word “April” has a Latin origin, meaning to bud, to open , which is appropriate for this time of year as we observe trees and flowers blooming, following Mother Nature’s recent abundance of rainfall. Have you ever heard the words “atmospheric river” mentioned before? It’s been a popular phrase the past few months with so many long bands of tropical moisture fiercely hitting Northern California. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our city crews and first responders who worked diligently to help residents and business owners, many who faced damage due to the inclement weather (i.e., fallen trees, localized flooding, and some power outages).
About ten days ago, we received word that after three years of severe drought, Governor Newsom lifted water restrictions that had been in place for the past 24 months. That’s good news, but the Governor has yet to declare an end to the drought. Thus, please join me in helping keep our city one that is water-wise and committed to a sustainable future. Spring Into Cleaning
Job Opportunities Join the Center of What’s
Possible! View all job opportunities and for
Spring Cleaning, it’s that time of year again. It seems these days we are so busy with family and work obligations we don’t take a moment to just pause and look around at our home space to see if there is anything that needs a change-up. Someone suggested recently, if you can carve out one or two hours a week during the month of April to do a little “Spring Cleaning” you will enjoy the benefit it brings (a cleaner dwelling, more tranquil space, and room to be creative) in the months to follow. It’s a thought worth considering.
information on how to apply, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/Jobs.
Spring Cleaning
Get Started…with The Citywide Garage Sale The City of Santa Clara is here to help you Spring into-the- Clean. For starters, you may want to consider participating in our Citywide Garage Sale set for April 8, a perfect opportunity to sell those unneeded household items collecting dust. The event is coming up this weekend, so don’t delay. If you have any questions, call (408) 615-3080 or email Environment@ SantaClaraCA.gov. If you choose not to “host” a garage sale this year, they’re always fun to visit and view. Call a friend to join you or make it a family outing. A citywide map with yard sale locations will be available the day prior (4/7) at SantaClaraCA.gov/garagesale.
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Message From Mayor Lisa Gillmor
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City’s Annual Clean-up Campaign is Set For May As your Mayor, I am fortunate to be able to spend time out in the community with our residents. And regardless of what neighborhood I’m in or what street I may be on, residents frequently remind me how much they look forward to our City’s Annual Clean-up Campaign . It’s not too early to be thinking about this year’s Clean-Up Campaign which takes place in May. It’s another opportunity to go through the closets, garage or shed, and get rid of unnecessary items. And it’s also a great way to have some of those items recycled back in the community for those in need. Please refer to the City schedule as to what items, and when, you are permitted to place them in front of your property. There are rules in place (dos and don’ts) so please carefully review the City’s “set-out” instructions available at SantaClaraCA. gov/Cleanup, or call (408) 615-3080. April Is Earth Month … a Time to Celebrate and Educate April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate our planet while also increasing awareness on the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. Please join me at our Earth Day-Arbor Day Celebration in the Pavilion at Central Park on Thursday, April 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy the activities and learn all you can about creating a sustainable lifestyle, and innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As you may know, Santa Clara is a proud part of the Tree City USA program which was founded in 1976 and sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation. The program encourages tree planting and tree cover for a greener and healthier America. At our upcoming Earth Day-Arbor Day event, Santa Clara will receive its Tree City USA recognition for the 36th time. Another reason to attend the event is to celebrate Santa Clara’s commitment to beautification and conservation. Triton Museum’s Tequila Tasting Fundraiser Was a Huge Success Santa Clara’s Triton Museum of Art recently held its annual Tequila Tasting event and it was a phenomenal success. Several vendors poured samples of their premier tequilas while providing insight on each offering. The amazing art, the scrumptious food, and well-themed table curations added to the evenings festive spirit. Funds raised through the event directly benefit the Triton Museum. I would like to express appreciation to the event founders and organizers, the Triton Museum Board and staff, community volunteers and sponsors. I look forward to the event returning in 2024. If you haven’t been to the Triton Museum recently, please put it on your “to do” list. You’re enjoy the various art exhibits while also learning about the talented artists behind the work.
