October 2013 - Vol.06, No.10 
In This Issue
October Is Cyber Security Month
2013 Peninsula Burn Relay
Child Passenger Safety Event
Fire Safety Poster Contest
Neighborhood Preservation Specialists Rotate to New Areas
Dodge for a Cause for Youth
Sunnyvale PAL Jr Giants
City Wide Drill

Events Calendar

 

October 23                            

Family Fun Night at Columbia Neighborhood Center 

(408)730-7800

 

October 26                            

5th Annual Fall Harvest Festival 

477 N. Mathilda Ave.

 

October 30                            

Challenge Team Meeting ChallengeTeam.inSunnyvale.com

 

October 31                            

Halloween

 

November 3                          

Daylight Savings  

Check Smoke Detector Batteries

 

November 5                          

Election Day

 

November 11         

Veteran's Day

 

November 27         

Challenge Team 

Reason for the Season 

Donation Drive

 

November 28         

Thanksgiving

Message from the Chief 

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. I know we highlighted this topic last year, but believe this is a very important subject in today's digitally connected society. We are very fortunate to live and work in Silicon Valley where many of the cyber companies are located. Being in the center of activity provides a lot of opportunity, but also highlights potential dangers associated with cyber communications. As an example, the Department of Public Safety receives weekly reports from fraud victims who believe that they have traced a suspect to the City of Sunnyvale, only to find out that the trace information is hosted by a local high tech company and not the actual physical address of the suspect.

 

Cyber security is easy to take for granted, especially for those who feel like they do not communicate or use non-mainstream platforms. The truth is that any of us can become a victim of  

a cyber crime at any time we are digitally connected. Therefore, we are asking everyone to spend a few moments learning about some preventative tools that can be used to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of cyber crime.

  

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has dedicated each week of October to a different cyber security issue (Awareness, Mobile Security, Cyber Workforce Training, Cyber Crime and Critical Infrastructure Security). This information along with several other tips and resources can be found at the official Homeland Security Website. Please review this information and share it with your family and friends. Together we can create a safer digital environment!

 

 

Chief Grgurina         

TEL (408) 730-7140
TDD (408) 730-7501            

or email to: [email protected]    


October Is Cyber Security Month  

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and it is an opportunity to engage public and private sector stakeholders - especially the general public - to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment. Everyone has to play a role in cybersecurity. Constantly evolving cyber threats require the engagement of the entire nation - from government and law enforcement to the private sector and most importantly, the public.

 

Cyberspace is woven into the fabric of our daily lives and the world is more interconnected today than ever before. We enjoy the benefits and convenience that cyberspace provides as we shop from home online, bank using our smart phones, and interact with friends from around the world through social networks. The Department of Homeland Security is committed to raising cybersecurity awareness across the nation and to working across all levels of government, the private sector, and internationally to protect against and respond to cyber incidents.

 

This 10th anniversary, National Cyber Security Awareness Month looks ahead at the cybersecurity challenges for the next ten years, dedicating each week to a different cybersecurity issue:  

 

Week One (October 1-4)

The next ten years in cybersecurity are critical to ensure a safe, secure, resilient cyberspace where the American way of life can thrive. Given the stakes we must remain focused on meeting the challenges of the next ten years.  

 

Week Two (October 7-11)

Emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity no matter where you are or what device you are using. Click here to learn more.

 

 

Week Three (October 15-18)
Highlights the importance of fostering the next generation cyber workforce through education and training. Click here to learn more.

 

 

Week Four (October 21-25)

Focuses on national and local efforts to prevent traditional crimes like theft, fraud, and abuse that can also take place online. Click here to learn more.

 

 

Week Five (October 28-31)

Highlights the growing intersection between cyber and physical security when protecting the Nation's critical infrastructure. Click here to learn more.  

On October 3, the Peninsula Burn Relay rolled through Sunnyvale on its Moffett Field to San Francisco route. The Burn Relay, a more than 20 year old tradition, is a parade of emergency vehicles including fire, ambulance and police that travels through the region raising awareness and funds for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF). The impressive collection of vehicles, both new and antique, makes its way from fire department to fire department for ceremonial check presentations of funds raised over the past year. Fire departments throughout the bay area host a variety of fundraisers to support the AARBF. Pancake breakfasts are among the most popular. 

Last year, the Sunnyvale Deptartment of Public Safety (DPS) raised nearly $5,000 at their pancake breakfast. DPS Chief Grgurina, PSOA President Tim Ahearn and Vice President Sylvestor Johnson presented the "big check" to Evan Scher of the AARBF at the Burn Relay's Sunnyvale stop which filled both sides of Olive Ave. between Mathilda Ave. and Pastoria Ave. with emergency vehicles.

 

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Safe Kids Santa Clara/San Mateo County partnered with Senator Jerry Hill's office in National Child Passenger Safety Week September 14 - 21. National Child Passenger Safety week is a collaborative effort in reducing the number of injuries or deaths for children in motor vehicles. With a national statistic of four out of five car seats installed incorrectly, the team felt it was necessary to provide proper education to parents in the community.
 
On September 21, Packard Children's, Safe Kids, Senator Jerry Hill's Office, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and the California Highway Patrol inspected 98 car seats before the downpour of rain that soaked all of the volunteers. Many grateful parents received proper education on how to correctly install their child's car seat in their own vehicle.  The event was a success and the number of seats inspected far exceeded inspected seats in the bay area.  For additional information on child passenger safety, please visit www.NHTSA.gov.

