Christmas 2018 Newsletter

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Contents

  1. A Note from Rishi:

        

Our city council invites our sheriff and fire team to join us for a joint meeting. Please find decks that were presented by them at this meeting. Fire safety and prevention is going to be a huge focus in Saratoga now, particularly for the hillside. Please review this deck and I would love to get your thoughtful ideas and feedback on what we can implement in Saratoga. https://www.slideshare.net/rishi59/santa-clara-county-fire-department

2018 Crime Stats for Saratoga (as of end of October) https://www.slideshare.net/rishi59/sheriff-presentation-to-saratoga-city-council-december-6th

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 A Note from Rishi

2. Saratoga Happening, Info and News:

3. Upcoming and Past Events

4. Q&A with Councilmember Kumar

5. A Glimpse into November and December - a pictorial view

  1.  Holiday Greetings

  1. Saratoga Happening, Info and News

2018 Election Results

As I got off the stage after the swearing-in ceremony someone tapped me and congratulated me.
“Rishi, Congratulations on getting the highest number of votes in the 60 years history of Saratoga. You got 65% of the Saratoga votes - amazing. And you even beat the one running as mayor, never happened before in Saratoga”

Well…these numbers don’t matter. I look back at my last 4 years and just feel blessed to serve Saratoga and simply stated, “Be the public servant and help our community”

I take this as a tremendous responsibility that has been entrusted...THANK YOU again to each of you for trusting me yet again. The swearing-in tonight was a special event for our city.  

THANK YOU to every resident of Saratoga who engaged on issues, not being shy, and exerting your ideas and energy to make Saratoga better.

When we focus on the problems of people, their pain, when we try to be of service and help, just do something, our community wins and together, we all win.

The "Breakfast of Campaigns" team set a record by knocking, walking talking with every single Saratoga voter - that has likely NEVER happened in 62 years of Saratoga. This dream team did it 2 weeks ahead of Election Day. Who would have Thunk!!!

THANK YOU to our Neighborhood Safety Captains, Neighborhood Block Captains and so many new neighborhood leaders that have taken charge. Someone remarked today at the swearing-in after party, that they haven’t seen such community engagement in prior years , from so many different cross-sections of Saratoga. Always a good thing!

THANK YOU to all my friends and family who stepped up and were the rock of support in this campaign - we couldn’t have done this without you…Gratitude!

During my first term as your councilmember, I reminded myself everyday that I serve your interest. I purposefully focused my efforts with a citizen-centric vision, responsiveness and results-driven behavior to impact Saratoga’s toughest challenges.

Next 4 years:

There is a lot of work to be done to address our immediate challenges.

Stay tuned - a new water rates protest campaign is beginning

Earlier this month I had lunch with Senator Jim Beall discussing the risks of fire, and what we can do. You should see an invitation to a Fire Safety Seminar hosted by the Senator’s office.

Rest assured, when I see something erupting as a big Saratoga challenge, I will be the first one to step up and take action.

I am all ears, so do not hesitate to send that email or make that phone call

I will always do the right thing in representing you and our fabulous community of Saratoga I am very thankful to you for the privilege of serving Saratoga, and through my diligent service I will express my thanks in impactful ways.

Please know that I hold your faith and trust dearly. I will continue being responsive to your concerns and requests, and above all keep Saratoga amazing, by protecting the interests of each and everyone of you.

YES, WE WILL CONTINUE GETTING THINGS DONE...there is NO other way.

Yes, having a couple allies on the council for solving Saratoga’s toughest challenges would definitely help :-(

I will leave you with a quote of #35

LIFE IS NEVER EASY. THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE AND OBLIGATIONS TO BE MET - OBLIGATIONS TO TRUTH, TO JUSTICE, AND TO LIBERTY  President John F Kennedy

Press Coverage

http://www.indiapost.com/saratoga-councilman-rishi-kumar-wins-re-election-comfortably/

A new rate increase AL 528 - please send your protest emails.

San Jose Water is at it again - they have proposed a 4.55% rate increase with AL#528

My apologies on the late notice, but please request your neighbors to file their protests by tomorrow i.e December 26th which is the deadline

I am not sure why San Jose Water Company has submitted many Advice Letters in December.

They are relentless with increasing their water rates…

So what do we do? Yes, we do what we do best….PROTEST!

Protesting is easy….

OPTION A: You can download your app

OPTION B:  Use the Google Doc link

Don’t want to download the app - but still want to send the email?

