Connect with your community each week with the following updates on COVID-19, City services, events and programs, wellness opportunities, and family resources. 

- Coronavirus Report
- Palo Alto is Now Keeping More Recyclables in the United States
- National Community Survey Closes Sunday, December 19
- High Natural Gas Prices Expected this Winter
- City Manager Weekly Community Update: December 12, 2022

Coronavirus Report

The reporting frequency for national and statewide data is shifting as the need for daily data is decreasing. For national and statewide COVID-19 data, visit the?CDC’s data dashboard and the California data dashboard. Santa Clara County continues to update cases more frequently: on December 14,?Santa Clara County reported?a 7-day rolling average of 486?new cases. 

Food and Drug Administration Expands Updated Bivalent Vaccine Authorization To Children

On December 8, the United States Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization of the Moderna and Pfizer updated bivalent vaccines for use in children as young as 6 months old. FDA encourages parents and caregivers of those eligible to get the bivalent vaccine – especially as the community heads into the holidays and winter months where more time will be spent indoors. Learn more about the FDA’s update here.

Similar Infections are Spreading, Know Their Symptoms and Protect Community Health

With COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) going around, it’s important to stay safe by following public health guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares similarities between the flu and COVID-19 signs and symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain. Knowing the symptoms can help you determine next steps and learn how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and the flu this season. The CDC says that if a person has COVID-19, it may take longer to experience symptoms than if they have the flu. Follow CDC guidance and get tested for COVID-19 if you’re sick, and if you test negative talk to your doctor about getting tested for other infections.

Community Recovery and City Updates

Holiday Craft Workshop on California Ave

December 17

Craft your own ornament and decoration! Enjoy free hot cocoa, winter treats, and holiday music.

Learn More

Magic of the Season at Magical Bridge

Through December 24

Enjoy musical performances on multiple dates at the Magical Bridge playground.

Learn More

Palo Alto is Now Keeping More Recyclables in the United States

A successful pilot program recently extended through 2026 will keep more plastic and mixed paper recyclables in the United States, furthering the City’s sustainability and climate action priorities. Recent Council action keeps 100 percent of the City’s mixed paper and mixed rigid plastics within the United States, reducing the possibility of unintended environmental and human health consequences of shipping recyclables internationally. Read the full story here.

National Community Survey Closes Monday, December 19

The annual Palo Alto Community Survey is a critical community feedback tool that helps the City Council and City staff understand community perspectives on current services and programs, as well as unmet needs and priorities. Thank you to those who already shared your thoughts through the mailed survey. The online survey is now open through Monday, December 19 for all residents. Find details on this survey and more ways to share input here.

High Natural Gas Prices Expected this Winter

Due to changes in market supply and demand, natural gas prices are expected to be much higher than usual this winter. The City purchases gas from the market on a monthly basis, so changes in pricing can affect utility bills and can change due to factors such as gas production, storage levels, as well as national and international trade and demand and other international conditions. Residents and businesses can keep utility bill costs by being energy efficient. Read more here. Learn about switching to electric in your home that can help offset your gas costs.

City Manager Weekly Community Update: December 12, 2022

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada shares updates to inform the community on upcoming events, service and program changes and enhancements, and council discussions planned. This week’s updates from the December 12 Council meeting include last weekend's storm response, ways to share input through online community surveys, an upcoming holiday event at California Avenue, and notable upcoming Council items such as Fiber to the Premises, Council Reorganization, annual Council Retreat, and more. Read the update to catch up on the latest community news here.

Be Well

Happy Healthy Holidays: The best way to protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19 this holiday season is to get vaccinated and boosted, take a test if you have symptoms, stay home if you are sick, and take precautions like wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places. 

Holiday Tree Safety in the Home: Keep things merry and bright without the fire hazard. If you have a Christmas tree in your home, it may be drying out and can become a fire hazard. Watering your tree, being mindful about decorations, and keeping it away from heat sources can help prevent hazards like a house fire. Follow holiday safety tips from the Palo Alto Fire Department to stay fire safe this season.

Recipe of the Week: Gingersnaps are typically enjoyed as a crunchy cookie or soft and chewy. This week’s recipe yields soft, chewy cookies that are big on ginger flavor.

Family Resources

Family Nature Walks: Join the Environmental Volunteers on Saturday, December 17 at 11 a.m. for a Family Nature Walks at the Foothills Nature Preserve. Get to know our local open space areas and register to attend here. 

Documentary Screening of “Youth v Gov”: The United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) presents a screening and panel of “Youth v Gov,” which focuses on environmental justice. The documentary is a story of the Juliana v. the United States of America constitutional lawsuit and the 21 American youth who are taking on the world’s most powerful government. Join us for a conversation with local leaders, moderated by Jasmina Bojic, Stanford Arts Camera as Witness Program Director and Founder of the international documentary film festival UNAFF. The event is free to attend on Thursday, December 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rinconada Library. 

Green Holidays: One way to help keep the holidays green is to make your own wrapping paper. Check out this Instructables tutorial for an easy method to upcycle a grocery bag into personalized wrapping paper.

Life Kit for Holiday Travel: If you are traveling during the holiday season, NPR’s Life Kit has some advice on making your journey as smooth as possible.

Sign Up for Palo Alto FireMed

Did you know that an emergency ambulance ride can cost between $250-700, even with medical insurance? A new program for Palo Alto residents and businesses makes sure you are not stuck with a bill during an emergency. Palo Alto FireMed is convenient and cost-effective, covering unlimited ambulance rides within the Palo Alto city limits for a low cost of $8 per household per month. Sign up today at www.cityofpaloalto.org/FireMed

Calendar & Careers

Join the Conversation & Connect

Finals Cram Slam: Late Night Hours

December 16 @ 6 p.m.

Camacu Musical Performance at Magical Bridge

December 17 @ 2 p.m.

The Nutcracker

Through December 18

UNAFF Presents “Youth vs Gov”

December 22 @ 6 p.m.

View all upcoming community events on the City Calendar.

Find Your Next Career with Us!

Director of Animal Care and Conservation

Electrical Engineering Manager

Middle School Recreation Coaches

Public Safety Dispatcher

Police Officer Lateral

Utilities Project Coordinator

Find these and more jobs at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/Careers