City of Palo Alto Uplift Local News - January 26, 2023

Government and Politics

January 27, 2023

From: City of Palo Alto

-Coronavirus Report

-Mental Health Support in Light of Recent Tragedies

-Joint Powers Authority Board Meetings on San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Improvement Plans

-Boards & Commissions Recruitment Now Open

-City Manager Weekly Community Update: January 23, 2023

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 January 25 Santa Clara County reported a 7-day rolling average of 154 new cases.

New COVID-19 Testing Locator Launches

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently launched a new COVID-19 Testing Locator website which allows users to search for free COVID-19 testing sites near them. Tests at these sites are provided at no cost to people with or without health insurance. Access the new testing locator here.

Citywide Updates

Mental Health Support in Light of Recent Tragedies

Terrible acts of violence in nearby communities remind us of our connectedness. Our hearts go out to the victims, families, and communities impacted. Increased stress and feelings of fear, panic, loss, grief, or guilt are common and can emerge days or weeks after violence occurs. If you or a loved one is in need of emotional support, you are not alone and help is available. A recent community update provides a range of resources available. Challenging times like these are an opportunity to reach out to a neighbor, family member, or friend.

Joint Powers Authority Board Meetings on San Francisquito Creek Flood Control Improvement Plans

For community members interested in the latest plans for flood control improvements of the San Francisquito Creek, the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Board on Thursday, January 26 at 3:30 p.m. will receive a presentation from Stanford University on the Searsville Reservoir as well as a brief Executive Director’s update on the projects. In addition, a detailed discussion is planned at the JPA’s February 16 Board meeting, at which City of Palo Alto staff will participate. Find the meeting agenda and materials, including Zoom link and the Executive Director’s report starting on page 51 (providing a summary of project elements and current status), here.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 28 | 2 - 4 p.m.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Palo Alto City Library! Join us for a fun-filled event as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit with performances, crafts, and light refreshments.

Adult Craft Night

Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Enjoy a crafty evening as we make peach blossom ornaments to celebrate Lunar New Year. Peach blossoms symbolize longevity, growth, and love.

Boards & Commissions Recruitment Now Open

Apply for a City Board & Commission! Open seats are available on the Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and Transportation Commission, and the Utilities Advisory Commission. Apply by February 28 here.

City Manager Weekly Community Update: January 23, 2023

Each Council meeting, City Manager Ed Shikada shares updates to inform the community on upcoming events, services and program changes and enhancements, and City Council discussions planned. This week’s updates include high utility and resources to help, an update on storm-related community impacts, event details for Friday Night at the Art Center, a summary of notable tentative upcoming council item and more. Read the weekly update.

Move More, Sit Less: We have heard the science, sitting is the new smoking. So exactly how often should we be moving to counter the effects of sitting? Researchers say 5-minute walks every half-hour can counteract some of the health hazards of prolonged sitting. Shorter walks and even standing can have health benefits.

The Power of Breath Control: Under times of stress, one’s mood can impact breathing to produce shallow, choppy breaths— the fight-or-flight response. Did you know the opposite can be true? Controlling our breath can help regulate our moods. Extended, deeper breaths tell the body and brain to relax, focus, feel confident and trusting. Adults can teach their children fun ways to practice this as well, and Mindful.org shares how.

Recipe of the Week: Enjoy the fiber and vitamin content of sweet potatoes, and the protein and minerals provided by black beans in this healthy winter chili recipe.

Expanded Library Hours: Mitchell Park Library is now open on Fridays & Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Rinconada Library is now open on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Libraries enhance community wellness by providing a safe place to cool down, warm up, recharge devices, access bathrooms and drinking fountains, and experience community connection. Find a full list of library hours here.

Family Resources

Lunar New Year Reading Lists: Celebrate and learn more about Lunar New Year with these reading lists from Palo Alto Library for kids, teens, and adults.

Author Talk- Dave Iverson: Author Dave Iverson will speak on his book Winter Stars: An elderly mother, an aging son and life's final journey. Taking place on January 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rinconada library, the event is free to attend, no registration required. Learn more here.

Supporting Children in Scary Situations: The child development team at Sesame Street has resources designed to help young children as well as parents and care providers handle difficult and scary situations. See the resources here for advice and activities. Materials are also available in Spanish.

Catch a Comet: Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is passing by our planet! See this article from space.com about all the ways to see this unusual comet, including a virtual telescope viewing. The comet will be closest to us on Feb. 1, at a distance of about 42 million kilometers (26 million miles) and may be visible with the naked eye in the weeks surrounding its approach.

Join the Conversation & Connect

Friday Night at the Art Center

January 27 @ 6 p.m.

Council Retreat

January 28 @ 9 a.m.

Lunar New Year Celebration

January 28 @ 2 p.m.

Main Stage: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Multiple Dates

Adult Craft Night: Peach Blossom Ornament

February 2 @ 6:30 p.m.

View all upcoming community events on the?City Calendar.