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Author: Ann Zeise

Milpitas Camera Club

About the Milpitas Camera Club
Photographer Kaz (right) has organized local camera enthusiasts interested in meeting monthly or more often to share photography tips and occasionally go on photographic field trips. Ann Zeise was co-founder. The club was founded in 2004.Kaz

All are welcome to visit our meetings, and friends of members may go along on field trips. Membership allows you to join competitions and shows, and to get our newsletter and participate in our galleries.

At this time, due to Covid-19, beginning September 14, 2021, the meetings will be held hybrid. Information is being sent out to members with the Zoom link shortly before each meeting. Those who are fully vaccinated and not likely to die from Covid, may attend meetings live.

Next Meeting:
Our meetings are
on the second Tuesday of each month
at the Police Administration Bldg.
Community Room
1275 N. Milpitas Blvd.
At 7:00 p.m. (Social begins at 6:30 p.m., and sometimes at 6 p.m. at Taqueria Las Vegas, 1417 N Milpitas Blvd.)
We are not allowed to bring in snacks like before, so eat before you arrive.

Recent Print Show Judging

Enjoy some of our galleries at these links:

Some definitions for photos entered for judging:

  • General-A and General-B: Members choose their category (A=advanced or B=beginner). Almost anything goes. Evaluation will be based primarily on pictorial content with the only restriction being that subject matter should not be offensive to the average adult audience.
  • Monochrome: black and white, sepia, or any other shades of one color and white
  • Travel: Expresses the feeling of a time and place, and portray a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state. Techniques that add to, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the image, without changing the photo travel content, are permitted. All adjustments must appear natural. Titles are part of the story and will be read during judging. They should be an accurate description of the subject.
  • Creative is an image of altered reality, produced by use of tools or techniques to manipulate the image during any part of the work flow. Emphasis in this Division is placed upon creativity and originality.
  • Mobile images must be taken and edited on a mobile device, such as a smart phone or tablet. Images taken on a GoPro or a drone would be in this category unless the topic fits well in one of the others.

How to print labels for print sharing:
* Attach one label to each to print (upper left corner on backside): attach labels
* Supply a second label with each print (to be removed): sharing labels

Where to submit digital photos for meetings or shows:
Photo Pursuits
Members only with ID and password.

To Join or get More Information: Contact our membership chairs,
membership@milpitascamera.com


Milpitas Camera Club Photography Show 2010.
Music played by the Milpitas Community Band. Music from 1901. Recorded on my iPhone! Ann Zeise.

Milpitas Camera Club

Past Field Trip Reports
Look here if you would like to find interesting places to snap some great photos where we have gone before!

Milpitas Camera Club Favorite Links

MEMBERS’ GALLERIES

Robert Burrill
Over the years, Burrill’s vision was greatly sharpened, his technique refined with exceptional emphasis on composition and historical importance. Today he is busy digitally printing his own fine art photographs, wrote two books on local history, and makes and distributes films in DVD depicting the magic of art and the creative process.

Dave’s pictures
Our member Dave posts his photos from field trips here.

Jim Melton’s Photo Galleries
Jim has some instructional photos here, as well as lots of animals and flowers.

Ann Zeise’s Photos on Facebook
Photos posted on Ann’s Wall from newest to oldest. She shoots and edits mobile.

PHOTO CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAMERA CLUBS

Fremont Art Association Digital Photography Group
Over the course of the next year we have 10 free field trips, a critique session, and an entry level photo class. These events occur on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Contact Cooksey, (510) 742-0548.

EXCLUSIVELY DIGITAL CAMERAS

Digital Outback Photo
Fine art outdoor photography using digital cameras.

Digital Photography Review
Where you’ll find all the latest in digital photography and imaging news, reviews of the latest digital cameras and accessories, the most active discussion forums, a large selection of sample images, a digital camera buyers guide, side-by-side comparisons and the most comprehensive database of digital camera features and specifications.

ETCETERA, colors, profiles, etc.
Digital camera profiles, colors, and more.

Steve’s Digicams
Digital camera reviews, amateur to professional, latest industry news, digital camera discussion board, Digital Photo of the Day, photo-quality printers, image scanners, digital video, video capture devices.

GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHY SITES

Photo.net
Learn and share photos and tips.

WHERE WE CAN’T STOOT PHOTOS

Stanford University Film, Photography and Video Requests
The University recently stepped up enforcement of its photography policy, leaving photographers uncertain about whether they are technically allowed to photograph Stanford landmarks. Security guards patrolling the Main Quad and other campus landmarks have been instructed to question the intent of individuals with professional camera equipment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility and Scheduling

COVID-19 Vaccinations are only available to those who meet federal and state criteria.
CDC now recommends a booster vaccination of the COVID-19 vaccine for moderate to severe immunocompromised individuals that previously completed the series.

Covid Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The first COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for use in the United States. Hundreds of millions of people have now received these safe and effective vaccines. The Public Health Department strongly recommends that anyone aged 12 and above get vaccinated now.

Additional Doses for immunocompromised patients after two doses of Pfizer or Moderna: 3rd doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for patients who are at least 28 days from their last dose and who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. At this time, additional doses after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have not been authorized. If you are not sure whether you qualify for a 3rd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, please consult with your physician.

All individuals age 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
Youth between 12 to 17-years old need to provide a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian. For County-operated sites, the consent form is available online.

The County of Santa Clara has launched a free In-Home Vaccination Program for individuals who are unable to leave their place of residence.

County of Santa Clara COVID-19 News Releases
Get the latest announcements regarding testing, vaccinations, and case load in Santa Clara County here.

Free Transportation to Vaccination Locations

Santa Clara County, VTA has created an interactive map for the public to find a list of the current vaccination locations, along with the bus or light rail routes to take to each site. Transit trips are free as VTA is currently not collecting fares. When viewers click on any vaccination location on the map, they will be taken to the Google Maps transit option to find the most efficient transit route to get to the destination.

When you can get vaccinated

Healthcare workers and long-term care residents (Phase 1A)~Now vaccinating

People with a high chance of exposure and those 65 or older (Phase 1B)~Now vaccinating
Sector populations with high chance of exposure:

  • Agriculture and food
  • Education and childcare
  • Emergency services

Individuals age 16 or older at higher risk~Now vaccinating
People with certain significant high-risk:

  • Medical conditions
  • Disabilities
  • Illnesses
  • Living spaces
  • Work environments

Every Californian 16 or older~Starts April 15, 2021
Vaccination of people younger than 16 will start as soon as the COVID-19 vaccines are approved for them.

Individuals who are eligible to be vaccinated are encouraged, but not required, to contact their healthcare system to make an appointment. Under the County’s “no wrong door” policy, all providers below (with the exception of the VA) are able to vaccinate eligible patients regardless of your healthcare provider or insurance. See below for scheduling options by provider.

Bay Area Community Health: Click here to schedule an appointment for a vaccination

  • Healthcare Workers
  • People ages 16+ (Those aged 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
  • Food and Agriculture Workers
  • Emergency Services workers
  • Education/Childcare workers
  • Those who have a complex health condition (click for more info)
  • Those experiencing homelessness
  • People who live in Congregate Residential settings
  • People who work in Public Transportation setting

El Camino Health: Click here to schedule an appointment for a vaccination

  • Anyone who is 16 years of age or older and lives or works in Santa Clara County; or
  • Individuals who reside in a high-risk congregate setting in Santa Clara County; or
  • Individuals in Santa Clara County who are at highest risk for extreme complications from COVID-19 due to specific health conditions; or
  • Individuals in Santa Clara County who are at high-risk for extreme complications from COVID-19 due to a severe mental or physical disability; or
  • People who live or work in Santa Clara County and are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their work in:
    – Healthcare; or
    – Education and Childcare; or
    – Emergency Services; or
    – Food and Agriculture; or
    – Public Transit

Federal Retail Pharmacy Program – Vaccine Appointments

The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program has been activated with select pharmacy partners.  California’s current pharmacy partners are CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens,  Albertsons, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Topco, Cardinal, CPESN, Good Neighbor, and Health Mart. Pharmacy partners are now offering COVID-19 vaccine in their select store locations.  Currently, eligible groups are ages 65+, health-care workers, long-term care and congregate settings, food and agriculture workers, education and childcare workers, emergency services workers, public transit workers, airport workers, commercial airline workers, and ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions.  Appointments will be required.  Eligible Californians should not contact individual stores for appointments or come to the store seeking a vaccination without an appointment.  Eligible individuals should be directed to the following scheduling links below for an appointment:

Kaiser Permanente, please proceed with the scheduling process on this link.