Alternately, you can go to www.RishiKumar.com/water

Search for Option B

Click on the google doc link, follow the instructions

Saratoga’s Neighborhood Watch program covered by StanfordPolitics.com

The articles is very well written and researched - covers Prop 47  etc. https://stanfordpolitics.org/2018/12/10/second-chances-the-enduring-empathy-of-prop-47/

Four residential break-ins the week of December 10

A total of 64* for the year (unofficial number), in comparison to 69 in 2017 and 130 in 2016

Please do alert your neighbors please and ask them to watch over their vacationing neighbors

Visit safety tips under the “Planning a Vacation” section at www.RishiKumar.com/tips. Tips such as signing up for vacation patrol or request a Patrol Check by our sheriff while you are out.  It is a free service

Before you head out for your family vacation, let your immediate neighbors know, when and how long they will be gone requesting them to keep an eye, pick up newspapers and delivered packages etc.

Some simple safety  tips and measures to take before you leave here

Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff

Weekly Activity Summary 12/10/2018 – 12/16/2018

*** ATTEMPTED 12/11 At 7:01 PM, deputies responded to an in-progress burglary call at a residence in the 19000 block of Kerwin Ranch Court where a suspect removed a window screen and attempted to enter the residence. That suspect jumped fences and fled the scene. Meanwhile, deputies located a possible getaway driver near the scene and attempted to make contact with the suspect occupant inside the vehicle, but the suspect fled from deputies and recklessly evaded until reaching a dead end. The suspect driver then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Burglary tools were found inside the suspect vehicle. The suspects are unknown and at large.

** 12/12 At 9:38 AM, the victim came home to find unknown suspect(s) inside the residence in the 20000 block of Chateau Drive after using body force to open a door. It is unknown if anything was taken from the residence.

**12/13 At 7:47 PM, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 12000 block of Beauchamps Lane by using body force to open a rear door. The suspect(s) ransacked the residence and took jewelry and purses for a total loss of about $10,000.

**12/16 Between 5:15 PM on 12/15 and 12:45 PM on 12/16, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 13000 block of Debbie Lane by kicking in a side garage door and opening an unlocked door leading from the garage to the residence. The suspect(s) took table lamps and a television for a total loss of about $1,500.

REPRINT: Crime Tips and Reminders for a Happy Thanksgiving

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The holiday season is here, and with that, West Valley Patrol would like to provide the community with some crime tips and reminders.

Many people will often go out of town during the holidays, a fact known by many, criminals included.  With homeowners out of town, burglars will be looking for crimes of opportunity.  Burglars typically do not want to encounter potential victims or witnesses during the commission of their crime, so an unoccupied home is preferred.  These burglars have various methods for attempting to ascertain whether or not someone is home.

Just this week, detectives arrested a suspect responsible for a residential burglary that occurred in the 12000 block of Saratoga Creek Drive.  The victims had an alarm system installed in their residence, and fortunately, because of that, deputies responded immediately upon receiving the alarm notification.

Video surveillance was obtained from the victims’ neighbor, which showed the suspect vehicle pull up to the residence, followed by a suspect exiting the vehicle and ringing the door bell, likely to ascertain if any residents were home at the time.  Through follow-up investigation, including assistance from a specialized task force and cellular phone data analysis, a suspect was identified, arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall for the residential burglary.

Please take this example as a reminder to secure your homes and vehicles.  Activate home alarm or surveillance systems and always lock your doors and windows, even when you are home.  If you are leaving town for the holidays, do not broadcast this information on social media and place a temporary stop on newspaper and mail deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor, family member or friend collect these daily.  Do not leave any valuables or gifts in your vehicles either.  Moreover, be neighborly, and report suspicious activity in an effort to reduce crime where you live.

West Valley Patrol would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Term Limits for Saratoga?

At the newly elected leaders swearing-in, departing Councilmember Emily Lo brought up term limits in her departing speech. She wants to see a Term Limit Ballot Measure that makes (2 term) term limits in Saratoga DEFINITIVE, and not just advisory.  Councilmember Howard Miller said he did not agree on Emily’s view of Term Limits.

Don’t you think term limits would be a good thing for Saratoga?  I would love to hear from you. Email me at rkumar<at>Saratoga.ca.us

Good work by our Sheriff Team. Suspects in Custody

West Valley Deputies Arrest 4 Burglary Suspects After Saratoga Vehicle Pursuit

On October 31, 2018, at approximately 11:45 AM, a Cupertino resident interrupted a burglary of their residence on Erin Way. Three suspects ran from the Cupertino residence when they realized the homeowner was actually home at the time of the burglary. The suspects fled into a waiting getaway vehicle, a Gold Lexus sedan, and drove off before deputies arrived at the residence.

