City of Palo Alto

COVID-19 TESTING: As COVID-19 cases rise and ICU availability reaches extreme lows, Palo Alto partners with the County and Curative to bring additional testing dates to Palo Alto. Also, learn about ways to keep our community safe, fend off cabin fever, and learn more about the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant. All this and more in today’s Coronavirus Report. http://bit.ly/359imXR

In an unprecedented moment at last night's City Council meeting, council members were sworn in virtually on Zoom! Congratulations to newly sworn-in Council Members Pat Burt, Lydia Kou, Greer Stone, and Greg Tanaka! Other current Council Members include Alison Cormack, Tom DuBois, and Eric Filseth. The Council also selected new #PaloAlto Mayor Tom DuBois and Vice Mayor Pat Burt. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/displaynews.asp

Looking for new year’s resolution ideas? If podcasts are on your list to try in 2021, the editors of Mindful have compiled their 6 favorite podcast episodes full of optimism, happiness, and stories of therapy with some eye-opening entertainment. Here’s to an uplifting and bright 2021! Check them out here: https://bit.ly/3ngs6G5

FREE POP-UP COVID-19 TESTING: Our collective actions matter more than ever as County public health officials report that we are at the most dangerous moment of the pandemic. City and Curative partner to offer free COVID-19 Pop-Up testing in Palo Alto every Tuesday and more options set for 2021. Plus, ideas for getting a head start on fitness for the new year, a winter drawing challenge and a perfect holiday brunch recipe. Read all this and more in today’s Coronavirus Report: http://bit.ly/2KuElkP Palo Alto Fire Department PaloAlto Art Palo Alto Utilities Palo Alto City Library Recreation Services, City of Palo Alto Palo Alto Art Center

The application window for a new $500 million COVID-19 relief program run by California is now open! The state is offering small businesses and nonprofits grants up to $25,000 to provide assistance during the pandemic. First-round applications are due by January 13 at 11:59 p.m. https://bit.ly/3b9qFqw

A new blog shares details about City and local partners committed to the future of Foothills Park. City of Palo Alto staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission have partnered with several organizations and individuals to ensure a thoughtful and safe opening of Foothills Park to everyone. The City and its partners recognize the importance of protecting the natural environment of Foothills Park, while ensuring a positive and welcoming visitor experience for all that is built on environmental education and stewardship. There are numerous opportunities to be involved to ensure Foothills Park is a place for everyone to enjoy. Learn more about these local partnerships and ways you can play a role in Foothills Park. Read the blog here: https://bit.ly/2IL8efZ

Be kind and a friendly reminder to wear your mask. It’s more important than ever to wear a mask and help limit virus transmission. Whenever you leave your home, don’t forget to grab your mask and put it on! Make sure to wear it properly. It should cover your mouth AND nose and should fit your face snugly.

Happy Holidays from #PaloAlto! Our administrative offices are closed from December 24-January 3 unless otherwise noted and reopen on Monday, January 4, 2021. Check the City Holiday Closures page for more details on the winter holiday schedule. cityofpaloalto.org/holidayclosures

Do you receive our Coronavirus Report? This twice-weekly newsletter contains coronavirus news and updates from state and county public health departments, resources for being well, family-friendly activities, and tools for businesses during this difficult time. All in the local context of Palo Alto! Subscribe to the newsletter today! https://bit.ly/3nihkzA

City of Palo Alto staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission have partnered with several organizations and individuals to ensure a thoughtful and safe opening of Foothills Park to everyone.

GET TESTED & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS: Help keep our community safe by getting tested. Learn how and where to get a #COVID19 test for free. Plus, mark your calendars for a special holiday tradition moved up to celebrate the season earlier this year. And how mindfulness can help during uncertain times, and how to dispose of hazardous household waste. All this and more in today’s Coronavirus Report. https://bit.ly/2I9fNwl

COVID-19 testing continues at the Palo Alto Art Center on November 6, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. By appointment only, sign up today for free at cityofpaloalto.org/Testing.

