He's making neighborhood conversation a top priority after many participants in an Aug. 8 community forum expressed interest in continuing the discussion about Cupertino's changing demographics. But the participants were asking for smaller and more frequent neighborhood forums.

The August forum, coordinated by the city and sponsored by the Courier, aimed at tackling the city's cross-cultural tensions. As the Asian population has more than doubled in Cupertino over the past decade, from 9,000 to 25,000, the tension between cultures has become a problem many residents care about but are reluctant to talk about.

To encourage people to talk about these issues, the city is providing training for citizens to facilitate small-group discussions in ways that will help residents talk openly.

Thoughts and concerns from these neighborhood discussions will be presented in a citywide forum with city officials in the spring.

For those who want training as a facilitator, the next workshop is scheduled Nov. 12. Through the training, residents can enhance skills as a facilitator, and host small-group discussions.

In addition to forums, the Citizens of Cupertino Cross-Cultural Consortium meets on the first Wednesday of the month to increase cultural understanding in the community.

For more information, contact community relations coordinator Laura D. Lee at 408.777.3331 or laural@cupertino.org.

Neighborhood block leaders: The city trains residents to serve as vital links between the city and the neighborhoods. New and established block leaders gather several times throughout the year to share experiences and learn advanced communication techniques. For more information, call Laura Lee at 408.777.3331.

Neighborhood Block Party Program: At no cost, the city will temporarily close residential streets so neighbors can hold celebrations, sports, games, barbecues and other neighborhood activities. Residents may even request appearances by county fire and sheriff's units. And parks and recreation leaders can provide recreational activities. For more information, call Laura Lee at 408.777.3331.

Neighborhood Watch: The county sheriff's Cupertino deputies train residents to recognize and report suspicious activities. Program participants also learn about home security and other crime-prevention techniques. For more information, call Sgt. Skip Shervington at 408.777.3177.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): This program is administered by the Santa Clara County Fire Department and the city. The 20-hour CERT course offers hands-on training in life safety skills to help residents be better prepared for emergencies. To learn more about emergency preparedness programs, call Marsha Hovey at 408.777.3335.