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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
• Weather Advisory & Winter Storm Preparedness  
• Share Feedback on Housing Priorities 
• City Manager Weekly Community Update: November 28, 2022 
• Provide Input on the City's Car Free Streets Configurations & Other Visioning

The reporting frequency for national and statewide data is shifting as the need for daily data is decreasing. For national and statewide COVID-19 data, visit the CDC’s data dashboard and the California data dashboard. Santa Clara County continues to update cases more frequently: on November 30, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 335 new cases. 

Free COVID-19 tests from CA Schools 

California schools are providing free COVID-19 tests for students this winter. Families are encouraged to request a 12-week supply now to avoid potential delays related to the holiday season. Contact your school for more information or learn about the steps California schools are taking to support student health here.  

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Updates COVID-19 Guidelines 

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) updated their COVID-19 sickness and caretaker guidelines on November 28. CDC recommends that if you are sick, stay home and separate from others, improve air flow at home, monitor symptoms, wear a mask, practice good hygiene, and follow the instructions from your healthcare provider. If you are caring for someone who is sick, take preventative actions, wear a mask, and be aware of COVID-19 exposure precautions offered by CDC. Learn more here.  

CDC Flu & COVID-19 Weekly Tracker 

To stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 trends this winter, the CDC offers weekly reports on both. Check out the flu tracker here and a map of the United States flu trends here. California’s flu activity is very high for the week ending November 19, 2022. For the latest COVID-19 tracker, go here. In support of community health and safety, the CDC recommends getting both the COVID-19 vaccination or bivalent booster and flu vaccine this season to fight both COVID-19 and the flu.  

Weekend Weather Advisory & Winter Storm Preparedness 

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts cold temperatures throughout the Bay Area this week with some areas under freeze and frost warnings. Lows are expected to be in the mid to high 30’s in Palo Alto. The NWS also forecasts 1-2" of rainfall beginning Thursday with potential rainfall throughout the weekend with windy conditions. Report any tree failures or flooding streets by calling the Palo Alto Police non-emergency 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413. Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead and being informed. Learn more about Winter Storm preparedness here. Find warming centers, overnight warming locations, and cold weather safety resources here.

Share Feedback on Housing Priorities

Providing housing for all income levels is a focus for all Bay Area cities, including Palo Alto. Palo Alto has long been a leader in the production of affordable housing and currently has the second-highest inventory of affordable housing in Santa Clara County (as a percentage of total housing stock). The draft Housing Element is the City's strategy for promoting safe, decent, and affordable housing. Read a new addition to this community update for details on recent community and City Council meetings, what's included in the draft Housing Element, how this will guide future housing, and upcoming ways to share feedback. 

City Manager Weekly Community Update: November 28, 2022 

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada shares community updates to inform the community on upcoming events, services and program changes and enhancements, and City Council discussions planned. This week’s updates from the November 28 Council meeting include holiday celebrations such as the Annual Tree Lighting at Lytton Plaza and the Holiday Studio Sale, resources to shop and eat local this holiday season, Stanford Community Plan Review details, and more. Notable tentative council discussions include a Stanford Community Plan Study Session next week, Fiber to the Premises Next Steps, and more. Read the update to catch up on the latest community news here.

Provide Input on the City’s Car Free Streets & Other Visioning

Share feedback on the future of the City’s pedestrian-friendly, car free streets on California Ave. and Ramona St. The City is seeking community input on California Avenue and Ramona Street street configurations and other visioning. Register for an in-person community workshop on December 7, and look out for more engagement opportunities in early 2023. Learn more here.

Holiday Event Crashers: Not only do people love holiday parties, viruses do too. With experts predicting a bad RSV and flu season, COVID-19 is also an uninvited guest to crash holiday plans. Keep yourself and everyone at your holiday event merry and healthy through the season: masking is a tool, stay home if you are sick. Utilize at-home tests, which are no longer in short supply. Read about the top 6 at-home Covid tests of 2022 and their pros and cons.  

Recipe of the Week: ‘Tis the season to mull, mull beverages that is, which is simply to flavor it by heating and adding spices. Mulled beverages typically include either slices or the zest of citrus fruits like oranges, are served hot, and are most popular during autumn and winter. They are sometimes called wassail, or wassail punch. However, typically wassail would be made with ale, wine, or beer. Modern, child-friendly versions are more likely to be made with either apple or cranberry juice, or a combination of juices. However you decide to mull this over, here’s a base recipe to mull your warm winter beverage of choice.  

Happy Howlidays: Local nonprofit WeHope is teaming up with Palo Alto Animal Control for a Holiday Pet Supply Drive. They are taking donations of unopened dog and cat food, treats, food for small animals, bedding and new or gently used toys. Donation sites are accepting drop-offs through December 14 and are located at: the Palo Alto Library branches, Palo Alto Police Department, VCA Palo Alto Animal Hospital, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Village Association and Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation. 

Holiday Decorating Contest: The City is hosting a holiday decorating contest for residents and businesses to celebrate the season! Decorating the exterior of your home, a front door/window, or your business in holiday-themed déco are all ways to join in the fun! Registration is required by December 14 and judging will take place between December 14 - 20. Learn more and sign up here.  

Learn about Local Wild Cats: Join Zara McDonald of the Felidae Conservation Fund in learning about wild cats (bobcats, mountain lions, and more) found in the Bay Area and other locations in California. The event takes place virtually on Saturday, December 3 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and is free to attend with registration. Learn more here.  

Save Energy this Winter: As we head into colder weeks ahead, prepare your home to conserve energy and prevent heat loss with these energy saving tips.  

Winter Birding Resources: Expand your path and look for winter birds migrating through our area! Santa Clara Valley Audobon Society has provided a list of trails and photos of birds you can look for this winter.

Did you know that an emergency ambulance ride can cost between $250-700, even with medical insurance? 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. Sign up today at www.cityofpaloalto.org/FireMed