Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
event
ninja-table
location
advanced_ads

Public Resources

Scams

GoMilpitas.com provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report ongoing scams.

Text Phishing Scheme

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.
  • More information on this scam is available on the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General website: https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/report-the-scam/.

What you can do to combat this scam:

  • 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 Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Information on how to do this is on their website;
    • 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 Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Information on how to do this is on their 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;
    • Learn how to report tax scams.

    Telephone Utilities Due Scam

    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;
    • Contact your utility company immediately to verify;
      PG&E contact information
    • 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:

    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:

Mailing & Shipping in Zip Code 95035

Postal Services in Milpitas, CA, include many other mailing services, too, such as shipping packages and notary services, too.

US Postal Service – Milpitas Location
Save a trip by checking their online services.
Open Mon-Fri. 9AM to 5PM., Saturdays 10AM to 1PM. Closed Sundays.
450 S Abel St.
1-800-262-0860

Buy Stamps Online
Have them delivered to your mailbox. Lots of lovely stamps to chose from.

Advice

8 Ways to Avoid Getting Your Packages Stolen
How can you avoid your Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS or eBay package from being stolen from your front door and prevent missing packages?

FBI Advisory­: What to do if you Receive a Suspicious Letter or Package
If you receive a suspicious letter or package, what should you do?

The Mail Preference Service – Consumer Assistance
Some consumers would like to receive less advertising mail at home. The Mail Preference Service (MPS) is designed to assist those consumers in decreasing the amount of national non-profit or commercial mail they receive at home. Online costs $5. Only 1 copy per envelope if mailed.

Mailbox Installation
How far from driveway, how tall, materials, USPS-approved mailboxes.

Rates & Zip Codes

US Postal Service Rate Calculator
Know the dimensions and weight of the item you need to mail? This link will calculate the postage for you within the US. For International mail, click here.

New Domestic Prices
You can check out the starting prices for many of our domestic and international mailing and shipping options below or visit Postal Explorer to review the full USPS® Price List

Letter Stamps
Standard-sized, rectangular envelopes – $0.55
Square, Oversized, or Unusual Envelopes – $0.70
Postcard Stamps
Standard-sized, rectangular postcards From $0.35

US Postal Service Zip+4 Code Directory
This link is for finding out the exact zip+4 code for any address in the United States… including yours!

Mailing Services

FedEx In Milpitas
Begin your FedEx shipping right here, with dropoff locations, package tracking. Download tracking software. Track the Status of Your FedEx® Package on this page.
257 W Calaveras Blvd.
408-946-2500

Saigon Shipping
Yelp. Both positive and very negative reviews. Buyer beware. Promotes website they don’t own as their own.
1199 E Calaveras Blvd.
Phone number they give out also doesn’t work.

UPS Drop Off Locations In Milpitas
You need to enter 95035 in the ZIP field, then directory appears. Choose distance from you, if looking for places outside of Milpitas but nearby. Maps and directions.

UPS DROP BOXES

Official Ballot Drop Box and Vote Center Sites in Milpitas
While you MAY mail in the ballot for free, some are concerned that the Post Office may not be to handle the deluge of ballots, some may wish to use a drop box.

UPS Drop Box
SELF SERVE DROP BOX near Mathnasium
12 S HILLVIEW DR

UPS Drop Box
SELF SERVE DROP BOX near Dial Pad & EV charging station.
430 N MCCARTHY BLVD

AUTHORIZED SHIPPING OUTLETS

STAPLES ASO 00358
627 E CALAVERAS BLVD
408-263-0497

PAK MAIL MILPITAS
1090 S MILPITAS BLVD
408-915-2108

POST N PARCEL
1765 LANDESS AVE
408-373-2311

THE POSTAL STOP
105 SERRA WAY
408-946-7678

The UPS Store
Town Center
142 N Milpitas Bl.
408-946-4140

Shipping

Cargo and Freight
Need information on shipping? This section contains names, toll-free numbers and Web addresses of all cargo carriers servicing San Jose International Airport.

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 iIn-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

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

  • SCU Lightning Complex status updates

See also: Fire News Archives

CALFire Twitter Timeline

Governing Laws of Milpitas, Santa Clara County, & California

This page is about the laws and legislation that Milpitas abides by, and those officials in charge of seeing that we do abide by them, and what to do if you feel there is a need to change a law.

About Milpitas

Elected Officials Representing Milpitas
Contact information, links to the various government sites and officials’ home pages. From city council, school board, county supervisor, state and federal representatives.

