Please join Executive Producers Donnie Eiland and David Mosqueda for a special virtual viewing of…
54: The Story Of The First Planned Integrated Community In The Country
History of the Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
Sunnyhills was the first planned racially-integrated community in the United States in 1956, arranged by a Union co-op of the United Auto Workers. Today, Sunnyhills still has one of the highest levels of integration of any neighborhood. More detailed version.
K’Meyer related the story of how the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker social action organization, and the United Auto Workers union cooperated in the early 1950s to build Sunnyhills, an intentionally integrated community, to provide housing for the Black and white workers at the Milpitas Ford factory—one of the first interracial housing developments in the nation. Copies of her book are available from the Neighborhood Association and The Milpitas Historical Society.
The Untold Stories of Sunnyhills, Where History Was Made
By Rhoda Shapiro
February 14, 2019
Story how Milpitas resident Donnie Eiland came up with the idea to film a history of Sunnyhills, the neighborhood he grew up in. Back in January, 2019, Eiland flew Ben Gross’ son, Benjamin Gross, Jr., out from Minnesota to take part in the documentary. During his stay, Benjamin spoke at a couple of community events to share fascinating stories about his father, who passed away in 2012, and what it was like to grow up in Sunnyhills.
Sunnyhills…and The Soviet Union?
After the Kitchen Debate, Ben Gross (senior) had been in constant contact with Walter Reuther (President of the UAW), and asked that Reuther extend an invitation to Khrushchev to visit Sunnyhills. Gross wanted the Soviet leader to see an integrated community with his own eyes.
Khrushchev accepted and, once in Milpitas, made a special stop.
The Grosses threw a barbecue in the backyard to welcome the Premier. Khrushchev, his son, and five other officials came out to their Sunnyhills home. A visit to five different homes in the neighborhood was also set up, so that Khrushchev could witness the integrated neighborhood in action.
The event was not disclosed to the media. In fact, Russian security officials confiscated Benjamin’s camera, which is why no photos of the Premier’s visit exist.
I <3 Ol’ School Milpitas!
For those who grew up in, went to school in, spent time in, or love somebody from Milpitas. Please keep ALL posts about memories of people and events from Milpitas.
History of Milpitas: the 1900s
On January 26, 1954, Milpitas residents incorporated as a city that included the recently built Ford Auto Assembly plant.
Sunnyhills United Methodist Church History 1957-1982
Sunnyhills United Methodist Church was officially dedicated in January of 1959. Sunnyhills has been blessed with excellent and varied styles of leadership.
Origins of Milpitas water and where it goes later: creek maps, waste water, urban runoff, water quality.
Save Water Milpitas
Water is a precious resource and is an important necessity for our health, the sustainability of the environment, and for the livelihood of our businesses. Check here for rebates for high efficiency toilets and washing machines, and for free shower heads and aerators for faucets.
You can water your yard THREE days per week, between the hours of 6:00 p.m through 9:00 a.m.
If your street address is an odd number, you can water your yard on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
If your street address is an even number, you can water your yard on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
No watering on Wednesdays.
Remember, always make sure your watering doesn’t waste water and only waters your landscaping.
To Learn More about Water Conservation or To Report Violations
Call 408-586-2666
The City purchases and distributes water from Valley Water treatment plants, as well as from San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Before making its way to your tap, your drinking water is treated and tested to ensure its safety. Valley Waterand SFPUC are ensuring the water supplied to the City is of the highest possible quality meeting or exceeding all federal and state drinking water standards.
Don’t Take Water For Granted
Amina Ahmad, a sixth-grader at Marshall Pomeroy Elementary School, was a winner in the Bay Area Water Users Association Water Awareness Poster Contest. Her poster is featured in the association’s 2001 calendar.
Hot Lines
City of Milpitas Water Conservation
and Urban Runoff Hotline: 408-586-2666
City of San Jose Distribution Hotline: 800-426-4791
Water rates effective July 1, 2020.
Sewer rates effective July 1, 2020.
Our Watershed
Watersheds are nature’s way of dividing up the landscape. A watershed is the land area that catches rain or other runoff and drains to specific wetlands, streams, rivers, and reservoirs. Runoff from every home or business ultimately makes its way to a creek or channel. That’s why everyone somehow contributes to flooding even if it happens miles away. Creeks and street water in Milpitas flow into the Coyote Creek and then into the San Francisco Bay.
Adopt A Creek
This program offers citizen participation in creek cleaning projects within Santa Clara County. Helping with this program is a great way for schools, community organizations and private companies to demonstrate their concern about the environment. Santa Clara Valley Water District.
Calaveras Dam Time Lapse (2012-2018)
Time Lapse of the Calaveras Dam from April 2012 – September 2018 captured by EarthCam.
Moving Mountains at Calaveras Dam Replacement
Coyote Watershed Fast Facts
The county’s largest watershed, it extends from the urbanized valley floor upward to the vast natural areas of the Mt. Hamilton range. Coyote Creek, its main waterway, is the longest creek in the county. Resources for teachers and students.