A short time later, an observant Sheriff’s Office Detective saw a Lexus in Saratoga matching the description provided from the prior Cupertino burglary. A registration check of the vehicle revealed this particular Lexus was stolen during a carjacking in the City of San Jose earlier that day.

When deputies attempted to pull the Lexus over, a vehicle pursuit ensued with the suspect driver speeding excessively, while committing other egregious vehicle code violations. Eventually, the suspects drove the vehicle through the front yard of a residence off La Paloma Avenue in Saratoga, and the four suspects abandoned the Lexus, running in various directions from deputies.

West Valley Patrol Deputies and a Sheriff’s K9 responded to setup a perimeter. Deputies quickly apprehended 2 of the 4 suspects. With the help of residents in the area, as well as a group of electricians working in the area, the other 2 suspects were apprehended within a few hours.

The suspects were identified as 18 year old, Terrence Gentry of San Jose, and three other male juveniles ages 16-17. All 4 were taken into custody on a variety of felonies.

We want to thank the residents of Saratoga for their patience during this prolonged event, and to those community members who assisted in the apprehension of these suspects. Protection of our Community is a team effort!

 

VIGILANT SHERIFF MAKE AN ARREST On November 26 at approximately 10:13 a.m., deputies attempted to stop a motorist in a vehicle with paper license plates at Paseo Presada and Cox Avenue for a failure to stop traffic violation.

The suspect driver pulled over initially, but then fled at a high rate of speed and recklessly evaded until colliding into another vehicle on northbound Lawrence Expressway. The suspect vehicle then hit a curb, which disabled the vehicle.

Multiple subjects, including the suspect driver, exited the vehicle and fled the collision scene on foot. The suspect driver was ultimately located, arrested, and booked into Main Jail for reckless evading and hit and run. The other occupants of the vehicle remain unknown and at large.

Your neighbors will love you! Get CERT certified

There is a CERT training session in Campbell starting January 15, 2019.

Please invite your neighbors to get trained and certified

Every neighborhood should have a CERT trained leader

This is a very good program that will help your neighborhood and easy enough for anyone to complete and get certified.

Please visit http://saratogacert.org

http://www.sccfd.org/community-education/emergency-preparedness/community-emergency-response-team-cert

NOTE: Saratoga will have a course in May.

New Regional Housing Needs Allocation Subregion

Saratoga Supports the Formation of a Regional Housing Needs Allocation Subregion for Santa Clara County. Meeting of December 5th. Earlier this year, on August 15th, the city council unanimously expressed interest in such participation. On December 5th, the resolution was unanimously passed.

Pursuant to Government Code 65584.03, local jurisdictions may form a SubRegion to conduct an allocation process that parallels, but is separate from ABAG’s regional process. This subregional approach increases the potential for local control and may provide cities and the counties more flexibility in distributing housing needs allocation among member jurisdiction

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons Lighted Crosswalks – by Mainini Cabute

Installation of three rectangular rapid flashing beacons units is complete at the intersections of Quito Road/McCoy Avenue, Herriman Avenue/Lexington Court, and Cox Avenue/Cumberland Drive. When activated, these crosswalks display an irregular flashing pattern that help increase driver awareness of pedestrians. In the next few weeks, old signs in the area will be removed and trees that block visibility will be trimmed

ADA access to the Joan Pisani community center stage

This was a project proposed by Councilmember Rishi Kumar earlier this year and supported by the council. Last week, demolition of the stage in the Community Center Multi-Purpose Room began, and the project will be completed before January 10, 2019. The new stage will meet ADA accessibility requirements, including a ramp behind a partial wall. The stage will have new flooring, and the storage areas on either side of the stage will be completely rebuilt.

TEXT Based counseling

The County is now offering a new 24/7, text-based crisis counseling service to the community. Emotionally or mentally distressed residents in Santa Clara County can receive text-based support from trained Crisis Text Line counselors by texting “RENEW” to 741741. The support is free, accessible 24/7 and confidential.

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department has partnered with Crisis Text Line, Inc. to provide free, text-based, confidential assistance to people in need in our community. To date, Crisis Text Line, a national organization, has answered more than 84 million messages. The organization has more than 4,500 active Crisis Counselors with strict safeguards and protocols to provide care, safety, and confidentiality for each user.

Offering text-based support to people in need adds a new dimension to Behavioral Health services and is an especially important tool to offer to young people in Santa Clara County. Text-based counseling is easy and approachable.

