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What Trauma Victims Need You to Know

A friend, who was badly traumatized by her caregivers in early childhood and cruelty from employers, created this brochure, to be printed two-sided, to be handed to her health providers to help them understand her past, and how it can be triggered by them if they don’t take care to treat her humanely. For more information about Adverse Childhood Experiences check out the ACEs Connection website.

This page is part of our continuing effort to provide support for those who have experienced trauma and may be suicidal and need to find help.

Predictability: Everyone loves surprises! Not. Trauma survivors often prefer predictability because that feels safer.
Space: Allow time for the survivor to calm down and take perspective. Remember that we trauma survivors often have difficulty regulating our emotions and take longer to calm down. Maybe support self-soothing, for example suggesting you both go for a walk, maybe stay well clear! If the survivor is caught up in the fight/flight response you may be mistaken for the enemy.
Perspective: Be aware when ‘the past is intruding into the present.’ Don’t take responsibility for what is not yours… gently. You can own any insensitivity or lack of consideration that has provoked the reaction and yet separate it from whatever past trauma is fueling what would otherwise appear to be a disproportionate response. Remember there is no such thing as ‘over-reacting’ – the reaction is in direct proportion to the pain experienced in the past rather than in response to what’s happening now.
Rid ‘over-reacting,’ ‘over-sensitive,’ ‘over’-anything from your vocabulary.
Language: Don’t refer to ‘your upbringing, your problem, issues, behavior.’ This sounds like judgment or at the very least like the trauma survivor is somehow broken or the problem. Call it for what it is – trauma.
Be kind, loving, patient… But empathetically set limits – you have needs too! It’s okay to talk about when the survivor’s reactions hurt you too. “I love you and I understand how scared/angry/sad you are… and it’s not okay to hurt me.” Whatever our trauma history, we must all learn to be accountable when we hurt others.
Reciprocity: Most of us had parents who lacked skills in listening, empathy, tolerating uncomfortable feelings, empowerment… Give what you also need to receive [because that’s the best way of making sure you get it back. Make sure that you are getting these things somewhere in your life. If the survivor is your friend or romantic partner, be sure that there is a two-way street. However much you love someone who has experienced trauma, it is unhealthy if you become a savior, therapist, or martyr.
Control and choice. Big trigger when a survivor is denied these. Confer, collaborate cooperate. Unilateral moves even when benevolent will not be appreciated! Trauma is about getting hurt when you had no power or control over the situation, and it is immensely activating when the trauma survivor experiences that powerlessness again. If you want one way to ensure one of the fight/flight/freeze/collapse survival responses, taking away control is the way to do it!

Calaveras Overpass

Don’t Pass Over Us Lightly!

The Calaveras Overpass is built to meet the present and growing traffic loads of a progressive city. [They thought!]

We’re proud to have a hand in the progress of the City of Milpitas.

The Calaveras Overhead is a joint venture of:

Oliver de Silva, Inc.
& Liton Construction Co.
233 Eden Road – 569-5313
San Leandro, California

Foreclosure Information & How to Avoid

If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, learn about the steps you can take to avoid foreclosure or minimize your debt after it happens.

Worried about Foreclosure? Don't Wait! Get Help Now! — **Worried about Foreclosure? Don’t Wait! Get Help Now!**

Financial Stability.gov Learn About the Making Home Affordable Refinance and Modification Options. The President’s plan was created to help millions of homeowners refinance or modify their mortgages. Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams – Help Is Free!

Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure.

Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure Whether you’re in foreclosure now or worried about it in the future, HUD has information that can help.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation 888-995-HOPE hotline. We are an independent nonprofit that provides HUD-approved counselors dedicated to helping homeowners. The help we offer is free.

How to Stop Foreclosure If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, learn about the steps you can take to avoid foreclosure or minimize your debt after it happens. Nolo Press.

HUD Newsroom New plans all the time to help those struggling with mortgage payments and home upkeep.

