City Manager Weekly Blog Series: October 17, 2022

Learn about 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.

You can also watch the City Manager share this week’s updates and news at the October 17, 2022 Council meeting.

Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — October 17, 2022

COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE

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

Last week, the CDC expanded 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.

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. Visit bit.ly/CDCBoosterTool. Talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling your vaccination appointment or visit sccfreevax.org.

Governor Newsom Announces Plan to Discontinue the COVID-19 State of Emergency

On October 17, Governor Newsom announced plans to discontinue California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023. This timeline provides the health care system needed flexibility and sufficient time to handle any potential surge through 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 update here.

For more coronavirus resources, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/coronavirus.

MAKING BETTER CHOICES IN YOUR HOME

Thank you to all who joined us for the Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop this past Saturday. 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 debuted at the workshop for residents looking to upgrade your water heater and make a lasting impact on the environment. Visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/UpgradeYourWaterHeater to learn more and sign up ahead of the program launch later this year.

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION FILM FESTIVAL

As a long-time sponsor of the acclaimed United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF), the City is thrilled to welcome the return of the film festival starting this week, October 20. Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, the festival runs through October 30 with the theme “Reflections,” continuing their focus to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Featuring 60 films, the week kicks off with an Opening Night Reception on October 20 beginning 5:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center.

Find more, the schedule and tickets here.

PARTICIPATE IN THE GREAT SHAKE-OUT

Mark your calendar for 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 20 for the Great Shake-Out. Millions of people around the world participate in a one-minute earthquake drill wherever you are to practice how to be safe during earthquakes. The City recently shared a community update on preparing your household for earthquakes including tips, tools, and online resources and all the ways to receive safety notifications.

The City Council will recognize the Great Shake-Out on October 24 at their Council meeting starting at 5 p.m.

Learn more here.

VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION CEREMONY

The City is partnering with Stanford University and the Palo Alto American Legion Post 375 to recognize the service and contributions of the Veterans of our U.S. Armed Forces. Members of the Palo Alto High School Chorus will provide a musical performance. A reception will follow the outdoor ceremony in the MacArthur Park Restaurant. Join us on Monday, November 7 at 3 p.m. to honor all who served.

Learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/VeteransDay.

NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS

October 24

• North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) Refined Preferred Alternative
• Permanent Parklet Standards and Policies

Reminder: No Council meeting on October 31, Happy Halloween!

November 7

• Economic Development Study Session

No Council meeting on November 21 for Thanksgiving

November 14

• Discussion with Independent Police Auditor
• Gas Powered Leaf Blowers and Potential Initiatives to Increase Enforcement

November 28

• Joint City Council and Planning and Transportation Committee Housing Element Discussion

December 5

• Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Three-Year Work Plan

Find City Council meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at cityofpaloalto.org/councilagendas.

BE INFORMED & STAY CONNECTED

Read the City Manager Comments Blog Series at: CityofPaloAlto.org/CityManagerBlogSeries

Gain Coronavirus Updates at: CityofPaloAlto.org/Coronavirus

Sign Up for Open Town Hall

City Calendar of Events and Meetings: CityofPaloAlto.org/Calendar

City of Palo Alto Website: CityofPaloAlto.org

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