Our Water Storypage 4 - Sunnyvale, CA
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Our City. Our Future.
Lake Shasta
Our
Water
Story page 4
Valley Water
SUMMER 202
3 Tips & Tools
We asked. You answered.
Now we’ve got tips to help
6 Coming Soon!
Read the latest on major
public works projects for new
7 Budget Approved
Federal pandemic funds
and prudent decisions help
7 Ready, Set, Redraw
We’re kicking off the plan to
redraw district boundaries
you with smart FoodCycling or improved public spaces balance the City’s budget used for Council elections
City Manager’s
Message
Your Participation in
FoodCycle…
In spring 2021, we conducted a survey about our FoodCycle program to help
A
us improve our outreach and education. We are sharing some of our findings
s we prepared this issue of Horizon, I revisited
with you in this issue of Horizon.
my message from summer 2020. In it, I described
issuing a local emergency order and activating our
Emergency Operations Center in response to COVID-19. With
each new public health order, we had to figure out new ways to
meet our community’s needs, in most cases remotely. Our staff
quickly found creative solutions for difficult and rapidly changing 79%
circumstances— everything from enabling more outdoor dining of survey
and raising over $3 million in emergency funds for local small respondents
businesses, to expanding our digital services and delivering take part in
groceries, medicines, and toilet paper to our seniors. FoodCycle the FoodCycle
program
By the time you received that newsletter, we had been Participation
operating for almost five months in a pandemic. It’s now a
year later and there is reason to hope. COVID-19 cases have
significantly declined in our county. Vaccination rates continue
63%
to rise steadily. As a result, the state and county have gradually of survey
lifted restrictions. Indoor activities are resuming. Plans to return respondents
in person to work and school are forming. And people are participate
gathering with friends and family. While getting back to a more weekly
normal way of life will have its twists and turns, it seems safe to
say there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.
But it is also clear the City will feel the effects of the pandemic
for quite some time. When and how quickly we recover remains …Makes an Impact
uncertain. We have continued to see much slower growth in
Many survey respondents asked what happens to food scraps and why it
property taxes and reduced revenues from sales and hotel
matters. Here are a few ways that your participation in FoodCycling benefits
taxes. As such, we made prudent decisions when planning our
the environment. FoodCycling also helps Sunnyvale reach important climate
FY 2021/22 budget by reducing our revenue projections and action and waste reduction goals.
preparing for volatility. Federal pandemic relief funds were
critical this year to meeting our requirement to balance the City’s
budget (page 7). Using these funds and maintaining some of last 14,000 18%
year’s spending reductions enabled us to keep our General Fund Tons Recycled Less Landfilled Garbage
reserve balance positive and still provide a high level of service
to the community.
As we face the remaining challenges of working in a
pandemic, I have every confidence in our employees’ hard work
and persistence. This has allowed us to continue making positive
strides toward achieving our community and organization goals.
We remain on track with numerous large-scale public works
projects (page 6). We have continued to seek and receive public
input on significant land use planning efforts like our Moffett
Park and Downtown specific plans. We’re consolidating multiple Residents have recycled Residents reduced garbage
internal business systems into one new financial system. This will 14,000 tons of food scraps sent to landfill by 18%
as of Feb. 2021
greatly improve our efficiency and workflow. We are constructing
the new City Hall and designing a branch library in north
Sunnyvale. And we’re preparing for citywide initiatives such as
the redistricting process (page 7) and a new City Council priority 2,000
addressing equity, access, and inclusion. Metric Tons 472
We look forward to continuing this progress and seeing you as eliminated Cars Removed
we adjust to providing more in-person services. Several of our
facilities have already reopened. We are currently planning to
reopen City Hall to walk-in customers on Monday, Aug. 2.
Kent Steffens
citymgr@sunnyvale.ca.gov
408-730-7480 FoodCycle eliminates Which is the same as
2,000 metric tons of carbon taking 472 cars off
Visit Sunnyvale.ca.gov to subscribe to Update Sunnyvale, my biweekly
dioxide each year the road annually
e-newsletter with updates about City projects, responses to City Council
inquiries, and events and activities of interest to the community. Find the
subscribe link on the upper left of every webpage.
