What's new

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
- Excessive Heat Warning & Hot Weather Safety Tips
- September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
- New Sister City & Sibling City Sign Unveiled to Celebrate Community Connections
- Library to Host Re:Maker Fair Next Weekend

Coronavirus Report

As of August 31, the CDC reported a 7-day moving average of 85,761 new cases. As of August 30, California reported a 7-day daily average of 8,314 cases. Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 384 new.

Free Government COVID-19 Tests Suspended as of September 2

The federal government is suspending their free COVID-19 tests on September 2, 2022, although there are still free and inexpensive ways to get tests for your family. Keep in mind that at-home tests available at the store are now free or reimbursable for most people, including those with private insurance, Medi-Cal, and Medicare. Other testing options continue to be available in Palo Alto each week, go here to learn more.

FDA Approves New Omicron-specific COVID Boosters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new COVID-19 booster designed to give broad protection against COVID-19, including better protection against the Omicron variant. These bivalent formulations of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for use as a single booster dose at least two months after completing primary or booster vaccination. Find information about the new booster or check your eligibility here.

FDA Recommends Repeat COVID-19 Testing After Negative At-Home Tests*

Regardless of symptoms, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration now advises that community members should repeat a COVID-19 test to prevent false negatives and unknowingly spreading the virus. The new advice stems from the at-home antigen test kits being less likely to detect the coronavirus than molecular tests. Other testing options are available throughout Palo Alto each week, go here to learn more.

*Updated and reissued from previous Coronavirus Report 

Community Recovery and City Updates

Stay Safe and Cool During Excessive Heat

The National Weather Service is predicting dangerously high heat this week and into next. Hot weather increases the risk of heat-related health complications such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, hyperthermia, and heat cramps. Those with limited access to cooling, the homeless, the elderly, and children are all at the highest risk. Practice hot weather safety by staying hydrated, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding sun exposure. Lucie Stern Community Center will serve as a cooling center in the Community Room this Sunday, September 4 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Palo Alto Libraries serve as cooling centers during regular business hours and additional Santa Clara County Facilities will also be available. Find a full list of local cooling centers and hot weather safety tips here.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to make sure you’re prepared for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Month is a time to plan, prepare and take action to ensure you and your loved ones are thinking about ways to stay safe in advance of a disaster occurring. In the new blog, learn about tools and resources available to jump-start disaster preparedness now. Three important steps to take now are: 1) sign up for local alerts, 2) build an emergency kit, and 3) make a communications plan. Read the blog to gain some tips and resources to quickly get prepared this month.

City of Palo Alto & Neighbors Abroad Unveil New Sister & Sibling Cities Sign on King Plaza Celebrating Community Connections

To coincide with the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce’s Festival of the Arts, Neighbors Abroad hosted their International Festival last Saturday in front of City Hall on King Plaza. The event, in partnership with the City of Palo Alto, celebrated the City’s international Sister Cities and new domestic Sibling City. The event also ended with the unveiling of the City’s new Sister/Sibling City sign. The updated sign now includes Yangpu, China, and our first-ever Sibling City Bloomington, Indiana. In an effort to keep the celebration going, the colorful streamers floating above the new signage will continue to dance in King Plaza through the long holiday weekend. If you miss the colorful ribbon display this weekend, check out this video for a digital experience.

Library to Host Re:Maker Fair Next Weekend

Please join the Palo Alto Library on Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for re: Maker Fair, at the Mitchell Park Community Center. This all-ages event will feature an afternoon of interactive activities and presentations on sustainable technology and home living. The library is partnering with local agencies, organizations and businesses to share resources and ideas to help us all do our part in preserving our planet. Visitors can enjoy a Zero Waste chef cooking demonstration, family storytime, crafts for kids, community tables, and more. Additional information is available here.

Be Well

Connect with your Furry Friends

Spending time with animals has many health benefits, including increasing your immune function and lowering your heart rate. Practice wellness by spending extra time with your pets this weekend, and consider signing up for Pets of Palo Alto- A family portrait project. Photos will be printed and displayed in various outdoor locations throughout Palo Alto. This weekend is the last chance to participate. Learn more here.

Focus on Wellness while Learning a New Skill

Exercise mind and body by joining a fitness class offered by City of Palo Alto Parks & Recreation. Classes are available in a variety of subjects including line dance, modern dance, tennis, and more. Learn more about fitness opportunities for all ages here.

Recipe of the Week

We can’t imagine a more beautiful thing: It’s corn! We can’t imagine a more beautiful thing: It’s corn! pairs well with BBQ and is perfect for the end of summer.

Family Resources

Magical Bridge Playground is Closed for Renovation

Beginning today, September 1 through October 14, the Magical Bridge Playground is closed to the public for a renovation project. The project addresses maintenance and safety renovations and upgrades to the playground. Renovations include rubberized surfacing and synthetic turf replacement, cleaning and re-staining the playhouse, playhouse railing replacement, replacement of the net on the net spinner, addition of a shade structure over the spin zone, and miscellaneous painting and planting improvements. Learn more about Magical Bridge Playground here, and find another Palo Alto playground in the meantime here, including the new Rinconada Park, which features a new playground with a three-story slide, additional bench seating, and an ADA universally accessible design.

Celebrate the San Francisco Bay with these fun Challenges

Save The Bay invites you to join the Bay Day Challenge and celebrate Bay Day this September. Presented in partnership with San Francisco Bay Trail, this region-wide event features a 30 Mile Trail Challenge and an activity challenge the whole family can enjoy – any time anywhere. Register for family-friendly activities, win prizes, and celebrate the Bay with this fun event. Learn more and register here.  

September is Coastal Cleanup Month

Trash from inland areas flows downstream to the coast, so cleaning up neighborhood trash prevents marine debris. Clean your neighborhood, parks, and local area anytime during the month of September or Celebrate Annual Coastal Clean Up Day on Saturday, September 17! Find information on how to organize a group clean up and learn more about how to track collected trash here.

Join a Public Art Mural Tour

Join the Public Art Program to view a new series of four site-specific murals by California-based artists, commissioned for the construction safety barriers at 250 Sherman Ave. Tours start at the California Avenue fountain near the Caltrain Station at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 8. No sign-ups are needed, and all are welcome to join! Find more information 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

View all upcoming community events on the City Calendar.

Read the latest Weekly City Manager Blog series.  

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