Fixing Anderson Dam is a priority for Valley Water
In 2019, Valley Water produced a draft of a video depicting a worst-case scenario should a filled-to-capacity Anderson Dam fail in the event of a major earthquake. Valley Water embarks on Anderson Dam project after years of unexpected delays. The original plan –– to add buttressing and materials up and downstream to reinforce the dam –– would take roughly three years and come with a $250 million price tag. But in 2016, that number grew after the district conducted geotechnical borings of the surrounding soil and found evidence of seismic activity in two nearby fault lines previously thought to be inactive.
Flood Watch Tool
Introduction on how to use the flood watch tool for those living in flood zones near our creeks. Most important to those living near Penitencia Ck at Machado Ave. or working near Coyote Creek and 237.
My Hazards of Santa Clara County
Map showing areas of Milpitas and other Silicon Valley areas which have in the past been flooded. Many flood control systems have been installed, but if you are considering buying a home in these areas, do a thorough check first. Also shows earthquake zones.
Hetch Hetchy Photos
From before the dam was built. This group would like to restore the valley.
The California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) Curriculum
Teachers may access all of the EEI Curriculum online for free, and until the end of this school year students may access form-fillable workbooks and other materials directly from our website. Feel free to reach out to us at eei@calrecycle.ca.gov if you need support with your digital instruction and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Penitencia Water Treatment Plant
This plant typically serves an area from Milpitas in the north to Aborn Road in the south, supplying safe drinking water to 270,000 residential and commercial users.
South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project
This project will result in large-scale restoration of wetlands from the San Mateo Bridge to southern edge of San Francisco Bay.
Water Quality
Water Quality Report: Consumer Confidence Report
The City of Milpitas is pleased to provide our customers with pertinent information about the quality of our drinking water. This annual water quality report tells you where our water comes from, what our tests show about it, and what is in it.
City of Milpitas Water Quality Report 2021
As mandated by law, each year, on or before July 1, the City of Milpitas is required to provide all of its water customers a copy of the CCR. The CCR provides water quality information and compares the quality of your water to established Federal and State drinking water standards. We encourage you to view this report as it provides information about the source and quality of the drinking water delivered to you.
In an effort to be better stewards of the environment, the City is no longer distributing paper copies of the CCR. The reports will instead be made available online. If you wish to obtain a paper copy of the 2021 CCR, you may pick one up from the Milpitas City Hall building located at 455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. For any questions you may have, please contact us through our email at: MilpitasCCR@milpitas.gov.
Water & Sewer Bills
Automatic Payment Service
You can pay your water and waste services bill online; however, it takes 6-8 weeks to process your request. You can set this up in a day or so with your bank’s online service, but the City’s service is free.
Mail in Your Water Bill
Effective July 1, 2021, please us the new P.O. Bos address below to mail in your City of Milpitas/Sewer utility payments: City of Milpitas
P.O. Box 102710
Pasadena, CA 91189-2710
–yes, you read that right, Pasadena.
Water conservation in the home
Are you concerned about high water bills and would like to use less water? Want a rebate for installing low water usage toilet or washing machine?
Water Systems
The San Francisco PUC, which draws its water from the Hetch-Hetchy system in the Sierra, serves 2.4 million people in San Francisco and 33 communities stretching from Milpitas and San Jose to Daly City and the water district in southern Alameda County.
City of Milpitas Water Maintenance Services
Maintenance Services provides for the routine and emergency operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water, sewer, and storm systems and facilities.
City of Milpitas Water Supply Map
Map helps you determine whether you get Hetch Hetchy water (the best tasting), or SVPUC water (still great water!).
Water and Sewer Master Plans
The City of Milpitas is approaching buildout, and open spaces are being converted to domestic and irrigation type uses, changing diurnal flow patterns and water needs. In addition, redevelopment of older industrial/commercial areas to high density residential is being considered as part of the Midtown Specific Plan.
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Parts of Milpitas are supplied with water from SCVWD. Watershed and flood control district primarily. Those in the quadrant west of 880 and south of 237 get water through SCVWD.
S.F. Public Utilities Commission
Provides Milpitas with Hetch Hetchy water. (Note to newcomers: Hetch Hetchy water is considered the finest!)
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Water System
Milpitas gets most of its drinking water through the San Francisco PUC. The Hetch Hetchy Project supplies water and power to the City of San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area communities, and regulates stream flow in the Upper Tuolumne River, Cherry Creek, and Eleanor Creek.
Where Your Water Comes From
Groundwater and local surface water is the county’s original source of water supply. Local rainfall and runoff flows into reservoirs for storage and blending with imported water. The water is released into creeks and ponds to augment natural percolation and maintain groundwater levels. Some of the local surface water is processed at drinking water treatment plants. The treated water is sold to local water retailers such as San Jose Water Company, who use their own distribution systems to serve customers. Water pumped from the groundwater aquifer through wells is used by private well owners, farmers, and water retailers.
Milpitas Waste Water Treatment
San Jose / Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant
The San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant is one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment facilities in California. It treats and cleans the wastewater of over 1,500,000 people that live and work in the 300-square mile area encompassing San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Monte Sereno.
San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant Video Tour
This is an interesting and educational facility to visit. It is pertinent for general science students, biology students, and chemistry students.
Urban Runoff & Pollution Prevention
City of Milpitas Consumer Confidence Report issued June 2015
Last year, as in years past, your tap water met all USEPA and State drinking water health stan- dards. The City of Milpitas vigilantly safeguards its water supplies and once again, we are proud to report that our system had no health related water quality standard violations in 2014.
