COVID-19 UpdateThe State of California has extended the Regional Stay at Home Order, which was originally set to expire on January 8, due to the region’s ICU bed capacity remaining below 15%.?All current restrictions will remain in place until the Bay Area’s four-week ICU projection shows a capacity of greater than or equal to 15%. This order is in place to protect the region's ICU capacity and prevent it from reaching a critical point. Lack of ICU capacity means that you and your loved ones may not receive the care you need if you fall seriously ill—with COVID or otherwise. For more information on restrictions and mandatory directives, visit www.sccgov.org/cv19 Widespread testing provides a more accurate picture of how many cases exist in our community and helps identify people without symptoms who could be spreading COVID-19. Drop-in and appointment-based COVID-19 testing continues to be available at several locations across the County. To view the upcoming schedule and find more information, visit www.sccfreetest.org COVID-19 vaccination is also a critical tool to bring the pandemic under control. Healthcare systems throughout the County are currently vaccinating eligible individuals and will continue to expand vaccination capacity as fast as possible, with new shipments arriving each week. For more information on the vaccine, eligibility, and how to make an appointment, visit www.sccfreevax.org. You can also view the County’s dashboard tracking the number of vaccine doses received and administered by vaccine providers in Santa Clara County. For more information on COVID-19, how to get tested, and ways to access City of Saratoga services virtually, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/covid19. Thank you for continuing to wear your mask, maintain social distance, and stay home as much as possible!
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New Planning MapThe City recently launched a new online planning map available at www.saratoga.ca.us/planningmap. With this tool, you can learn about planning applications currently under review by the City of Saratoga, including those for new homes, additions to existing homes, subdivisions, and Conditional Use Permits. These summaries of proposed projects will continue to be updated periodically, and projects will be added or removed as needed. For more information on a particular project, please contact the designated City planner.
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Calling All Saratoga Artists!Through the City's Paint the City program, 3 more utility boxes will be painted by Saratoga artists this year. We need your help to turn these plain utility boxes into works of art! Saratoga residents ages 10 and older can submit applications by January 31! Selected artists will receive a $600 stipend. For information about the process, or to get inspired by previous designs, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/paintthecity
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Nextdoor DigestCommission Vacancies The City is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Heritage Preservation, Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Traffic Safety Commissions. Applicants must be Saratoga residents and registered voters, and they must attend a Commission meeting prior to interviews with the City Council. For more information on the application process and deadlines, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac Inclusive Playground Equipment Fundraiser The Youth Commission is raising money to contribute towards purchasing inclusive playground equipment so people of all ages and abilities can enjoy Saratoga’s outdoor spaces. You can contribute towards their goal of raising $3,000 by the end of the year to install an inclusive swing at a City park.
Share a Recipe for Saratoga’s Community Cookbook The Saratoga Youth Commission is compiling a Community Cookbook featuring recipes from Saratoga residents! The compilation of recipes will celebrate the diversity of Saratoga and honor family traditions, holidays, and more. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/youth to submit a recipe using the online form. Living Room Conversations Join your neighbors for meaningful Living Room Conversations on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. No debate, no heat—just respectful speaking and listening. The Saratoga Ministerial Association and the City of Saratoga host these events so the community can come together and engage on topics that are important to everyone. Find conversation guides and information to join the virtual conversations using Zoom at www.saratoga.ca.us/LRC
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Quick Tip from Captain RichJanuary is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning, an invisible, odorless gas. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of your home, especially around sleeping areas. The start of the new year is also good reminder to change the batteries in detectors.
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Ask Our StaffQ: I love seeing the painted utility boxes around town, and I’m so excited to see Paint the City is happening again this year! Are there more public art installations in Saratoga I could check out?
A: The Public Art Committee has been hard at work bringing new art experiences to Saratoga for the community to enjoy! The most recent addition is a 13-by-20-foot wall mural in the Saratoga Village. The side of Mint Leaf Cuisine now features grapevines on a trellis, created by Saratoga artist Michelle Liu. Take a look the next time you’re in downtown Saratoga supporting local businesses! Silly Walk Signs have also been installed in the Saratoga Village and on Joe’s Trail. These signs are your reminder that being silly is seriously good for you—especially during challenging times. When you see Silly Walk Signs, take a moment to let loose, get creative, and show us your best silly walk! Please share a photo or video on social media, tag the City of Saratoga, and use #SaratogaSillyWalks to spread the silly cheer. Six bronze acorns have also been hidden throughout Saratoga! If you’re nuts about Saratoga, put on your walking shoes, use the clues, and find them all. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/acorn for the helpful hints. There is one unique installation that can only be unveiled in specific conditions! For the second year, poems will be stenciled on Saratoga sidewalks using a special formula that only reveals itself during rainy weather. Keep an eye on the forecast to catch a glimpse of Rainy Day Poetry that’s sure to brighten any day! To find more public art experiences and to learn about the Committee behind it all, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/publicart
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