City Manager Weekly Blog Series: August 30, 2021

Learn about recent City of Palo Alto updates and news.

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. This blog series summarizes these weekly updates.

If you’d prefer, watch the City Manager share this week’s updates and news at the August 30, 2021 Council meeting.

Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — August 30, 2021

Pandemic Response and Recovery

Pfizer Vaccine Now Called Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee) is Fully Approved by the FDA

In a press release from the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the first to receive their approval. Otherwise known as the Pfizer Vaccine, the FDA also announced that the vaccine will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee) and will continue to be used for the prevention of coronavirus disease and hospitalization in individuals 16 years of age and older. Comirnaty also continues to be available under emergency use authorization including for individuals 12–15 years old, and for a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

For those waiting for FDA approval before getting vaccinated, go to SCCfreevax.com for vaccine locations.

On August 26, in considering the many benefits to children, Public Health Officials all Bay Area counties reaffirmed their joint statement from June supporting full in-person school.

Please continue to protect children 11 years of age and younger by ensuring all eligible members of your household are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Free COVID Testing Continues

Visit Cityofpaloalto.org/testing

• Curative testing offered every Tuesday (Mitchell Park Library parking lot) & Wednesday (City Hall)
• County administered testing September 27 at Cubberley Pavilion.

County Emergency Rental Assistance

Late on rent? There is help! Qualifying tenants or landlords who rent is impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for emergency rent relief.

You can learn more about the programs and how to apply at an event on Thursday, September 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Family Justice Center Courthouse.

Appointments can also be made, or to contact the County for further information, email evictionhelp@sanjoseca.gov, call (408) 975–4444 or visit SCCRentHelp.org.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which includes National Suicide Prevention Week September 5–11, 2021 and World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, September 10. Project Safety Net (PSN) joins youth, communities, and organizations across the nation and world to raise suicide prevention awareness. We take the entire month to amplify resources and opportunities to get involved in youth suicide prevention and mental health promotion.

Project Safety Net (PSN), the City and other community partners are working to advance youth wellbeing, resiliency, and suicide prevention

Join us for an upcoming community forum:

• Kick-off meeting on September 2 from 4–5 p.m.
• Self-care for Supporters: September 22, 3:30–5 p.m.
• PSN Policy and Advocacy event on September 24, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Together Again Palo Alto — A Week-Long Series of Events to Connect as a Community

After over a year in lockdown, it’s time to celebrate our community’s resilience, strength — and finally being together again! The City and community partners are hosting Together Again, a series of 20+ celebrations taking place September 10–18, 2021 across Palo Alto. The events range from arts and culture and gardening classes to movies, concerts and sports and recreation activities. Hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for more information on free lawn signs that you can display to help show your support for Palo Alto togetherness, community resilience, strength, and joy.

For details, visit cityofpaloalto.org/togetheragain.

Housing Element Update

The next Housing Element Working Group meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 2 from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

The focus of these meetings continue to be on the Housing Element site selection task. This is a public meeting, and all community members are encouraged to participate.

For more information about the Housing Element project, visit paloaltohousingelement.com

Sustainability and Climate Action Plan

A monthly blog was recently published about the Sustainability/Climate Action Plan development, S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee meeting summary, and ways the community can act now to positively address climate change.

Learn more about the Ad Hoc workplan for the next several months, including ways to provide input and get involved.

Join the conversation at the next meeting on September 9. Advanced registration is required. Meetings will be held virtually on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m.

Notable Tentative Upcoming Council Items

September 13

• Study Session with the Independent Police Auditor
• Economic Development follow-up items including Cal Ave and University Avenue closures

September 20

• Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation
• North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan
• Safe Parking Appeal

September 27

• Project HomeKey Application
• Tree Ordinance Revisions

October 4

• Grade Separation: Churchill
• Commerical Linkage Fee Study

NOTE: City Council meetings will not take place in observance of Labor Day on September 6 and Columbus Day on October 11

Find City Council meeting agendas, minutes and videos, and sign up to receive the agendas to your inbox at cityofpaloalto.org/councilagendas.

STAY INFORMED

Read the City Manager Comments Blog Series at Medium.com/paloaltoconnect

Gain Coronavirus Updates at: CityofPaloAlto.org/Coronavirus

Sign Up for City Updates at: CityofPaloAlto.org/newslettersignup