City Of Palo Alto Uplift Local News - February 2, 2023

Government and Politics

February 3, 2023

From: City of Palo Alto

What's New

- Coronavirus Report

- Update on High Utility Bills & Help Available

- Recognize Black History Month in Palo Alto

- 2023 City Council Priorities Selected – Further Discussion Set for February 6

- New Library Hours Begin this Month

- Weekly City Manager Updates: January 30, 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 1, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 144 new cases.

County of Santa Clara to Demobilize Mass Testing and Vaccination Locations by Feb. 28

The County of Santa Clara announced it will demobilize its remaining COVID-19 mass vaccination and mass testing sites by February 28 after the successful administration of 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccinations. These operations will cease due to the upcoming end of the federal and state emergency declarations related to COVID-19, and healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout the County having the ability to provide residents with access to testing and vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccination appointments from Santa Clara County can be made until February 28 at www.sccfreevax.org, after this time residents can access vaccinations through their health providers.

COVID-19 State of Emergency Set to Expire in Coming Months

As noted above, California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency is set to expire on February 28, 2023. The Biden Administration announced on Monday, January 30 that the COVID-19 national emergency (set to expire March 1) and public health emergency (set to expire April 11) will both be extended to the end on May 11, 2023. Read the Statement of Administrative Policy here.

Citywide Updates

Update on High Utility Bills & Help Available

Natural gas prices remain above historic levels, however, the price of wholesale gas for February has fallen significantly from $4/therm to $1.26/therm. This will reduce most bills in March, when median customer bills are expected to reduce by 50%. Some customers may continue to see high utility bills in February depending on billing cycles. For background and for ways the City can help, go here.

Recognize Black History Month in Palo Alto

February is Black History Month, and is an opportunity to reflect on the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. As part of the City Council’s 2023 priority on Community Health and Safety, the City continues its focus on fostering inclusiveness, equity, and a sense of belonging. A new Palo Alto Connect article shares several ways community members can recognize Black History Month this February through local events and resources such as a teen movie night screening of Black Panther, special artwork in the Under Water Palo Alto Art Center exhibit, and King Artist Residency Project Celebration.

2023 City Council Priorities Selected – Further Discussion Set for February 6

At their annual Council Retreat this past Saturday, the City Council selected their 2023 Council Priorities, including Economic Recovery & Transition; Climate Change & Natural Environment — Protection & Adaptation; Housing for Social & Economic Balance; and Community Health & Safety. The City Council will continue their discussion on February 6, with a focus on specific objectives to achieve these priorities. These meetings are open to the public, and community members interested in sharing input can do so via email, in-person, and virtually. Participate or attend in person at City Hall. Watch the meeting on YouTube, cable Channels 26 or 29, or MidPen Media Center’s website. Learn more about participating in hybrid meetings here. Learn more about Council priorities here and gain the Council meeting materials (when available later today) by going here.

New Library Hours Begin this Month

The Palo Alto City Library will be expanding their hours again soon, adding another day at Children’s, College Terrace, and Downtown libraries! Starting Wednesday, February 22, Downtown and College Terrace will add Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to its open days. Other days that College Terrace and Downtown are open include Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Starting Thursday, February 23, Children’s Library will add Thursday hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to its open days. Other days that Children’s Library is open include Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. Find existing Palo Alto City Library hours and more?here.

Weekly City Manager Updates: January 30, 2023

As the first month of 2023 comes to a close, City Manager Ed Shikada continues sharing brief comments at each Council meeting. His comments are summarized through our Palo Alto Connect article series to catch up on City issues and gain the latest news. Updates from January 30 included mental health support services, board and commissions recruitment details and upcoming notable Council items including gas powered leaf blower enforcement, parklets updates, economic development strategy, new shuttle service, and more. Read the latest news here.

Be Well

Conscious Cooking Class: Stanford Conscious Living is hosting a hands-on cooking experience with chef and culinary expert Manjari on Saturday, February 4, 6 p.m. at Havana, Graduate Community Center (GCC). Learn how to make Flatbread stuffed with Fenugreek leaves. All the attendees will also get an opportunity to make their own Flatbread with Fenugreek leaves. RSVP here.

Block Preparedness Certification Course: Join us for an introduction to the Block Preparedness Coordinator (BPC) Program on February 18 at the Downtown Library Meeting Room from 1 – 4 p.m. Participants will learn roles and responsibilities of the block preparedness coordinator during normal and emergency conditions, learn how to use a walky-talky radio with emphasis on reporting local conditions, and better understand the importance of neighbors helping neighbors. Sign up for the course here.

American Heart Month: The American Heart Association sponsors American Heart Month in February to raise awareness about heart health. It’s also a great time to explore the Healthy People 2030 objectives related to heart disease and stroke aimed at improving cardiovascular health and reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke. Explore the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s MyHealthfinder site for resources on heart health to help build heart-healthy habits.

Family Resources

2023 Enjoy! Summer Camp Registration: Palo Alto resident registration for 2023 Enjoy! Summer Camps begins at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9. Non-resident registration opens at 8:30 a.m. on February 16. View the catalog of camps and other programs today.

Updated Bus Schedule: The Valley Transit Authority is expanding bus service across the region. Check out updates to the schedules here.

Wonderful Wetlands: Join the Open Space Authority this Friday, February 3 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. for an online program about wetlands. The program will discuss why wetlands are important and how you can help protect these fragile ecosystems.

What can you do in your garden in February? Get a jump start for Spring! The Santa Clara County Master Gardeners have a list of outdoor to-dos that will have your soil and plants ready for spring.

Add Native Plants to Your Yard: If you are looking for advice on adding native plants to your yard, take a look at the plans and plants that will help save water from Bloom California.

Careers & Calendar

Join the Conversation & Connect

2023 Council Priorities Discussion

February 6 @ 6 p.m.

Special EVent: The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing an EV in 2023

February 9 @ 7 p.m.

Block Preparedness Coordinator Certification

February 18 @ 1 p.m

King Artist Residency: Project Celebration

February 24 @ 4 p.m.

"Under Water" Virtual Artist Talks

February 24 @ 5 p.m.