Cupertino Community Gazette

The Cupertino Branch of the Santa Clara County Library District continues to serve as an indispensable hub for education, culture, and community engagement in early 2026. Amid evolving demographic needs, seasonal weather challenges, and fiscal pressures, the branch demonstrates resilience and adaptability—balancing expanded services with operational flexibility and a commitment to inclusivity. --- ### Accessibility and Operational Flexibility Amid Weather Concerns The Cupertino Branch maintains hours designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of patrons: - **Monday to Thursday:** 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM - **Friday:** 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM - **Saturday:** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM - **Sunday:** 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Recent **Extreme Cold Warnings** forecasting temperatures as low as 24°F on early Friday mornings have prompted the library to urge patrons—especially seniors and families with young children—to check the library’s website and local alerts before visiting. This proactive communication ensures patron safety and allows the branch to adjust hours or services as conditions warrant. The library’s responsiveness to weather and city events exemplifies its commitment to being a safe, accessible resource for all community members. --- ### Expanding Multilingual, Digital, and Technological Services to Reflect Community Diversity Recognizing Cupertino’s rich multicultural and tech-savvy population, the branch has significantly broadened its offerings: - **Multilingual Lending Collection:** Extensive additions in **Mandarin, Hindi, and Spanish** support equitable access to culturally relevant materials, fostering inclusion across Cupertino’s diverse communities. - **Digital Resources:** The library continues to expand its digital footprint with a growing selection of eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, and specialized research databases accessible both on-site and remotely. - **Technology Access:** High-speed Wi-Fi and public computers remain vital resources for students, job seekers, and entrepreneurs, helping bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy. - **Study and Meeting Spaces:** Quiet zones and reservable rooms facilitate academic collaboration, tutoring, and community group events, accommodating varied learning preferences. - **Affordable Printing and Copying:** Low-cost options ensure that essential academic and professional materials remain accessible regardless of income. These enhancements illustrate the branch’s dedication to empowering residents through equitable access to knowledge and technology. --- ### Dynamic Community Programs and Strengthened Civic Engagement The Cupertino Branch actively cultivates community spirit through a robust lineup of programs and civic initiatives: - **Sweetheart Social (February 7, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM):** This Valentine’s-themed gathering provides family-friendly festivities and photo opportunities, creating an inclusive space for all ages to connect and celebrate. - **Teen Movie Night Series:** Newly launched, this monthly event targets students in grades 8–12 with screenings like *Superman (2025)*. Requiring school ID for attendance, it fosters a safe, age-appropriate environment encouraging youth social engagement. - **Big Bunny 5k (March 7, 2026):** A community-focused 3.1-mile run/walk promoting health, wellness, and neighborhood camaraderie through an energetic spring event. - **Seniors 65+ Volunteer Outdoors at McClellan Ranch:** Organized by Grassroots Ecology, this initiative invites seniors to participate in meadow restoration, blending environmental stewardship with community involvement. - **Safe Routes to School Working Group:** Meeting regularly at Cupertino City Hall, this group advocates for safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, with the library supporting through educational programming and facilitating community input. - **Public Comment on Draft Cupertino Health and Safety Plan:** The library champions resident participation in shaping local policies by providing outreach and resources, underscoring the importance of inclusive civic dialogue. - **Promotion of the 2026 State of the City Address:** The library actively encourages attendance and awareness of this key event, now confirmed for **Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM** at the City Council Chambers, where Mayor Kitty Moore will address Cupertino’s vision and priorities. These initiatives underscore the library’s role as a cultural connector and civic catalyst, fostering dialogue and community empowerment. --- ### Navigating Fiscal Challenges: District Governance and Budget Pressures The Santa Clara County Library District faces significant budgetary challenges that may influence future service levels: - The upcoming **Board Meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6 PM** will focus on budget allocations, operational priorities, and service strategies, particularly addressing outreach within the Cupertino High School attendance area east of Wolfe Road. - A notable concern is the sharp rise in sheriff’s department costs across South Bay cities, including Cupertino, amounting to multi-million dollar increases that strain municipal budgets. - Cupertino leadership is exploring tax ballot measures to mitigate these costs, though they acknowledge the political sensitivity surrounding new taxes. - The evolving fiscal landscape injects uncertainty into the library’s funding outlook and expansion plans, making community advocacy and participation in budget discussions more critical than ever. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend board meetings or submit feedback to influence the district’s strategic direction during this pivotal period. --- ### Enhancing Visitor Experience Through Accessibility and Responsive Service The Cupertino Branch prioritizes a welcoming and inclusive environment by offering: - Convenient parking and connections to public transit, ensuring accessibility for all community members. - Thoughtful facility design featuring accessible layouts, clear signage, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. - Knowledgeable, responsive staff providing personalized assistance to enhance visitor comfort and engagement. - Transparent communication and operational flexibility, especially during weather advisories and community events, to maintain safety and service continuity. These efforts reinforce the library’s status as a trusted, adaptable public space responsive to evolving community needs. --- ### Looking Forward: Innovation, Partnership, and Community-Centered Growth As Cupertino progresses through 2026, the branch remains committed to: - Continuously updating programs and resources based on resident input and emerging trends in education and technology. - Deepening partnerships with local government, schools, cultural organizations, and civic groups to broaden learning and engagement opportunities. - Sustaining a focus on inclusivity and adaptability to meet the city’s diverse and changing needs in the face of fiscal constraints. - Encouraging residents to stay informed and involved through the [Cupertino Branch website](https://sccld.org/locations/cupertino/), which provides up-to-date information on services, programs, and civic participation opportunities. --- Through innovation, community responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to accessibility and civic engagement, the Cupertino Branch exemplifies the vital role of public libraries as centers of knowledge, culture, and public life. Despite ongoing budgetary uncertainties, the branch’s dedication to fostering individual growth and strengthening Cupertino’s social fabric remains steadfast in 2026 and beyond.

The early months of 2026 continue to mark a pivotal period in Cupertino’s city governance, characterized by decisive policymaking, enhanced transparency, and active community engagement. Building on the momentum from February’s City Council meetings and the initial State of the City event, recent developments—including the upcoming February 26 address—further underscore Cupertino’s dedication to inclusive urban growth, fiscal responsibility, and adaptive governance amid emerging regional challenges. --- ### Moving Forward on Affordable Housing: From Approval to Construction Readiness Cupertino’s unanimous City Council approval of a nonprofit affordable housing project remains the centerpiece of the city’s strategic agenda. Now, freshly empowered by regulatory progress and growing oversight, the project is poised to transition from planning to implementation. - **Key Project Features:** The development targets lower-income families, seniors, and essential workers, aiming to foster long-term affordability and community integration. Partnerships with nonprofit developers emphasize sustainable design and social equity, reflecting Cupertino’s commitment to balanced urban growth beyond market-driven solutions. - **Regulatory Breakthrough:** The issuance of a **Notice of Exemption (NOE)** under CEQA (case DIR-2025-014) by the California State Lands Commission on February 11 effectively clears the project from further environmental review. This milestone removes a major regulatory obstacle, enabling expedited movement toward construction. - **Council Oversight and Community Confidence:** City Council deliberations are intensifying around construction timelines, budget management, and regulatory compliance. Council members have expressed strong support for maintaining rigorous oversight, with one noting, _“This project is a critical step forward in ensuring Cupertino remains a place where diverse families can live and thrive.”