  • We’re currently vaccinating people 16 and older as supplies allow.
  • We can only vaccinate people with appointments and not family members or others who accompany them.
  • Sign in to check availability and schedule your vaccine appointment.

Levi Stadium

  • Same as Santa Clara County list above.

Mountain View Community Center
Appointment-only vaccination site operated by the County will provide up to 1,000 vaccine doses per weekday. The Mountain View location is now accepting appointments. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at this or other locations in Santa Clara County, visit sccfreevax.org.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation/ Sutter Health, please proceed with the scheduling process on this link.

  • Patients age 16 and older.
  • Note: If you’re age 16-17, you can receive the Pfizer vaccine with consent. Bring a parent or guardian to your vaccine appointment, or have them sign this form and bring it with you.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Hospitals and Clinics, please proceed with the scheduling process on this link. Sites available in San Jose, Gilroy, Santa Clara, and Mountain View. Please continue checking for updated information at sccfreevax.org.

  • All individuals age 16 and older who live, work, or attend school in Santa Clara County are eligible to be vaccinated.New appointments are regularly added by the County of Santa Clara Health System and all other providers, and many providers are now adding appointments. Please check this website for updates.As of April 28, the County of Santa Clara Health System and other healthcare providers can resume the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at select locations, following federal and state recommendations. The County Health System will offer either Pfizer or Moderna (2-dose mRNA vaccines) at all of its vaccination clinics. In addition, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available upon request at select sites. For more information about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, see fact sheet from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.

VA Palo Alto HealthCare System: Click here to schedule an appointment for a vaccination
Congress has passed a new law that allows us to offer COVID-19 vaccines to more people. VA is now able to offer vaccine to the following groups who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine at VA when their local VA facilities have enough vaccine:

  • Veterans
  • Spouse of a Veteran
  • Caregivers of a Veteran
  • Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits

Walgreens
Let’s check COVID-19 vaccine and testing availability in your area. Enter 95035. Best to check just after midnight.

What if I have problems accessing those websites, or they won’t accept my zip Code?

Quarantine Guidance for fully vaccinated people
Following the direction of the CDC and CDPH, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department has issued new quarantine guidance for people who have been fully vaccinated.

  • If you have completed your COVID-19 vaccination and you have been a close contact to someone with COVID-19, you do NOT need to quarantine if you meet ALL the conditions listed below.
  • Are fully vaccinated (this means 2 or more weeks have passed after you received the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series, or 2 or more weeks have passed after you received one dose of a single-dose vaccine),
  • Are within 3 months after you received the last dose in the vaccine series,
  • Do not have symptoms of COVID-19 since the current exposure. (If you have COVID-19 symptoms, isolate and get tested immediately.

Evidence used to update the list of underlying medical conditions that increase a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19~Updated March 29, 2021
This list is a living document that will be periodically updated by CDC, and it could rapidly change as the science evolves. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death. Find out just how likely you are to get a severe case of COVID-19 because of underlying conditions here.


MOA of Messenger RNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccines
This animation demonstrates the mechanism of action of Messenger RNA based vaccines for COVID-19 (SARs-CoV-2) from companies such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Arcturus Therapeutics.


How mRNA Vaccines Work – Simply Explained
mRNA vaccines have to potential to end the COVID19 pandemic. How do they work? Are they safe? And how could they’ve been developed so quickly? The main idea of mRNA vaccines is to trick our bodies to produce part of a virus. This kickstarts our immune response, without getting us sick. All that’s needed is a part of the virus’s DNA or RNA, packaged into mRNA. Cool!

What is my BMI?
Since one of the more likely dangerous underlying conditions is obesity, defined as a BMI equal to or greater than 30, you may want to calculate your BMI on this CDC page. Those with BMI greater than or equal to 40 can be vaccinated at this time.

