State of the City - October 1

Join Mayor Tina Walia and the Saratoga City Council at the 2022 State of the City event. Celebrate Saratoga’s recent accomplishments, learn about the current state of the City, hear about upcoming projects, and honor those that make Saratoga wonderful. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/SOTC to learn more and register to attend. 

Seeking Commission Members

We're looking for civic-minded citizens to apply to serve on the City's various Commissions. Applications are due by November 18 for openings on the Library and Community Engagement, Parks and Recreation, Heritage Preservation, and Traffic Safety Commissions. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac to learn more and apply online!

Art Judges Needed

Always wanted to be an art critic? The City is looking for volunteer art judges that can review submissions and select prize winners in the categories of fine arts, photography, video, or poetry. Applicants must be at least 18 years or older and may not be considered for contest prizes or judge submissions of family members. Submit your application by October 9 at www.saratoga.ca.us/ArtJudge

Pizza and Politics

Structure Hardening Incentives

During wildfires, structures are most often ignited by direct exposure to flames, radiant heat, and flying embers. CAL FIRE has identified roofs as being the most vulnerable part of a structure, particularly those made of wood or shingles. Another vulnerability is single-pane windows that can break as a result of heat, allowing embers to enter a structure. Installing a Class A roof and multi-paned tempered glass windows are two of the low-cost structure hardening retrofits recommended by CAL FIRE. To encourage property owners in the City of Saratoga Wildland Urban Interface, the City is offering rebates for replacing non-Class A roofs with a Class A roof and for replacing non-tempered glass windows with multi-pane, tempered glass. Learn more at www.saratoga.ca.us/WUIrebate

988 Phone Line for Crisis Mental Health Services

This month, Santa Clara County launched 998 - a new lifeline phone number for the public to call in times of mental health or substance use crisis. The phone line is staffed 24/7 to provide support by phone or an in-person response, depending on the nature of the situation. The new lifeline is designed to provide support for those experiencing emotional or mental health distress, including thoughts of suicide, fearfulness, or other mental health or substance use crises. 

Good Neighbor Day - September 28

Good Neighbor Day is coming up on September 28 and there is still time to build a stronger community by bringing your neighborhood together! Ideas are available on the City website at www.saratoga.ca.us/goodneighbor. If you already have plans, share them in the comments!

Online Art Challenge

Attention Saratoga artists! Sharpen your pencils and clean your brushes to get ready for the City of Saratoga Online Art Challenge. Register by September 30 to submit your artwork inspired by monthly themes during the month of October, November, and December. Participants will have the chance to win monthly prizes and a grand prize based on age category (18 and under, over 18). Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/challenge to register. 

Saratoga Loves Poetry

Attention Saratoga students! Show off your writing skills by participating in the Saratoga Loves Poetry contest, open to students in grades kindergarten through 12 who live or attend school in Saratoga. Submit your original poem of 21 lines or less by September 30 for the chance to win a prize and have your work showcased in the community! Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/art for more information.

Watermain Replacement

San Jose Water Company will be replacing the watermain on the 15000 block of Quito
Road at Avon Lane and Stratford Court. Work will begin on September 19 and is
expected to be completed in mid-December. Traffic impacts will be moderate on
Quito Road during construction.

PG&E Powerline Surveying

PG&E will be using low flying helicopters through the end of October to survey electrical equipment and nearby vegetation to spot and prevent potential wildfire risks in its service areas. Helicopters conducting inspections will be equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors, along with high-resolution imagery to effectively evaluate powerlines, poles, and nearby vegetation in areas at risk for wildfire. As a result, residents can expect to see the LiDAR equipped helicopters in and around Saratoga. Helicopters will operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays at an approximate altitude of 500 feet. Visit www.pge.com/cwsp for additional information about PG&E’s wildfire safety measures.

State Route 85 Overnight Lane Closures

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has started work to install new traffic striping and fog seal along State Route 85 (SR 85) between the freeway interchanges of Almaden Expressway to Stevens Creek Boulevard. SR 85 will remain open, but temporary lane closures are needed for crews to safely work. Lane closures are scheduled for Monday through Friday in the northbound direction from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and southbound from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Work is expected to be complete by October 2022.

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