Walk Away from Your Mortgage Calculator Is it in my economic interest to walk away? What will happen if I walk away? Can my loan be modified?

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.

Growth	Population	Dwelling Units	Nonresidential Square Footage	Jobs	Jobs per Housing Unit
Existing Conditions	76,057	22,215	28,007,888	47,538	2.14
New Growth Potential	+37,473	+11,186	+19,729,648	+36,795	3.29
Total New Growth	113,530	33,401	47,737,536	84,333	2.52

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:

At least 18 years old by Election Day
A US Citizen
A California resident
Not currently imprisoned or on parole for a felony (more information for individuals with criminal convictions or detained in jail or prison)

You can pre-register to vote if you are:

At least 16 years old
A US Citizen
A California resident
Not currently imprisoned or on parole for a felony (more information for individuals with criminal convictions or detained in jail or prison)
Your voter registration will become active when you turn 18

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.

Print & complete a Permanent Vote by Mail Application
Request must be received at least 7 days before the election (postmarks not accepted)
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

Proposition and Measure Research Sites

Our ballots have arrived, and while most know the candidates, often there are propositions and measures on the ballot that can be confusing. I will be updating this page with each election to give you places to research these items before you vote.

Milpitas City Measure

Measure F
Measure F is a ¼ cent local sales tax and would cost one penny for every $4 spent. According to city reports, approximately half of Measure F would be paid by visitors to Milpitas. Food purchased as groceries and prescription medication would be exempt from Measure F.

City of Milpitas Public Services Measure. To provide funding to maintain the City’s finances and services, including: police and fire protection, 9-1-1 emergency response, and natural disaster preparation; youth, senior, and recreation services; repairing park equipment and maintaining parks and recreation centers; and attracting and retaining location businesses; shall the measure, establishing a 1/4¢ sales tax, providing approximately $6,500,000 annually for 8 years, requiring independent audits, citizens’ oversight committee, all funds spent locally, be adopted?

The minimum combined 2020 sales tax rate for Milpitas, California is 9% before this new sales tax. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The California sales tax rate is currently 6%. The County sales tax rate is 3%. Milpitas does not currently collect any sales taxes other than what the county distributes to us. The City does need a new source of income. We have been relying on hotel taxes and property taxes. We turned down having Marijuana Dispensaries, which would have probably more than made up this amount of tax revenue. So if you voted against having dispensaries you should vote FOR this tax. If you voted to allow dispensaries here, you may want to vote NO to force the issue to come up again.

Currently, only the following Santa Clara County cities collect more than 9%

Alviso, 9.250%
Campbell, 9.250%
Los Gatos, 9.125%
San Jose, 9.250%

Next door, Fremont, in Alameda County, currently collects 9.250%. All Alameda county cities collect either 9.250% or 9.750%. Source for this info by sorting at the site: California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates (effective October 1, 2020). Currently Milpitas has a sales tax advantage over its closest neighbors. A 1/4% sales tax might affect consumers shopping for high priced items. Piercy would no longer have an advantage over dealerships in San Jose or Fremont.

Tran, Phan make case for quarter-cent tax measure
Tran and Phan have teamed up to push their case for Measure F, a quarter-cent tax increase measure set to appear before Milpitas residents on this November’s ballot. Should the measure pass, the duo says, it will keep emergency response times low, keep city services open, and establish more COVID-19 testing opportunities for the city.

State Propositions

Propositions on 2020 Ballot

League of women Voters of California Ballot Recommendations
Easy Voter Guide
Gives simple explanations of white vote yes or no on each state proposition. From the League of Women Voters.

Propositions are proposed laws presented to the public to vote on. Propositions can make new laws, change existing laws, and sometimes they change California’s Constitution. They can be placed on the ballot by people who collect enough voter signatures or by state lawmakers (the California Legislature). A proposition passes and becomes law
if it receives more than 50 percent YES votes.

Propositions 14 through 24 are “initiatives.” For an initiative:
* A YES vote means that you support the way the proposition would change things.
* A NO vote means that you want to leave things the way they are now.

