Touchless traffic signals
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Clara County staff are taking new measures to reduce the number of surfaces residents touch while outside. Staff have begun installing new contactless traffic signals for pedestrians at some heavily trafficked San Jose intersections; new signals are already in place near the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, with more to come in the next few months.
The signals will replace the existing touch-to-cross signals, which, during the COVID-19 pandemic, are prone to contamination due to heavy use. The new signals will rely on motion detection technology much like sensor-activated faucets, so residents will need only to wave a hand in front of the button to cross.
Taking the Census
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Census must go on. Staff from the Census Bureau have begun making the rounds of San Jose, visiting the homes of those who have yet to fill out the 2020 Census. These staff members are equipped with face masks and will conduct their interviews from an appropriate distance outside, in compliance with local health guidelines. For questions about how to identify a legitimate census taker and for more information on what they can and cannot ask, call 213-314-6500.
Neighborhood Notes
ROSE GARDEN>>The city’s department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is calling for volunteers to help maintain San Jose’s outdoor spaces, which are becoming a staple of daily life for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Department staff are looking for volunteers who can help maintain the Municipal Rose Garden while complying with all county health orders. To sign up to receive more information, visit tinyurl.com/RoseGardenVolunteer.
CAMBRIAN>>Residents can now utilize the San Jose Public Library’s express pickup services at the Cambrian branch. Although browsing the stacks inside is still impossible due to COVID-19 concerns, the express pickup program allows cardholders to browse the library’s collection online, place an order for a book, then pick it up outside the library. Visit www.sjpl.org/express-pickup for more information on locations and hours.
ALMADEN VALLEY>>District 10 Councilmember Johnny Khamis is hosting virtual office hours Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 8:30 a.m. on Facebook Live. Visit www.facebook.com/JohnnyKhamis to watch and ask questions in real time.