_ This sentiment reflects a shared commitment to accountability and transparency as the project advances. --- ### Renewed Public Engagement: Draft Health and Safety Plan and State of the City Events Cupertino’s governance continues to be marked by active public participation and inclusive dialogue, with recent developments reemphasizing transparency and responsiveness. - **Reopened Public Comment on Draft Health and Safety Plan:** The city reopened the comment period for this key policy document, inviting residents and stakeholders to contribute insights on enhancing health, safety, and emergency preparedness. This step underscores Cupertino’s dedication to collaborative policymaking. - **2026 State of the City Events:** The February 13 State of the City event served as a vibrant platform for residents to engage with officials, reflect on recent accomplishments, and voice priorities. Building on this, Mayor Kitty Moore will deliver a follow-up address on **Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM**, providing an updated outlook on city initiatives and future plans. - **Growing Civic Engagement:** Public interest remains robust, with nearly 200 viewers tuning into the February 9 City Council work session. This trend signals a community increasingly invested in its governance and policy direction. --- ### Emerging Fiscal Challenges: Navigating Rising Public Safety Costs While advancing ambitious projects, Cupertino is confronting significant fiscal pressures linked to escalating public safety expenditures. - **Multi-Million Dollar Increase in Sheriff’s Costs:** Alongside neighboring cities Saratoga and Los Altos Hills, Cupertino faces a substantial hike in sheriff’s department fees. This surge threatens to strain municipal resources and necessitate difficult budgetary decisions. - **Exploring Funding Strategies:** City leaders are actively considering options, including the potential placement of a tax measure on an upcoming ballot to address these rising costs. Officials acknowledge the political sensitivity of tax increases but emphasize the imperative of sustaining essential public safety services. - **Budgetary Balancing Act:** These fiscal challenges add complexity to Cupertino’s financial planning, particularly as the city strives to fund infrastructure improvements, the affordable housing project, and core services without compromising long-term fiscal health. --- ### Sustained Commitment to Infrastructure, Zoning, and Transparent Governance Beyond housing and public safety, Cupertino is maintaining focus on foundational priorities that support its growth and quality of life: - **Infrastructure Investments:** Ongoing projects are aligned with community needs and sustainability goals, ensuring Cupertino’s infrastructure keeps pace with evolving demands. - **Zoning and Land Use Oversight:** The city continues to review and refine zoning ordinances and permit applications to promote orderly development while preserving Cupertino’s distinctive character. - **Fiscal Prudence:** Careful resource management remains central amid competing priorities and emerging cost pressures. - **Community Participation:** Regular public hearings and comment opportunities—such as those related to the Draft Health and Safety Plan—reaffirm Cupertino’s commitment to participatory governance. --- ### Transparent Scheduling and Opportunities for Engagement Cupertino maintains a clear and accessible schedule of government meetings to foster ongoing public involvement. - **No City Council Meetings During Week of February 23:** This brief pause offers residents a moment to catch up on recent developments before upcoming sessions resume. - **Continued Accessibility:** City Council meetings and related events are broadcast on YouTube, ensuring broad community access regardless of physical attendance. - **Looking Ahead:** Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate actively as new agenda items and project updates emerge in the coming weeks. --- ### Looking Forward: Sustaining Momentum Amid Complex Dynamics As the nonprofit affordable housing project moves closer to construction, Cupertino’s City Council is positioned to sustain progress through: - **Rigorous Oversight:** Continued monitoring of project milestones, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance will be priorities. - **Engaged and Informed Community:** Public participation via hearings, comment periods, and transparent communications will shape effective policy implementation. - **Strategic Fiscal Planning:** Addressing rising public safety costs thoughtfully will be essential to balancing vital services with long-term financial sustainability. - **Regional Collaboration:** Cupertino’s integrated approach to housing, transparency, and engagement may serve as a model for neighboring cities facing similar governance challenges. --- ### Conclusion Through late February 2026, Cupertino has demonstrated a steadfast focus on transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable growth amid a complex and transformative phase. The unanimous approval and regulatory clearance of the nonprofit affordable housing project, renewed public engagement opportunities—including the upcoming February 26 State of the City Address—and proactive responses to fiscal challenges illustrate a city actively shaping its future. With continued community involvement and prudent management, Cupertino is well-positioned to navigate evolving policy and budget realities, maintaining its vibrancy and resilience within the broader regional landscape.