Proposition 25 is a “referendum,” which asks voters to decide on a law that was already passed. For a referendum:
* A YES vote means that you support the law and want to keep it.
* A NO vote means you do not want the law to go into effect.

LWV Pros & Cons
More detailed arguments for the Propostions. California voters will also be deciding on 12 state propositions that are explained in this Pros & Cons. Four of the propositions were placed on the ballot by the state legislature, seven of them were placed on the ballot by supporters who gathered sufficient signatures and seek to make changes in state laws or
the California Constitution, and one is a referendum that seeks to overturn an existing law, and was also placed on the ballot by supporters who gathered sufficient signatures.

California 2020 props explained in 1-minute videos
Want a quick introduction to the dozen measures on your November ballot? This playlist gives you a 60-second description of each — just play the first one and the rest will automatically play afterward. The Props-in-a-Minute playlist, produced by CalMatters’ reporting team, covers the array of subjects voters will be asked to decide this fall.

California ballot propositions explained | Election 2020
Here’s what voters need to know about the propositions on the California ballot this November — including measures involving affirmative action and consumer privacy and one that would allow parolees to vote. The LA Times explain each measure in a minute. By MAGGIE BEIDELMAN, CODY LONG, YADIRA FLORES, JESSICA Q. CHEN, ALBERT BRAVE TIGER LEE, OCT. 5, 2020

What’s On The Ballot? Here’s A Look At California’s 2020 Propositions
Yes, there will be a dozen different propositions for California voters this year — Prop. 14 through Prop. 25 — on everything from expanding rent control to ending the ban on affirmative action. While we at CapRadio will be reporting on these more up until Nov. 3, we wanted to give you a quick overview now on what each measure covers and what a “yes” or “no” vote will mean. Includes CapRadio reporters talking about propositions. CapRadio is a Sacramento radio station.

2020 Ballot Measure Contribution Totals
Committees supporting or opposing the following ballot measures have reported total contributions on specified reports, which have been compiled into a total amount of contributions in support or opposition to the ballot measure. From the Secretary of State’s Office. See who is spending big money on the propositions. Are these groups you generally agree with or not?

November 3, 2020, Primary Election Ballot

More Campaign Finance Data

Top 10 Contributor Lists
All Ballot Measure Committees
All Candidate Committees

Courage California, a Progressive Voters’ Guide
Group has taken positions (or not) on the Propostions for California on th e2020 ballot.

California Pro-Family Election Center
This is where you can get reliable facts and perspective and advice about how to vote for moral, social, fiscal conservative and constitutional values in California. Bible-based recommendations. Recommends to vote No on all local tax measures.

SF Chronicle Voter Guide
Your guide to the ballot measures, propositions and races that Bay Area voters are deciding. Owned by Hearst family, but they are no longer in full editorial control.

California propositions: What you should know before voting from the Mercury News
Of the 12 measures on this year’s ballot, some may feel very familiar, while others are are all new.

Equality California
The nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced endorsements of five 2020 statewide ballot measures and opposition to one measure on Wednesday afternoon. The organization previously endorsed the Schools and Communities First Initiative (Proposition 15) on January 27, 2020. Equality California has endorsed the following November 2020 statewide ballot measures:

Proposition 14 – Stem Cell Research, Treatments and Cures Initiative
Proposition 15 – Schools and Communities First Initiative
Proposition 16 – Opportunity for All Constitutional Amendment
Proposition 17 – Voting Rights for People on Parole Amendment
Proposition 18 – Primary Voting for 17-Year-Olds Amendment
Proposition 25 – End Money Bail Referendum

Equality California opposes the following November 2020 statewide ballot measure:

Proposition 20 – >Criminal Sentencing, Parole and DNA Collection Initiative

For a complete list of Equality California’s 2020 endorsements, please visit eqca.org/elections.