2 Summer 2021
FoodCycle: The Smart Way
to Handle Food Scraps
E
ach week, you have a an animal feed ingredient and When left to break down in These goals are in the City's
chance to keep your food electricity. Fertilizer made from a landfill, food scraps create Zero Waste Strategy and Climate
scraps from wasting away food scraps is rich in nutrients and greenhouse gases. Gases like Action Playbook.
in a landfill. When you separate improves soil and compost. Food methane and carbon dioxide If everyone puts ALL their
them from your garbage, we can scraps are sterilized and approved by contribute to and speed up climate food scraps in the FoodCycle cart
turn those peels, shells, bones and the FDA when made into an animal change. Separating food from the every week, we can do great things
spoiled leftovers into new products. feed ingredient for pigs, poultry or garbage and recycling it reduces for Sunnyvale.
Today, the City's FoodCycle program fish. Food scraps can also generate these harmful gases. That's why the
uses your food scraps to make electricity using digester equipment FoodCycle program is critical to
three different products: fertilizer, at wastewater treatment plants. meeting our climate action goals.
FoodCycling A majority of respondents to our 2021 survey stated that
they FoodCycle every week.
pests and the split cart design. Do these issues keep you
from using the program for all your food scraps? If so,
Tips & Tools You also told us that some parts of the program are still we’ve put together tips, tools and services to help make
challenging. Challenges include cleaning the cart, smells, FoodCycling an easy habit.
Top Tips From Avanti Top Tips from Bailey
Sunnyvale Resident Recycling Coordinator and Sunnyvale Resident
Make it Simple Reduce Mess
At our house, we reuse old Use any clear plastic bag.
containers that are the right size to Compostable bags work too,
“I FoodCycle fit clear produce bags. We place one
right in front of the trash can in the
but get soggy.
because it’s kitchen, so no one accidentally puts
food scraps in the trash.
Prevent Odors and Pests
Refrigerate or freeze scraps until
the right thing Create a Routine
collection day.
to do!” Throughout the week, all food
scraps like fruit and vegetable peels,
Get a Clean Cart
Twice a year you can request to
eggshells and other scraps go into replace your FoodCycle cart with a
the containers. clean one. Go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov,
search: How to Get Rid of Anything,
63% Reduce Your Trash
FoodCycling has reduced my trash
and then click the Clean Cart
Replacement button.
of your bags down to one per month!
Now, taking out the “trash” is more Watch New Videos
neighbors about taking out food scraps and
recyclables. Our trash gets emptied
Our new videos include tips on
choosing a container, reducing mess,
FoodCycle much less frequently. preventing odors and learning what
can be FoodCycled. Even if you’ve
every week never participated before, these
videos will help ease any concerns
you’ve had.
youtube.com/SunnyvaleRecycling
Sunnyvale Horizon 3
Our Water:
O
ne of the most precious commodities on earth— The San Luis
Reservoir stores
clean water—is something we tend to take for water that
granted. But do you know what goes into ensuring that has traveled
clean water comes out of your tap every time you turn it on? south from the
Sacramento-San
Planning, preparation and the cooperation of the community Joaquin Delta.
keep the water flowing. This is particularly important when
climate change is making California's water future uncertain.
Sourcing and Buying Treating and Distributing
Valley Water
Calero Reservoir is one of 10 reservoirs operated by Valley Water Senior Water Distribution Worker Manuel Hernandez checks water pressure and
in Santa Clara County. chlorine levels at the City’s pump stations.
About half of Sunnyvale's water starts its journey in Once we have the water, we make sure it's clean—one of
Lake Oroville and Lake Shasta, hundreds of miles away. the most important jobs we do.
It flows through the Sacramento- rainfall to meet all the city’s needs. Sunnyvale's drinking water meets water. We have set it up so that if the
San Joaquin Delta to the Santa When planning how much to buy, we or exceeds all federal and state power goes out, the water doesn't.