Sandwiches – Donuts, Deli & Vietnamese Sandwiches in Milpitas

Dining and Food ~ Restaurants in Milpitas

No matter where you turn, there’s a sandwich shop in Milpitas! New to the scene are Vietnamese sandwich shops. Yelp reviews for most sandwiches, so find the best!

The Best Sandwiches
Not only do we provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding, but we know sandwiches like no one’s business. Salads and kids’ favorites, too.
187 S Main St.
408-493-6383

Cheese Steak Shop
Our ingredients are special ordered (many from the East) to create the authentic and delicious “Real Philly” Cheese Steak. Town Center.
136 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-935-3161

Christy’s Donuts
From the perfectly toasted, chewy jalapeño cheese bagels to the large assortment of donuts, Christy’s never disappoints. The vintage-inspired interior makes for a great spot to sit and enjoy breakfast.
1291 E Calaveras Blvd.
408-942-1933

Dakao Sandwich Two
Yelp reviews. “Their mini eggrolls are a party favorite. Order ahead. Sandwiches are always crispy and flavorful. Choose from beef, chicken, fishcakes, pork, or vegetarian. There are also many rice plates and noodle bowls to choose from and to-go snacks for a quick bite.”
72 S Abel St.
408-946-3668

Donut Basket – Abel and Landess
Yelp Reviews. Two locations. Mom-&-pop shops with classic donuts is also known for its breakfast & lunch sandwiches.
1559 Landess Ave, Milpitas Mall Shopping Center
408-623 4033
200 N Abel St.
408-650-9098

Erik’s Delicafe
Check out their “sandwiches with character” on the onsite menu for easy ordering by phone for take out or catering. Located in the Milpitas Town Center. Order ahead menu for pickup.
148 North Milpitas Blvd.
408-262-7878

Golden Bakery
Yelp reviews: “When it comes to the Hot Dog Bun it can best be described as a hot dog wrapped in an Hawaiian roll with a pretzel finish! The finish is nice and sheen, the roll is sweet and the Hot Dog is not overly salty! It’s a perfect combo for a perfect snack!” Lots of bakery items.
30 S Park Victoria Dr.
408-945-8016

Huong Lan Sandwich 4
Yelp reviews: “Huong Lan is a Vietnamese hangout place to grab some food and tea, and sit and chat with your friends in the afternoon.”
41 Serra Way, Ste 108
408-942-7777

Noah’s Bagels
Yelp reviews. “Food, as per usual for Noah’s, was superb. Love the chewy consistency of their bagels and the fresh baked flavor.” Closes at 3PM.
124 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-941-9440

The Sandwich Spot
100% fresh meat, proprietary brad baked fresh daily, award winning sandwiches. Nutrition information.
176 Ranch Dr.
408-878-1818

Subway
Sandwiches. Nice nutrition guide. Join in fun games and contests.
7 locations in Milpitas.

Togos
Large sandwiches. Catering available.
137 Ranch Dr.
408-946-2161

California Gubernatorial Recall Election Voter Information

By Soumya Karlamangla

It’s Thursday. Your ballot is in the mail for the special election to decide whether to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. Recent polling shows it’s a dead heat.

With some 22 million ballots arriving in Californians’ mailboxes this week, voting has begun in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recall election. Between now and Sept. 14, voters will decide whether Newsom, a Democrat who won in a landslide in 2018, should be recalled and replaced — and if so, by whom.

Though the effort to recall the governor was once seen as improbable, recent polling shows it’s now a dead heat, as my colleagues reported on Tuesday. Newsom has raised more campaign funds than all of his challengers combined, and less than a quarter of the state’s electorate is Republican, but neither will matter if not enough Democrats cast ballots in the election to counteract Republican enthusiasm for the ouster. As election season heats up, I’ve got answers to all your questions about voting in the recall.

Estimated Costs to Administer the California Gubernatorial Recall Election

Pursuant to Elections Code section 11108(d), the Department of Finance, in consultation with the Secretary of State and county elections officials, has estimated the costs to administer the recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom to be $276 million.
For more information relating to the costs of the recall election, please see the Secretary of State’s website.

