City of Cupertino, CA
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Building Community, One Block at a Time
Good neighborhoods are those where neighbors work together on common concerns and look out for each other. Block leaders take extra steps to connect neighbors and build community -- helping our neighborhoods to be safer, healthier, and happier.
The Block Leader Program teaches residents how to get to know neighbors and organize activities so neighbors can more easily communicate. Block leaders receive updates on neighborhood activities and services and are vital links between City Hall and the neighborhoods.
Cupertino's Block Leader Program is the proud recipient of the National League of Cities’ NBC/LEO 2015 City Cultural Diversity Award and the League of California Cities 2010 Helen Putnam Award for Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement.
Apply to become a Block Leader through the Volunteer Portal.
Apply to Become a Block Leader
Log on to Cupertino's Volunteer Portal to submit an application.
Watch the Block Leader Panel Webinar to learn how experienced leaders connect with neighbors
Introduce Yourself & Plan a Gathering
1. Introduce yourself to neighbors
Knock on your neighbors’ doors, point to where you live, and tell them about your hopes to get everyone acquainted. This might be the best time to ask for feedback and ideas for your future get-together.
2. Plan your gathering*
*Due to the County Shelter-in-Place Order, it is unsafe to gather at this time. Updates can be found on the City page
You can get neighbors together for a variety of reasons ranging from an organized block party or safety meeting to a pop-up informal dessert exchange. Some of the most successful gatherings are simple and focus solely on the opportunity for neighbors to meet.
Try to hold your gathering in the neighborhood, or nearby park, to make it convenient for all to participate. To safely close your residential street, Cupertino's block party program provides barricades and other services at no cost.
Consider organizing a Neighborhood Watch meeting, or emergency preparedness training directly in your neighborhood. If you need other ideas, contact us and we’ll work with you.
3. Collect neighbors’ contact information for emergencies and activity planning
Keep information confidential and set an agreement with neighbors that shared lists are to be used for emergencies and neighborhood planning only. Many people prefer to share contact information only with those they know so be prepared to wait until after your first gathering to complete your contact list.
Block groups can organize neighborhood email groups, or use social media to communicate with neighbors.
Getting Assistance & Support
Neighborhood Block Leaders Learn Step-by-step Methods
They gain tips and resources to acquaint neighbors, plan gatherings, and improve communication and safety in the neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Block Leaders Are Informed
They hear about City services and new neighborhood projects and programs. Block Leaders become familiar with City Hall and where to relay neighborhood concerns.
Neighborhood Block Leaders Meet Several Times a Year
They receive training and updates, exchange organization tips with peers, and gain in-depth information on City activities.
The City:
- Coordinates training sessions and materials;
- Provides resources, including commonly asked questions and sample neighborhood fliers;
- Acquaints new leaders with experienced leaders; and
- Offers Community Improvement Grants of up to $300 to jumpstart neighborhood activities.
Come and join this vital community team! Co-leaders are welcome and encouraged.
Contact
Laura D. Lee, communityrelations@cupertino.org, 408.777.3331.
Becoming an Official Block Leader
Congratulations! Once you have acquainted neighbors, or held a neighborhood gathering, you've taken the most significant step to becoming a Cupertino Neighborhood Block Leader.
Thank you for helping to build community in the neighborhood. We appreciate and support the good work you started!
We encourage you to keep at it and to contact the City to become an official Cupertino Block Leader. As a Block Leader, you will receive information about new citywide programs and projects that may affect your neighborhood. You will also be introduced to other neighborhood leaders who care, like you.
To remain an active, Block Leaders: 1) Gather neighbors at least once a year; 2) Participate in Block Leader meetings/training at least once a year; 3) Report on neighborhood status. View Block Leader Volunteer Agreement and Block Leader brochure.
Here are other programs you may consider organizing in the neighborhood.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, please do what you can to stay connected with neighbors while following social distancing guidelines.
Since the first days of the outbreak, Block Leaders have offered to shop for groceries and run errands for vulnerable neighbors; organized teams and volunteers on nearby streets; and informed neighbors about how to remain healthy and safe.