Clara Valley Water District (Valley consider existing water demand and drinking water standards. Valley We also hold millions of gallons
Water) for treatment. From there, it any projected development. Water and SFPUC treat most of our of water in reserve in water tanks
gets delivered to Sunnyvale's water But purchasing water isn't cheap. water, but we also monitor and test to meet emergencies like fighting
system. The rest of our water flows In fact, it costs Sunnyvale 60% of our water quality. We send monthly fires. If we need to supplement
down the Tuolumne River and into the revenues we get from selling water quality reports to state and our water supply during droughts,
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The San water to our customers. The rest of federal agencies. infrastructure failures or other water
Francisco Public Utilities Commission our revenue goes toward testing, Then it's time to send water to shortages, we have wells that tap
(SFPUC) treats that water before it and infrastructure construction, homes and businesses throughout into groundwater. We currently have
comes to Sunnyvale. maintenance and repair. Statewide the city. This uses our extensive very little need to pump from our
Before we can get any of that challenges also are driving up the network of infrastructure that most wells. However, they could supply
water, we pay for it. Like most of cost of water. These include drought, people never see. Our network nearly half of our daily water demand
the Bay Area, Sunnyvale buys water climate change, wildfires and includes four water plants that pump if necessary. We sample the water
because there is not enough local environmental demands. the water into 340 miles of pipe. A and check the wells every week to
state-of-the-art system monitors and make sure they are ready to go if we
controls the flow and pressure of need them.
Recycled water
represents 3% of
the City’s total
water supply.
We have been
producing
recycled water
since 1993. We
currently deliver it
to 120 customers Water Use: Then, by more than half. And projections
for non-potable for 2040 show the average number
Now & Beyond
Emmanuel Piuze
uses such as of gallons each person uses per day
cooling towers staying about the same even though
and irrigation. Water use in Sunnyvale has decreased our population will grow by 25%.
even as the population has increased. What has contributed to reduced
Though our population increased 40% water use? High tech and research
since 1985, water use has dropped and development offices have
4 Summer 2021
Keeping Up the Flow
A Drop
in the Bucket
Your Price for Water
Compared to Other Liquids
Tap Water Gas Milk Coffee Energy Drink
(average price per gallon)
$.006 $4.14 $4.50 $16.64 $25.60
Planning and Maintaining Using and Conserving
Valley Water
Maintaining the City’s infrastructure includes repairing or replacing water mains Sustainable landscapes adapt to our rainfall patterns and can thrive with
due to age or condition. minimal watering.
We must plan for and invest in our water system if it is to Sunnyvale's residents and businesses have made
remain reliable and meet our water needs. conservation a way of life.
Sunnyvale's state-mandated Urban The plan has helped the City We can see the impact of this and Lake Oroville are at 53% and
Water Management Plan details determine how to deal with aging lifestyle change over time. In 1985, 47% of their historical averages. The
the plans for our water future every infrastructure. Sunnyvale has set the City of Sunnyvale used 53% more entire state is now in varying degrees
five years. aside $85 million over the next water than we do today, even though of drought, according to the U.S.
The City Council is scheduled 20 years to replace water lines. we had far fewer people then. Drought Monitor. By comparison,
to consider the 2020 Urban Water Maintaining and improving old This year, additional conservation only 2% of the state was in a drought
Management Plan on June 29. The facilities will help ensure a reliable efforts will be necessary until water in October 2019.
plan helps the City determine its supply of water. conditions improve. The SFPUC and Doing your part to conserve now
water needs and how it will meet We have already upgraded two Valley Water have both called for will help preserve our water supply
them. It looks at a variety of factors water plants and have $7.5 million Bay Area customers to reduce their and reduce the impact of droughts.
that will influence the water to improve pump stations over the water use beyond current levels. Simple steps like fixing leaks, turning
situation, including: next two years. We have $4 million There is a good reason for these off the water while brushing your
• Reliability of water sources over set aside next year to rehabilitate requests. We live in a dry climate, teeth and reducing the days you
the next 20 years, in both normal water tanks. making it harder to know what our water your landscape will help meet
and dry years In a state prone to drought, water future holds. And when we conservation goals.