Where’s my ballot?

Monday was the last day for counties to mail out ballots, so yours should be en route if it has not already arrived at your home. As with last year’s presidential election, every active registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail. If you want to know exactly where yours is, sign up for the state’s free ballot-tracking service.

Not sure if you’re registered?

Check here and register here. There’s still time to receive a ballot.

What’s on the ballot?

Just two questions: Should Newsom be recalled? And which candidate should succeed him?
If you answer one question and not the other, your ballot will still be counted.

Who is running to replace Newsom?

There are 46 candidates for governor on the ballot. A full list of their names is here.

How many votes does Newsom need to stay in office? How many to be ousted?

If a majority of voters answer no to the first question — should Newsom be recalled? — then the governor keeps his job. If a majority vote yes, he’s out.

But then things get a little trickier. If voters choose to replace Newsom, the new governor will be the person who gets the most votes in the second question, even if it is far from a majority.

Here’s how that could play out: The current front-runner, the talk radio host Larry Elder, has around 20 percent support among people who want to recall Newsom, according to recent polling.

Say 51 percent of voters choose to recall Newsom and 20 percent pick Elder as the replacement. Elder would be our next governor.

If I’m voting no on the recall, should I answer the second question?

This one is complicated. Newsom has been urging Democrats to ignore the question of who should replace him.

“One question. One answer. No on the recall. Move on. Send in the ballot,” Newsom said in a news conference over the weekend.

But some Democratic strategists think that’s unwise, as it “could produce a new governor chosen by only a small fraction of the electorate,” The Los Angeles Times reports. There are nine Democrats on the ballot, though none have significant support in the polls.

Newsom’s answer-only-the-first-question strategy is probably an attempt to avoid what happened in 2003, when Gov. Gray Davis was recalled and replaced with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In that election, a prominent Democrat, Cruz Bustamante, was one of the replacement candidates. Some believe that Democratic voters may have voted to recall Davis because they thought he would be replaced by Bustamante, another Democrat.

What do I do with my ballot once I’ve filled it out?

The easiest thing is probably to turn it in at a drop box. Here are links to drop box locations for the state’s 10 most populous counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento, Contra Costa and Fresno. Residents elsewhere should visit their county website for information.

Alternatively, you can mail in your ballot as long as it’s postmarked by Sept. 14. Or you can vote in person anytime between Sept. 4 and Sept. 14.

The vote center in Milpitas will be at the library’s auditorium. More vote center information here.

If Newsom is recalled, how long will his successor be in office?

Newsom’s replacement would govern for about a year, until Newsom’s term ends in January 2023. There will be another election in November 2022 to choose who will serve the next four-year term as California’s governor.
If recalled, Newsom can run again.

For more:
• Read an in-depth look at the recall from the Times reporters Shawn Hubler and Jill Cowan.
• Doug Ose, a former Republican representative who is a candidate on the ballot, announced on Tuesday that he would be dropping out of the race after a heart attack, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Voter Information-How to Become a Voter in California

How to Get to Vote

Voter information specific to those who reside in Milpitas, California

vote hands of many colors

Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters is modernizing voting and providing voters with greater flexibility and convenience.
Starting with the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election VOTERS w​​ill have more options an​d will get to choose WHEN, WHERE, and HOW to vote​!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​:

  1. Every registered voter will receive a Vote By Mail ballot starting 29 days before Election Day
  2. Voters can vote at any of the Vote Centers in Santa Clara County
  3. Approximately 22 Vote Centers will open for 11 days including Election Day and approximately 88 Vote Centers will be open for 4 days including Election Day for a total of 110 Vote Centers throughout the County on Election Day
  4. Vote Centers will offer more space, additional services and new enhanced voting equipment​

Vote Centers in Milpitas

Search here for sites outside of Milpitas that may be closer to where you work.