City of Milpitas

City of Milpitas
This is the City Government’s web site. The site is designed to distribute information from City Hall to the citizens of Milpitas.

Agenda of Next Council Meeting
City web site has these updated just before each council meeting. Watch on Channel 15 if you have Comcast TV, or via live stream.

City of Milpitas Government Telephone Directory
Telephone numbers for City of Milpitas services and information.

County of Santa Clara

County of Santa Clara
The County of Santa Clara, also referred to as “Silicon Valley,” is unique because of its combination of physical attractiveness and economic diversity.

Santa Clara County Supervisors Vote to Keep Current Sanctuary County Policy
Every police chief in the county, except for Sunnyvale, signed a letter urging supervisors to allow ICE to be notified when a violent criminal was about to be released. There was disappointment when the board voted not to change the policy. “We already have ICE picking up individuals in our community every day,” said Priya Murthy with Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network. “We don’t need to be giving them more avenues and be able to instill fear in our communities.” By Damian Trujillo • Published June 4, 2019 • Updated on June 5, 2019 at 6:18 am

Your Elected Officials
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, Assessor, and District Attorney. Milpitas is in District 3, represented by Supervisor Dave Cortese.

State of California

State of California
Use this site to:
Apply for food Stamps
Find a recycling location
Find fire information
Locate current road conditions
Look for advice for immigrants
Apply for a “Real ID” for those who fly often
Contact the California Cannabis Portal
Check the QuickMap for CalTrans traffic information

Department of Social Services (CDSS)
The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence.

Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013
California Civil Code 841 requires that “adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them.” In this case “monuments” means the fence. In part, the statute says: “Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence.”

Forms

Business Licenses
Frequently asked questions answered on the City Business License Center.

Building Permits – Online Permitting System (E-Permits)
The new E-Permits will allow customers to apply for and obtain certain types of Residential building permits on-line without leaving their home or office. Examples of permits available online include the following: Water heater and furnace replacement, bathroom and kitchen remodels, re-roofs and others. This system is available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.

Tax Forms – California
From the California Franchise Tax Board site.

Tax Forms and Publications – IRS
Information on electronic filing, small business advice, and ordering CD-rom. Information about the Advance Payment Check.

Laws

The Brown Act
California Codes Government Code Section 54950-54962 54950. In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other public agencies in this State exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.

The Brown Act
From the CFAC: California First Amendment Coalition:

The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.

Brown Act Primer
What notice must be given of a public meeting? Closed Sessions: When may the public be excluded?

Flag Display
A GO MILPITAS! RESOURCE
Due to controversy over the display of the flag of China, I thought it worth my while to create this page for our citizens and officials. This is from the Cornell University’s Law Resources site on how and when to display the American Flag and other flags.

Laws of California
“Hey! They can’t do that, can they?” Need to see if it’s legal in California? Welcome to the California Law section of FindLaw’s State Law collection. This section contains user-friendly summaries of California laws as well as citations or links to relevant sections of California’s statutes. Please select a topic from the list on this link to get started.

Laws Regarding Fireworks in Milpitas
In general, ordinary citizens of Milpitas may not hold fireworks displays within city limits.

Megan’s Law
We try to keep our community as safe as possible. One way is by providing this map so you can tell if there is a sex offender in the area where you live or learn or play.

Milpitas Municipal Code
The Code is organized by subject matter under an expandable three-factor decimal numbering system which is designed to facilitate supplementation without disturbing the numbering of existing provisions. Each section number designates, in sequence, the numbers of the title, chapter, section and subsection. Thus, Section III-1-6.02 is Subsection .02 of Section 6, located in Chapter 1 of Title III. It is kept fairly current.

Legislation Watch

Official California Legislative Information
This site has been updated to include legislative publications regarding new laws starting with the 2017 session and forward.

Prepare for a Fire or Earthquake Emergency

I will try to be as specific here to Milpitas residents as possible about how to prepare for emergencies such as wild fires, earthquakes, and sometimes floods. The preparation for all three are the same, but you will get more warning for some than others.

Home Selection

Buy or rent in areas generally far from the wild lands of the east hills. Every section of those hills have had a fire at one time or another, though the scars have long faded as new grass returns. So far fires there have not crossed Piedmont Road, but warnings to prepare for evacuation have been giving to those in neighborhoods on the west side of that road.

Never get a home at the top or bottom of a cliff, even if the view is great. Look at the hills. It is fairly easy to see where there has been running water and sections of the hills have slipped.

