City Of Palo Alto Uplift Local News - February 23, 2023

Government and Politics

February 24, 2023

What's New

- Coronavirus Report
- Postponed: San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Projects Neighborhood Workshop
- Black History Month Events and Activities This Weekend
- Climate Action Series: New study released on health risks of natural gas use in homes, ways to switch to electric, plus local climate action events
- Deadline to Apply for a City Board or Commission is February 28

Coronavirus Report

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 February 22, Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 186 new cases.

California Coronavirus State of Emergency to End Next Week

As we’ve previously shared, the Statewide COVID-19 State of Emergency is set to expire this coming Tuesday, February 28. With this, Santa Clara County’s mass vaccination and testing locations will be closed.

This is a major milestone for the State, County and our community. As we evolved through the pandemic together, the commitment to community health has been a constant focus and priority, even as uncertainties through the last three years continued. Thank you for your individual contributions in protecting community health and safety.

While the Coronavirus Report will end with this edition of the Uplift Local newsletter, our commitment to community health and wellness will continue. Our Be Well section, which is loved by so many of you, will continue to offer resources and programs focusing on community health. We will also continue to share public health updates as they arise.

We hope you take a moment over the next few days to recognize the challenges we’ve overcome through the pandemic and reflect on our sense of community felt and the optimism seen as a result that our actions have saved lives. Be well, Palo Alto and here is one big community hug and a high-five, as we continue to evolve out of the pandemic.

Citywide Updates

Postponed: San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Projects Neighborhood Workshop

The San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (JPA) board meeting for February 23 was cancelled and the neighborhood community workshop scheduled for March 2 at Duveneck Elementary is postponed. As soon as new meeting details are set, we will share them. Learn about other community engagement opportunities planned here.

Black History Month Events and Activities This Weekend

February is Black History Month, and has been a time to reflect on the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. Through events, activities, reading lists and more, we’ve been recognizing Black History Month in Palo Alto. This weekend, celebrate the King Artist Residency, experience “THEY” at the Art Center’s Under Water exhibit, converse with writer Nnedi Okorafor, and continue to browse the library’s curated reading lists for everyone in the family. Find more here.

Climate Action Series: New study on health risks of natural gas use in homes, ways to switch to electric, plus local climate action events

As you plan out 2023, commit to taking climate action and consider going electric in your home. We’ve made it easier than ever to learn about the benefits of switching from gas to electric appliances. A new study points to the health risks of natural gas use in homes and if you need more incentive to switch, check out details on Federal rebates and credits, and a new City program that could help you save big. Gather your environmentally conscious neighbors and friends and attend upcoming events focused on climate action or volunteer with Palo Alto 350 Silicon Valley as an ambassador going door to door to share program details. Read the latest in Palo Alto Connect Climate Action Edition.

Deadline to Apply for a City Board or Commission is February 28

There’s still time to apply for a City Board or Commission! Volunteer to serve and give back to the community. Openings are available on the Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Transportation Commission, and the Utilities Advisory Commission. If you or someone you know is interested, apply by next Tuesday, February 28 at 4:30 p.m. Learn more and apply here.

Be Well

Let Go of Winter, Get Ready for Spring: It is difficult to imagine the warmth of spring during this cold weather cycle, but it is less than a month away! The Palo Alto City Library invites you to welcome spring and a new year at the Norooz New Year event on Saturday, March 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Art Center. Live dance and music performances will take place inside the Art Center Auditorium, with crafts for children in the garden. Learn about this springtime event and check out some related book recommendations here.

Winter Skin: The outermost layer of our skin tends to reflect surrounding humidity levels, according to Harvard Health Publishing. In the cold season, humidity tends to be low both outdoors and indoors, especially if you dial up the heater for warmth. Here are a few tips to help relieve dry, itchy, red irritated winter skin.

Recipe of the Week: Take the chill off this week by brewing up some broth, rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals. While bone broths might have enjoyed widespread popularity some years ago, these broths have been brewed for hundreds of years and even trace back to ancient times when used for medicinal purposes, possibly aiding to fight inflammation and digestive issues. This goodness requires a long simmer, otherwise, crockpots are a great option to set it and go. Not enough time to cook? VeryWellFit has reviewed what they consider to be the top 8 store bought bone broths of 2023.

Family Resources

Save Water and Money with WaterSmart: A new online water management tool allows you to review your monthly water usage, see where your household uses the most water, and get rebate recommendations and efficiency tips customized to your water usage patterns.

Space Heater Safety: If you are using a space heater to warm your home, make sure to pay attention to the instructions. See this advice from CNET on additional safety precautions.

PBS Parents Activities for Kids: With some rainy days ahead, keep the PBS Parents page handy if you need some fun activities for kids from ages 2-8.

Geography Games to Keep Busy: To keep older kids and adults happy on rainy days, check out the geography challenges on GeoGuessr and Globe Games for some fun and educational entertainment.

Teen Reading List Black History Month Edition: It’s still Black History Month, and the Library curated a reading list for your teens to engage and read graphic novels featuring Black protagonists and stories, written by Black authors.

Tax Resources and Assistance: Though the Library won’t be providing tax assistance this year, they’ve compiled a list of tax support resources to help you get through tax season smoothly.

Careers & Calendar

Join the Conversation & Connect

King Artist Residency: Project Celebration

February 24 @ 4 p.m.

University Avenue Streetscape Community Meeting

March 1 @ 6 p.m.

Status on Flood Control Projects Neighborhood Workshop

March 2 @ 6 p.m. Postponed

Recreation Wellness Center Community Meeting Feedback Session

March 6 @ 6:30 p.m.

Automated License Plate Recognition Information Session

March 9 @ 6 p.m.