City Manager's Biweekly Report - Nov. 18-Dec. 6, 2019 - City of Santa Clara
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City Manager’s Biweekly Report – Nov. 18-Dec. 6, 2019
GENERAL INFORMATION
Redesigned City Website Debuts: The City of Santa Clara unveiled its
redesigned website on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The website overhaul is
designed to better serve the needs of online visitors, including those who
live, work, learn and play in Santa Clara. The new website features
enhanced navigation including streamlined dropdown menus, a central
location for City news, current topics and events, and improved search
functionality that only gets better the more it’s used. The site's optimized
for mobile as well. Experience SantaClaraCA.gov today!
Three Percent Electric Rate Increase Effective Jan. 1, 2020: The City
Council approved a three percent rate increase for Silicon Valley Power
customers, starting January 2020, in order to continue providing high-quality energy service to our
community. These funds will be used to complete necessary system maintenance, cover the rising
costs of transmitting power, and increase our environmental and reliability standards. Santa Clara’s
electricity rates continue to remain among the lowest for California utilities serving over 5,000
customers.
Be Prepared for a Power Outage: On Nov. 30, a storm hit Santa Clara with
winds over 40 mph. Fallen limbs from damaged trees caused numerous power
outages and left many of our customers without power. Silicon Valley Power staff
worked around the clock to address the outages and restore power to all
customers as quickly as was safely possible.
This is just the beginning of the winter season so we wanted to share some ways
you can be prepared for future storms that could bring more outages:
• Have a cooler and ice packs to keep food cool
• Know where your flashlights and batteries are
• Use surge protectors for electronics
• Keep a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio on hand
Visit SiliconValleyPower.com/prepare for more tips on preparing for a power outage. For updates on
the status of widespread power outages, visit SiliconValleyPower.com or follow Silicon Valley Power
on Twitter or Facebook. You do not need an account to view the information posted on these public
social media sites and regular updates are provided as information becomes available.
Silicon Valley Power Sponsors Firehouse Run: On Sunday, Dec. 1, Silicon
Valley Power sponsored The Firehouse Run, an annual event to help support Santa
Clara Unified Schools. Despite the wet conditions, several Silicon Valley Power
staff members were among the many community members who joined teams to run
or walk in this family-friendly event. There were serious runners, as well as people
out for a friendly stroll, and the atmosphere was festive with people dressed in their
holiday-themed outfits.
Applications for Leadership Santa Clara
2020 Now Available: Leadership Santa Clara is your all access
pass of the community you call home. This four-month program
is designed to prepare residents for a leadership role in the
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Nov. 18 - Dec. 6, 2019
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community. The course presents skill-building workshops and topical presentations on topics like
Community Diversity, Business Climate, Santa Clara History and more that influence life in Santa
Clara and the region. Full-day sessions are held at Santa Clara business, City and County facilities,
and other locations, giving you a peek behind-the-scenes. Due to high levels of interest in the
program, we encourage you to check it out and apply soon! Please visit Leadership Santa Clara for
more information and to access the application. The deadline to apply is Jan. 10, 2020.
Machado Park Update: The Machado Park Playground Rehabilitation Project construction began in
May 2019 along with Bowers Park. Unforeseen complications have delayed the reopening of the park,
but the City looks forward to a community ribbon cutting upon completion in early 2020. We apologize
for the delay and invite you to visit our new playgrounds at Bowers, Bill Wilson, Souza, Carli and
Bracher Parks.
Charlotte’s Web – A Success! The Roberta Jones Junior
Theatre (RJJT) wrapped its fall production of an exciting
musical version of Charlotte’s Web, held on stage at the
Community Recreation Center located at 969 Kiely Blvd.
Forty-one participants illuminated the stage while 15 crew
members made sure the show went off without a hitch.
Performances were held over two consecutive weekends,
Nov. 15-17 and 22-24, with over 1,600 viewers in the
audience. Now, RJJT takes a little break before returning in
early January with auditions for Mary Poppins. For more
information on how to see a performance, or if you know of
someone interested in participating in a production, visit RJJT.orgor call Robin Shaddle, Performing
Arts Supervisor, at 408-615-3154 or e-mail at rshaddle@santaclaraca.gov.
Kids Rock Takes a Trip to Winter Wonderland: On Friday, Nov. 22, the Santa Clara Youth Activity
Center (YAC) hosted one of their Kids Rock events and took 75 K-5th graders on a trip to “Winter
Wonderland.” The kids enjoyed
pizza, played games, decorated
their own winter-themed cup and
even had an inflatable slide! Join
us for the next fun-filled Kids Rock
event on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020!
For more information, please call
the YAC at 408-615-3760.
More Public Art in Santa Clara: Artist Claudia Blanco has completed her work on
the utility box at Lafayette St./Lexington St. called “8-bit Frida.” This piece
celebrates the Latino Culture found all throughout the Bay Area by showcasing one
of Mexico’s most well-known artists, Frida Kahlo. The Cultural Commission hopes
this new piece of public art inspires residents and other who might see it. Stay
tuned for more public art projects! For information regarding the Cultural
Commission, please contact Kim Castro at 408-615-3147 or
kcastro@santaclaraca.gov.