Avoid areas that have flooded in the past. That creek may look charming and harmless now, but can become a torrent in heavy rains. The creeks have been fortified, true, but that once in a lifetime flood could still happen. Coyote Creek area can liquefy during a quake.

There is no escaping the fact that our hills were formed by the Calaveras Fault. We will always have earthquakes, but most aren’t bad…yet. The 2003 Working Group for California Earthquake Probability assigned an 11% probability that the Calaveras Fault would produce a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake in the next 30 years. See the shake map on our Earthquake page.

Expect that your Milpitas home will be made of wood and stucco, and never brick. Make sure your home has been anchored to its foundation. Do not buy or rent a home that has not been bolted to its foundation!

Day to Day Tips

I know your mom told you to put your clothes back in the closet or laundry hamper each night. Here in Milpitas leave your shoes next to the side of the bed away from a window, and the clothes you just wore nearby, ready to put on should you prefer not to run from your home naked. You can always put the clothes away in the morning. Your bedroom window may break, so don’t place your bed right near it. Assume glass may have gotten in your shoes, so inspect first. Keep a sweatshirt or jacket nearby, even in hot summer weather. Nights can be cool around here.

Keep your medications in box or drawer you could grab fast to take with you. You may need to take extra precautions if you have small children to keep that box or drawer locked. I use a pretty box I found at Michaels.

Keep a flashlight and a battery operated radio in your bedroom, so you can find out what is going on. Should you get trapped, also have a loud whistle. Remember that the call for help is three short bursts, three long bursts, then three short bursts. Wait a little bit to start it up again.

Everything but the clothes could go in a big enough box for your medications.

Know where every family member is at any time of the day or night. You will need to round them up and get them all to safety.

Keep you car’s gas tank always half full minimum, or fully charged each night.

Get everyone over age 12 trained in first aid and emergency preparedness through a youth program such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, Red Cross, local CERT team, or whatever source you can find. Businesses often train teams of employees in these skills.
emergency kit

Make a 72-hour Survival Kit in Advance

You will probably save money and have exactly the stuff you really use if you prepare an Emergency To Go Bag yourself. Many items can be found at local pharmacies, hardware, groceries, and sporting goods stores.

OK, Let’s Prepare the Basics

  • Water – there’s NOTHING more important! You’ll need one gallon of water per person, per day. And you should plan for at least three days. So if there are 5 people in your family, that’s 5 gallons of water per day for three days, equaling 15 gallon of water at the ready!
  • Food. Choose something nonperishable that’s easy to store and carry, like canned goods or freeze-dried food. Remember a can opener!
  • Flashlight – remember extra batteries!
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio – NOAA Weather is best.
  • First aid kit – Red Cross recommended kit contents
  • Medications – any prescription drugs you or your family need to live, plus over-the-counter items you use like aspirin or allergy meds. Remember an extra pair of glasses if you wear corrective lenses!
  • Multi-purpose tool and duct tape
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items – Remember a roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, feminine products
  • Copies of personal documents – birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license, deed/lease to home, passports, insurance policies plus list of medications. Put all of these in a plastic ziplock bag. If you have the means, scan all important documents and store in one of your cloud accounts. Be sure to have ID and Password to your Cloud account written down.
  • Your backup hard drive or laptop
  • Cell phone with chargers, but prepare to deal without them, too.
  • Family and emergency contact information – and keep this not only in your mobile phone, but in a separate book. If you have no ability to charge a dead mobile phone, you’ll need those contacts written down and accessible.
  • Cash – if there are widespread power outages, ATMs don’t work, and stores won’t be able to process debit and credit cards. In a widespread emergency, cash is still king! Jewelry that could be traded in desperation might also be handy.
  • Emergency blanket – light-weight foil blankets are easiest to pack and carry
  • Map(s) of the area. Drop by the AAA store near Staples to get some.
  • Masks for COVID protection.

3 Kits Are Better Than 1

Everyone needs a survival kit. In California, families need to be prepared for wildfire and earthquake emergencies in particular. It’s a good idea to not only pack an emergency kit that you keep at home, but to have one at work, and one in your car.

Do NOT store near your chimney, swimming pool, large trees, or anything else that might fall down in an earthquake or wet supplies in heavy rain. A jam packed garage is also not the best place. In a small place, you may want to disguise your kit as a coffee table or footrest.

Prepare for your Babies and Kids

You know best what your children might really need, so prepare to have duplicates in their To Go bags. Ideas here from the CDC.

