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• Coronavirus Report: New Weekly CDC Data Tool & Get Your Vaccines for Community Health
• City to Conduct Test of Its Emergency Alert System on Dec. 14 at Noon
• Uplift Local Holidays: Eat, Shop, & Experience Local
• Weekly City Manager Updates: Dec. 4, 2023 Council Meeting

New Weekly CDC Data Tool & Get Your Vaccines for Community Health

Protect yourself and your family this winter season, COVID-19, flu, and RSV are spreading at the same time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared a new web tool to help track weekly updates on respiratory viral illness activity in the United States. If you haven’t already, get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot to give you maximum protection and support community health this winter.

City to Conduct Test of Its Emergency Alert System on Dec. 14 at Noon 

The City of Palo Alto is conducting a test of its emergency alert system on Thursday, December 14 at noon. The system test seeks to ensure residents who are registered receive the emergency notifications as defined though their account settings and build community awareness, as only one third of Palo Alto residents are currently registered to receive emergency notifications. AlertSCC is free for everyone. It is quick and easy to set up, and users can set alert preferences. Sign-up at www.alertscc.com. If you have an account, log in to change your account settings. Read the City’s announcement here.

Uplift Local Holidays: Eat, Shop & Experience Local 

Enjoy discounts and promotions to help you eat, shop & experience local, plus check out two fun ways to spread holiday cheer this season by visiting Cal Ave. and the Midtown Business District below!

Weekly City Manager Updates: December 4, 2023 Council Meeting  

City Manager Ed Shikada shares brief updates at each Council meeting. His comments are summarized through our Palo Alto Connect Medium.com series to catch up on City issues and gain the latest news. Holiday cheer, holiday events and ways to give back all monthlong. Plus, a summary of Council actions and upcoming tentative Council items.

Holidays & Mental Health: According to a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health often worsens around the holidays. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides strategies to support your mental health during the holiday season including focusing on your feelings, practicing self-care, and connecting with your community. Find additional mental health and wellness resources at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/BeWell.

Winter Hydration: While we tend to focus on hydration during warm summer months, it’s just as important during cold weather. In fact, dry air from central heating units and the impact of cold weather on the kidneys can lead to increased water loss. Combat these winter water woes by hydrating throughout the day. Drinking water is the obvious solution, but increasing your fruit and veggie intake or enjoying soups and teas can also contribute to increased hydration.

Recipe of the Week: With temperatures dropping and winter holidays approaching - we’re officially declaring it stew season. This White Chicken Chili recipe features veggies, chicken, and white beans and is easily customized for vegetarian diets. Cozy and delightful!

Friends of Palo Alto Libraries Book Sale: This month’s sale on December 9 – 10 features the Members’ Early Sale. Life Members and Sponsors (plus one accompanying adult and children) may enter at 9 a.m. and can purchase up to 100 items per membership during that first hour. Members at all levels may enter the sale at 10 a.m. and the sale opens to everyone at 11 a.m. Find more information about the Friends of the Palo Alto Libraries Book Sale here.

My California Online Conversation: California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, who celebrates his home state in the poem “My California,” is hosting a conversation December 12, 6 – 7:15 p.m. with Los Angeles Times editor Steve Padilla. Herrick joins book club readers to discuss his first year on the road as California’s poet-in-chief and his approach to telling stories that capture the state’s vitality and diversity. Register for this free online event at. The Poet Laureate invites people to participate in the “My California” project by submitting an original poem up to 50 lines long.

Finals Study Cram Slam: Join Palo Alto Youth Council, Teen Advisory Board, and Teen Library Advisory Board from December 11, 12, and 13, 5 – 9 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center (El Palo Alto Room) for the annual Final Study Cram Slam! Teens 14-18 can enjoy free food, a quiet study room, and other support resources to overcome the stress of Finals Week.

Coastal Art & Poetry Contest: The California Coastal Commission is accepting entries for its Kindergarten – 12^th graders Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. The entry deadline is 5 p.m., January 31, 2024. There are five grade categories for awards in both art and poetry and entries must have a California coastal or ocean theme. Go here for complete details.