Annual Cleanup
Earth Month
Tequila Tasting Fundraiser
In closing, I hope you will take advantage of the opportunities the City of Santa Clara provides to its residents, and I look forward to seeing you and your family this spring at our community events.
Happy Spring!
Mayor Lisa Gillmor
Tequila Tasting Fundraiser
Tequila Tasting Fundraiser
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CITY NEWS & UPDATES Learn about the latest updates in Santa Clara
Street Tree Planting Program Urban trees are heroes when it comes to improving the quality of life in Santa Clara. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees provide environmental and economic benefits, including carbon sequestration, reduced air pollution, reduced stormwater runoff, and cost savings associated with providing shade to cool buildings. Urban trees have even been shown to reduce stress and noise pollution. Street trees are an important element of healthy and livable neighborhoods. The Department of Public Works is looking to expand the urban forest and beautify neighborhoods. You can request to have a City tree planted in front of your home for free! To request a tree or for questions: • Call 408-615-3080 or email Street@SantaClaraCA.gov; • Fill out an online service request form at SantaClaraCA.gov/ MySantaClara • Select “City Tree Maintenance” • Provide your property address and select “Want a new tree”
Street Tree Planting Program
National Guard’s 95th Civil Support Team Bay EX Dril l Last month at the National Guard’s 95th Civil Support Team Bay EX Drill, Santa Clara Fire Department partnered with multi-disciplinary public safety agencies including the California National Guard, FBI, Cal OES, Environmental Protection Agency, Santa Clara Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriffs, and other local agencies. The regional public safety response drill took place at Levi’s Stadium and was the culmination of 4 days of drills which began in San Mateo, moved to Alameda, then San Francisco, and finally Santa Clara. Drills involved a variety of simulated threats and included practice with innovative robotic equipment. Proposed Mid-Year Electric Rate Increase to Be Effective July 1, 2023 In May, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) will be proposing a mid-year rate increase of 5% to the Santa Clara City Council. If approved, the rate increase will take effect July 1, 2023. High natural gas prices have had a significant impact on electric and gas utilities throughout California, increasing by 500%, which has caused power prices to rise 150% higher than usual. In response, SVP has tightened the budget, pared down spending and is using appropriate reserves. However, a mid-year rate adjustment will be necessary. For residential customers, SVP will be proposing a one-time climate credit that is intended to help cover the increased costs. SVP offers resources on its website for customers who are looking to find ways to reduce energy usage and lower their electric bills. In addition to appliance rebates, you can find energy saving tips and a tool lending library to measure the use of plug loads such as televisions, video game consoles, computers, etc. Visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Residents for more information. Income-qualified customers may be eligible for a rate discount of up to 40%. For more information and income eligibility
Civil Support Team Bay EX Drill
requirements, please visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Assist. Waterwise Landscape - New at City Hall
Civil Support Team Bay EX Drill
Nearly 5,100 sq. ft. of lawn at Lincoln Street and Warburton Avenue is now a waterwise garden of colorful habitat plants and California natives taking advantage of seasonal rains for plant establishment. Department of Public Works (DPW) staff removed lawn and installed the waterwise landscape working from the planting design created by the Water & Sewer Utilities Department (WSUD). To help fund the lawn conversion, DPW and WSUD utilized the Landscape Conversion Rebate, a partnership program with Valley Water and the City. Combined with the first lawn conversion completed by WSUD in 2022, City Hall expects significant water savings from the nearly 9,300 sq. ft. of grass now transformed to drought- tolerant plantings. Check out water conservation rebates available to Santa Clara residents
and businesses at SantaClaraCA.gov/SaveOurWater. Winter Coat Donation – Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the warmth, Santa Clara! In partnership with Recology South Bay, the City of Santa Clara collected just over 100 gently used coats and blankets for those in need this winter season in January and February. Many thanks to all that donated! Your generosity makes a difference.