You may want to write your name and cell phone number with indelible ink on your child, should you become separated, and they be unable to give a responder that information. Same thing can be done on large pets with spray paint.

Remember to Prepare for Your Pets.

  • WATER!
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • ID/License
  • Food
  • Carrier
  • Bowl

Where to Flee

This is where things get interesting. You really must prepare your escape routes ahead of time, depending on if you might be at home, work or school.

If the East Hills are on fire, go west, toward Mountain View, on 237. But in an earthquake or flood, the Coyote Creek could be flooded or the area around it liquified, and unpassable.

680 north has slides and faults going under it. Know those dips near where Mission Blvd. goes under the freeway and your coffee spills? Land gives way there continuously, and during a big quake, that section will give way.

880 has major overpasses that could give way. It is closest to the Bay so could liquify going north. In the ’85 quake, large sections disappeared up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Wouldn’t want to be up there in fire season either.

Now Piedmont Road, up against the hills, can get you pretty far south without any bridges. And eventually you could get on 101 South. But Anderson Reservoir dam could give way and flood 101.

As our major source of earthquakes is the Calaveras Fault, you do not want to try to escape an earthquake here by going up in the hills via Calaveras Blvd. Epicenter is often at the Calaveras Reservoir. Fires and landslides, too, are more likely in the hills than down in the valley. That’s a pretty tough drive even in the best of times.

If you are in the middle of town, take Abel St. south and continue south on Oakland Road. Or Milpitas Blvd. north to Warm Springs into Fremont, depending on source of danger.

So, my recommendation: after an earthquake, if your home is safe, plan to stay put in your home or yard, or tent in a City Park until help comes.

Power & Gas in Milpitas, California

About Power Conditions
Calpine
Conservation Tips
Education for Children
Loans, Rebates, etc.
PG&E – Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Power Politics
Silicon Valley Clean Energy

About Power Conditions

Frequently asked questions about rotating outages
These outages should last between 1 to 2 hours for most customers. These are not Public Safety Power Shutoffs due to extreme fire danger, and are not related to any issues with PG&E’s equipment or its ability to deliver energy locally. [Editor: so why is power being shut off, eh, PG&E]

Enter your street address on this page to get your planned outage number. Then return to the main link to get possible time of outage.

CAL ISO’s Outlook for Today
Current and forecasted demand.
Demand trend: System demand, in megawatts, compared to the forecasted demand in 5-minute increments.
Net demand trend: System demand minus wind and solar, in 5-minute increments, compared to total system and forecasted demand.

ISO System Status
Displays current system status and active and pending market notices (Alerts, Warnings and Staged Emergency notices).

News Releases – The California ISO
We invite anyone who would like to keep up with the latest energy news to check out News Releases on a regular basis.

Calpine

Calpine
San Jose-based corporation, builder of natural gas power generation facilities.

Conservation Tips

14 simple ways to save energy while working from home
‘It’s important to feel comfortable in your home, especially during these tough times when we are spending more time than ever in the house. However, this doesn’t mean that your energy bills need to spiral out of control.’

Energy Saving Tips
Take your free 5 minute Home Energy Checkup today. Find out how much of your home energy goes to heating, hot water, appliances, lighting and other uses.

Flex Alert
A Flex Alert is a call for consumers to conserve electricity during heat waves when power use outstrips electricity supply and other challenging grid conditions, such as when power plants or power lines are unexpectedly unavailable making electricity deliveries difficult.

Go Solar California
This site provides consumers a “one-stop shop” for information on rebates, tax credits, and incentives for solar energy systems in California.

Education for Children

Electricity 4 Kids
I want to find out more about electricity and electronics.

Educational resources: Tools to learn and teach about energy
Learn about our energy and environmental classroom lessons. No cost!

Energy Science Smart
Order free booklets about safety around electricity and natural gas. Have fun on their E-Smart Kids site for kids.

Science Fair Experiments from Energy Kids Learn the keys to a successful science fair project and find links to energy experiments, courtesy of the National Energy Education Development Project. Get the Guide to Planning a Science Fair Project. Watch the award-winning, 15 minute, cartoon Prepare for the Science Fair.

Loans, Rebates, etc.

Energy Efficiency Financing
The California Energy Commission’s Energy Efficiency Financing Program provides financing for schools, hospitals and local governments through low-interest loans for feasibility studies and the installation of energy-efficiency measures.

Energy Star
How you can improve your home, business or school with energy-saving appliances and use.