Managing Urban Runoff
To protect surface water and ground water quality, urban development and household activities must be guided by plans that limit runoff and reduce pollutant loadings. EPA.
Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program
The Program’s mission is to assist in the protection of beneficial uses of receiving waters by preventing pollutants generated from activities in urban service areas from entering runoff to the maximum extent practicable.
ARCO Gas
Usually the best gas prices in town are at the Arcos. Locations: Best Price NW side of town: From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 2 blocks.
Park Victoria and Landess, northwest corner of intersection, 1 block east of Landess exit off 680.
76 Conoco
What is Top Tier gasoline? Road tools available. Trip Planner. How to get their credit card or give gift cards. Locations: Tied for Best Price East Side of town: From 680, take Calaveras East 1 block on southwest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 1 block.
From 880, take Calaveras east, on south side of the street about a block to Serra intersection.
Chevron
Check out why gas prices are so high. Find out about prospecting for crude oil, refineries and gas stations. Locations: Best Price right off 880: From 880, take Dixon Landing Road exit, right on California Circle.
From 880, take Great Mall exit. Located next to the McDonalds on the outer loop.
From 680, take Landess exit and head east. Located at the northest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
Shell
Yelp review of the station at N. Park Victoria and E. Calaveras. Locations: Tied for Best Price East Side of town: 12 N Park Victoria Dr
990 Jacklin Rd Has car wash.
1780 S Main St. Has car wash.
See also ~ Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas
I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd.
Capital Improvement Program 2022-2026
Milpitas will preserve its close-knit community and rich cultural diversity as it moves with innovation into the future by supporting sustainable growth and development, ensuring public safety, enhancing the environment and natural landscape, and nurturing family and community connections. Large document containing plans for Milpitas’ future.
City of MilpitasBicycle/Pedestrian & Trails Plan
The City of Milpitas is in the process of updating its Trails and Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plans. These plans will provide the City with a vision and action plan to make it safer and more convenient to walk, bike, and roll in Milpitas. Visit MilpitasPhase2.altaplanning.cloud to provide feedback! Visit the interactive map at the link above to comment on proposed recommendations for bicycling and walking in Milpitas. Your feedback will inform recommended improvements around the city and help prioritize future investments.
Milpitas Economic Development
Responsible for helping maintain and promote growth in the City of Milpitas. We move at the speed of business to help keep your project on track and on time. We also take pride in “linking opportunities for commerce and community,” helping our businesses grow and succeed, increasing our job base for residents, and improving the economic well-being and quality of life for all. 408-586-3058 econdev@ci.milpitas.ca.gov
Milpitas Metro Specific Plan
The Milpitas Metro Specific Plan (formerly Transit Area Specific Plan) is a plan for the redevelopment of an approximately 437-acre area in the southern portion of the City that currently includes a number of industrial uses near the Great Mall shopping center. Based on City Council direction, the Draft Preferred Plan currently proposes redevelopment of this area with 7,109 dwelling units, 993,843 square feet of office space, 340 hotel rooms and 287,075 square feet of retail space centered around the proposed Milpitas BART station and the VTA Light Rail system. Update on October 29, 2021 in Milpitas Beat.
Milpitas Metro Specific Plan – Land Use and Density Policies
Agenda Report Attachment prepared for the City Council Meeting on January 19, 2021. This plan was originally scheduled to conclude in April 2021, however it has been extended in order to provide planning and environmental review for housing development in order to comply with RHNA and property owner interest in housing development in the Great Mall Subdistrict.
Milpitas Midtown Specific Plan
This updated Milpitas Midtown Specific Plan (2010) provides a new vision for an approximately 589-acre area of land which is currently undergoing changes related to its growing role as a housing and employment center in Silicon Valley
Milpitas Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will provide both a long-term vision for the City’s park system, and specific policies and standards to direct day-to-day decisions. It will set forth a framework that will allow the City to respond to new opportunities as they arise, and to ensure that adequate parks, facilities and recreation programs meet the needs of the City’s future residents, employees and visitors.
Apple signs big industrial lease in Milpitas
Apple Inc. has signed a major lease for nearly 314,000 square feet of industrial manufacturing space at McCarthy Creekside, a brand-new, multiphase development in Milpitas, according to real estate records. 407 N. McCarthy Blvd.
“This [country] will in a few years become a…colony; instead of [their] learning our language, we must learn theirs, or live as in a foreign country.”
– Advice to German immigrants from Benjamin Franklin, publisher of die Philadelphische Zeitung, the first German newspaper in America, 1751.
Immigrants speaking other languages have been arriving in Santa Clara County for about 2 centuries contributing to our diverse ethnic history. Eventually they learn English, and begin to call themselves hyphenated-Americans, and become part of this wonderful melting pot. But is being a hyphenated-American a good thing? Does it imply not being 100% American?
Our Ethnic Heritage
Knowledge of Immigrant Nationalities of Santa Clara County
Unless we all start from the premise that we are innocently ignorant of the background and conditions of the rich cultures in our midst, and are challenged to rise to new levels of human understanding and humane relations, we suffer the possibility of engaging in insensitive or even discriminatory behaviors.
