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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
Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop
Share Your Input on Housing Issues
Veteran's Week Ceremony
Fire Prevention Week: Fire Won't Wait, So Plan Your Escape

Coronavirus Report

As of October 11, the CDC reported a 7-day moving average of 39,893 new cases. On October 13, California reported a 7-day daily average of 3,003 cases. On October 12, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 194 new cases.

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

On Wednesday, October 12, CDC Director Walensky signed a decision to expand 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. The updated bivalent vaccines are designed to help restore protection that has decreased since the previous vaccination to target recent Omicron variants. Read the media statement here.

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. Learn more about the boosters and use their tool to help make a decision here. Talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling your vaccination appointment or visit sccfreevax.org.

Community Recovery and City Updates

Making Better Choices in Your Home Workshop

Interested in learning more about climate-friendly choices you can make in your home that have a global impact on climate change? Upgrading your home’s appliances to electric not only helps globally but also creates a healthier environment within your house for you and your family. Switching away from gas-based appliances has a positive impact on home air quality and reduces gas emissions, supporting community health and community climate impacts. Start making the switch from gas to electric at this Saturday’s open-house style workshop at Mitchell Park Community Center. Stop by any time on October 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register and learn more here. If you can’t attend Saturday and are ready to switch from gas to electric, learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/goelectric.

Share Your Input on Housing Issues

The City released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed housing project at the former Fry’s property (200 Portage/340 Portage) in mid-September. The public comment period was extended to 60 days, ending November 15, 2022. As a reminder, the DEIR evaluates the proposed development agreement presented in broad terms to the Council on August 1 as an Alternative in the EIR. The DEIR also considers an alternative that aligns with Council’s preferred North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan alternative as it relates to this parcel. Read a recent community update about the former Fry’s property here. In addition, the City’s Housing Element is currently being updated for 2023-2031. Staff is seeking community input on the Draft Environmental Impact Report and the draft Housing Element. Attend a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. to share input on potential environmental impacts. Feedback will inform the development of the DEIR. In addition, the draft Housing Element is expected to be released around November 7 for a 30-day public comment period. A joint Council/Planning & Transportation Commission study session is tentatively scheduled on November 28. For more information about the Housing Element update including community meetings, go here.

Veteran’s Week Ceremony

Save the date for this year’s Veteran’s Week Ceremony on November 7, 3 – 4 p.m. with a reception to follow. In collaboration with Stanford University and Palo Alto American Legion Post 475, the City is hosting this year’s event at MacArthur Park Restaurant located at 27 University Ave. The Palo Alto Mayor will provide opening remarks and Admiral James Ellis of the Hoover Institute will be the guest speaker.

Fire Prevention Week: Fire Won’t Wait, So Plan Your Escape

According to the American Red Cross, house fires increase between the fall and winter months with peaks in December and January, and the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that about 890 people die in winter house fires each year. To help the community prepare for the busiest season for house fires, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) sponsors Fire Prevention Week, which takes place this week through October 15. This year marks the 100^th anniversary for Fire Prevention Week, which aims to educate the public on fire safety in the home. This year’s theme is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™.” Read the community update for fire safety tips and tools to protect your family.

Be Well

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Don’t know who to call or where to start? The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the state’s recognized coalition of organizations, can help find a local domestic violence organization in your community. Check out their mapped directory here. They also host trainings, events, and webinars on a myriad of related topics; access their calendar here.

Flu By The Numbers: If you like infographics, here’s an interesting article on the 2022-2023 flu season activity in the US. California seems to have minimal levels of activity thus far, but don’t let that deter you from getting a flu shot this year. While the flu and COVID-19 are different illnesses, they can have similar symptoms, and it's also possible for someone to have both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. CDC says getting the flu and the new COVID-19 booster together are safe.

Recipe of the Week: Haven’t gone out to get groceries recently? Here’s a nourishing lentil soup recipe that can be made with mostly pantry-ready ingredients and leftover greens that might be wilting away in the fridge. Lentils can help maintain a daily dose of fiber and add potassium, folate, and iron to the meal.

Family Resources

Election Update: Ballots for the November 8 election have been mailed and voting locations are open in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. You can register to vote by October 24 or on Election Day, November 8, at an official Vote Center. For Palo Alto elections information including voting resources such as drop-off locations and vote centers, council candidate information, and local ballot Measures K and L materials, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/elections.

The Great Shake-Out: Mark your calendar for 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 20 for the Great Shake-Out. For detailed information on preparing your household for earthquakes and all the ways to receive safety notifications, go here.

Writers Helping Writers: The Story Within You with Author Tim Flood: In partnership with the California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch for California Writers Week author Tim Flood (Islands Apart: Chronicles of Family Healing) will talk about his journey so far, what he didn't know, the elements of craft, and how he began to learn what works for him. His story will help you imagine what lies ahead for the writer in you. Join us in the Embarcadero Room at the Rinconada branch on Thursday, October 20 from 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. The program is free, registration is not needed.

Ride out the Drought: The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is teaming up with Valley Water to showcase our county water systems. Learn about the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center and our local waterways while enjoying a bike ride. Participate in self-guided rides throughout the month. See their website for registration and complete details.

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.