10 Tips to Reduce Your Chances of Becoming a Crime Victim

Lock doors and windows when you are not going to be at home. Many home burglaries have occurred by suspects finding an unlocked window or open door to enter through.
Lock car doors and do not leave any property in plain view. Valuables left out in the open may tempt thieves. If you must leave belongings in the car, place them in the trunk and out of sight.
When walking on the street or to your car from a business, make eye contact with others and be aware of your surroundings. Keeping your head down and not making eye contact with people makes a person look more vulnerable to an assailant.
When getting into your car after shopping or doing errands, do not sit in your car for a long period of time. It can give an assailant time to get into the car and rob or assault you.
Always look in the back seat of your car before getting in. If someone is in the backseat, exit your car immediately and call the police.
If you enter an elevator and feel unsafe because you are alone with someone, exit the elevator – it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you are getting harassing phone calls, keep a notebook by the phone and write down dates and times. It helps to keep a log of harassment and the notebook can be given to police as possible evidence in the future.
When eating at a restaurant or sitting in a public place, do not leave your purse or purchased items in a vulnerable spot. A purse or bag hanging on the back of a chair can easily be taken by a thief. Keep purchases or bags under the table or in an area where they are not easily accessible. You can put the strap of a bag or purse under the leg of your chair.
When needing assistance on the side of the road, and a cell phone is not available, only roll down your window enough to speak to whomever has stopped to help. Ask the person to call police or your roadside assistance provider for you and wait in the car.
If you are home alone and a stranger is knocking at the door, speak to them through the door or through a window nearby. If they ask to use the phone, let them know you can call police on their behalf. You do not have to let anyone inside your home to use the phone. This is not rude… it is safe.
Watch this video:

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

Utility Scam Alert
Avoid being scammed by fake utility workers, who keep you engaged at your front door while their cohort goes around back and steals from you.

Earthquakes

California earthquake faults and recent earthquakes, and how they affect Milpitas, San Jose, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Did You Feel It?
This is a U.S. Geological Survey project to collect information about ground shaking following significant earthquakes. Following an earthquake, please tell us what you felt by filling out the questionnaire for the appropriate earthquake. Best site to find information about a very recent earthquake.

Advice
Earthquake Information
Earthquakes Recently
History
Kids Earthquake Links
Maps
Public Seismic Networks

Advice

Are you ready for an earthquake?
The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. From the Red Cross.

Earthquake Engineering
National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering provides this technical site to provide latest research on how to build in a fault zone.

Earthquake Program
The City of Milpitas Building and Safety Department has a program to help you make your house safer. We will provide interested homeowners with a Prescriptive (Cookbook) Plan Set that may be used to strengthen older homes and for obtaining their building permit.

Make your own earthquake preparedness kit
In order to prepare for a major earthquake, SFGate has compiled a list of supplies the American Red Cross recommends you keep on hand.

Protect Yourself During an Earthquake…Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
OFFICIAL RESCUE TEAMS from the U.S. and other countries who have searched for trapped people in collapsed structures around the world, as well as emergency managers, researchers, and school safety advocates, all agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes.

Protecting Your Family From Earthquakes–The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean)
Developed by American Red Cross, Asian Pacific Fund, California Earthquake Authority, Governor?s Office of Emergency Services, New America Media, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, and U.S. Geological Survey.

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country
This popular 32-page earthquake science and preparedness handbook has recently been updated. The new version features current scientific understanding of when and where earthquakes will occur in California, and how the ground will shake as a result. Updated maps of earthquakes, faults, and potential shaking are included as well as instructions on how to get information after earthquakes.

Earthquake Information

ABAG Resilience Program
Analysis of Bay Area hazards and how we can prepare for a bad quake.

California’s Earthquake Forum
The home for California earthquake information. A place to ask geologists about western fault information.

Earthquake Outlook for the San Francisco Bay Region 2014–2043
72% probability of one or more M ≥ 6.7 earthquakes from 2014 to 2043 in the San Francisco Bay Region. Earthquakes this large are capable of causing widespread damage; therefore, communities in the region should take simple steps to help reduce injuries, damage, and disruption, as well as accelerate recovery from these earthquakes.