Waterwise Landscape
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$5,000 Grants Available to High School Students for Energy Efficiency or Renewable Energy Projects Silicon Valley Power is offering grants up to $5,000 for high school students to create projects or awareness campaigns that will educate the Santa Clara community about energy efficiency and/or renewable energy. The program is open to high school students who live in the City of Santa Clara or attend school at a site located within Santa Clara city limits. Grant awards will be made twice per year with deadlines on June 30 and December 31. For complete eligibility requirements and program details, visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Grants. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month #JustDrive It’s a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road – particularly, as it relates to distracted driving. While drivers texting behind the wheel tops what seems like an endless list of distractions,
High School Grants Available
other risky actions include talking on the phone, setting your navigation, adjusting what you’re listening to, drinking coffee, applying makeup, and more. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash. Follow these safety tips for a safe ride every time: • Set up navigation and your playlist before you start your engine • Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location. Only then is it safe to send or read a text, or allow your passenger access to your phone to respond to calls or messages • Do not scroll through apps, including social media, while driving • Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination
Affordable Housing Opportunity at Agrihood Agrihood is a new senior community serving qualified households 55 or older. Veterans and seniors living and/or working in Santa Clara preferred. Maximum income ranges from $47,200 - $109,200 and rents are restricted based on the apartment type and household size. The initial lottery period has closed, but applications are still being accepted for the waitlist. Apply online today! If You See Something, Say Something It's asimple idea, but a powerful one - homeland security begins with hometown security.
Affordable Housing Opportunity
It's easy to take for granted the routine moments in our every day lives, like going to work or school, running into the grocery store or stopping at the gas station. Your every day life is different than your neighbors’. Only you know what’s supposed to be in your every day life. Reporting suspicious activity has the potential to prevent a crime, reduce violence, minimize victimization, save a life and improve the overall quality of life. Suspicious activities may include: • A stranger loitering in your neighborhood • A vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly • Someone peering into cars or windows, or pulling on door handles • A high volume of traffic going to and coming from a residence on a daily basis • Someone loitering around schools, parks or secluded areas • Strange odors coming from a house or building • Open or broken doors and windows at a closed business or unoccupied residence • Someone tampering with electrical, gas or sewer systems without an identifiable company vehicle or uniform • Sounds of breaking glass, gunshots, screaming or fighting • Strangers removing license plates or loading valuables into vehicles from a residence • A briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package left behind • Intruders in secure areas where they are not supposed to be. To report suspicious activity, contact the Communications Center at 408-615-5580 and describe what you observed, including: • Who or what you saw
• When you saw it • Where it occurred • Why it's suspicious Emergencies should be reported by calling 9–1–1.
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EVENTS & MEETINGS Find out what's happening in Santa Clara
2023/2024 Annual Action Plan Public Hearings Each year the city prepares a plan to allocate federal CDBG and HOME dollars for public services and capital projects that serve Santa Clara residents. The 30-day comment period for the 2023/2024 Annual Action Plan begins on April 7, 2023 and City Council public hearings are scheduled for April 7, 2023 and May 9, 2023 . View a draft of the plan.
Downtown Community Task Force (DCTF) Meeting The next DCTF meeting will be held at 1500 Warburton Avenue in the City Council Chambers in person and via Zoom (Meeting link) on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 6 p.m. To view past DCTF meetings, including meeting materials and video recordings, please see the DCTF webpage.
Public Hearing on Benton/Lawrence Interim Housing Proposal City staff are working with the County’s Office of Supportive Housing, LifeMoves, and the Sobrato Foundation to evaluate a possible interim housing development on County-owned land at Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street. The proposed project would serve families with children, seniors, singles and couples. Unhoused residents in Santa Clara would be given priority. To date the County, City and LifeMoves have co- sponsored two virtual meetings and two in-person meetings. A special City Council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 5 p.m. at Council Chambers, 1500 Warburton Ave. Santa Clara. Visit the project website to view meeting recordings, slide presentations, to sign up for email notifications, and to read responses to over 350 questions. Contact Adam Marcus at amarcus@SantaClaraca.gov, Housing and Community Services Manager, with questions.
Virtual Community Meeting for 2655 The Alameda Kapital Partners will hold a 2nd virtual community outreach meeting on the proposed mixed use residential and retail project to present revised development plans on Monday, April 24, 2023 from 6 - 7 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting link, Webinar ID: 816 2230 6047, Phone: 1-669-444-9171). For more information on the proposed project visit the project website.
