What's new

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

- Coronavirus Report
- Comment Period Extended on the Former Fry’s Site Proposal at 340 Portage
- Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop: Resources To Switch From Gas to Electric
- Family-Friendly, Fun & Festive Events for Everyone
- Weekly City Manager Blog: October 17, 2022

Coronavirus Report

As of October 18, the CDC reported a 7-day moving average of 37,052 new cases, and California reported a 7-day daily average of 2,580 cases. Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 168 new cases on May 11.

California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency Set to End in February

Governor Newsom announced plans to end the COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023. According to the announcement, the timeline provides the health care system needed flexibility and sufficient time to handle any potential surge after the holiday season and gives state and local agencies time to prepare for the phaseout to set up for success afterward. Read the Governor’s announcement here.  

Prepare Yourself & Family for a Potential Winter COVID-19 Wave

As we begin to gather this winter for holiday celebrations and vacations, it’s important to focus on staying healthy for you, your family and for community health. Federal public health officials shared that the single-most important thing to do to prepare is getting vaccinated and receiving the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster. The CDC recently expanded the updated booster eligibility for kids 5 – 11 years old. Now is the time to schedule your appointment. Santa Clara County has begun accepting booster appointments for children 5 – 11 years at its mass vaccination locations and local clinics. Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara, recommends that everyone who is eligible for the bivalent booster get it as soon as possible since it’s the most important layer of protection against COVID-19. Other tips include staying home if you have symptoms, testing for COVID-19, and wearing a mask indoors in public settings. All these safety reminders are to limit COVID-19 exposures and are with community health in mind. Learn more here; those who are having difficulty finding an appointment with your primary healthcare provider or who don’t have one can visit www.sccfreevax.org to schedule an appointment. 

CDC Travel Tips & Gathering Guidance 

Traveling to be with family across the country is important to many during the upcoming winter holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that prior to traveling, consider getting tested to ensure you’re keeping those you are visiting safe and healthy. In addition, check your destination’s COVID-19 Community Level as there may be specific restrictions in place. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at all times such as airports, trains, and buses. Once you arrive at your destination, it is recommended to monitor yourself for symptoms, follow additional guidance if you know you were exposed to a person with COVID-19, and follow all state, tribal, local, and territorial recommendations or requirements. According to the CDC, improving ventilation and filtration can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in indoor air. You are less likely to be infected with COVID-19 during outdoor activities because the virus particles do not build up as much as they do indoors. Consider spending time outside, when possible, instead of inside. Learn more about these resources and tips here. 

Community Recovery and City Updates

Comment Period Extended on the Former Fry’s Site Proposal at 340 Portage

The Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) held a study session last week that will be continued on October 26 at 6 p.m. The former Fry’s site at 340 Portage is a proposed project by Sobrato Organization and includes a Development Agreement, Planned Community Zoning, Tentative Map, and Major Architectural Review to allow redevelopment of the almost 15-acre site. The study session is an opportunity for further discussion, input on this request, and public comment on the draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The public comment period for the DEIR was extended to 60-days, ending on November 15 at 5 p.m. Join the PTC study session in person at City Hall or virtually. Learn more in a recent community update, find the October 12 staff report, learn how to access the October 26 PTC meeting, and gain insight on how to share input and other details on the project webpage.  

Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop: Resources To Switch From Gas to Electric

Thank you to all who attended the recent Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop this past Saturday. Share what you learned with your neighbors on the Sustainability Hub! Missed the workshop and interested in finding out more? Learn about rebates, project assistance, and why electrifying your home and lifestyle can have a positive impact on your health, your wallet, and the community at?www.cityofpaloalto.org/GoElectric. New program details were debuted at the workshop for residents looking to upgrade your water heater and make a lasting positive impact on the environment. Go here to learn more and sign-up ahead of the program launch later this year.  

Family-Friendly, Fun & Festive Events for Everyone

As a long-time sponsor of the United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF), the City is thrilled to share the return of the film festival starting this week, October 20. The week kicks off with an Opening Night Reception on October 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center. Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins! The annual Jack-O-Jaunt Halloween jack-o-lantern event is back again next Friday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. Come cast your vote for the scariest, cutest, and most creative pumpkin while enjoying being out with the community. Bring your kids and costumes to the first-ever Electric Vehicle Frunk-or-Treat on Sunday, October 30 at the Cal Ave Farmer’s Market. Get treats from the “frunk” (front trunk) of each vehicle and complete the electric vehicle scavenger hunt to receive a special gift. The Holiday Toy Drive also kicks off November 14. Donate new and unwrapped toys, books, gift cards, and other gifts for local youth in need through December 14 at Lucie Stern or Mitchell Park Community Centers. Find more fall events here. Happy fall Palo Alto! 