• Demand for water, based on having this plan helps the City begin to see consecutive years of
population and other influences weather water challenges. below-normal snowpack and rainfall, Learn more about other water
• Use of recycled water and we must dip into our water reserves. saving tips, tools and rebates
conservation in the event of The snowpack, which melts and at Sunnyvale.ca.gov, search:
water shortages becomes water for the state, is Water Conservation.
60% below the median as of late
May. Water levels in Lake Shasta
replaced water-intensive industries, 1985 2020 2040
like canneries and semiconductor
manufacturing. Revised building codes
set new standards for sustainability and
require water and energy efficiency. And
water conservation has become a way of
life in our drought-prone state.
Population: Gallons/day/capita: Population: Gallons/day/capita: Population: Gallons/day/capita:
111,924 241 156,503 113 194,414 112
Sunnyvale Horizon 5
Public Works in the Works
W
e are underway with many Public Works projects throughout
the city. These exciting projects will bring new or updated spaces
and amenities to enjoy. Learn more about these and other projects
at Sunnyvale.ca.gov, search: Projects in Sunnyvale.
Status: Completion: Opening:
In Construction March 2022 Spring 2022
Fair Oaks Park & Magical Bridge Playground
Status: Completion: Opening: Fair Oaks Park was originally built in cricket, soccer, baseball and softball
In Construction July 2021 Summer 2021 1969. We began renovating the 15- will have synthetic turf for year-
acre park in fall 2020. New amenities round use and specialized lighting
include an inclusive playground for nighttime play. The park will also
Washington Community Swim Center
designed by the Magical Bridge have picnic areas, new restrooms and
Originally built in 1955, the the recreation side and four lap lanes Foundation, three basketball courts, parking areas and improved water
Washington Community Swim on the sports side. The expanded and a dog park with areas for small and energy efficiency.
Center is being entirely replaced. pool deck will have a splash pad and and large dogs. New sports fields for
The project will significantly seat bench (shown here) to separate
enhance aquatic recreation such as it from the pool. The facility will
recreational swim, water play and also have new pool locker rooms,
swim lessons. Features will include a restrooms, showers and a small
new pool with zero-depth entry on community room.
Status: Construction: Completion:
Selecting a Summer 2022 Spring 2023
Design Consultant
Status: Construction: Completion:
In Design Fall 2022 Spring 2024 Plaza del Sol
Plaza del Sol was designed to designing the second phase of the
Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center be an urban park on top of the project to enhance the area and
underground parking structure at encourage more Sunnyvale residents
The Lakewood Branch Library the City of Sunnyvale, the Sunnyvale
West Evelyn Avenue and South and guests to visit. Improvements
and Learning Center will be an School District and Fremont Union
Frances Street. Downtown Sunnyvale include play equipment, overhead
approximately 20,000 square foot High School District. The Center will
has changed greatly since the plaza lighting and misters, and new
branch library in the Lakewood Village serve as a primary resource for
first opened in 2004. We’re now gathering and seating spaces.
neighborhood of Sunnyvale. The literacy, learning and wellness
project is a partnership between activities for the residents of north
Sunnyvale.
Check Your Bill: New Utility Rates Are Here
You’ll see a change on your next No tax revenues are used to cover
utility bill reflecting new utility the cost of services. The City Council
rates as of July 1. The new rates considers annual rate adjustments
for a typical monthly single-family as part of the annual budgeting
residential utility bill are proposed process in late June. If approved as
to increase by 3%—equal to $4.76 proposed, the rates for water will
per month or $57.12 per year for increase by 1.5%, wastewater by
water, wastewater (sewer) and solid 4% and solid waste and recycling
waste and recycling (garbage). With by 4%. These increases reflect
this change, Sunnyvale’s combined the rising cost of water, needed
residential utility rates will be among infrastructure improvements and This example shows how the wastewater and garbage utility rates would be prorated
the lowest of cities in the area. costs to implement state legislative to reflect new rates starting July 1. Your bill will vary depending on your last billing
By law, the City must base rates mandates that are consistent with period and the number of days in the new billing period. If you have questions, our
utility customer service staff will work one-on-one with you to explain how we calculate
on the costs of operating and the City’s Zero Waste Strategic Plan.
your bill. Call us at 408-730-7400, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
maintaining Sunnyvale’s utilities.