The County’s Behavioral Health Services Department already offers a 24/7, free, confidential Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 1 (855) 278-4204, mental health services information and referrals at 1 (800) 704-0900, and substance abuse services information and referrals at 1 (800) 488-9919.

Community members can also become volunteer Crisis Counselors themselves. More information is available at www.crisistextline.org/volunteer.

New mixed-use project approved by the Planning Commission

20640 Third Street Sam Cloud Annex – Christopher Riordan

On October 24, the Planning Commission approved a new mixed-use project for a 2,527 square foot vacant site

adjacent to the Sam Cloud Barn at

20640 Third Street. The 35-foot tall,

three-story building will include commercial office space on the first floor and two residential units on the second and third floors. A basement level garage will provide parking for eight vehicles. The project also includes improvements to the courtyard located behind the Bella Saratoga restaurant, including new permeable pavers, a new trash enclosure, accessible parking, and new trees and shrubs.

Paint the City Project

Get Painting! City Accepting Paint the City Applications – by Crystal Bothelio

The City is now accepting applications for the 2019 cycle of Paint the City: Utility Box Painting Project. A total of 5 City-owned utility boxes have been selected for the 2019 program. The program is open to Saratoga residents age 10 and older. Selected artists will receive a stipend of $400 to $600 depending on location. For more information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/paintthecity.

New Restaurant in Saratoga

Read the Mercury News Article here https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/10/22/new-in-saratoga-opa-founder-opens-hero-ranch-kitchen/

West Valley College now an Age Friendly Campus

PG&E Tree Removal on Cox Avenue – by Kate Bear

In order to remain compliant with safety regulations, PG&E has needed to annually prune 22 silver dollar gum eucalyptus trees that grow under high voltage distribution and transmission power lines. The trees are located on the north side of Cox Avenue between Fredericksburg Drive and Glen Arbor Court. Some of the eucalyptus trees are circled in the included photo.

This year, PG&E will remove these trees rather than pruning them. Newcomb Tree Service will begin to remove the trees on November 5 and will coordinate traffic control with the Public Works Department. All other compatible vegetation will remain, such as the Hollywood junipers and other shrubs.

Annual Tree Inspection and Removal on Cox

Annual Inspection of City Owned and Maintained Trees – by Kate Bear

In 2013, the City Council adopted a Tree Inspection and Risk Management policy that identified City owned and maintained trees and created an inspection schedule for these trees. Each year the City’s Arborist, Parks Manager, and Streets Manager inspect these trees, look for safety concerns, and prioritize maintenance.

This year, trees were inspected on all of the main arterials, in the Allendale Avenue medians, and at Kevin Moran Park, Saratoga Prospect Center, the corner of Canyon View and Elva Avenues, and Parking District #4 in the Saratoga Village. The Kerwin Ranch and Leutar Court Landscape and Lighting Districts were also inspected, as well as a vacant parcel owned by the City of Saratoga off of Springhill Court.

Overall, the inspected areas are in good shape. The melaleucas in the medains on Allendale Avenue were pruned in the fall, along with the trees in the two landscape and lighting districts. A few raywood ash and liquidabmar trees at Kevin Moran Park were in poor condition and are scheduled to be removed and replaced this winter. Two eucalyptus trees on Cox Avenue were found to be in poor condition and at risk of falling. Both trees were removed this week, and photos are included below. Additionally, PG&E removed eucalyptus trees under very high voltage power lines on Cox Avenue in the past month.

Prospect Road Project Update

Prospect Road Improvements Project – by Macedonio Nunez

Progress on the Prospect Road Improvements Project continues, and all of the new concrete medians are now complete. Over the last month, the landscaping contractor has worked on installing irrigation pipes throughout the project. Weather permitting, the following work will take place over the next two weeks:

1. Replace existing asphalt sidewalks with concrete sidewalks and replace driveway entrances to meet ADA requirements on Prospect Road between Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Atrium Drive.

2. Install a new wood fence along the Saratoga Creek Bridge near Prospect High School.

3. Continue installation of underground irrigation pipes to connect the new medians.

The contractor will then temporarily close operations on December 19 and resume construction after the holidays on January 2. Future phases of work also include landscaping, microsurfacing, and road striping.

An additional $1,075,000 grant from the One Bay Area Grant program will extend the project timeline to July 2019. With the additional funding and time, the following improvements will be installed:

1. New irrigation and upgraded landscaping in the three existing medians between Titus Avenue and English Drive

2. New concrete sidewalks and landscaping in front of the Saratoga Prospect Center

3. NewirrigationandlandscapingalongthesidewalkbehindChristaMcAuliffe Elementary School

4. New concrete sidewalk to replace existing asphalt sidewalk between Titus Avenue and Johnson Avenue

You can expect minor traffic delays during construction, but one traffic lane in each direction on Prospect Road will always remain open.