Silicon Valley Cultures Project
A fifteen year ethnographic study of the cultures living and working in the hi-tech communities of Silicon Valley.
A History of Black Americans in California
Although Afro-American people were comparatively few in number before World War II, they were settled throughout the state and made significant contributions to its development and growth. National Park Service.
Angel Island: Immigrant Journeys of Chinese-Americans
Between 1910 and 1940, there were as many as 175,000 Chinese immigrants detained and processed at Angel Island, San Francisco Bay, California. Unlike Ellis Island in New York’s harbor, Angel Island is a visible reminder of a shameful period in U.S. immigration history.
Asian-Nation
Your one-stop information source on the historical, political, demographic, and cultural issues that make up today’s diverse Asian American community. You can almost think of Asian-Nation as an online version of “Asian Americans 101.”
Chinese Historical & Cultural Project
Based in Santa Clara County, California, it was founded in 1987 as a non-profit organization to promote and preserve Chinese American and Chinese history and culture through community outreach activities.
A History of Chinese Americans in California
Amid the increased numbers of Chinese immigrants in recent years, it should be remembered that not all Chinese Americans are recent arrivals.
Filipino
Context for Filipino Immigration
In Santa Clara County, 60% of randomly surveyed Filipinos cited economic problems as the main reason they left the Philippines. Fifty three percent also reported a desire to reunite with family. Similarly, 65% of public benefits recipients cited family reunification as the main reason they left their home country. The Filipino community is scattered in the suburbs of San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale. While most speak English, many do not consider it their first nor most frequently used language.
Germans & Swiss
Die Deutschen in Kalifornien: Germans in Urban California, 1850-1860
A scholarly thesis by Carole Cosgrove Terry. The society that the European and American newcomers created in urban California was a combination of individual, ethnically-centered but unstructured cultural communities where the German-Californians were an influential and important segment of the citizenry.
Johann August Sutter
General Sutter, as he was generally known, was forced to flee his creditors in Switzerland at the age of 30. Ten years later, in California, he was the “ruler of the Saccramento Valley, founder of New Helvetia, a small sovereign.” After the discovery of gold on his land, he lost everything.
The WWI Home Front: War Hysteria & the Persecution of German-Americans
Anglo-Saxons had their own definition of what was “American”, and anything that did not conform was an undesirable deviation, perhaps even dangerous. And they were having trouble understanding why German-Americans would not willingly give up their German culture.
Hispanic
Early History of Santa Clara County
Although Mexico broke with the Spanish crown in 1821, it was not until May 10, 1825, that San Jose acknowledged Mexican rule. On May 13, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico. Captain Thomas Fallon, leading 19 men, entered San Jose on July 14, 1846, and raised the United States flag over the town hall.
A History of Mexican Americans in California
The roots of the Chicano experience stretched back some three centuries to 1519 when Spaniards and their Indian allies carried out the conquest of the Aztec Empire in central Mexico and established what they called “New Spain.” National Park Service.
Irish
California and Bay Area Irish History: The Murphy Family
Martin and his family, Irish immigrants whose search for religious and educational freedom led them to California, were the first English speaking family to settle in Santa Clara Valley in 1849. From his home, Martin introduced the area’s first orchards and modern farm equipment and helped to establish the state’s first schools. In Milpitas we have a park named “Murphy.” The Shaughessy-Murphy Milk Shed still exists at the sewage pump facility near Coyote Creek.
The Irish in California
It is fashionable today, in some circles, to ignore, or at least minimize, the contributions of anyone from Europe. My intent is to point out, in a small way, how important the Irish were to the development of this state.
Japanese
History of Japantown, San Jose
Japanese, new to the country, eventually chose to build their wooden buildings next to Chinatown. Because the Chinese had already settled there, the environment was more familiar to them.
A History of Japanese Americans in California
How the National Park Service selects sites to show the history and contributions of Japanese in our state. A site both to find history and directions to historical sites.
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
Step into the past and help us honor our community’s stories of sacrifice, hardship and resilience. We invite you to come and engage with the firsthand experiences of Japanese Americans who experienced the racial tension and hysteria of WWII.
Japantown, San Jose
San Jose’s Japantown (Nihonmachi) developed from where the immigrant Japanese first settled in Santa Clara Valley. More than a century following its humble beginnings, it remains one of the last three historical Japantowns in the United States.
Recycling e-waste is a bit of a project: first you need to remove all personal data from the devices, and then you need to find a place that will accept both the type of electronic device and the quantity you wish to recycle, and preferably locally.
Many electronic products (e-waste is old computers, cell phones, PDAs, etc) are used to store personal information. Before donating or recycling your equipment, remember to remove all sensitive and personal information from its memory. Note that simply using your keyboard or mouse to delete files does not necessarily completely remove the information from your device’s memory. Your local software store can provide you with the necessary drive cleaning software appropriate for your system.
Getting Started
How to Wipe a Computer Clean of Personal Data
Short of removing the drive altogether, the best solution is to perform what’s known as a factory reset. As for why you can’t simply clear out your Downloads folder and log out of your accounts, Matt Ham, owner of the service company Computer Repair Doctor, explains that manually purging files isn’t enough.