6 Summer 2021
Redraw Sunnyvale’s Council Districts
W
e need your help redrawing
Sunnyvale’s six council districts using
new 2020 Census data. This process
—called redistricting—occurs every 10 years after
each census. It balances population counts within
each district to ensure equal representation.
So, what’s next? Learn about next steps and how
you can get involved below.
TIMELINE: APRIL – JULY
Selecting and Onboarding
Redistricting Commission
A Redistricting Commission, made of Sunnyvale
residents like you, will oversee the process of
redrawing district lines. The Commission has seven
voting members. The Commission will:
• Hold public hearings to gather community input
• Accept and review map proposals from
the community You can also draw your own map! The City survey. We will also hold five in-person “pop-up”
• Evaluate and narrow the map options based expects to receive 2020 Census data in October. events throughout the city. Look for us at the
on community feedback We will then walk you through the demographic Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market, Library, and places of
• Select the three to five map proposals the City data to see how it impacts current districts. You worship. You will be able to see large prints of the
Council will review before adopting a final map will have access to training and tools to help recommended maps and choose your preference.
you design maps that meet state and federal The City Council will review recommended
The City Council met to appoint members requirements. You can even get technical maps along with your feedback in late February.
to the Redistricting Commission on June 29. support with your map from our demographer. They will decide to either adopt a final district
Their goal was to appoint a commission that Map submissions are due January 3, 2022. map or send comments back to the Redistricting
reflects the rich diversity of our city. Visit Commission. The Commission may consider the
Sunnyvale.ca.gov/redistricting to find out who Council’s comments. They are not obligated to
TIMELINE: JANUARY – MARCH
they appointed. In July, commissioners will change their recommendations. The City Council
receive training on their duties as City officials. must adopt one of the Commission-recommended
Map Evaluation and Selection
They will also receive background information maps by its second public hearing.
In January, we will begin reviewing map
and requirements for redistricting.
submissions. We’ll host a workshop and conduct
an online survey to collect your input. This will Redistricting Meeting Schedule
TIMELINE: AUGUST – DECEMBER help narrow map options and guide map revisions. Visit Sunnyvale.ca.gov/redistricting to find a
Based on this community feedback, map makers schedule of all workshops and hearings. You can
Redistricting Input and Map Development can submit a refined map. The Redistricting also sign up for the Sunnyvale Elections email list
We’ll need your input on the neighborhoods Commission will then recommend three to five to stay informed.
and communities of interest that should remain maps to the City Council.
together to elect a councilmember. You will have Correction: Articles in the Spring 2021 and Summer
Before these recommendations go to the City
2020 issues incorrectly stated Measure B passed with
several opportunities to share your thoughts on Council, we want to hear from you. You can tell 67% support. It passed with 62% support.
these communities of interest. us which map you prefer through a second online
Federal Relief Funds Critical to Balanced Budget
The City Council adopted a balanced FY 2021/22
budget on June 15. Essential to this was
Budget Stabilization Fund Reserves without ARPA Reserves with ARPA
$28.1 million in federal funding from the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds
helped off-set $43.9 million in projected
Without ARPA With ARPA General Fund revenue losses through FY 2023/24
Negative in Low point at $17.4M in because of the pandemic. Without the ARPA
FY 2024/25 FY 2031/32 funds, we would have been forced to include
deep spending reductions. With them, we still
extended some service level reductions put
in place last year. This includes not hiring for
vacant positions and deferring or reducing some
services like tree trimming.
Despite reduced revenue projections and
potential volatility because of the pandemic,
this budget enables us to maintain a core level
of service and continue our investment in key
projects needed to sustain our public services.