Northern California Earthquake Data Center
The NCEDC is a long-term archive and distribution center for seismological and geodetic data for Northern and Central California.

Recent Earthquakes in California and Nevada
Earthquakes recorded for the last week (168 hours). Times are local (PST or PDT). The most recent earthquakes are at the top of the list. Click through for details.

UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory
You can even make your own seismogram!

History

1906

The Great 1906 Earthquake And Fire
Original sources and timeline from the Museum of San Francisco.

Story of an Eyewitness
Collier’s, May 5, 1906. Jack London went to the scene of the San Francisco Fire & Earthquake and wrote the following dramatic description of the tragic events he witnessed in the burning city.

1989

1989 Earthquake Reports and Photographs
Fascinating original source material from the Museum of the City of San Francisco, such as 911 reports, photographs, and more.

The October 17, 1989, Loma Prieta, California, Earthquake-Selected Photographs
This publication provides images for use by the interested public, multimedia producers, desktop publishers, and the high-end printing industry.

1998

Mission Peak Landslide of 1998
Report of the engineering firm retained by the City of Fremont to make a preliminary evaluation of the landslide sufficient to guide the city in emergency response and future planning decisions. (Picture)

Kids Earthquake Links

California Has Its Faults
A fault is a fracture along which there is movement. Some faults are actually composed of several fractures called fault branches. Collectively the branches are a fault zone.

Candy Quakes
A lesson plan using a variety of candy which you will quish in a number of ways to demonstrate forces on earth rocks. Clean up is the best part.

Make Your Own Earthquake Crossword Puzzle
Add, edit, delete clues, and customize this crossword. Print copies for an entire class. All in 5 minutes.

FEMA for Kids: Earthquakes
Most of the time, you will notice an earthquake by the gentle shaking of the ground. You may notice hanging plants swaying or objects wobbling on shelves. Sometimes you may hear a low rumbling noise or feel a sharp jolt. The computer simulations include a total of seven earthquake scenarios: three magnitude 6.8 scenarios with different starting locations (epicenters), three magnitude 7.0 scenarios with different starting locations, and one magnitude 7.2 scenario.

Maps

Santa Clara County Earthquake Hazard
Milpitas located in area where freeways make a capital H

ABAG’s Resilience Program – Earthquake Map Santa Clara County
Several active faults present potential hazard to Santa Clara County. On the northwestern boundary, the San Andreas Fault runs through the hills separating the County from Santa Cruz County. In the central county, the Hayward/Rodgers Creek and Central Calaveras dominate the earthquake threat. The Greenville fault dominates in the northeastern portion of the county.

Bay Area Shaking Hazard Maps
The “On Shaky Ground” supplement report lets you select a city (say, Milpitas) and a large quake on a number of Bay Area fault lines. It then shows you a map of how intense various neighborhoods would feel that quake.

San Andreas Fault Facts
California’s sleeping giant, the San Andreas Fault, marks the slippery yet sticky boundary between two of Earth’s tectonic plates. It is responsible for the biggest earthquakes in California, up to at least magnitude 8.1.

Santa Clara County Earthquake Hazard
Several active faults present potential hazard to Santa Clara County. On the northwestern boundary, the San Andreas Fault runs through the hills separating the County from Santa Cruz County. In the central county, the Hayward/Rodgers Creek and Central Calaveras dominate the earthquake threat. The Greenville fault dominates in the northeastern portion of the county.

Public Seismic Networks

Public Seismic Network of San Jose
Dedicated to the promotion of awareness and information about earthquakes. It is part of the growing worldwide PSN which connects amateur seismologists, persons interested in earthquakes and seismic activity with information resources; from general history to detailed plans for constructing monitoring instruments and systems.

GoMilpitas Produced by Sunbeams

I am excited to announce that GoMilpitas.com of Milpitas, CA, is now being produced using sunbeams.