Get discounts on your PG&E bill with the CARE Program
Qualified households receive deep discounts on their energy bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program.

Go Solar California
Provides California consumers a “one-stop shop” for information on solar programs, rebates, tax credits, and information on installing and interconnecting solar electric and solar thermal systems. The site has information on program rules, including eligible equipment and standards, as well as information on how to find an eligible, licensed solar contractor.

PG&E – Pacific Gas & Electric Company

1-800-743-5000
PG&E’s emergency power outage information line. Lots of good emergency links. Form for less pressing concerns.

CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG!
Underground Service Alert (USA) is a free service for homeowners, excavators and professional contractors who are digging, blasting, trenching, drilling, grading, or excavating.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Milpitas gets its gas and electricity through PG&E.

For TTD/TTY — Speech/Hearing-Impaired
1-800-652-4712
For Information in Spanish
1-800-660-6789
For Information in Chinese
1-800-893-9555
For Information in Vietnamese
1-800-298-8438

Power Politics

California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, the Commission has five major responsibilities.

California ISO
The electricity picture in California is a complex interaction of many entities. This page attempts to pull together resources to help you understand and navigate the California electric market.

California Public Utilities Commission
Keep informed about how our utilities are being regulated.

Natural Gas in California
Overview of the natural gas system from the California Energy Commission.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy

Frequently Asked Questions
We provide Milpitas residential and commercial electricity customers with clean, carbon free electricity options at competitive prices, from sources like solar, wind and hydropower. We source the electricity, and PG&E delivers it over existing utility lines, and continues to do maintenance, billing and customer service. This type of model is known as Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) or Community Choice Energy (CCE).

It’s All About Choice
MILPITAS CUSTOMERS: If you received a notice that your generation service is changing to SVCE, and you want to enjoy the benefits of clean energy at competitive rates, you don’t need to do anything – you will be automatically enrolled into GreenStart beginning in June 2018.

SOLAR CUSTOMERS: Please see our rooftop solar page for more info about your enrollment schedule and Net Energy Metering choice with SVCE.

Milpitas General Plan Update

Date: November 2, 2020

To: State Clearinghouse
State Responsible Agencies
State Trustee Agencies
Other Public Agencies
Organizations and Interested Persons

Lead Agency: City of Milpitas
455 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
Jessica Garner, Planning Manager Phone: (408) 586-3284
Email: jgarner@ci.milpitas.ca.gov

Project Title: Milpitas General Plan Update

Project Location: City of Milpitas, encompassing all lands within Milpitas

Project Description: The City of Milpitas is preparing a comprehensive update to its existing General Plan. The updated Milpitas General Plan is expected to be adopted in early 2021 and will guide the City’s development and conservation through land use objectives and policy guidance. The Plan is intended to be an expression of the community’s vision for the City and Planning Area and constitutes the policy and regulatory framework by which future development projects will be reviewed and public improvements will be implemented. The City will implement the Plan by requiring development, infrastructure improvements, and other projects to be consistent with its policies and by implementing the actions included in the Plan, including subsequent project-level environmental review, as required under CEQA.

State law requires the City to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of its planning area. The Plan must include land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety elements, as specified in Government Code Section 65302, to the extent that the issues identified by State law exist in the City’s planning area.

The Milpitas General Plan includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), as well as a revised Land Use Map (Figure 1).

The following objectives have been identified for the General Plan Update:

  • Protect and enhance Milpitas’s community character, and sense of community;
  • Provide a range of high-quality housing options;
  • Attract and retain businesses and industries that provide high-quality and high-paying jobs;
  • Expand and improve neighborhood serving shopping areas to provide better local services near neighborhoods, and increased sales tax revenues;
  • Continue to maintain and improve multimodal transportation opportunities;
  • Maintain strong fiscal sustainability and continue to provide efficient and adequate public services;
  • Address new requirements of State law; and
  • Address emerging transportation, housing, and employment trends

The EIR evaluates the anticipated development that could occur within the Planning under the proposed General Plan. While no specific development projects are proposed as part of the General Plan Update, the General Plan will accommodate future growth in, including new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and new residential uses. The buildout analysis utilizes a 20-year horizon, and 2040 is assumed to be the buildout year of the General Plan.

While no specific development projects are proposed as part of the Milpitas Plan Update, the General Plan will accommodate future growth in Milpitas, including new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and new residential uses. The buildout analysis assumes a 20-year horizon, and 2040 is assumed to be the buildout year of the General Plan.