 

Hundreds of posters from Sunnyvale Public School students in  kindergarten through fifth grade flooded Public Safety's Crime Prevention Unit for the Fire Safety Poster Contest. The annual contest sponsored by DPS, Kiwanis Club of Silicon Valley, the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce and Kuykendall's Collision Repair, drew entries from 13 Sunnyvale schools. 
 
On October 8, the top three artists from each grade were invited to Sunnyvale Fire Station #2 for a pizza lunch sponsored by Kuykendall's Collision Repair  
 
and the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce. That evening, the winners and their families attended the Sunnyvale City Council meeting where they received their awards. First place - a gold medal and fire extinguisher. Second place - a silver medal and a flashlight. Third place - a bronze medal and a smoke detector. The winning posters were selected by representatives of the Kiwanis Club of Silicon Valley who also provided the fire safety oriented prizes.

The winning posters are on display at City Hall through the end of 2013 or view online here

 

Neighborhood Preservation's (NP) main objectives are to promote safe, attractive, and well-maintained residential and business properties, while simultaneously discouraging blight at individual properties and in neighborhoods. This is done by providing education, outreach, and resources to the community in an effort to achieve code compliance.

 

NP Specialists are assigned to specific geographical areas within the City where they are responsible for enforcing Sunnyvale Municipal Code requirements. Each Specialist conducts compliant-based and proactive enforcement in their assigned area. Effective September 3, the new jurisdiction area assignments are as follows:

 

Steve Frias, NP Specialist, | South Sunnyvale | (408) 730-7613

Chris Koelbel, NP Specialist, | Northwest Sunnyvale (408) 730-7521

Jhoanne Navarro-Tran, NP Specialist, | Northeast Sunnyvale | NEAT (Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team) (408) 730-7447 

 

 Dodge for a Cause for Youth   

Dodge for a Cause for Youth captured the spirit of the 24 teams and their fans from corporations, colleges, high schools and community groups competing in the first Charity Dodgeball Challenge at Gateway Neighborhood Center.  The competition was fierce with teams from Stryker, Trinity Church, Los Altos High School, Public Safety's Cadets, Mountain View Volleyball Club (MVVC), Stanford and San Jose State University (SJSU) all advancing to the elite eight.  In the end, the SJSU Spartans edged out the Stanford Shockers to claim the coveted Golden Dodgeball as winners of the inaugural Dodgeball Challenge on the court.  Off the court the competition was even fiercer!

All 24 teams ducked, dodged and donated to see which team could raise the most money for Sunnyvale PAL, Mountain View Volleyball Club and Reach Potential Movement, the primary nonprofits at Gateway Neighborhood Center.  The online donation leaderboard shuffled throughout the week as the teams collectively raised more than $10,000 for the youth programs at Gateway.  When the donation deadline stopped, the MVVC 15 Black Panthers claimed the fundraising champion title with 27 unique donors providing $985.

A special highlight of the night was the halftime show where Coraz�n de M�xico, the Baile Folklorico dance troupe of Reach Potential, performed and wowed the 400 in attendance with their flowing skirts and dances.  Just as special was the generosity of the many sponsors who contributed in a variety of ways to make the night a celebration of our community coming together for our youth.  Special thanks goes to the Moose Lodge of Sunnyvale, Elks Lodge of Sunnyvale,  Jeff Turner Music, the San Francisco 49ers, Mosaic Global Transportation, Sprockets Silicon Valley and Sunnyvale locations of Pinkberry, Jamba Juice and Rubio's. 

If you and your company, community group or friends want to participate in the 2014 Charity Dodgeball Challenge, please email [email protected].

 

Sunnyvale PAL Jr Giants
 

The inaugural season of Sunnyvale PAL's free Junior Giants program was a resounding success, and not just because the boys and girls learned how to throw, catch, hit the ball and run. As one father said, 'When my son found out that the Giants players eat vegetables to stay healthy, he started eating vegetables!'

  

Junior Giants is about a lot more than baseball. Eating good food, keeping active, and staying healthy are some of the main messages of the program. During the eight week season, teams learned basic baseball skills and played in non-competitive games. At each week's practice and game, the coaches and team parents taught the Four Bases of Character Development -- confidence, integrity, leadership, and teamwork. According to many parents, their children gained a noticeable increase in confidence over the season and had a great time in the process. More than one parent mentioned that their children were now working together as a team at home, and were more respectful of other family members.

  

The teams participated in education, health, and violence prevention activities. Coaches and team parents encouraged kids to read every week to earn prizes, and when an entire team completed their reading assignments, they were rewarded with a special Jr. Giants Festival at AT&T Park. They took batting practice just like the Giants players, were able to play on the outfield grass, and ate a healthy snack in the dugout.

 

The Jr. Giants players won prizes for eating fruits and vegetables, and kept track of their progress on a chart. Each kid signed a Peace Pledge, was given a 'strike out violence' wristband, and participated in an anti-bullying poster contest. Other rewards included water bottles, rulers, binders and a game with either the San Jose or the San Francisco Giants.

 

By the end of the season, 118 kids from over 90 families participated in either Division I for 5 - 7 year olds, or Division II for 8 - 10 year olds. Ross Spencer, Sunnyvale DPS, was the League Commissioner and led 21 coaches and assistant coaches, along with a number of team parents, through the coaching process. Comments from coaches indicated that they learned as much as the participants did, and most had so much fun that they'll be back in 2014. Next year, the league will expand with a division for 11 - 13 year old players. If you're interested in coaching, contact [email protected]  

 City Wide Drill    

 

 

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