Curative a local company providing free COVID-19 testing in several communities including East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and within San Mateo County, is adding a pop-up location in Palo Alto this Tuesday, December 22! Get your free COVID-19 test at Mitchell Park Library Parking Lot on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by signing up online today. Insurance and uninsured accepted. To learn more, go here: http://bit.ly/PATestingPopUp Palo Alto City Library Palo Alto Fire Department Palo Alto Utilities Recreation Services, City of Palo Alto Palo Alto Art Center PaloAlto Art

VACCINE ALLOCATION: Santa Clara County announced its vaccine distribution plan as it anticipates 39,300 #Moderna vaccines and 17,550 #Pfizer vaccines. Plus, join Assemblymember Berman’s town hall next week on this topic. Street sweeping enforcement resumes soon to clear the way for the winter season, and new at the Palo Alto Art Center is a take-home holiday art kit! Read about it all and more in today’s Coronavirus Report: https://bit.ly/378cgZ7

TRACK ELECTION RESULTS & MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK: Find out how to track your ballot and local elections results. Plus, an upcoming holiday event to uplift and connect the community, and #ElectionDay wellness tips. All this and more in today’s Coronavirus Report. https://bit.ly/3kWy8Lz

STATE OPENS PLAYGROUNDS: California revised the regional stay at home order to allow playgrounds to reopen. Palo Alto playgrounds open back up tomorrow. Plus, a reminder that streets are now temporarily reopened to traffic to support easy access to takeout and retail options and curbside pickup. Read more in today’s Special Coronavirus Report: https://bit.ly/3qL8hJA

Let your voice be heard today. These are your last few hours to vote! Vote centers are open until 8:00 p.m. You can still register and vote today at any Santa Clara County vote center. Find a vote center or ballot drop box closest to you! https://eservices.sccgov.org/rov/# ... #sccvotecenter Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters

EXPANDED TESTING & COMMUNITY SAFETY: The County expands testing options and California is set to launch a statewide exposure notification app. Plus, urging community safety during this critical time and ways to stay connected this holiday season. All this and more in today’s Coronavirus Report: https://bit.ly/2K2FVd6

It’s Election Day! Bring your friends, family, partners, or any other eligible voter in your household and visit any vote center in Santa Clara County to register and vote the same day. Today is the last day to vote and all vote centers are open until 8:00 p.m. Find your closest vote center or ballot drop box. https://eservices.sccgov.org/rov/#

NEW BLOG: Foothills Park Set to Open to the General Public in December- A majority of the City Council voted this evening to open Foothills Park to the general public. The Council also voted to continue the maximum capacity of 1,000 persons at one time (approximately 370 vehicles) and to ensure that Palo Alto residents have first access to reservations for Towle Campground, Oak Grove Picnic Area and the Interpretive Center Meeting Room. The Council voted to temporarily reduce... the maximum capacity to 750 visitors at one time (approximately 250 vehicles) for the first 90 days of opening Foothills Park to the general public. They also directed staff to return to the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission with proposals on entry fees, capacity, and park management/environmental integrity studies and follow the City’s renaming process to consider renaming Foothills Park. A new blog provides more about the City Council decision and next steps including details on opening plans for Foothills Park to the general public. Go here to read the full blog: https://bit.ly/34RQFD5 Palo Alto Fire Department Palo Alto Utilities Palo Alto City Library

No tricks just treats. Treat yourself by voting early. Over 100 Vote Centers in Santa Clara County are now open! Find your closest vote center or drop box. https://bit.ly/3jGBOPZ #sccvotes #moredaysmoreways #sccvotecenter #voterschoiceact #santaclaracounty

Happy Halloween! Celebrate safely this holiday and party with just your household. We have at-home Halloween activities and guidance at cityofpaloalto.org/Halloween.

Today's the day! Join us at California Avenue and University Avenue for the Jack-O-Jaunt and come see all of the jack-o-lanterns that members from our community created. Starting at 5:30 p.m. and going to 8 p.m., this display is for one night only so come on out for a moonlight stroll. Remember to wear a mask and keep your distance between your household and others. See you there! More information here: https://bit.ly/3mDFCnd

Wear a mask for the whole community this Halloween. Remember: spread kindness, not the virus by celebrating safely. Stay home, keep Halloween small. For more Halloween guidance and celebrations go to cityofpaloalto.org/Halloween

BLUE MOON & JACK-O-LANTERNS: You heard that right. Look out for the blue moon this weekend and participate in the Jack-O-Jaunt. Plus, a recent trend of burglaries and tips to keep safe, and how to beat COVID fatigue. All this and more in today’s Coronavirus Report. https://bit.ly/35PZjRK