Annual Holiday Tree Lightning: Even a winter storm couldn’t keep the community away from a time-
honored Santa Clara tradition, the 109th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting! Residents and visitors alike
gathered at Central Park and the Community Recreation Center (969 Kiely Blvd) on Friday, Dec. 6 for
the festivities. As a celebration of the holiday season, “Teddy,” the historic Santa Clara tree topper,
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Nov. 18 - Dec. 6, 2019
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topped the newly decorated 90-foot redwood tree. The public enjoyed entertainment, food, a meet &
greet with Santa, and the ceremonial lighting of the tree. This year’s honorary Holiday Tree Lighters
are the members of the Shaddle Family in honor of the late Mr. William “Bill” Shaddle.
Ice Skating Rink at Central Park Open Through Jan. 20: The ice skating rink at Central Park,
located at 969 Kiely Blvd., is open now through Jan. 20, 2020, and available for open skate, classes,
or private events. Admission starts at $10 for youth (4 -12), adults (13 and up) at $15, and children 3
and under are free. For more information, including hours and dates, call the Community Recreation
Center at 408-615-3140 or go online at http://santaclaraonice.com/.
Police Department Increases Public Awareness on Preventing Thefts
from Vehicles: As part of a regional task force to address property crimes,
the Police Department will participate in a media campaign to combat auto
burglaries. In partnership with police departments from Milpitas, Newark,
Fremont and San Jose, this campaign will remind people to “Remove It or
Lose It” when they leave their cars in public places. The Santa Clara Police
Department also recently concluded a two-week-long social media campaign
in preparation of the holiday shopping season to teach the community about preventing thefts from a
vehicle and share holiday shopping safety tips.
2019 Pavement Rehabilitation Project Complete: The Department of Public Works completed the
City’s annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project in November. This included adding new ADA-compliant
curb ramps, removing and replacing failed sections of the street and applying a slurry seal for added
durability. Major streets rehabilitated under this project included De La Cruz Boulevard, Bowers
Avenue, Los Padres Boulevard, Nobili Avenue, and the connector ramps at Coleman Avenue and De
La Cruz Boulevard. We appreciate the community’s patience as we make these necessary
infrastructure improvements.
Clean Yards Can Help Reduce Flooding: The season is changing and that means the beautiful
autumn leaves have started to fall. Leaves may be pretty, but they can clog storm drains and increase
flooding potential if not managed and contained properly. When doing yard maintenance, never blow
or rake leaves into the street. Leaves should be put in a backyard compost pile or placed in the Clean
Green cart along with yard clippings, etc. for weekly curbside collection. Additional Clean Green
containers can be obtained free of charge by contacting Mission Trail Waste Systems at 408-727-
5365. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on your neighborhood storm drain. Clogged storm drains
can cause street flooding when it rains. If a storm drain is clogged with leaves and can be accessed
safely, clear it with a broom or rake, or call the Department of Public Works at 408-615-3080 for
assistance.
UPCOMING COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
Changes Proposed to Residential and Business Alarm Permit Program: On Dec. 10, 2019, the
City Council will consider changes to the Residential and Business Alarm Permit program.
To ensure accurate, up-to-date information is readily available to Police or Fire personnel responding
to a security alarm, residents and business with an alarm are required by City Code to acquire a
permit. This also assists emergency personnel in the event the alarm needs to be reset, there is a
recurring problem, or additional assistance is required.
The proposed changes will give the public access to the following services:
• Ability to track registered and unregistered alarm systems;
• Secure online access to account;
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Nov. 18 - Dec. 6, 2019
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• Ability to pay online via credit card; and
• Automatically generate notices and send invoices.
In addition, the City of Santa Clara will benefit from operational efficiencies, improved availability of
metrics and an increase in revenue.
Changes to the Municipal Fee Schedule are proposed as follows:
Current Fee Recommended Fee
Alarm Permit $37 (one time) $37, plus annual renewal fee of $15
Late Payment fee $0 $25
Reinstatement fee $0 $15
Non-Registration fine n/a $50
False Alarm – 1st offense $0 $0
False Alarm – 2nd offense $0 $50
False Alarm – 3rd offense $111 $111
False Alarm – 4th offense $136 $136
False Alarm – 5th and
$161 $161
subsequent offenses
Dispatch for a Hold-Up Alarm $121, plus False Alarm fee $121, plus False Alarm fee
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Join the Center of What’s Possible! The City is currently hiring for the following positions; to view job
descriptions and for information on how to apply, visit santaclaraca.gov/jobs.