Major investments include renovating parks;
rebuilding transportation and utility infrastructure;
designing and constructing new facilities
(Civic Center, Lakewood Branch Library); and
Maintaining adequate reserves is one of Sunnyvale’s strengths. We use the reserves in the City’s Budget implementing our Climate Action Plan.
Stabilization Fund to help weather emergencies and volatile economic conditions. The federal ARPA funds will
To learn more about the City’s budget for
keep our reserves at a positive level. Without them, our reserves would have gone negative for several years
services and projects, visit Sunnyvale.ca.gov,
beginning in FY 2024/25.
search: Budget.
Sunnyvale Horizon 7
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE Our City. Our Future.
P.O. Box 3707
PAID
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3707 Sunnyvale CA
Permit No. 190
ECRWSS
Postal Customer or Postal Patron
Make an Impact Horizon SUMMER 2021
Summer 2021
See how your government
3 6 7 7
works up close and help Sunnyvale City Council Tips & Tools Coming Soon! Budget Approved Ready, Set, Draw
shape policy by applying to Larry Klein, Mayor
We asked. You Read the latest on Federal pandemic funds We’re kicking off the
one of the City’s boards Glenn Hendricks, Vice Mayor
answered. Now we’ve major public works and prudent decisions plan to redraw district
and commissions. Gustav Larsson
got tips to help you projects for new or help balance the City’s boundaries used for
Russ Melton
Board and commission Mason Fong with smart FoodCycling improved public spaces budget Council elections
members make Alysa Cisneros
TerrificShot Photography
recommendations to the Omar Din
City Council on policy- City Manager Now, this doesn’t happen every day!
related issues covering a Kent Steffens
range of subjects. What weighs 250,000
Editor,
Communications Officer pounds and has a 60-foot
The Council selects
community members to Jennifer Garnett, APR diameter canopy? Each
Sunnyvale Art Club artists helped celebrate Pride Month on June 3.
serve based on demonstrated Design of the two large Camphor
interest, special training Studio Scott, San Francisco trees that recently moved
or expertise. City Council Meetings and Topics to their new homes at the
Contact for this publication:
To learn more and see July 13 Aug. 31 Communications Officer corner of Mathilda Avenue
current vacancies, visit Draft Mobile Home Park MOU Recreation Administrative City of Sunnyvale and All America Way.
Sunnyvale.ca.gov and search (Housing Strategy) Fee and Revenue Policy P.O. Box 3707
Transplanting these two
(Study Session) Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3707
“Boards and Commissions” July 27 beauties is part of the Civic
408-730-7535
Ordinance Updates for 2020-2025 Santa Clara 408-730-7501 TDD Center Modernization
Boards and Commissions
Exhibitions and Speed County Community Plan to communications@
Arts Commission project. In Phase 1, we’re
Contests (“Sideshows”) End Homelessness sunnyvale.ca.gov
Bicycle and Pedestrian
building a new City Hall
Aug. 10 Sept. 14 Follow us:
Advisory Commission and addition to the Public
Department of Public Safety Ordinance Updates for @CityofSunnyvale
Board of Building Special Awards Mandatory Organics
Safety headquarters. One
@CityofSunnyvale
Code Appeals Collection (SB 1383) goal is to preserve as many
Amend Municipal Code
Board of Library Trustees Sunnyvale.ca.gov trees as possible. We’re
for Single Use Plastics Dates subject to change
Heritage Preservation keeping 232 existing trees
Commission on site and planting 190
Housing and Human Services new trees. We’ve also
Commission Stay Connected transplanted 12 large
Parks and Recreation Watch Council meetings Subscribe for City trees to other parts of the
Commission City Council meetings on Comcast channel 15, email newsletters and campus, including the
Personnel Board are held at least two AT&T Channel 99; replays notices: Sunnyvale.ca.gov/ Camphor trees.
Tuesdays a month at Wed 7 p.m., Sat and Sun Subscribe
Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chambers, 4 p.m. Watch meetings
Sustainability Commission 456 W. Olive Ave. online at YouTube.com/
SunnyvaleMeetings Read about the project and see more photos and video at Sunnyvale.ca.gov, search: Civic Center Modernization.
You can also read