Our carbon footprint has just become considerably smaller as electricity for our computing and other household and business use will be considerably generated by two sets of 8 solar panels: one shown on the south-facing roof in the photo above, and a second set of 8 on the second story west-facing roof. In 2018 we added some more efficient solar panels on our garage roof.

The salesman and the installation crew from REC Solar did a wonderful job Thursday and Friday, April 17-18, 2008. The City building inspection was on the following Monday, and PG&E also needs to make the final connection to the meter, but it appears for the “sunny” months we will be selling more electricity back to the power company then we normally have used in the past.

Update April 29, 2008: PG&E hooked up a new meter to our solar PVC system shortly after noon today. My husband is happily watching the meter showing a credit to our energy account.

Update June 8, 2008: We just got our first full month’s gas and electric bill for the month of May. Are you ready for this? Combined gas and electricity bill was $29.83! The electricity part was $8.69, most of the rest was for hot water heated by gas. Fred figures the bill would have been $270 without the PVC installed.

Update December 12, 2010. With most of our energy efficient projects finished, our total PG&E bills in the past 24 months through December 2010 has come to $2246 for 24 months, averaging $93.60 a month for gas and electricity. Past 24 months our electric bill alone has been $1288, or $54 a month on the average. In 2006 & 07, before the energy efficiency was in place, our PG&E bill had been $4405 or $183.50 a month. Electricity had been $3516 of that ($146.40/month.) We are paying 64% of our previous electric bills. Rates have gone up, or it would be better than that.

Several months ago we replaced our dishwasher with a highly efficient model. Our older Maytag dishwasher was being recalled, and the Maytag company offered us to either fix it or give us $75 toward a new one. At the same time, the power company was offering a rebate, and a nearby appliance store had a sale on a KitchenAid Energy Star dishwasher.

All three toilets on our home office are water efficient models. Two are Dual Flush toilets: down for #1 (1.0 gals.) and up for #2 (1.6 gals.). We watched for rebates, and so were able to get a partial refund from the area water company for installing more efficient toilets. Kitchen and shower faucets are all low-flow.

We have been recycling for years, so I almost forgot to mention it. We have three large bins: Paper, Metal and Plastic Recyclables, Yard Trimmings, Garbage/Food Scraps. We have a compost barrel in our back yard, so much kitchen and garden compostables go in that.

Most of our lighting has been replaced with Smart LED lights. As many of you know, I find natural spectrum lights more harmonious, and they make my photographs look their best, so I was glad that florescents finally came in this spectrum range. Driveway, entry way and back deck lights are motion sensitive, so are only on when needed. Now many of those have been replaced by “smart” LED light bulbs. I can turn them on and off, or just a percentage on, with just my voice and Alexa.

Most of our bills are viewed and paid online through our credit union, saving who knows how much paper waste. We are also doing all we can to refuse junk mail. Paper waste is shredded and goes in the compost pile.

Our front lawn has been replaced by a low-maintenance butterfly and hummingbird attracting garden (Seen in part in the photo), and so is a delight to all who pass by. We don’t have a lawn anywhere else either! We go to the community park next door when we feel the need to be on grass.

Our pool has been solar heated all along, but will be getting an upgrade soon. One of the perks of working from home: jumping in the pool to cool off, and working in my swimsuit. (No, you won’t be seeing a photo of THAT any time soon!)

Extra insulation has been added under the roof, in the attic, and Reflectix under the floor.

We added an attic fan to help keep our place cool in the summer, so we seldom need air conditioning. It comes on automatically when the attic temperature hits a certain temperature. We have a NEST thermostat which help learn our habits and keeps us in ‘Eco’ range.

Our cars? Well, they may not be the most efficient, but we all work here at home, so we have eliminated commuting costs. When we do go out, we try to run at least three errands, and plot the most efficient route to get the most done. My husband is working with a group to try to make hydrogen-fueled cars a reality. Update: We traded in Fred’s “clunker,” and purchased a black 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid on July 31st. Took to 2 a.m. on August 1st to complete the sale. What a madhouse!

