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

-Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop

-Share Your Input on Housing Issues

-Veteran's Week Ceremony 

-Fire Prevention Week: Fire Won't Wait, So Plan Your Escape

Coronavirus Report

As of October 11, the CDC reported a 7-day moving average of 39,893 new cases. On October 13, California reported a 7-day daily average of 3,003 cases. On October 12, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 194 new cases.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Expands Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

On Wednesday, October 12, CDC Director Walensky signed a decision to expand the use of the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines to youth 5 – 11 years old. The FDA authorized the updated vaccines from Pfizer for kids 5 – 11 years old, and Moderna for those 6 – 17 years old. The updated bivalent vaccines are designed to help restore protection that has decreased since the previous vaccination to target recent Omicron variants. Read the media statement here.

Find Out When to Get a COVID-19 Booster with the CDC’s Booster Tool

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination will help you from getting seriously ill or dying, and they are recommended for most people. Use a tool from the CDC to help you determine when or if you or your family can get one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about the boosters and use their tool to help make a decision here. Talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling your vaccination appointment or visit sccfreevax.org

Community Recovery and City Updates

Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop

Interested in learning more about climate-friendly choices you can make in your home that have a global impact on climate change? Upgrading your home’s appliances to electric not only helps globally but also creates a healthier environment within your house for you and your family. Switching away from gas-based appliances has a positive impact on home air quality and reduces gas emissions, supporting community health and community climate impacts. Start making the switch from gas to electric at this Saturday’s open-house style workshop at Mitchell Park Community Center. Stop by any time on October 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register and learn more here. If you can’t attend Saturday and are ready to switch from gas to electric, learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/goelectric.

Share Your Input on Housing Issues

The City released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed housing project at the former Fry’s property (200 Portage/340 Portage) in mid-September. The public comment period was extended to 60 days, ending November 15, 2022. As a reminder, the DEIR evaluates the proposed development agreement presented in broad terms to the Council on August 1 as an Alternative in the EIR. The DEIR also considers an alternative that aligns with Council’s preferred North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan alternative as it relates to this parcel. Read a recent community update about the former Fry’s property here. In addition, the City’s Housing Element is currently being updated for 2023-2031. Staff is seeking community input on the Draft Environmental Impact Report and the draft Housing Element. Attend a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. to share input on potential environmental impacts. Feedback will inform the development of the DEIR. In addition, the draft Housing Element is expected to be released around November 7 for a 30-day public comment period. A joint Council/Planning & Transportation Commission study session is tentatively scheduled on November 28. For more information about the Housing Element update including community meetings, go here. 

Veteran’s Week Ceremony

Save the date for this year’s Veteran’s Week Ceremony on November 7, 3 – 4 p.m. with a reception to follow. In collaboration with Stanford University and Palo Alto American Legion Post 475, the City is hosting this year’s event at MacArthur Park Restaurant located at 27 University Ave. The Palo Alto Mayor will provide opening remarks and Admiral James Ellis of the Hoover Institute will be the guest speaker.

Fire Prevention Week: Fire Won’t Wait, So Plan Your Escape

According to the American Red Cross, house fires increase between the fall and winter months with peaks in December and January, and the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that about 890 people die in winter house fires each year. To help the community prepare for the busiest season for house fires, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) sponsors Fire Prevention Week, which takes place this week through October 15. This year marks the 100^th anniversary for Fire Prevention Week, which aims to educate the public on fire safety in the home. This year’s theme is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™.” Read the community update for fire safety tips and tools to protect your family. 

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