City Manager Weekly Blog Series: December 6, 2021
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.
This week’s City Manager Comments were not shared verbally at the meeting. You can watch the December 6, 2021 Council meeting here.
Timestamped City Council Video: City Council Meeting — December 6, 2021
PANDEMIC RESPONSE AND RECOVERY
Omicron Variant
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is still learning about the new variant, including how it responds to vaccines. This is an evolving issue, and we are monitoring it in conjunction with Santa Clara County Public Health.
COVID-19 Vaccines are safe, effective, and free to everyone ages 5 and up. Get Vaccinated — Go to sccfreevax.org or reach out to your health provider
Pfizer, Moderna and J&J booster shot available — cdc.gov/covid19
The booster shot is recommended for adults who received a second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, and for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Free COVID-19 Testing Continues
Palo Alto Unified School District expanded testing efforts at Cubberley Pavilion, Monday — Friday from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. No advanced registration is required but it is recommended. Curative testing continues to be offered every Tuesday at the Mitchell Park Library parking lot and Wednesday at City Hall.
Schedule an appointment that works with your schedule today!
Wear a mask while in public and when in any indoor setting.
SHARE YOUR CITY PRIORITIES FOR 2022
Each year, the City Council reviews its priorities for the year at its annual Council Retreat and we are once again asking the community to share feedback on priorities for the City Council ahead of their retreat. A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive significant attention during the year. The City Council priorities for 2021 are: Economic Recovery; Housing for Social and Economic Balance; Social Justice; and Climate Change — Protection and Adaptation.
Input received through will be provided to the City Council in preparation for their retreat.
Please share input by Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at noon here. Learn more about the City Council Priorities at www.cityofpaloalto.org/CouncilPriorities.
UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS
Decorate the exterior of your home, a front door/window, or your business in holiday-themed décor! Sign up to participate in the holiday decorating contest by December 15.
Holiday Toy Drive: drop off unwrapped gifts to the Lucie Stern Community Center by December 15. More information about other drop-off centers can be found at www.cityofpaloalto.org/toydrive.
For these events and more, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/TogetherAgain.
S/CAP AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING
The next Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Ad Hoc Committee meeting is this Thursday, December 9 from 9–11:30 a.m. Staff and committee members will discuss mobility and the City’s mobility programs
Register to join and learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/sustainability.
GREENWASTE RECOVERY TO COLLECT GARBAGE
Starting January 1, 2022, Palo Alto’s garbage, material in the black landfill carts and bins, will be taken to GreenWaste Recovery where recyclables and compostables will be recovered.
This change will not affect garbage collection services in Palo Alto.
It will affect Palo Alto’s use of some of the amenities offered at the SMaRT Station such as public self-haul, recycling drop-off, free compost, and document shredding.
For more about this change, go here.
NOTABLE TENTATIVE UPCOMING COUNCIL ITEMS
City Council will be on recess from December 15 through January 2.
December 13
- NVCAP Concept Plan Review
- Sustainability/Climate Action Ad Hoc Update
January 3, 2022 — Council Organizational Meeting at 6 p.m.
January 2022
- Potential Business Tax Actions
- Long-Range Financial Forecast
Find City Council meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at cityofpaloalto.org/councilagendas.
STAY INFORMED AND STAY CONNECTED, JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
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