• Accounting Technician II • Electrical Estimator
• As-Needed Associate Consultant • Electrician
(Building Attendant) • Engineering Aide (Electric)
• As-Needed Associate Consultant • Journey Lineworker
(Delivery Driver/Courier) • Laborer
• As-Needed Instructor/Lifeguard • Office Specialist II
• As-Needed Law Clerk I • Per Diem Police Officer Special Events
• As-Needed Recreation Office Assistant • Police Officer (Lateral)
• Assistant Director of Electric Utility • Principal Electrical Estimator
• Associate Consultant (Engineering • Public Works Inspector
Intern) • Recreation Coordinator – Therapeutics
• Contracts Manager • Recreation Instructor
• Crossing Guard • Senior Planner
• Electric Division Manager • Staff Aide I
RESPONSES TO COUNCIL INQUIRIES
On Nov. 5, 2019, the City Council adopted a resolution approving the annexation of two hotel parcels
into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2010-1. In response to Council questions on this item, the
incorporation of the AC Hotel and Element Hotel is anticipated to generate approximately $435,000 in
special tax revenues annually. This special tax only applies to hotel properties near Levi’s Stadium
and is pledged to the payment of portions of the publicly owned capital infrastructure for the Stadium.
LEVI’S STADIUM RELATED UPDATES
The Pac-12 Championship football game between the Oregon Ducks and Utah Utes took place on
Friday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. at Levi’s Stadium.
Upcoming events at Levi’s Stadium:
• 49ers vs Atlanta Falcons at 1:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15;
• 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5:15 p.m.; and
• Red Box Bowl on Monday, Dec. 30.
For more information, contact the Police Department at 408-615-4700.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Community Meeting on Civic Center/Warburton Parking Study: Join us at our second Civic
Center/Warburton Parking Study (Study) community meeting on Wednesday Dec. 11, 6:00 p.m. at the
Mission Branch Library. City Council initiated this Study to gauge the impact of recent development in
the area and review resident concerns about parking. The first community meeting in May 2019
gathered input from residents about their concerns. Then, the City and a traffic consultant collected
data, analyzed the existing conditions and prepared the draft Study. Learn more about these
preliminary results at the meeting. Contact Nguyen Cam at NCam@SantaClaraCA.gov with any
questions.
Evening with Santa: On Thursday, Dec. 12, join us at the Community Recreation Center (CRC), 969
Kiely Blvd., for an Evening with Santa. Kids can make fun holiday crafts, enjoy holiday refreshments,
and pose for a photo with Santa! Register for the 5 or 6:30 p.m. session online or by calling the CRC
at 408-615-3140.
Holiday Home Decorating Contest Underway: The 2019 Holiday Home Decorating Contest, hosted
by the Santa Clara Cultural Commission, is finally here! Winners will be selected in four categories –
1) Residential; 2) Business; 3) Neighborhood and 4) People’s Choice. City residents and businesses
are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their homes and front yards in holiday-themed décor and
enter into the contest online by Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. Applications can be completed
online at SantaClaraCA.gov/culturalcommission. The community will vote for the winner of People’s
Choice on the Cultural Commission’s Facebook page. Winners will be announced on Monday, Dec.
23, 2019. For information regarding the Cultural Commission, please contact Kim Castro at 408-615-
3147 or at kcastro@santaclaraca.gov.
Holiday Recreation Programs: For this holiday
season, register for the following kid-friendly and
festive art and music programs:
• Deck the Halls,
• My First Art Class: Holiday Edition,
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Nov. 18 - Dec. 6, 2019
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• Teacher Sean’s Holiday Jingle Jam, and
• Joyful Melodies Holiday Music Camp!
For more information, please call the Community Recreation Center at 408-615-3140 or check the
Fall Recreation Activities Guide.
The Finals Spot – Do you or students you know need somewhere to cram for finals? Santa Clara
high school students are invited to The Finals Spot (TFS), nightly study sessions at the Santa Clara
Teen Center, 2446 Cabrillo Avenue. TFS is open Mon. – Thurs., Dec. 16-19, 2019 with extended
hours from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy free snacks, computer lab, printing with WiFi access and nightly raffle
prizes. Group study spaces are available. For more information, call 408-615-3740.
Driving Under the Influence and Driver’s License Checkpoint: The Police Department is
facilitating a Driving Under the Influence and Driver’s License Checkpoint, funded through an Office of
Traffic Safety Grant, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019.
Police Northside Substation Open House: The community is invited to an Open House at the
Police Department’s Northside Substation on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Open
House will include a tour of the Substation and displays of police equipment, including a patrol car,
bicycle, motorcycle and armored rescue vehicle. The Northside Substation is located at 3992
Rivermark Parkway.
UPCOMING COUNCIL CALENDAR/AGENDA ITEMS
Visit the Tentative Meeting Agenda Calendar for dates of upcoming Council Study Sessions, Joint
Council/Commission meetings, as well as Council Public Hearing and General Business agenda items
online at Legislative Public Meetings on the City’s website. As you can see, while tentative and subject
to change, it provides key policy items that the Council/Board will need to dedicate time to deliberate
and that may take considerable time during the upcoming meetings. The following is a snapshot of
calendar items for councilmembers over the next two weeks.
Contact Information:
Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
408-615-2210
manager@santaclaraca.gov
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