City Hall Connection
June 23, 2021
News and Information from the City of Mountain View
City Budget Adopted
Recommended FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget
At the Tuesday, June 22 meeting, the City Council unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Recommended Budget that enhances current service delivery levels. The total FY 2021-22 budget adopted was $421.1 million in expenditures.

As with most local governments, the City of Mountain View experienced revenue losses in the past fiscal year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and sales tax revenue. Even though there was a loss of revenue in Fiscal Year 2020-21, the General Operating Fund has remained balanced this year primarily due to lower expenditures combined with the City’s strong property tax base and steady lease revenue from City-owned property.

In the midst of this fiscal impact, the City was able to use one-time revenues to provide significant pandemic relief resources to the community and will continue to do so in Fiscal Years 2021-22 and 2022-23 through the City’s use of one-time funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, a Federal government stimulus program. For more details, view the news release.
Local Eviction Moratorium Extended
Also at the Tuesday, June 22 meeting, the Council adopted a citywide urgency ordinance to temporarily suspend evictions for nonpayment of rent by residential tenants financially impacted by COVID-19. The ordinance is in effect from July 1 through August 31, 2021.

In the meantime, City staff is closely monitoring the State’s actions regarding its eviction moratorium, rent relief programs and other COVID-19 housing relief for landlords and tenants.
Next Steps for Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program
As part of the formal adoption of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Recommended Budget, the City Council allocated $1 million for a guaranteed basic income pilot program. Currently, the pilot program is in the preliminary phase as City staff begins conducting research about basic income programs in other cities. In addition, staff is reaching out to organizations that do this work to help inform proposed designs for Mountain View.

At the May 25 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution to commit their support for the principles of basic income, authorized participation in the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income initiative, and expressed their support for a cash-based pilot program in Mountain View.

“On behalf of the City Council, we are committing our support to the principles of guaranteed basic income,” said Mayor Ellen Kamei. “In Mountain View, we are seeing the impacts of growing income inequality, especially during the pandemic. We look forward to partnering with the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income network as we begin our due diligence in bringing a pilot program to our community to help lift people up and out of poverty with this cash-based program.”

A study session on a potential basic income pilot for Mountain View is in the works for the fall.
Castro StrEATS and Outdoor Mountain View! Programs Continue
A portion of Castro Street will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic and open to pedestrians for outdoor dining and other outdoor business activity through Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. At the Tuesday, June 22 meeting, the City Council approved resolutions to continue the Castro StrEATS and Outdoor Mountain View! programs along the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Castro Street. However, the 400 block of Castro Street will reopen to vehicle traffic no later than Friday, July 9.

The City’s Economic Development team will continue to coordinate with businesses and building owners on the 400 block regarding the reopening plan. In preparation for the street reopening, Public Works staff have done some preliminary work already including removing some social distancing markings from the street. Beginning this week, street cleaning, restriping and painting will take place. This work will be minimally intrusive to the surrounding businesses as City crews prepare to reopen the street. The final piece of work is to retime the traffic signals before the 400 block of Castro Street can reopen by July 9.

In June 2020, the City launched the Castro StrEATS and Outdoor Mountain View! programs to help support downtown businesses during the pandemic.
Narrow Streets Ordinance Signs Update
The installation of “No Parking” signs for oversized vehicles on narrow streets will begin at the end of June or beginning of July. The City of Mountain View is preparing for sign installation in the first neighborhood area of Monta Loma/Farley/Rock Street.

In mid-June, the City began mailing notices to residents and property owners on the narrow streets identified for sign installation in this neighborhood area. The City is providing advance notifications to unstably housed individuals living in oversized vehicles in both English and Spanish prior to any enforcement to ensure people are aware of the ordinance. They are also receiving information on how to access the City’s Safe Parking, LifeMoves Mountain View and other housing programs, as well as human services.

The City will be installing the signs in phases by major neighborhood area through the end of 2021.

For updates, visit MountainView.gov/NarrowStreets.
Valley Water Presents Symbolic Check for Historic Recycled Water Agreement
Valley Water recently held a symbolic check presentation to celebrate the historic agreement between Valley Water and the cities of Mountain View and Palo Alto. Valley Water Board Director Gary Kremen presented a $16 million oversized check to Mayor Ellen Kamei and Palo Alto Mayor Tom DuBois.

With this agreement, Valley Water will fund $16 million towards the construction of a local advanced treatment facility for recycled water at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant in Palo Alto. Per Valley Water, when completed, the facility would enhance water currently used for irrigation, making it better for use on salt sensitive landscape plants and allow for more facilities to use the recycled water.
Register Now for the Spanish Language Civic Leadership Academy
Registration for the 2021 Spanish Language Civic Leadership Academy is now underway through Wednesday, August 18. The eight-week-long Academy is free and held for Spanish-speaking Mountain View residents. The Academy is designed to improve participants’ understanding of local government and City services.

The Academy will meet every week on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., from Sept. 16 through Nov. 4, 2021. Space is limited to 17 participants.

For more information including how to apply to the program, visit MountainView.gov/Civico or call the City’s Multicultural Engagement Program team at 650-903-6145.
Plant-Based Eating Program Launches
Want to learn more about the many benefits of plant-based eating? Want to support Mountain View’s amazing restaurants? The City’s sustainability team launched a plant-based eating program which will focus on promoting healthy and ethical food choices, supporting equitable access to healthy food, and spreading awareness of the positive health and environmental impacts of a plant-based diet.

The first event on July 8 will feature Lauren Ornelas, founder of the Food Empowerment Project, and you can register here. But don’t worry if you miss this one. There will be quarterly public events, featuring cooking demonstrations, film screenings and community speakers. Local restaurants will also be invited to promote plant-based eating opportunities here in Mountain View. Finally, the City Council is expected to consider a resolution in support of plant-based eating by the end of the year.