Weekly City Manager Blog Series: October 17, 2022

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada provides “City Manager Comments” sharing recent City news, and updates for the community to stay informed on important issues. There's a booster tool from the CDC that helps you decide if and when you and your family should receive a COVID-19 booster shot. Learn all about and participate in the Great Shake Out this Thursday. Celebrate the return of the United Nations Association Film Festival and honor all those who have served at the Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony. Read about these updates and more here. 

Be Well

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Bay Area Legal Aid’s attorneys and advocates empower survivors with information and legal options to stop abuse and build safe, stable lives for themselves and their children. They offer free legal assistance in obtaining restraining orders, divorces, support orders, safe custody, visitation orders and more. Learn about these services and upcoming legal clinics here.

Fall Camping: It's the perfect time to get outdoors as weather cools and fall foliage lights up the landscape. Get your camping reservations in now and take the family to breathe in the fresh air before the holiday planning begins. You can find campsites?right here in Palo Alto, and explore campsites throughout California?here. 

Recipe of the Week: If you are going camping this fall, here are 24 new ways to make a camp favorite, the s’more. Courtesy of TasteofHome, some of these s’more creations are best when made ahead of the trip. 

Family Resources

Mapping Palo Alto Together: Artist Perry Meigs is unveiling the collaborative result of the Mapping Palo Alto Together workshops at the opening celebration this Saturday, October 22 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Rinconada Library. Come see how each participant's drawing, including original notes and color keys, has been scanned and overlapped onto one map that reflects the community in this mural. Learn more about the opening and this Artlift project. 

Family Day at the Palo Alto Art Center: Family Day is back and inspired by our exhibition “Fire Transforms.” This family-oriented event will feature a real fire truck on display, hands-on, fire-themed artmaking projects, community organization booths, and closing off the event, a fire-themed story time! Stop by the Art Center Auditorium Sunday, October 23 between 2 – 4:30 p.m. Find the schedule of events here. 

Safe Pumpkin Carving Tips: Jack-O-Lanterns are one of the season’s most fun and festive family crafts. As we know, carving knives and children do not mix. Keep pumpkin carving safe and fun by following some easy safety tips. 

Election Update:Register to vote by October 24 or on Election Day, November 8, at an official Vote Center. For Palo Alto elections information including voting resources such as drop off locations and vote centers, council candidate information, and local ballot Measures K and L materials, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/elections. 

Navajo Weaving Demo and Presentation: Join the Foster Museum on Saturday, October 22 for a demonstration and presentation by master Navajo weaver Barbara Teller Ornelas. The weaving demonstration will take place between 1 and 3 p.m. followed by a presentation that will begin at 4 p.m. Attend for free by registering here. 

Fire Prevention Resources: Last week was Fire Prevention Week and it’s always a great time to brush up on your fire safety knowledge. Fire won't wait and planning ahead of time can save lives. The Palo Alto Fire Department recommends important safety steps: test your smoke alarms on a monthly basis, develop a home fire escape plan, and practice your plan with other household members. It's also a good idea to practice your fire escape plan at work, school, and other locations where you frequently spend time. Learn more about Fire Prevention Week and find fun family-friendly fire safety activities?here. 

Sign Up for Palo Alto FireMed

Did you know that an emergency ambulance ride can cost between $250-700, even with medical insurance? Save money and get peace of mind during an emergency that you are doing all you can to protect your family, visitors to your home, or employees. 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. The membership fee is easily added to your monthly City of Palo Alto Utilities bill. Sign up today at?www.cityofpaloalto.org/FireMed. 

Stay Informed

Calendar: View all upcoming community events on the?City Calendar. 

Community Updates: Read the latest Weekly City Manager Blog series. 

Engage: Find ways to engage and be civically involved at www.cityofpaloalto.org/engage.  

Online COVID-19 Resources: 

California's Website for COVID-19 - covid19.ca.gov

California Department of Public Health

Santa Clara County Public Health Department

Find a free vaccine clinic near you

Find free COVID-19 testing near you

Resources for those in need of help and support: 

Palo Alto FireMed Ambulance Subscription Program

Looking for a job? The City is hiring!

Employees working for businesses that are struggling or closed

People who are stressed, anxious, or seeking mental support