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Residents learn to work around the block
By GEORGE MOORE
In an effort to build a safer and more close-knit community, the city of Cupertino has scheduled another block leader training session April 13 at the Senior Center. Neighborhood watch and emergency preparedness programs combined with block parties are the foundations being utilized, but nothing would be accomplished without a corps of volunteers in the community.
Community Relations Coordinator Laura Lee said that about four years ago the city asked for interested citizens to become involved with organizing their streets or neighborhoods. Some newcomers responded, as well as current block leaders who wanted to know what else they could do. Lee said a long-term goal would be to have a leader for every block or neighborhood who would communicate with other leaders in the area about issues that are important to them.
"There are issues out there that aren't seen by anyone except those local to the area," she added. "We want them to keep in touch with each other and eventually provide feedback to the city."
Lee said some neighborhoods have organized close to 300 homes--starting with just one leader and growing.
"It really is what the neighborhood groups want it to be," Lee said. "We want them to keep it fun and community oriented."
One particularly large organized community is known as the Fairgrove Neighbors. Former councilman Don Burnett is one of the block leaders who help organize about 220 homes. Burnett said some of its leaders organize six or seven residences and others as many as 30, covering most of the streets in his neighborhood.
Burnett said that they have two or three events a year, including a spring brunch, a fall block party, and an earthquake/emergency preparedness drill.
Burnett said each year the homes in the neighborhood are sent a $10 dues notification and usually about half of them respond. The money goes a long way, providing funding for community events and equipment for the first-aid team, including radios and medical supplies.
Burnett said they hold neighborhood meetings and board of director meetings on alternate months. He said organizing all of the block leaders has been a long process that is still being worked on.
"One of the functions that our block leaders have agreed to do is to welcome new residents to the neighborhood," Burnett said. "Right now we're putting together a kit that would describe our neighborhood and disaster preparedness organizations and includes a map and a city directory from the Chamber of Commerce."
He added that it's sometimes difficult building community because people tend to congregate by activity rather than by neighborhoods.
On the other end of the spectrum is Bryn Oh, who attended a block training session in February. Oh said a great thing about it was that they had people like Burnett there to answer questions and sort of act as mentors.
"We're just getting started," Oh said. "We've had one meeting to try and generate some interest and find out who wants to do what. I think the more people get involved, the better off the community will be."
Lee said the training program offers a glimpse of what is out there and the city would offer continued assistance. Lee wants the leaders to lean on each other; sharing tips and providing outreach in the community. Burnett's neighborhood seems to be on the right track.
"It takes a lot of effort to get people more neighbor-oriented, but it's worth it," Burnett said.
Those interested in attending the April 13 training session from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center should contact Laura Lee no later than April 10. Responses can be directed to laural@cupertino.org or 408.777.3331.
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
