New Recycling RulesWest Valley Collection & Recycling (WVC&R) recently updated its recycling program. Saratoga’s expansive list of recyclable items is not changing and still includes e-waste items, such as cell phones, DVD players, printers, and more. WVC&R recently launched a new app, WasteConnect, where you can easily look up which items should be thrown out or recycled and view collection schedules. You can also visit www.westvalleyrecycles.com for additional information. The new key to successful recycling is to make sure recyclables are clean and dry. This includes bottles, jars, and cans, which all have to be cleaned and dried before being placed into the recycling bin. Also, please make sure the lids of recycling bins remain closed, especially during the rainy season. Let’s all do our part to help reduce waste! |
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Winter Rainstorm Preparation As we countdown to the new year, we’re reminding all Saratogans to prepare for winter weather. It’s always best to plan ahead and prepare your home for heavy rain before a storm hits.
For example, inspect your roof and examine chimneys for wear and tear. Make sure to clean out your gutters, removing any leaves and debris, so rain can be diverted away from your home. Check the seal around doors and windows too. In case of windstorms, tie down lawn furniture or bring furniture inside to keep it from blowing away.
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider protecting your property with sandbags. A free, 24-hour sandbag station is available right outside of the City’s Corporation Yard at 19700 Allendale Avenue. Bags, sand, sandbag fillers, and shovels are all available for you to use. There is a 25-bag limit per household. You can find more information and learn about proper sandbag techniques at www.valleywater.org/sandbags
During a flood, never drive or walk through flooded areas. Six inches of moving water can make a person fall, a foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. If you can’t tell how deep the water is, just stay away. For more information on whether your home is in a flood zone, as well as how to prepare for floods, visit www.valleywater.org/floodready |
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Nextdoor DigestAnnouncing Saratoga's New Mayor and Vice Mayor
On December 4, the City Council selected Howard Miller to serve as Mayor and Mary-Lynne Bernald to serve as Vice Mayor for the upcoming year. Thank you to outgoing Mayor Manny Capello for his contributions to the community over the past year. Learn more about your City Council Members at www.saratoga.ca.us/council
Paint the City Applications Now Open
Leave your mark on the City by transforming utility boxes into works of art. Residents ages 10 and up can submit applications to Saratoga’s Paint the City Program by January 13, 2020. For information about the application process or to get inspired by previous designs, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/paintthecity
Apply to Serve Your Community
Saratoga is currently looking for residents to serve on the Planning Commission and Library Commission! Applications are due by February 20 and March 4, respectively. Applicants must be Saratoga residents and registered voters. For more information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac
Sign up for Nextdoor to receive updates from the City of Saratoga, regional agencies, and your neighbors at www.nextdoor.com |
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Quick Tip from Captain RichCaptain Rich Urena oversees the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Division.
Avoid kitchen fires this holiday season. Use a timer so you don’t forget things in the oven. Never douse a grease fire with water. Turn off the burner and smother the flames with a lid or douse it with baking soda. Even better, keep a kitchen-friendly fire extinguisher nearby.
For more information on safety and Saratoga Neighborhood Watch, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe |
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Ask Our StaffQ: What should I do if debris is obstructing a street or storm drain?
A: Severe weather can produce enough wind to blow trees over and onto roadways. Storms can also cause flooding, power outages, and landslides. Wherever possible, the City will clear roads immediately of obstructions.
Residents can help keep Saratoga safe by reporting flooding, natural hazards on roads, and heavy debris on public property by calling 408.868.1245 on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At all other times, contact Santa Clara County Communications at 408.299.2507.
If downed trees or blockages occur in creeks, contact the Water District’s Watershed Hotline at 408.630.2378. To report power outages and damaged power lines, call PG&E at 800.743.5000. Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies, such as downed power lines. For more information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/storms |
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