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CLASSES & ACTIVITIES Participate in year-round classes and activities for all ages
Annual Cleanup Campaign Santa Clara’s Annual Cleanup Campaign will take place May 1 – May 26 . On designated weekends, eligible residences may set out bulky items that are not routinely collected by weekly solid waste services. Collection crews will be picking up furniture, appliances, e-waste, tires, residential construction debris and yard waste. All concrete, asphalt, dirt, brick, rocks, drywall and/ or sawdust MUST be set out in a construction debris bulk bag to prevent it from entering the storm drains. Acceptable bags are made of heavy- duty tarp or plastic material made specifically for construction debris and can be no larger than one cubic yard in size. Debris bulk bags can be purchased at a retailer of your choice or at the Municipal Utility Services counter located at 1500 Warburton Ave for $23.79 each starting April 4. Failure to use debris bags to contain residential construction/demolition debris is subject to a $150 fine. A total of 1 cubic yard of bagged debris will be picked up at no charge. Any additional bagged material will be collected for a fee of $25 per cubic yard. Household hazardous material is NOT accepted. For set-out instructions and a list of accepted and prohibited materials, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/Cleanup. Questions? Call 408-615-3080 or email Environment@SantaClaraCA.gov.
6 Stay Moving this Spring with the Activity Pass Challenge yourself by trying a new drop-in activity. Purchase your Activity Pass now for access to three dynamic drop-in programs: Group Exercise at the Community Center, Lap Swim at the International Swim Center and Drop-in Play at the Reed & Grant Sports Park. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ActivityPass for more information or call 408-615-3140. Register for Spring Classes and Summer Camps Are you ready to get out and have fun this spring and summer? The Parks & Recreation Department has you covered with a variety of recreation classes and summer camps. The Spring + Summer Camp 2023 Activity Guide is available online or at City facilities. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/RecClasses for registration information or call 408-615-3140. Adventures in Learning Open House Visit the Adventures in Learning Open House at the Community Recreation Center, 969 Kiely Blvd. on Tuesday, April 4 from 5 – 6 p.m. Meet the teachers and find out more information about this year-round enriching program for 3 and 4 year-olds. Our teachers are ready to create a nurturing environment where participants build confidence while discovering new interests through hands-on activities. Registration for the 2023-24 school year is now open! Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ActiveNet to register. For more information, contact the Recreation Office at PRCustomerServe@SantaClaraCA.gov or call 408-615-3140. Spring Citywide Garage Sale The Santa Clara Spring Citywide Garage Sale returns on Saturday, April 8 ! A list of garage sale locations will be available for download on April 7 at SantaClaraCA.gov/GarageSale. Registered locations are displayed on the interactive map to help you plan your route! Use the list or interactive map to view the locations and details including the time, address and items for sale. For more information, email Environment@ SantaClaraCA.gov or call 408-615-3080. Summer Recreation Classes and Swim Lessons
Get ready for an exciting summer in Santa Clara! The Parks & Recreation Department has you covered with a variety of high-quality recreation classes and summer camps. The Summer 2023 Activity Guide will be available online on Friday, April 21 for viewing. Registration for residents begins Tuesday, April 25 at 12 a.m. Summer fun begins the week of June 5. Registration is currently open for summer camps, choose from over 200 camps. Visit SantaClaraCA.gov/RecClasses for more information. Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration Santa Clara’s Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration returns to the Central Park Pavilion on Thursday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrate the environment and learn ways to preserve earth’s natural resources through everyday actions. This family-friendly event will feature a musical performance, tree climbing demonstration, booths promoting environmental education, and more! Join us as the City of Santa Clara receives its Tree City USA recognition for the 36th time! For more information, visit SantaClaraCA. gov/EarthandArborDay. HHW Drop-off Event
Santa Clara residents can safely dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) at the free HHW drop-off event that will take place on Saturday, April 29 . 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 wastes. Items NOT accepted include large household appliances, ammunition, explosives, or containers larger than five gallons. Please contact the Police Department at 408- 615-4700 regarding the disposal of ammunition or explosives. Residents must register to attend this event by calling the County Household Hazardous Waste Program at 408-299-7300 or by visiting hhw.sccgov.org.
