City Of Palo Alto Uplift Local News - February 16, 2023

Government and Politics

February 17, 2023

What's New

- Coronavirus Report
- Council Adopts Extensive Set of Objectives for the Year, Building Upon Selection of 2023 Priorities
- Community Engagement Opportunities Coming Up
- Register for Emergency Services Volunteer Courses
- Apply for a Job with the City
- Weekly City Manager Updates: February 13, 2023

Coronavirus Report

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 February 15, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 190 new cases.

Get Vaccinated, Boosted, and Tested Before County Sites Close

With the federal and state emergency declarations coming to an end for the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months, the Santa Clara County’s mass vaccination and testing locations will close on February 28. Be sure to be vaccinated and boosted and tested before they close. After February, contact your doctor to make vaccination appointments and find testing opportunities. Read the press release from the County.

Citywide Updates

Council Adopts Extensive Set of Objectives for the Year, Building upon Selection of 2023 Priorities

The Palo Alto City Council spent a Saturday in late January hearing from residents, evaluating progress of high priority initiatives and updating and selecting Council annual priorities. With three new City Council members, a new Mayor and Vice Mayor, this discussion presented opportunities to share visions and align around common goals. After hearing community member input, they selected four distinct 2023 Priorities. To modernize their priority-setting process and provide more clarity on policy expectations, Council also approved extensive and detailed objectives aligned with key staff deliverables in 2023. Learn about the Council discussions and their work ahead.

Community Engagement Opportunities Coming Up

The community is invited to attend upcoming meetings and share input on several key initiatives ranging from the reimagining of University Avenue streetscape and status updates on flood control projects to a potential recreation and wellness center and the police department’s potential use of automated license plate recognition technology to deter criminal activity and assist in criminal investigations. Learn about these upcoming opportunities to share your feedback by going here.

Register Today for Emergency Services Volunteer Courses

Consider supporting your neighborhood and the community during emergencies by becoming either a Block Preparedness Coordinator or a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)! These volunteer opportunities further the City Council's priority of Community Health and Safety by preparing yourself, your family, and neighbors during a disaster or emergency situation.?Two trainings are available: Block Preparedness Certification on Saturday, February 18 at the Downtown Library, and the CERT Spring Training in March 6-25. Learn more and register here.

Apply for a Job with the City

The City of Palo Alto offers a variety of career paths to help build and improve the community. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts, and library professionals enhance community life and wellbeing. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer, and other services. Find part-time and full-time opportunities at www.cityofpaloalto.org/Careers.

Weekly City Manager Updates: February 13, 2023

City Manager Ed Shikada continues to share brief updates at each Council meeting, highlighting details about upcoming events, City services, and City Council discussions planned. His comments are summarized through our Palo Alto Connect series to catch up on City issues and gain the latest news. This week gain information about high utility bills and how to receive help; ways to love and connect with our Palo Alto community, and notable Council items such as e-bikes in parks and open spaces, parklets discussion, and more. Read the update here.

Be Well

Post Valentine’s Day Thought: Around Valentine’s Day, consumable goods in red and pink are abundant in stores. VeryWellHealth provides some updates on where the red food dye health conversation is at in the US, stating that synthetic food dyes, including red dyes 3 and 40, do not offer nutritional value, just visual appeal. Some products are now made with natural food dyes, like beet juice.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Neurodivergence describes people whose brains develop or operate differently from what’s deemed "typical,” according to Harvard Health. A new column from VeryWellMind chronicles how being neurodivergent affects our work life and beyond, and reminds us that such brain differences not only come with their own unique set of challenges, but also carry strengths that those who are neurotypical may not possess.

Recipe of the Week: This Heart-Shaped Pizza for Two is an easy and festive addition to your weekend plans – just pick your favorite pizza ingredients to get started! Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or a special someone, this pizza technique is sure to leave them with heart eyes

Family Resources

Presidents Day: Learn about Presidents Day from the National Archives. Explore more about George Washington through virtual tours from the Museum of the American Revolution.

Financial Health and Wellness – Understanding Asset Accumulation Strategies: Join us at Mitchell Park Library Saturday, February 18 at 2 p.m. as we welcome financial wellness instructor Brad Hamada back for a series of workshops on financial health and wellness. Free to attend with registration.

Family Nature Walk: Join the Environmental Volunteers for a Family Nature Walk at the Foothills Nature Preserve on February 25 at 11 a.m. Intended for kids 6 to 11 years old, small groups will be introduced to fun, nature-based activities, and a chance to learn about local plants and animals. Register your family or group for free here.

Family Day at the Art Center: Join the Art Center in celebrating Arbor Day and the exhibition Under Water! In collaboration with Canopy, come to the Art Center on March 5 from 2-4:30 p.m. and enjoy hands-on art activities designed for everyone ages 5 through adult.

Careers & Calendar

Join the Conversation & Connect

Teen Movie Night: Black Panther

February 16 @ 6 p.m.

Block Preparedness Coordinator Certification

February 18 @ 1 p.m.

King Artist Residency: Project Celebration

February 24 @ 4 p.m.

University Avenue Streetscape Community Meeting

March 1 @ 6 p.m.

Recreation Wellness Center Feedback Session

March 6 @ 6:30 p.m.