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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
Share Input on Upcoming Housing Items
Celebrate Fall & Make New Community Connections This Season
September Send-Off: Recognitions & Resource
Weekly City Manager Blog Series: September 27, 2022

Coronavirus Report

As of September 27, the CDC reported a 7-day moving average of 50,397 new cases. On September 29, California reported a 7-day daily average of 3,553 cases. On September 28, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 203 new cases.

Understand Your COVID-19 Exposure Risks

Knowing how COVID-19 spreads and factors that can increase or decrease that risk helps the community make better, more informed choices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a list of common factors that increase risk of transmission such as how long you were with an infected person, and factors that decrease the risk of transmission such as outdoor activities. Follow the steps for what to do if you are exposed provided by the CDC. Go here to better understand exposure risks.

CDC Tips for Caring for People with Post-COVID Conditions 

The CDC provides resources and tips for people who are having post-COVID conditions or supporting someone who has conditions. It can be difficult to care for yourself or loved ones, and there are different strategies that can be helpful by relieving some additional burdens. From tips for children and teens to help with understanding your experience and ways to cope with stress, check out the resources here. 

Community Recovery and City Updates

Share Input on Upcoming Housing Items

As part of the 2023-2031 Housing Element update, staff released a Notice of Preparation for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). A virtual community meeting on October 13 at 6 p.m. will give the community an opportunity to share input on potential environmental impacts. Community input will help inform the development of the DEIR, which is expected to be released by March 2023. In addition, the draft Housing Element is expected to be released around November 7 for a 30-day public comment period, with a joint City Council/Planning and Transportation Commission review tentatively scheduled for November 28. Separately, the City released the DEIR for the proposed housing project at the former Fry’s property (200 Portage/340 Portage). The DEIR evaluates the proposed development agreement presented in broad terms to the City Council on August 1 as an Alternative in the EIR. The DEIR also considers an alternative that aligns with the City Council’s preferred NVCAP alternative as it relates to this parcel. The DEIR is being circulated for 45 days for public comment ending October 31, 2022. A study session with the Planning and Transportation Commission is set for October 12 to allow for PTC comments and public input. The DEIR is available online. For a recent community update on the Former Fry’s site, go here. Sign up to receive future housing updates here.

Celebrate Fall & Make New Community Connections This Season

The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere… it’s officially autumn! If you’re looking for seasonal events supporting local arts, fall décor shopping opportunities, family-friendly crafts, or Halloween festivities to join, you won’t want to miss this community update. We’ve rounded up the seasonal activities happening this month and there’s something for everyone this fall. Celebrate the season with these opportunities for fun, friendship, and community connection. Read about these events and more here.

September Send-Off: Recognitions & Resources

This month the City recognized World Engineering Day, National Emergency Preparedness Month, National Suicide Prevention Month, and National Voter Registration Day. Here’s a roundup of resources in case you missed it. Celebrate World Engineering Day by learning more about current engineering projects in Palo Alto. Keep yourself and your family safe by practicing Emergency Preparedness this month. Three important steps to take now are: 1) sign up for local alerts, 2) build an emergency kit, and 3) make a communications plan. Honor National Voter Registration Day by entering, updating, or confirming your voter registration here and gain Palo Alto Municipal Elections information here. Recognize National Suicide Prevention Month by learning the warning signs of suicide. Local and national resources are available for those in mental health crisis.

Weekly City Manager Blog Series: September 27, 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. Learn more about California shifting its masking recommendations to be based on CDC Community Levels. According to the CDC, getting a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time is safe. Plus find ways to connect, engage, and take action on climate change and become civically involved by participating in the upcoming Palo Alto Community Survey. Read the community updates here.

Be Well

Fall Wellness Tips: Here are 17 fall wellness tips to help keep you healthy this season while indulging in pumpkin everything.

It’s National Coffee Day: While this internationally consumed beverage is beloved by millions, there is a national day to appreciate its place in our lives. If you don’t overconsume, it also can be appreciated for health benefits according to John Hopkins Medicine. Visit your favorite local coffee shop or visit the Cuppa Joe sculpture at Hoover Park through October.

Recipe of the Week: Why choose just one pumpkin recipe? Here are 41 healthy and delightful ways to prepare that beta-carotene packed squash into an autumnal treat, courtesy of Bakertia.

Family Resources

The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Palo Alto Art Center: Northern California’s celebrated and beloved Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns to Palo Alto for another spectacular year on October 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Benefiting the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI), the Palo Alto Art Center, the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, and participating glass artists, the free outdoor hosts the community at the grounds of the Palo Alto Art Center. The weekend exhibit features more than 10,000 unique and one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins, gourds, and autumnal keepsake all available for purchase. Glass demonstrations, food trucks, and more will be available for the entire family to enjoy! Find out more here.

STEMStart for Youth: The Library is hosting two programs for kids in grades 4-8 presented by the Lawrence Hall of Science at Rinconada Library. On Saturday, October 1 from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. join the library to learn about mechanical linkages and moving toys. Design and build moving toys using two dimensional mechanical linkages and test their performance. Register here. On Saturday, October 8 from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m., STEMStart will focus on hydraulics. Register here. Both programs are free to attend with registration.

Crafting Your College Essay: If writing a college application essay is in your future, get some free advice from The Princeton Review in this online program. The session on October 4 at 6 p.m. will focus on why these essays are important, what should go into your essay, and basic tips for how to write the best essay for your application. There will be time for Q&A at the end and is free to attend with registration.

San Francisco Fleet Week: Next week is Fleet Week in San Francisco, with the Blue Angels participating in an air show October 9 – 11. Any unusually loud sounds overhead in the Bay Area might be from their arrival and departure. Learn more about Fleet Week and see photos and videos from past years.

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 close

People who are stressed, anxious, or seeking mental support