Anticipated growth accommodated by the Plan within the Planning Area includes new and expanded businesses, new and expanded governmental and educational uses, and new residential development. The table below summarizes the range of net growth, including residential units (single family and multifamily) and non-residential square footage that could occur. Growth is projected for the area within the Planning Area identified for the General Plan Update.

Consistent with the Proposed General Plan Land Use Map, future growth would largely be focused in 14 areas identified by the community, GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee), and by the City Council. As shown in Table 1, buildout of the General Plan could yield a total of up to 33,401 housing units, a population of 113,530 people, 47,737,536 square feet of non-residential building square footage, and 84,333 jobs within the Planning Area. As shown in Table 1, this represents development growth over existing conditions of up to 11,186 new housing units, 37,473 new people, 19,729,648 square feet of new non-residential building square footage and 36,795 new jobs.

New development and growth is largely dictated by existing development conditions, market conditions, and land turnover rates. Very few communities in California actually develop to the full potential allowed in their respective General Plans during the planning horizon.

GrowthPopulationDwelling UnitsNonresidential Square FootageJobsJobs per Housing Unit
Existing Conditions76,05722,21528,007,88847,5382.14
New Growth Potential+37,473+11,186+19,729,648+36,7953.29
Total New Growth113,53033,40147,737,53684,3332.52

Public Review: 45 days, extending from November 2, 2020 to December 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Document Availability: The Draft EIR and the Milpitas General Plan are available for review online at milpitas.generalplan.org. For questions regarding this notice, or to coordinate receipt of project materials please contact Jessica Garner, Planning Manager at (408) 586-3284, or by email: jgarner@ci.milpitas.ca.gov.

Provision of Comments: Members of the public and other interested agencies and individuals are invited to provide comments on the Draft EIR. Written comments on the Milpitas General Plan Update Draft EIR can be provided to the during the 45-day public review period. All Comments in response to this notice must be submitted in writing to: Jessica Garner, Planning Manager | City of Milpitas 455 East Calaveras Boulevard, Milpitas CA 95035, or by Email: jgarner@ci.milpitas.ca.gov.

Significant Environmental Impacts: The Draft EIR identifies significant environmental impacts related to the following environmental topics: Noise, Cumulative Noise, Transportation, Cumulative Transportation, and Irreversible Effects.

Milpitas General Plan Update 3 EIR Notice of Availability

November 2020

How to Register to Vote in Milpitas & Santa Clara County

Register to vote with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.

Who Can Register to Vote?

Have you checked to see if you are already registered to vote? Many have been registered to vote when they got their drivers license. Check here to see if you are already registered. You will need to have your drivers license number available.

Use the California Online Voter Registration System
Paper registration forms are available at the Registrar of Voters Office, U.S. Post Offices, Public Libraries, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and other government offices. Signed & completed forms must be returned in person or by mail to one of the following locations. They cannot be faxed or e-mailed.

Address:  Registrar of Voters, 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA 95112 (Click for directions.)
Mailing Address:  Registrar of Voters, P.O. Box 611300, San Jose, CA 95161-1300​​​​​​​​​​​​​

You can register to vote in California if you are:

You can pre-register to vote if you are:

Language Preference

If you wish to continue in a language other than English, please select your language below.

You can permanently vote by mail, too!

For the 2020 General Election, every registered voter has been mailed a ballot, and sometimes a second one. Only return one and destroy the other. While you MAY mail in the ballot for free, some are concerned that the Post Office may not be to handle the deluge of ballots, some may wish to use drop off boxes. These are the locations of the ONLY ballot return boxes in Milpitas. Here is link if you need to drop off your ballot in another city.

Milpitas City Hall – Outside City Clerk Office
455 East Calaveras Boulevard

Milpitas Library
160 North Main Street

Milpitas Unified School District
1331 East Calaveras Boulevard

The following directions were for pre-Covid19 voting for currently registered voters wishing to change to mail-in voting. This would now only apply to those new to the city and county.

  1. Print & complete a Permanent Vote by Mail Application
  2. Request must be received at least 7 days before the election (postmarks not accepted)
  3. Return your request by mail:
    Registrar of Voters
    Vote By Mail Division
    P.O. Box 611750
    San Jose, CA 95161
    … or fax
    Fax: (408) 293-6002

Read more about voting and elections!

Candidates in the Milpitas Primary Election
Voter Information-Milpitas Local Primary Election Results
Voter Information

Skip to content