Have suggestions or comments about the program? Submit them to sustainability@mountainview.gov.
Mountain View's Technology Showcase is (Virtually) Back
This year's Technology Showcase is a two-day virtual event in July that is free for attendees. It’s a rare opportunity to experience first-hand the diversity among our technology community and the newest ideas created in our own backyard.

The agenda will include:
● Product demonstrations
● Virtual exhibitor booths
● Live Q&A with participating companies
● Opportunities for business-to-business partnerships
● Networking with like-minded innovators, decision makers and consumers

The technology showcase is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20, 2-5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 21, 8-11 a.m.

Fireworks are Illegal in Santa Clara County
In time for the Fourth of July holiday, fire agencies throughout Santa Clara County have partnered to remind residents that fireworks are illegal, dangerous and can result in fires and injuries that are easily preventable. Residents will incur fines for using, possessing, storing, or selling illegal fireworks.

View the joint news release from Santa Clara County fire agencies including the Mountain View Fire Department.
Community Activities
Free July 4 Concert
TACO, Silicon Valley's Terrible Adult Chamber Orchestra, is inviting members of the public to enjoy a free, rehearsal event from 2—5 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 in Pioneer Park.

This open rehearsal will be a reading session of July Fourth favorites: including John Philip Sousa marches, Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Elgar's Nimrod from the Enigma Variations, Battle Hymn of the Republic and Viva La Vida.

Listeners can hear how orchestra music is put together by listening to the conductor give adjustments and hearing the instrumental sections come together. Even when musicians are meeting each other for the first time, the orchestra can sound amazing.

Family and friends can sit on grass, bring a picnic, come and go, and enjoy the music. Music always sounds better when everyone's having a good time.
Plus, celebrate Independence Day from June 28—July 4 with service and family. See all activities at MountainView.gov/FourthofJuly.
Pop-Ups in the Park
In recognition of Park and Recreation Month, the Recreation Division will bring summer fun and activities to Mountain View’s neighborhood parks. Each Wednesday in July, Recreation staff will travel to a different park in the city and bring lawn games, music and FREE popsicles. Summer Park Pop-Ups are open to all ages and free to attend.

View the schedule below and attend the Park Pop-Up closest to you.
● July 7: Cuesta Park, 4 to 6 p.m.
● July 14: Whisman Park, 4 to 6 p.m.
● July 21: Sylvan Park, 4 to 6 p.m.
● July 28: Rengstorff Park, 4 to 6 p.m.
Summer Concerts and Theatre Return to MVCPA
The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is open again and booking new shows. For the rest of June, check out:
● “What is Home?” by Quadre—The Voice of Four Horns, June 26
● “Shelter” from TheaterGames, June 26 and 27

Get tickets at MVCPA.com.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not come to MVCPA. Full refunds due to illness are available up to one hour prior to a performance.
COVID-19 Briefing
Phased Reopening of City Facilities
Last week, the City of Mountain View announced plans for a phased reopening of facilities over the coming months. The City’s plans coincide with the State of California’s June 15 reopening of the economy. The phased reopening allows more time to scale up in-person services in accordance with State of California and County of Santa Clara guidelines while continuing to provide support services related to the pandemic.

As of Monday, June 14, the Recreation Division’s front desk reopened at the Mountain View Senior Center’s front desk to support in-person registration for recreation classes and camps. This month, public performances and shows are returning to the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. On Monday, July 12, Mountain View City Hall will reopen to the public. In September, all City facilities will reopen in accordance with current State and County public health guidelines.

For more details, visit MountainView.gov/Reopening.
Beyond the Blueprint Started June 15
As of last week, there are no longer county tier assignments as the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework is officially retired. While there are some guidelines still in place, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. The most notable changes are:
Phasing Out of County Health Orders
The last remaining local health order from May 18, 2021 is being phased out. According to County of Santa Clara officials, the changes are due to the newly adopted workplace regulations issued by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (commonly known as Cal/OSHA), the high COVID-19 vaccination rates, and the low infection and hospitalization rates in Santa Clara County.

Under the State’s guidelines, face coverings are still required – regardless of vaccination status – in the following places:
  • Public transit
  • K-12 educational facilities
  • Healthcare and long-term care settings
  • Correctional and detention facilities
  • All shelters (homeless, emergency and cooling shelters)
Drop-ins Welcome at the Mountain View Community Center Vaccination Site
Over the weekend, Santa Clara County reached a significant milestone: over 80% of eligible people have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals, age 12 and older, can still get vaccinated at no cost at the County-operated vaccination clinic located at the Mountain View Community Center, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. The clinic will continue to accept drop-ins for COVID-19 vaccines. For more details about available vaccination sites, visit sccFreeVax.org.
Mobile Vaccination Program
The Mountain View Fire Department continues to deliver first- and second-dose COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible Mountain View residents who are homebound and other family members in their home. For more information on this program and qualification details, email to CovidVaxHome@phd.sccgov.org or call 408-970-2818.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
For a complete list and more information, visit MountainView.gov/Events.

• Independence Day community celebration events | June 28—July 4 | details
• Eviction Moratorium and Rent Relief Webinar (for landlords) | June 29 | 3 p.m. | online
• Eviction Moratorium and Rent Relief Webinar (for tenants) | June 30 | 7 p.m. | online
• City offices closed for Independence Day observance | July 5 | All day
AskMV at Your Service
Available 24/7, Ask Mountain View is an easy way to send your questions, concerns and compliments directly to City staff who can help you. Download the app or submit a request online at MountainView.gov/AskMV.