Name: Milpitas Branch Library – Auditorium
Address: 160 N Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (0.44 miles away)
Hours of Operation: September 4, 2021 to September 13, 2021 – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; ELECTION DAY (September 14, 2021) – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Inside or Outside the Building: Inside the Building
Name: San Jose Evergreen Community College -Milpitas Extension Lecture 1 & 2
Address: 1450 Escuela Parkway, Milpitas, CA 95035 (1.46 miles away)
Hours of Operation: Not open for recall election
Inside or Outside the Building: Inside the Building
Name: John Sinnott Elementary School – Auditorium
Address: 2025 Yellowstone Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035 (1.76 miles away)
Hours of Operation: Not open for recall election
Inside or Outside the Building: Inside the Building
Name: Pioneer Mobile Home – Club House
Address: 60 Wilson Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 (1.96 miles away)
Hours of Operation: Not open for recall election
Inside or Outside the Building: Inside the Building

Online Registering to Vote
To vote in California, you must be:
At least 18 years old by election day
A U.S. citizen
A California resident
Registered at least 15 days before the election
Not in prison or on parole for a felony
Not declared mentally incompetent by court action

Offline Way
Swing by any fire department, the library, the post office, or City Hall and ask for a voter registration form.

Vote By Mail Ballot
Be a Permanent Absentee Voter
Recent changes in state law has made it possible for any registered voter to sign up and automatically receive their ballot by mail for every election.

The all-new style ballot box for Vote-by-Mail ballots for the current election is now in the Milpitas City Hall lobby. It will remain through to Election Day for the convenience of all Santa Clara County voters, not just those who live here, but also for those who work here.

County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters
1555 Berger Dr. Bldg. #2, San Jose, CA 95112.
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm.
Responsible for:

  • Voter Registration
  • Maintaining voter registration records
  • Conducting federal, state, school, and local elections
  • Administering candidate nomination procedures
  • Administering the provisions of the campaign reporting laws
Voter Registration Form
No longer any neighborhood polling places. See list of voting centers above.

Rock the Vote
If you have a printer, just fill out the form online, print and sign. A non-profit, non-partisan group. Targets young voters and the underrepresenteded.

Voter Guides

California Online Voter Guide
Voter guide provides nonpartisan information on California propositions and statewide, congressional, and state legislative contests.

California Online Government Voter Guide Home Page
The California Voter Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working through research, oversight, outreach and demonstration projects to improve the election process so that it better serves the needs and interests of voters.

California Voters’ Edge Information
California League of Women Voters website for the Santa Clara County ballot. Information about candidates and issues.

California Elections and Voter Information
From the Secretary of State. Lots of information on the gubernatorial primary candidates.

Voting Day Information

Find Your Polling Center
Select election and then enter your residence address.

Check Status of Your Ballot
Under the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, every voter who casts a provisional ballot is entitled to find out from his/her county elections official if the ballot was counted and if not, the reason why it was not counted.

On the Ballot

California Voter Information Guide
The Voter Information Guide for the November 3, 2020. Statewide Direct Primary Election is now available in PDF

League of Women Voters Directory
Find information about contests on a November 8, 2016 ballot in California State Government

Qualified Statewide Ballot Measures
The following is a list of statewide measures that have qualified for the ballot. For those measures that are currently attempting to qualify, see the Initiative and Referendum Qualification Status page.

Political Districts

The California Voter Foundation’s California Map Series
Maps of the state’s political districts, regions and counties. This series was created to give the public a better understanding of the political districts and jurisdictions where we live and vote.

Political Parties

AMERICAN INDEPENDENT PARTY

American Independent Party
California Affiliate of the Constitution Party, the AIP is California’s fastest growing political party. Californians have recognized the need for a major change in government policies, a return to constitutional government, and control of the government by the governed.

DEMOCRATS

California Democratic Party
Information on Campaigns, Party Structure & More.

Democratic National Committee
The DNC plans the Party’s quadrennial presidential nominating convention; promotes the election of Party candidates with both technical and financial support; and works with national, state, and local party organizations, elected officials, candidates, and constituencies to respond to the needs and views of the Democratic electorate and the nation.

GREEN PARTY

Green Party of California
Find out who the Green Party candidates are for California political offices.

Green Party of California
Please join us as we build towards a more democratic, cooperative, cleaner, safer world where we the people, not the corporations, make the decisions that affect our lives.

Green Party of the United States
A confederation of state Green Parties.  Committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, Greens are renewing democracy without the support of corporate donors.