Local stores that take back electronics in limited amounts
Best Buy
Electronics, Appliances and Fitness Equipment Recycling at Best Buy. You can recycle up to three items per household per day (see categories below for state-specific info, and different limitations on TVs, computer monitors and laptops). If it is a product type that you can buy at Best Buy, they probably recycle it. 63 Ranch Dr. 408-942-0201
Staples
Outdated technology doesn’t have to end up in a landfill. So when it’s time to upgrade your laptops and printers or replace your ink and toner, count on Staples to recycle it responsibly. 627 East Calaveras Blvd. 408-956-9204
Places with larger capacity to take more eWaste
Computer Recycling Center
Accepts all computers, working or not. Also provides refurbished computers to schools and non-profits.
E-Cycle Environmental
Will come down to Milpitas businesses to pick up a minimum of 10 computers or any electronics. May be a small fee. Call at 510-839-5000 in Oakland.
Green Ewaste Recycling Center
Green Ewaste Recycling Center services the Bay Area with electronic waste disposal drop-off and free* business ewaste pick-up. To eliminate the risks of attempts to reuse or recover data from corporate computers and devices, Green e-waste recycling can physically destroy hard drives, cell phones, PDAs, tablets, tapes, flash memory, RAM, ROM, integrated circuits, DVDs, CDs and computer equipment. 1664 Watson Ct. 408-898-8640
Milpitas Computer Liquidators
Purchases assets, large and small, of excess and obsolete computer equipment, specializing in technology assets in the Silicon Valley region. We buy and sell the following computer equipment: PC and Apple computer parts, consumer electronics, and networking equipment. We buy used & refurbished Cisco equipment. We sell used, but still functional equipment, too. Contact A-Z Milpitas computer liquidators, to find out how we can help you maximize the value of your surplus computer inventory by offering you cash for your IT related liquidations. Please note our liquidation service is only for business dealers and corporate environments; we do not buy from or sell to the general public.
By Appointment Only – 408-907-9147
Milpitas community services for those who need some help getting by. Rent-free office space to non-profit service agencies.
Advice from Non-Profit Service Providers
BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Give wisely to charities. Check here to find out how much of your donation really goes to help those in need. For questions about local charities, call the regional office of the Better Business Bureau at 408-278-7400.
Charitable Trusts
This web site offers information to assist you in evaluating solicitations and choosing wisely when responding to charities and commercial fund-raisers who must register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts and report financial activities annually.
Donation Locations
Where to drop off your holiday donations of food, toys or cash for Milpitas and area charities.
Grant Writing
Seven Deadly Sins of Grant Writing. Too often grant writers fall into these traps when applying for community grants.
Grant Writing Help
Technical assistance, consultants, classes, research sites and Bay Area Arts foundations.
Raffles
In California, charities and certain other private nonprofit service organizations may conduct raffles to raise funds for beneficial or charitable purposes in the state. This exception to the general constitutional prohibition against lotteries requires that at least 90 percent of the gross receipts from these raffles go directly to beneficial or charitable purposes in California.
Resources and Services
Able People Foundation
We make basic mobility products available such as manual wheelchairs, walkers, etc., at no cost to our local low income families. 552 Valley Way, 408-263-8000.
Adopt A Creek
This program offers citizen participation in creek cleaning projects within Santa Clara County. Helping with this program is a great way for schools, community organizations and private companies to demonstrate their concern about the environment. Santa Clara Valley Water District.
Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, USA
As we continue to monitor the global COVID-19 pandemic, we’re doing our part to ensure that both our dedicated volunteers and the communities we serve can stay safe and protected. Learn How. A non-profit organization whose objective is to provide charity, medical treatment, educational development, and cultural promotion to the needy and the society worldwide. Northern California Chapter, 175 Dempsey Road, 408-262-3389.
Catholic Charities
Services & Programs: Community Counseling and Education, Employment, Foster Grandparents, The Grandparent Caregiver Resource Center, Immigration, John 23rd Senior Center, Long Term Care Ombudsman, Nutritions, Refugee/Resettlement, Shared Housing, Youth Empowered for Success (Y.E.S)
Coronacovery
We deliver products to the doorsteps of senior citizens and disabled individuals all throughout Milpitas! Facebook page.
Emergency Housing Consortium
Regional Reception Center, 2011 Little Orchard St., San Jose. Donations and volunteers needed. Call Bob Dolci at 408-294-2100, ex. 204.
Virtual Family Giving Tree
Family Giving Tree
A non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the Holiday wishes of kids who would otherwise go without gifts. 312 South Abbott Ave. 408-946-3711 .
InnVision
Serving the poor and homeless in the Santa Clara County since 1973 and is now a major provider of shelter, transitional housing, and other assistance. Books available on homelessness.
Jeena
A professional not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children with developmental disorders and their families. 1510 Centre Pointe, 408-265-8153.
Milpitas Food Pantry
Donations of food and money needed now. If you can help in any way, or need help, call 408-946-5564, Mon-Thu 9a-1p, Thurs 6-8p, Sat 10a-12p. 1440 S. Main Street. We are closer to Montague Expressway in the same plaza as M & B Plumbing, Silicon Valley Lockmasters, The Cat’s Nest, and Abbott Auto Service.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Remember: Hunger never takes a holiday. Donate food or your volunteer time.
Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits
We are a diverse collaborative of nonprofit organizations serving Santa Clara County. We track issues which affect the sector as a whole, advocate on behalf of nonprofits in the legislative planning process, and educate our members on those issues which affect their ability to provide services.
Sobrato Family Foundation
Offers rent-free office space to non-profits at Calaveras Business Park in Milpitas. Check here for vacancies and list of tenants.
Special Olympics Northern California
Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for developmentally disabled children and adults. Holds annual “Cops and Lobsters” fundraiser at Red Lobster. Tips to cops being waiters raise funds for local Special Olympics.
United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County
A coalition of neighborhood associations from throughout Santa Clara County who have come together for the purposes of education, communication and common action.
United Way Silicon Valley
United Way agencies provide recreational programs, gang and substance abuse prevention, drop-out prevention, job training, emotional and behavioral counseling and leadership development.
Stay Strong Milpitas
As we continue to fight COVID-19 by staying at home as much as possible, and practicing social distancing when we need to go out, here are some ideas to help your community stay strong by helping each other.
Valley Foundation
The Foundation seeks to provide funding for non-profit organizations in Santa Clara County with an emphasis in the medical field.
The suspects in this scam are targeting disability applicants and beneficiaries by sending them text messages on their cellphone asking them to call. The text messages have read, “Disability Alert: Please call 253-xxx-xxxx regarding your recent disability benefits application.” The numbers to call have varied but the wording has been about the same. When the number is called a person claiming to be a Government official asks for personal identifying information. We have received reports of identity theft where victims have fallen for this scam.
Facts related to this scam:
Social Security never sends unsolicited text messages.
Once you give anyone your personal information, they can use it repeatedly or sell it for others to use.
Never blindly respond to a text message by calling the number given. Do some research and find the actual number for the entity you are trying to call.
Call the agency the person is from directly to verify their identity. Social Security has a toll free number to call: 1-800-772-1213
Report the scam to the Social Security Fraud Hotline at http://oig.ssa.gov/report or by phone at 1-800-269-0271.
Report the scam to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400.
If you have been the victim of Identity Theft then take these steps after you have filed a report with your local law enforcement agency:
Place a fraud alert with the credit reporting agencies and provide them with the police report number.
Obtain a copy of your credit report and review it to make sure no accounts have been opened without your authorization. Dispute any accounts you did not authorize.
Check the inquiry section of your credit report and make sure you made them. Call the telephone number listed for the ones you do not recognize and ask them why they ran your credit.
Online Employment Scam
The suspects in this scam either post an advertisement online offering employment or respond to your online solicitation. They almost always communicate with you via text message or email and involve several different variations. They will either send you a check that they want you to cash or they will ask for your account information to deposit money into your account. They will then ask you to send them money via prepaid credit cards or they will have you wire them money. It can take banks several days or more to determine that the checks or deposits are fraudulent and in the meantime you have given your money to the suspect. Your account will be charged for the full amount of the check or deposit plus fees.
Another variation of this scam is where the suspect sends you a check in the same manner as above then instructs to you buy merchandise or use a service acting as a “Secret Shopper”. In the end, you still end up sending money or merchandise to the suspect and you are at a loss once your bank determines the check or deposit is fraudulent.
Still another version of this scam deals more specifically with people who advertise online offering childcare. The premise is the suspect is moving to your area and needs someone to care for their wheelchair bound child. They send a large check for wages and costs related to the wheelchair. They want you to cash the check and then send the money to some third party (which is probably another alias of theirs) in order to either purchase the wheelchair or have it shipped. Once again, when the bank determines the check or deposit is fraudulent, your account will be charged for the full amount plus fees.
What you can do to combat this scam:
Never follow a link on an unknown email or website unless you know where it will lead you. If you allow your cursor or arrow to hover over a link then the true destination will appear in a text box;
Avoid speaking to people using only text or email. Ask to speak with them in person or over the telephone. Be suspicious of people who will not do this or give you excuses why they cannot;
If you suspect a check is fraudulent then take it to the issuing bank to verify it or at least telephone the bank. You can also try calling the business or person who is listed as the account holder on check;
Report the scam to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400
Tech Support Scam
The suspects in this scam call you and claim they are from Microsoft Tech support. They talk you into allowing them control of your computer to fix some kind of problem. In some cases they also charge a fee which requires you to give them your credit card number. They will then ask for as much personal information as you will give them because they claim they need it to process the transaction.
Facts related to this scam:
Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls.
Once you give them control of your computer they are free to obtain any information contained on it as well as place malicious software on it.
Most merchants only need your name, card number and billing address to process a credit transaction. Some may need the three digit security code from the back of the card.
Merchants do not need to know your birthdate, social security number, mother’s maiden name, etc. in order to process a credit transaction.
What you can do to combat this scam:
Don’t call them back or hang up if you are talking to them;
Contact Microsoft directly or visit their scam website;
Report the scam to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400
Telephone Taxes Due Scam
Someone calls or leaves a message on your answering machine stating you owe taxes. You answer the call or call the number back and the person threatens you with arrest, deportation, etc. if you do not pay the tax immediately. They then instruct you to obtain a prepaid credit card and give them the card number from the front of the card and the code from the back of the card. If you refuse most times another person will call you purporting to be from a local law enforcement agency threatening to arrest you if you do not pay. The caller ID number is most often “spoofed” so that it shows the number for the law enforcement agency.