HHW Drop-off Event
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SENIOR CENTER NEWS Events below are held at Santa Clara Senior Center located at 1303 Fremont Street, Santa Clara.
7 Alzheimer's Awareness & Effective Communication with the Memory Impaired The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting an Alzheimer’s Awareness presentation on Tuesday, April 4 from 11 – 11:45 a.m. Join Vanessa Souza, LCSW, Senior Manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, as she talks about the impact of Alzheimer’s risk factors, and warning signs. Learn how to keep your own brain healthy as you age, how you can join the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia, and what support programs and resources are available through the Alzheimer's Association. Seating is limited so sign-up soon! Register online for this free event or call the Senior Center at 408-615-3170 if you have questions. Handy Help: Assistive Devices Discover the many types of gadgets, gizmos, software, and tools that can help us function more easily in daily life. Staff from Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, a non-residential nonprofit, will visit the Santa Clara Senior Center on Monday, April 10 from 1 – 2 p.m. to share some of the old favorites, like grabbers and mobility aids, and some newer devices you may have never known about. Register for this free event online or contact the Health & Wellness Program staff if you have questions at 408-615-3170. Health Tech Workshop Learn more about accessing your healthcare providers, keeping track of your health data, and being prepared for emergencies. Health and technology have merged and there are a variety of health-related apps for your devices. Your smartphone can help you meet your health goals and it can also be a useful tool in emergency situations. The medical ID app already installed on your smartphone can help you get help fast and better communicate with first responders. Super smart University of San Francisco Student Nurses will lead this workshop at the Santa Clara Senior Center on Thursday, April 13 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. to get you started. Seating is limited and walk-ins will not be permitted. Register online for this free event or call the Senior Center for assistance at 408-615-3170. Table Talk - Disaster Preparedness Are you prepared? There is no such thing as being overly prepared for a disaster! Refresh your memory about what makes a good disaster plan and what should go in your Grab ‘n Go bag. Visit University of San Francisco Student Nurses at their table in the Senior Center lobby on Thursday, April 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to learn how you can make sure you have the essentials when disaster strikes! Contact Larisa Polozova, RN, Health & Wellness Program at 408-615-3797 with questions. Caregiver Management “How-To” Workshop Sometimes it’s necessary to bring in a little help to stay safe and independent at home. There are many options for hiring in-home help and it can be tedious finding a good match for your needs and budget. Join staff from Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (a nonprofit, non-residential organization) at the Santa Clara Senior Center on Thursday, April 27 from 10 – 11 a.m. to learn how to find good, reliable help, what you should expect to pay, how to navigate the hiring (and firing process), and what resources are available. There is no fee for this workshop. Registration is required. Register online or contact the Health & Wellness Program staff at 408-615-3170. Save the Date! 7th Annual “Be Strong, Live Long” Health & Wellness Fair at Fremont Park Join the Senior Center and the Senior Advisory Commission in Fremont Park on Friday, May 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a fun festival of music, food, and over 40 community organizations providing the resources you need to live well in Santa Clara. A healthy barbecue lunch is available for purchase. Bring your walking shoes and your sun hat. Street parking is available, although we recommend carpooling with friends, riding your bike, or taking public transportation (VTA bus stop is on our block). Call the Health & Wellness Program staff for more information at 408-615-3170.
Stay Up-To-Date on the Business License Tax Update On Nov. 8, 2022, nearly 60% of Santa Clara voters passed Measure H to update the City’s Business License Tax program, which goes into effect July 1, 2023 . The update will generate approximately $6M annually to support essential City services such as 911 response times, safe and clean public streets and facilities and the continued delivery of high-quality parks, recreation and library services. To help businesses navigate the upcoming changes to the Business License Tax program, the City of Santa Clara has created a webpage with the latest updates, answers to frequently asked questions and contact information.
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