Cupertino Middle School’s (CMS) web calendar remains the indispensable digital cornerstone for families, students, and staff seeking timely information on schedules, safety alerts, registration, and community events. As the 2025–26 academic year progresses, ongoing enhancements and critical updates continue to empower the CMS community with clarity, convenience, and opportunities for meaningful involvement. --- ### CMS Web Calendar: Your Go-To Resource for School Life and Community Engagement The CMS calendar’s central role in orchestrating academic programs, transportation, extracurricular activities, and district-wide initiatives cannot be overstated. Its intuitive design enables households and educators to anticipate important dates, manage commitments, and adapt to changes without disruption. **This week’s notable schedule entries include:** - **Sunday:** No scheduled activities - **Monday, February 8:** No events noted - **Tuesday, February 9:** After-school activities from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM - **Wednesday, February 10:** Updated bus schedules and transportation alerts These entries facilitate seamless daily planning and help ensure students arrive on time and prepared. --- ### Expanding Community and Government Engagement Opportunities Building on prior announcements, CMS has enriched the calendar with new key events that foster community participation and civic awareness: - **Government Meetings for the Week of February 23** Families are encouraged to engage with critical forums such as the **School Board meeting and Board Work Session on Monday, February 23**, and the **Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, February 24**. These meetings offer valuable insight into educational policy deliberations and district governance. - **New Addition: Cupertino’s 2026 State of the City Address** **Mayor Kitty Moore** will present the annual State of the City Address on **Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM**. This event provides a comprehensive overview of Cupertino’s priorities, achievements, and plans for the year ahead, including initiatives that directly affect CMS families and students. Attending or following this address offers a unique window into the city’s vision and collaborative opportunities. - **Big Bunny 5K – March 7, 2026** This beloved community event invites runners, walkers, and families to enjoy a scenic 3.1-mile course through Cupertino. The Big Bunny 5K is a chance to combine fun, fitness, and philanthropy, strengthening neighborhood bonds while promoting healthy lifestyles. --- ### Continuing Focus on Registration, Safety, and Feedback Several key CMS priorities remain prominently featured on the calendar, underscoring the school’s commitment to proactive preparation and community input: - **2026–27 School Year Registration** Early enrollment remains crucial. Timely registration helps CMS allocate classrooms, teaching staff, and resources effectively, ensuring every student’s smooth transition into the next academic year. - **Safe Routes to School Working Group Meetings** These collaborative sessions at Cupertino City Hall invite parents, students, and staff to contribute ideas and strategies for safer pedestrian and cyclist pathways. CMS encourages active participation to enhance student safety beyond campus boundaries. - **Public Feedback on Draft Cupertino Health and Safety Plan** The City of Cupertino continues to solicit community input on this vital plan that addresses student well-being and transportation safety. CMS’s promotion of this feedback process exemplifies its transparency and dedication to responsive governance. --- ### Critical Safety Advisories to Monitor CMS’s calendar remains a frontline platform for communicating urgent safety information affecting school operations and student welfare: - **Flood Advisory for Santa Clara County (Effective February 16, 2026)** Issued by the National Weather Service, this advisory warns of potential flooding that could disrupt transportation and school schedules. Families should stay alert for updates and plan accordingly. - **Extreme Cold Warning & Advisory** With overnight temperatures expected to dip near 24°F early Friday morning, Cupertino.gov has issued a cautionary advisory. CMS urges families to ensure students are dressed warmly and to monitor any weather-related announcements or schedule changes. --- ### Social and Recreational Engagement: Teen Movie Night Returns Beyond academics and safety, CMS continues to nurture social connection through engaging extracurricular offerings: - **Teen Movie Night – Screening of *Superman (2025)*** This free event invites students in grades 8 through 12 to enjoy an evening of entertainment in a safe, supervised environment. Attendees must present a current school ID or proof of grade/age, ensuring inclusivity and security. This event complements CMS’s broad commitment to fostering well-rounded student experiences. --- ### Why These Updates Matter The ongoing evolution of the CMS web calendar reinforces the school’s core commitments to: - **Efficient Planning and Resource Management:** Early registration and clear scheduling streamline academic operations and support student success. - **Community Engagement and Transparency:** Highlighting government forums and feedback opportunities encourages active participation and shared stewardship. - **Student Safety and Preparedness:** Timely advisories on weather and transportation empower families to respond proactively to potential challenges. - **Wellness and Social Connection:** Events like Teen Movie Night and the Big Bunny 5K promote physical health and peer interaction, vital components of holistic education. --- ### Staying Connected: How You Can Participate Cupertino Middle School’s dynamic calendar is a living resource that adapts to community needs. To maximize its benefits, families and staff are encouraged to: - **Check the calendar regularly** for the latest on schedules, weather alerts, registration deadlines, and events. - **Subscribe to alerts** where available to receive real-time notifications via email or mobile devices. - **Engage actively** in public meetings, safety initiatives, and community events to help shape a supportive and vibrant school environment. By centralizing critical information and promoting ongoing dialogue, CMS empowers its community to navigate the school year with confidence and cohesion—building academic achievement alongside a resilient, connected culture. --- **Access the CMS web calendar today to stay informed about all upcoming activities, advisories, and opportunities for involvement. Together, we ensure Cupertino Middle School remains a safe, dynamic place for every student to thrive.**