We appreciate your compassion, heartfelt gestures, and genuine care in the community. Thank you for continuing to look out for others who may need extra assistance and encouragement.
Please visit Cupertino's homepage for citywide updates.
NEW! Need a Hand at Home Guide and Request Form
Continue to reach out to neighbors who could use extra help, like the elderly. Resources include ideas shared by Block Leaders and a request form that can be customized for your neighbor's use.
View our Spring 2021 newsletter: Block Leader Appreciation Edition
Crime in 2020: Did COVID-19 Increase or Decrease it?
February 10, 2021 -- Captain Rich Urena and Lieutenant Neil Valenzuela from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Division, returned for an annual visit to share crime updates, discuss how COVID-19 impacted operations, and actions to prevent scams and identity theft. We appreciated their time and valuable information.
See the presentation slides and view the webinar.
Experienced Block Leaders Share Neighborhood Activities at Safety Forum
November 12, 2020 -- Cupertino's Public Safety Commission invited Block Leaders to a panel discussion at their annual Public Safety Forum. Thank you to Steve Hill, Carol Lim, and Fang Liu for generously giving their time to talk about their roles in the neighborhood and how they support and maintain communication with neighbors. Their words are Inspiring for brand new leaders and experienced leaders alike.
View the webinar here.
Block Leaders' Bucket Distribution a Success
October 21, 2020 -- Block Leaders organized distribution of nearly 850 Halloween-themed buckets in 70 neighborhoods throughout Cupertino, representing more than half of the citywide giveaway. Way to go!
The activity was sponsored by the Mayor's Fund and organized through the City's #CupertinoCares program.
Block Leader Webinar -- Wildfires and Go Kits: Prepare Your Home and Yourself
September 17, 2020 -- Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) Information Specialist Luisa Rapport discussed the current wildfires and ways to create defensible spaces and prepare for the possibility of evacuation. She explained the differences between Evacuation Order and Evacuation Warning and reviewed how to stay informed during a critical incident.
See the SCCFD presentation slides and Ready, Set, Go campaign
Cupertino's Office of Emergency Services (OES) Citizen Corps Coordinator Ken Ericksen, along with Al Boleda (CERT) and Jim Oberhofer (CARES), shared how to be more prepared in the neighborhood, including necessary items for Emergency Go Kits and future FRS radio training to report neighborhood status.
See OES presentation slides, Home Emergency Checklist and current Neighborhood Assessment Forms
View the Webinar here
What's Happening in the Neighborhoods
Highlights from our June 2020 survey:
During the pandemic, most Block Leaders use email and social media to communicate with neighbors and provide resources. They visit during daily walks, make phone calls to check in, and organize citywide neighborhood activities through #CupertinoCares.
Neighborhoods have organized a car parade for graduates and regular meetings on Fridays from their own driveways, celebrate milestone birthdays, sign-up seniors for weekday hot lunch delivery, and sew handmade masks for vulnerable neighbors.
Keep at it! Your energy and support make a difference and bring hope to many.
Block Leaders Learn Active Shooter Awareness; How to Help Senior Neighbors
January 23, 2020 -- Captain Rich Urena and Sergeant Jim Post, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Division, presented how to respond during a critical incident, stay safe and informed, and to “Run, Hide, Fight”. Vivian Silva, Cupertino Senior Center Case Manager, shared local resources to assist senior neighbors and how to ask neighbors if they need help.
View the Sheriff's Active Shooter slide presentation and video (City of Houston)
Relay crime tips via email at WVPTips@shf.sccgov.org; Sign-up to be notified of emergencies with AlertSCC
Senior Center Senior Services and Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services LIFE File (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies).
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Our 17th Annual Anniversary Celebration and Appreciation
We Need You After a Disaster
Thank you for looking out for the neighbors. After a major earthquake, or other disaster, relay your neighborhood status to the ARK in your Reporting Zone. Information is relayed to the city's Emergency Operations Center. Unsure which Reporting Zone you're in? Check out the city map.
Wildfires and Go Kits: Prepare Your Home and Yourself
Here's a collection of resources for Neighborhood Block Leaders in Cupertino.