Saratoga's New Recreation ProviderThe City of Saratoga and Los Gatos-Saratoga (LGS) Recreation have worked together for many years offering recreation services for Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and neighboring communities. This partnership was recently expanded, and starting July 1, LGS Recreation will provide all recreation programs on behalf of the City.
The Saratoga community can expect the same standard of high-quality programs and customer service. Recreation activities will continue to be offered in the same City parks and buildings, with the addition of new locations and activities. For information on the programs offered, visit www.lgsrecreation.org. Also, keep an eye out for the LGS Recreation activity guides that will be delivered to your mailbox three times a year. You can expect the fall activity guide to arrive in early August!
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Great Outdoors MonthJune marks Great Outdoors Month, and one way you can connect with nature is to go on a hike! Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Saratoga residents have easy access to amazing trails and spectacular views. From waterfalls to an incredible mix of tree species, there’s plenty to see and experience.
One of the many popular trails in Saratoga is Joe’s Trail (3.2 miles). This out-and-back trail is flat, wide, and well-maintained, making it great for running, walking, and biking at all skill levels. The Quarry Park Loop Trail (4 miles) is also accessible year round, and the hilly trails will take you through a variety of trees and a scenic overlook. Montalvo Arts Center is also home to a number of trails that are free and open to the public. These trails and loops of various length take you by a waterfall and other stunning views. They include a bit of an uphill climb, but provide plenty of shade throughout.
For more information on trails located right in our backyard, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/trails Visiting City parks is another wonderful way to enjoy the great oudoors. The City is hard at work converting the open space area at the corner of Quito Road and Pollard Road into a new park. Slated for completion by the end of summer 2019, the still-to-be-named park will be thoughtfully landscaped with drought tolerant, native plants and a meditation garden. Stay tuned for more information!
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Nextdoor DigestUtility Box Art Completed Five more painted utility boxes now decorate the streets of Saratoga! The artists have been hard at work since the kickoff event in March, painting Monarch butterflies, deer, cherry blossoms, California poppies, and quails. The completed artwork adds vibrant color and charm to Saratoga. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/paintthecity to view the artwork and utility box locations.
Apply to Serve on the Library or Parks & Recreation Commission The City is currently looking for two residents, one to serve on the Library Commission and the other on the Parks & Recreation Commission. Applications are due by August 28 and interviews with the City Council will be held on September 4. For more information or to apply, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac
Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness If you missed Santa Clara County Fire Department’s Wildfire Preparedness Community Meetings, you can still learn how to reduce wildfire risk and better prepare your family and your home through the techniques of Ready, Set, Go! To learn more and read valuable preparedness and safety tips, visit www.sccfd.org/rsg
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.
When you go on vacation, put a hold on mail and newspaper delivery, program interior lights to come on so it appears someone is home, leave your itinerary and emergency contact information with a trusted neighbor, and request a Sheriff’s Office patrol check at www.saratoga.ca.us/patrol
For more information on safety and Saratoga Neighborhood Watch, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe
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Ask Our Staff featuring Nicole JohnsonQ: Can I keep a beehive in my backyard?
A: Saratoga is a bee-friendly city. We choose trees and plants that are drought tolerant, bee-friendly pollinators to promote beekeeping best practices as recommended by the Santa Clara Valley Beekeeper’s Guild.
You can keep a beehive in your side or rear yard placed at least six feet away from property lines. If the hive is located within twenty feet of a property line, make sure the entrance faces away from your neighbor or you’ll need to set up a flyway barrier. Hives can be up to six feet tall, and the number of hives you’re allowed to keep depends on the size and location of your property. Saratoga’s complete beekeeping regulations can be found in Article 7-20.230 of the City Code, which is available online at www.saratoga.ca.us/citycode
Please note that as of this year, the State of California requires all beekeepers, including hobbyists, to register their hives with the Santa Clara County Agriculture Commission. More information about this can be found at www.beeguild.org
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