LIBERTARIANS

Libertarian Party of California
If you describe yourself as socially tolerant and fiscally responsible, you’re a Libertarian! We believe you-not the government-should decide how to run your life, checkbook, retirement, education and family.

Libertarian Party
Committed to America’s heritage of freedom: individual liberty and personal responsibility; a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.

NATURAL LAW PARTY

Natural Law Party – California
Founded in April 1992 to “bring the light of science into politics.” Its founders, a group of a dozen educators, businessmen, and lawyers, knew that field-tested solutions to America’s problems already existed but were being ignored by government.

REPUBLICANS

California Republican Party
Your online source for Republican news, events, and information from all over California. (Not available in other languages.)

Republican National Committee
Republicans have a long and rich history with basic principles: Individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home. (Not available in other languages.)

Initiative Information

How to Qualify an Initiative
This is a summary of the statewide initiative procedure and the requirements for preparing and qualifying initiatives. This guide is intended for statewide initiatives only. For information regarding the qualification of local initiatives, please contact your county elections official or city clerk. Please contact the Secretary of State’s Initiative Coordinator at (916) 657-2166 for more information.

See also ~ More Voter Information

Housework Training Courses Now Available For Men

Introduction to Common Household Objects I:
The Mop

Introduction to Common Household Objects II:
The Sponge

Dressing Up:
Beyond the Funeral and the Wedding

Refrigerator Forensics:
Identifying and Removing the Dead

Design Pattern or Splatter Stain on the Linoleum?:
You CAN Tell the Difference!

Accepting Loss -I:
If It’s Empty, You Can Throw It Away

Accepting Loss -II:
If the Milk Expired Three Weeks Ago, Keeping It In the Refrigerator Won’t Bring It Back

Going to the Supermarket:
It’s Not Just for Women Anymore!

Recycling Skills I:
Boxes that the Electronics Came In

Recycling Skills II:
Styrofoam that Came in the Boxes that the Electronics Came In

Bathroom Etiquette I:
How to Remove Beard Clippings from the Sink

Bathroom Etiquette II:
Let’s Wash Those Towels!

Bathroom Etiquette III:
Five Easy Ways to Tell When You’re About to Run Out of Toilet Paper!

Giving Back to the Community:
How to Donate 15-Year-Old Levis to the Goodwill

Retro? Or Just Hideous?:
Re-examining Your 1970s Polyester Shirts

No, The Dishes Won’t Wash Themselves:
Knowing the 4 Limitations of Your Kitchenware

Romance:
More Than a Cable Channel!

Strange But True!:
She Really May NOT Care What “Fourth Down and Ten” Means

Going Out to Dinner:
Beyond the Pizza Hut

Expand Your Entertainment Options:
Selecting movies that don’t star John Wayne or Clint Eastwood on TV

Yours, Mine, and Ours:
Sharing the Remote

“I Could Have Played a Better Game Than That!”:
Why Women Laugh

Adventures in Housekeeping I:
Let’s Clean the Closet

Adventures in Housekeeping II:
Let’s Clean Under the Bed

“I Don’t Know“:
Be the First Man to Say It!

The Gas Gauge in Your Car:
Sometimes Empty MEANS Empty

Directions:
It’s Okay to Ask for Them

Listening:
It’s Not Just Something You Do During Halftime

Accepting Your Limitations:
Just Because You Have Power Tools Doesn’t Mean You Can Fix It

A Milpitas Mom’s Favorite Joke.

Temporary Policies and Guidelines Police Department Community Room

Police Logo Star

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Temporary Policies and Guidelines Police Department Community Room

1275 North Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035

Reservations: 408-586-2402 or vbejines@ci.milpitas.ca.gov

UPDATED: AUGUST 13, 2021

The Milpitas Police Department’s top priority is to ensure the safety of our guests. Please note that any meeting event in the Police Department Community Room is contingent upon current public health orders and City policy.

Vaccination Requirements

The City of Milpitas will not require guests to show proof of vaccination when entering the Police Department Community Room.

Masks and Face Coverings

Effective Thursday, July 29, 2021, the City of Milpitas requires all City employees and visitors to wear face coverings in indoor settings within City buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be provided, and guests must bring their own when entering the building.