Facts related to this scam
If you provide the numbers for the prepaid credit card then the person can access the funds anywhere in the world.
The IRS always sends taxpayers written notification of any tax due via the US mail.
The IRS will never ask for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department does not work in conjunction with the IRS for tax collection purposes.
What you can do if you get one of these telephone calls:
Don’t call them back or hang up if you are talking to them;
If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there really is such an issue;
If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to think that you owe any taxes (for example, you’ve never received a bill or the caller made some bogus threats as described above), then call and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484;
If you’ve been targeted by this scam, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant”. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments of your complaint.
Call the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400 to verify whether or not an actual Sheriff’s employee is calling you and to file a report.
Visit the IRS website for further information about Tax Scams;
This uses the same premise as the tax due scam but the person threatens to have your utility turned off. They demand that you obtain a prepaid credit card and provide them with the numbers. PG&E has more about ongoing telephone and email scams.
Facts related to this scam:
If you provide the numbers for the prepaid credit card then the person can access the funds anywhere in the world;
Most utility companies allow for many forms of payments and never require just one;
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department does not work in conjunction with Utility Companies for the collection of money.
What you can do if you get one of these telephone calls:
Don’t call them back or hang up if you are talking to them;
Call the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400 to verify whether or not an actual Sheriff’s employee is calling you and to file a report.
Item Listed for Sale Check Scam
There are many variations of this scam and many different advertisement modes have been targeted but most lately have been through craigslist. The basic premise is that you list something for sale and the person contacts you to make the purchase. They come up with a story that makes you believe they have a legitimate check coming to you for more than what you are asking. They instruct you to cash the check, take the money out for the purchase, keep money for your trouble and then ultimately send them some amount of money immediately by prepaid credit card or wire. It can take banks several days or more to determine a check is fraudulent and in the meantime you have given your money to the suspect. Your account will be charged for the full amount of the check plus check fees.
What you can do to combat this scam:
Deal locally with people you can meet with;
Take the check you receive directly to the issuing bank and explain the circumstances to the teller;
Call the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400 to file a report.
Warrant for your Arrest Scam
The suspects in this scam call you, identify themselves as law enforcement officers and then direct you to pay a bail or fine to prevent arrest. The reasons for the warrant vary and most recently have been because you supposedly did not report for jury duty. They most often “spoof” the caller ID number to show the number or name of a local law enforcement agency. As with the other scams the suspects instruct you to obtain a prepaid credit card and give them the card number from the front of the card and the code from the back of the card.
Facts related to this scam:
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department will never demand payment for a warrant over the telephone;
Payments related to warrants are handled through the Court that issued the warrant;
You will never be restricted to one form of payment;
If you provide the numbers for the prepaid credit card then the person can access the funds anywhere in the world.
What you can do to combat this scam:
Don’t call them back or hang up if you are talking to them;
Call the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department at 408-808-4400 to determine if an SCCSD employee is actually calling you and to file a report
Contact the Court Directly to inquire about bail or fine payment. The link http://www.occourts.org/locations contains court locations and contact information in Santa Clara County.
Verizon Advice about Identity Theft
Stay a step ahead of the scammers. Educate yourself on some of the most common frauds and scams. Site also includes:
As home prices soar, those with new employment often seek rental apartments, condos, or homes in Milpitas, where, though still fairly high, are often as nice as far more expensive housing on the west side of Silicon Valley.
Santa Clara County Ban on Residential and Small Business Evictions
The State of California legislature has enacted, and the Governor has signed, two state laws, Assembly Bill No. 3088, which took effect on August 31, 2020, and Senate Bill No. 91, which took effect on February 1, 2021, that provide state-wide eviction and foreclosure protections for many residential tenants and property owners suffering from economic hardship due to COVID-19. These protections extend through June 30, 2021. State law has replaced local legislation, including the County’s ordinance, in providing protections for residential tenants facing evictions.
Additional COVID-19 housing resources will be posted here as they become available.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides funding to support the program and tenant (renter) protection laws signed by Governor Newsom. Rent Relief Call Center: 833-430-2122
Low Income Apartments in Milpitas
Aspen Family Apartments
Our apartment community was built in 2008 with a total of 100 units, ranging from two- to three-bedroom apartment homes. These units feature eleven-foot ceilings, high speed internet access, great natural light, and so much more. Near Concentre Urgent Care and Sad Keep Storage. 60 Mihalakis Dr. 408-934-9201
Cerano Apartments
Cerano has set aside a percentage of our apartments for households earning up to 110% of Santa Clara County’s median household income. Near Western Digital and Coyote Creek. 501 Murphy Ranch Road 408-914-2666
Available Rentals
Apartment List – Milpitas
Having trouble with Craigslist Milpitas? Can’t find that special apartment for rent on Apartment Finder or Zillow? Apartment List is here to help!
Craig’s List
Message board with lots of Bay Area shared housing. Link is to housing available in South Bay, but you may click through to other Bay Area housing areas, too.
