City Manager Weekly Community Updates: October 24, 2022

Learn about COVID-19 news, Palo Alto Elections, Halloween events and notable Council items coming up fast

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada shares community updates to inform the community on upcoming events, services and program changes and enhancements, and council discussions planned. This week’s updates from the October 24 Council meeting include recent COVID-19 news, Palo Alto election details, Halloween events for the whole family, new online water usage tools, and notable tentative council discussions on economic development, the City’s Housing Element, and a check-in with the City’s Independent Police Auditor. Read the community update or watch the YouTube recording to catch up on the latest community news.

Watch Ed share this week’s updates and news from the October 24, 2022 Council meeting.

Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — October 24, 2022

COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE

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

As noted last week, Governor Newsom announced plans to end the COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023. Read the Governor’s update here.

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

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. Those who are having difficulty finding a vaccination appointment with your primary healthcare provider or who don’t have one can visit www.sccfreevax.org to schedule an appointment.

Continue to get tested with free opportunities throughout Palo Alto, find a location at www.cityofpaloalto.org/testing.

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

ELECTIONS RESOURCES AVAILABLE ONLINE

October 24 was the deadline to register to vote for the upcoming election on November 8. Don’t worry if you missed the deadline, you can also register to vote on Election Day at an official Vote Center.

Return completed ballots by mail at any time, as long as it is postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 8, 2022, and received within the following seven (7) days. Secure Ballot Drop Boxes are located throughout Palo Alto, including here at City Hall and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week starting October 10 until polls close at 8:00 p.m. Election Day.

All Palo Alto Ballot Drop Box locations can be viewed online and find more Election resources, including City Council candidate information and details on Palo Alto Measures K and L, at www.cityofpaloalto.org/elections.

PALO ALTO HALLOWEEN EVENTS COMING UP

LIBRARY BABY BOOGIE: 80S HALLOWEEN PARTY

Children and their families are invited to get movin’ and groovin’ to 80’s hits in your Halloween costume. Join the Palo Alto Library on Thursday, October 27 at 6 p.m. in the El Palo Alto Room of Mitchell Park.

ANNUAL JACK-O-JAUNT

Come jaunt through our display of jack-o-lanterns at Lytton Plaza on the evening of Friday, October 28 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Vote for the jack-o-lantern that you think is the scariest, cutest, and most creative.

FRUNK-OR-TREAT

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.

For these events and more, visit www.UpliftLocal.org/events.

NEW WATERSMART ONLINE TOOLS

The City’s Utilities Department recently launched WaterSmart, an online tool to help you conserve water and save money by understanding your water usage. WaterSmart provides access to water use charts, personalized recommendations for water efficiency, information on available rebates, and more.

The City’s electric vehicle and solar online calculator tools were also upgraded and accessible on MyCPAU.

Visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/WaterSmart to learn more and access the tool.

NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS

November 7

Economic Development Study Session

November 14*

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

Note: No Council meeting on November 21 due to Thanksgiving.

November 28

Joint City Council and Planning and Transportation Committee Housing Element Discussion

December 5 and beyond

Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Three-Year Work Plan
Fiber to the Premises

*The North Ventura Area Consolidated Plan was continued to the November 14 meeting, with the staff recommendation to postpone the Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Item, possibly to after the first of the year.

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