Room Capacity Limits

The City of Milpitas Police Department is limiting capacity to 35 guests max until further notice.

Food and Beverages

Food and beverages are not permitted, except for water.

Meeting and Time Limits

Only one reservation is permitted in the Police Department Community Room per day. Until further notice, reservations for the Community Room shall be on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations shall not be confirmed more than sixty (60) days in advance, and groups and individual applicants are limited to no more than two (2) reservations per calendar month.

***These guidelines supercede the Community Room additional guidelines dated July 2020. Public health orders are subject to change at any time, and reservations may be cancelled if the public health orders deem non-essential meetings unsafe.

*I have read and undertand the Novel Coronavirus updated policies and guidelines. I further understand that if my group does not abide by these rules, it may result in our meeting being immediately terminated and may result in not being able to use the room for future use.

On official document, applicant would sign and date. See Reservation contact info above.

Other halls in Milpitas.

The Origin of the Internet

Computing Jokes

An old, bearded shepherd with a crooked staff walked up to a stone pulpit and said, “And lo, it came to pass that the trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.”

And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she had been called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham, her husband, “Why doth thou travel far, from town to town, with thy goods when thou can trade without ever leaving thy tent?”

And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, “How, Dear?” And Dot replied, “I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale and they will reply telling you which hath the best price. And the sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah’s Pony Stable (UPS).”

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had, at the top price, without ever moving from his tent. But this success did arouse envy.

A man named Maccabia did secret himself inside Abraham’s drum and was accused of insider trading. And the young man did take to Dot Com’s trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Siderites, or NERDS for short.

And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums, that no one noticed that the real riches were going to the drum maker, one Brother William of Gates, who bought up every drum company in the land. And indeed did insist on making drums that would work only if you bought Brother Gates‘ drumsticks.

And Dot did say, “Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others.” And as Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or as it came to be known “eBay,” he said, “we need a name that reflects what we are,” and Dot replied, “Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.”

“Whoopee!”, said Abraham.

“No, YAHOO!” said Dot Com… and that is how it all began.

It wasn’t Al Gore after all.

A Milpitas Mom’s Favorite Joke.

How many HR Staff Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?

How many HR Staff Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?

One actual HR staff member to change the light bulb.

The second to assess the risk of the light bulb changing process.

A third to ensure the light bulb changing process adheres to the internal compliance regime for health and safety during light bulb changes.

A fourth to ensure that the internal purchase order procedures have been adhered with for light bulb change orders.

A fifth to audit the supply of the light bulb following the internal purchase order procedure.

A sixth to report back to the compliance and risk functions that the supply and audit divisions had complied with the light bulb change risk and compliance procedures.

A seventh to monitor that the light bulb was changed by a member of HR staff who was cleared by the CIPD to be authorised with light bulb changing management.

And an eighth HR staff person being the most important…they are responsible for costing the light bulb changing process and being creative enough to incorporate the pricing of the eight people into their customers’ monthly billing statement without their customer noticing.

A Milpitas Mom’s Favorite Joke

Fire Departments

Two fire departments are responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue services, hazardous and toxic materials emergency response, in town and in hills. Cal Fire also help suppress wild fires in our hills.

Firefighters
Firefighters on roof of Oo La Lodge during training session.

List of Fire Departments responsible for fires in the city proper and in the hillsides

Milpitas Fire Department
77 S Main St
Responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue services, hazardous and toxic materials emergency response, coordination of City-wide disaster response efforts, enforcement of fire and life safety codes, enforcement of State and Federal hazardous materials regulations, and investigation of fire cause, arson and other emergency events for cause and origin.
408-586-2800
To report Emergencies Dial 911 from any phone.

Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department
Provides fire safety and emergency medical services for residents, recreational enthusiasts, and property in the north-eastern foothills above San Jose and Milpitas, California.
Located in: Ed R. Levin County Park
Address: 3001 Calaveras Rd
408-228-3997

Cal Fire
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection serves and safeguards the people and protects the property and resources of California. Serves Milpitas through help with wildfires in our hills.
Incidents Overview

See also: Fire News Archives

CALFire Twitter Timeline