I don’t know if we are the first community site to go so majorly Green, but I believe we’re the only one posting about it. I would love to have some competition in this area!

Now you know where your money goes when you make purchases on this site: to make payments for these Green improvements and more to come. We recently refinanced our home loan, and got some money out for these improvements. (Fixed at 3.375% for about 1/3 the current value of our home.) The payments are less than they were earlier, so this helps us out by having both lower mortgage payments and lower power and water bills. Improvements were made over time, and not all were recent. We are paying less and using less limited resources. This allows us to save for the next earth-friendly improvement.

March 2009. Installed much more energy efficient heating and cooling system. There’s been improvements since 1976! We got an Amana system as our heating and cooling needs here in Milpitas aren’t very extreme. We bought it from AAA Furnace & Air Conditioner. Allowed PG&E to install a remote switch incase there is a power shortage.

All the downstairs and upstairs windows are now double-paned and better sealed.

April 2009. Added energy efficient windows upstairs. Downstairs had been done another year. We got ones built by Desert King Windows. If you decide to buy these based on my recommendation do tell them Ann Zeise sent you.

We also managed to find a beekeeper, Mark Small of Small Bees, to rescue us and the bee hive that had thrived between our living room ceiling and roof. He captured most of the honey bees and the queen bee in a gentle vacuum, and, after checking their health, will find them a new home in some orchard.

Got the energy star laundry appliances: a pair of Speed Queen machines. Only energy efficient ones that fit the small space with have for a laundry.

We’re not done yet. Stay tuned here to hear about new Green improvements to GoMilpitas.com. Saving for:

energy efficient TV
upgraded energy efficient pool filtering, heating and sanitation

Seafood and Steak Restaurants

Dining and Food ~ Restaurants in Milpitas

Milpitas has wonderful steak and seafood restaurants with all our cattle ranches to the east and ocean to the west. You can’t go wrong! One even specializes in Halal processed food.

Crawdaddy
Crawdaddy is your one-stop shop for all things cajun! From deep fried catfish, to our amazing fresh crawfish we have something for everyone! Be sure to stop in to experience the best in creole!
1228 S Abel St.
408-262-2729

Darda Seafood
Yelp review. Specializes in Chinese Islamic style cooking. Milpitas Square.
296 Barber Court
408-433-5199

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant 五月花
Specializes in Asian seafood entreés. Barbecue takeout and conference and banquet facilities available. Milpitas Square.
428 Barber Lane
408-922-2700

Mil’s Diner
Open for take-out. A staple for South Bay Area brunch enthusiasts for over 20 years. With their focus on quality food and maintaining an enjoyable family atmosphere, it is a prime spot to have a relaxing meal in the morning or afternoon.
36 South Abbott Avenue
408-946-4773

Omega
Been entirely closed during Covid-19. We combine comfort and quality of a casual full-service restaurant with the personal touch of a family run business, offering a wide selection of foods ranging from Breakfast Foods, Steak, Chicken, Pasta and Veal to various Seafood & Salad Dishes. More nutritious menu than in past. Website menu not up to date.
90 South Park Victoria Drive in Park Victoria Center.
408-946-8748

Outback Steakhouse
Open for take out. Open Mon – Thurs 4 – 10p, Friday 4 – 11p, Saturday 3 – 11p, Sunday 3 – 9:30p. Take away menu and call ahead seating available 1 hour ahead. Put your name on the waiting list from home or work! Online ordering and Curbside Take-away. Has gluten-free menu.
1246 Great Mall Drive, near Century Theater.
408-263-5400

Red Lobster
Order ahead and pick up Eat at their wharf-side restaurant or order live lobster sent to your home. Menu available.
503 E. Calaveras Blvd. in the Town Center.
408-942-0781

Zahir’s Bistro
Temporarily closed. Here at Zahir’s we go above and beyond our customers expectations to provide a memorable dining experience for every one of our guests. A fair number of other directories have the old site, and the address and phone number wrong. This is correct.
579 South Main
Reservations 408-262-2200