Rent Review Program and Tenant Protections (00:49:00 – 01:48:10)
Ordinance Just Cause Eviction Protection for Tenants (01:48:45 – 03:26:25) “A huge win” as Milpitas City Council adopts just cause, tenant protections
MilpitasBeat. By Lloyd Alaban, October 16, 2019. The unanimous votes, effective immediately, enforce just cause protections for tenants and fast track the creation of a rent review board to mediate rent increase disputes between tenants and landlords. The Council also unanimously approved a pilot rent aid program to help households that parent homeless children.
California Tenants—A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities
California Department of Consumer Affairs online publications regarding rights and responsibilities. We’ve provided information about rental applications, unlawful discrimination, security deposits, repair responsibilities, rent increases, termination of leases, and eviction notices. We’ve included an inventory checklist for use before moving in, and again when moving out.
Fair Housing It’s Your Right
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of: Race or color, National origin, Religion, Sex, Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18), or Handicap.
Field Guide to Fair Housing
The concept of Fair Housing seems simple enough. One may not discriminate based on specific criteria. However, the day-to-day practical application of Fair Housing can be fraught with misunderstanding and misinformation. Discrimination in sale, lease or rental of housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin is illegal.
Landlord-tenant law: an Overview
The law of landlord-tenant governs the rental of commercial and residential property in the United States. It is primarily composed of state statutory and common law. Cornell. A good starting place for disputes regarding rentals.
Rent Relief Program
The Rent Relief program offers various forms of financial relief to City of Milpitas residents with emergency housing needs. The Rent Relief Program provides eligible recipients relief funding for:
Rent/Deposit Relief
Emergency Hardship Relief
Eviction Prevention
Domestic Violence Relocation
Child & Family Homelessness Relief
Section 8 Good Faith Deposits
Milpitas Renters Coalition
We are a grassroots Facebook group of Milpitas tenants and other community members who are deeply invested in preventing the displacement of renters in Milpitas. We make decisions collectively and need your voice to help combat evictions and rent gouging.
Project Sentinel
Provides mediation and counseling services for tenant landlord and other community disputes. In Milpitas, contact Project Sentinel at 408-720-9888, for information, counseling and mediation. About Mobile home rental disputes, contact The City of Milpitas at 408-942-2324.
Rental Housing On Line
This site contains: Forms & Agreements, State Landlord Tenant Law, Housing Acts and Agencies, Vacancy Listings, Buying Property, Marketing, Selecting Tenants, Tax Help, FAQ’s and much more.
Tri-County Apartment Association
Resources for both those who have rentals and those who wish to rent in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties.
Are you looking for something fun or entertaining or enlightening to do this month? Here are calendars of events from South Bay organizations that list their activities online.
Big Dog Vineyards
Select Events by month. Calendar of Wine Tasting – usually first weekend in warm-weather months – and concerts.
Chamber of Commerce
Parties, mixers, forums, luncheons and more. Requires proof of Covid vaccination.
City of Milpitas Meetings Calendar Most meetings in Zoom, YouTube or Facebook for now. City Council and Commission meetings. Watch streaming city meetings here. During the live meeting, comments in writing may be submitted for Public Forum at the beginning of the City Council or Commission meeting, or for a public hearing or a listed item on the agenda, via this form, and the comments can be read aloud for the public record. Please use this link to provide your comments: Public Comments
City Special Events Calendar Most events cancelled or postponed for now. In person events require proof of Covid vaccination. Outline of special events scheduled on the City Calendar. See the Virtual Community Center for online activities.
Community Library Events
Upcoming in-person events are cancelled right now from the Milpitas Library. Change listings in database to suit your age or interests. During Covid-19, there are online events for anyone living anywhere. Some require registration, so be sure to “show more” and register for events further out.
Community Organization Meetings
We have many community organizations, many of which welcome visitors to their meetings and social events.
Humane Society Events
Playgroups for dog owners. Summer camps for pet-loving kids. Training for dogs. Orientation for owning a cat. Spay/Neuter clinics, etc.
Around Town Events
NBC3/KNTV-11 sponsors a wide variety of events in the South Bay. Here’s what’s coming up soon.
Bay Area Orienteering Club Event Schedule
We’ve gone orienteering with this group for several years now at Bay Area parks. Object is, with a map and compass, to locate ‘controls’ and not get lost. For local club, change “All Meetings” to “BOAC.”
Eventful – Things To Do in San Jose, CA
Books, Celebrities, Comics and Games, Restaurants, Events, Eye, Horoscopes, Movies, Local theaters, Videos/DVDs, Music, Concert venues, Nightlife, Performing Arts, Performance venues, TV, Local attractions, Visual Arts.
Meetups within 2 miles of Milpitas City Center
For today and the next couple of days. (Note: Meetup not always accurate about the mileage to the meetings they list, so double check location.)
Palo Alto Online’s Master Community Calendar for the Midpeninsula
Instantly find out what is going on around the Midpeninsula. Palo Alto Online has the most complete calendar listings, drawn from three Midpeninsula newspapers — the Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac and Mountain View Voice — and made them more comprehensive, up-to-date and easier to search.
UCSC “Prof and a Pint” Lecture Series
A new series of informal discussions served over dinner and drinks at Forager Tasting Room and Eatery in the booming SOFA district of San Jose. Future talks will be held on the second Monday of each month and include everything from organic artichokes to endangered zebras, self-driving cars to Shakespeare. All are welcome.