3. Upcoming and Past Events

Bruce Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light

October 28, 2018 – March 17, 2019

Tickets on sale now!

Tickets are now on sale for this astonishing new exhibition by artist Bruce Munro. Featuring 10 light-based works ranging in scale from immersive to intimate, Bruce Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light will utilize multi-hued waves, clusters, cascades, flocks, and seas of illumination, transforming Montalvo’s historic Villa and grounds into a breathtaking spectacle of light. This is the first time Munro's work will be publicly on display on the West Coast, and will be the largest number of his works ever on view at a single venue. To information on the exhibit, dates, and to buy tickets, please visit https://www.munromontalvo.org/

The exhibition is open to the public on select days from October 28, 2018 - March 17, 2019. Standard tickets are $25 with timed entry between 6:00pm – 8:20pm. Please note that no cars will be allowed on site, and all patrons must park at West Valley College and board a free shuttle to Montalvo.

Jan 3rd Sanborn Park-Mysteries of the Cosmos (1/3/2019 @ 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM)

Explore the mysteries of the cosmos from a County Park at night! Discover night phenomena with your family and friends in group activities designed to ignite your curiosity. Ages 9-14+. Reservations required, rain cancels. Reservations (408) 918-7779​

Jan 12th: Let’s Work Volunteer Day

You can volunteer for the Parks & Recreation Commission Let’s Work! program from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Quarry Park (22000 Congress Springs Road) on the second Saturday of every month from November through April. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot, then help remove invasive plants to beautify and maintain the trails. Please bring gloves, water, and sunscreen, and wear closed-toed shoes and long sleeves.

RSVP here https://www.facebook.com/events/2234075436867116/

Jan 16th Night Photography Workshop #1

Wednesday, January 16, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

VENUE: Barn Art Studio

Event Summary:

What does it mean to “capture” light? How do artists use light as a medium to create completely original works?  In this new series of night photography workshops, students will learn the technical basics of shooting in low or high contrast light as well as how to move beyond documentary style photographs into artistically manipulated images by using lens movements, flash fills, and other experimental methods. These workshops take place during Munro exhibition hours to fully take advantage of the light installations as both subject and inspiration.

Students are asked to bring a camera with manual controls, a sturdy tripod (along with the adapter to mount the camera to the tripod), a cable release for the camera, a standard zoom lens (24-70mm), (recommended but optional: an ultrawide zoom lens, a longer telephoto lens greater than 100mm), and an extra camera battery. Please wear dark clothing.

February 20th Montalvo Arts Center: Stories in Light

Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 7 p.m.

TICKET PRICES : $10 (with ticket to Bruce Munro: Stories in Light)

VENUE: Historic Villa

Event Summary:

As Bruce Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light nears its close, join Barbara Goldstein, a leading voice in public art planning and place-making, and Bay Area-based Jim Campbell, creator of the recent Salesforce tower illumination, who will discuss light as a medium for engaging community. Campbell will share his work, his practice, and his interest in light as a medium. Significant large-scale, light-based installations will be shared and discussed, along with the key role public art plays in sustaining shared spaces that promote healthy, flourishing, and equitable communities.

NOTE: This lecture is offered as an additional program for those visiting the Bruce Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light exhibit on February 20. Separate tickets are required; to purchase your exhibition ticket, click here.

Quicksilver History Hike (12/22/2018 @ 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden on this 4-mile hike leaving from the Wood Road parking lot off of Hicks Rd. Questions? (408) 918-7770​​

Saratoga Youth Commission Fall Fair

A successful event took place on Saturday, November 18 from 3:00 pm to 6:00pm at El Quito Park. The event involved a bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting, friendly competitions, music and food! The only fees were tickets for activities which cost only 50 cents. The best part? It was a kid friendly event organized for the youth of Saratoga by the youth of Saratoga.

Dec 15- Celebration of Light

Join the City of Saratoga and the Saratoga Ministerial Association for the Celebration of Light. Help build community and celebrate the diversity of Saratoga with light - a symbol of hope, joy, and faith across cultures. The event will be held at Blaney Plaza and will include music and performances. For more information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/celebrationoflight

Dec 13- Saratoga City Council Reorganization

Saratoga City Council Reorganization took place on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. During the Reorganization, Council Member Elect Rishi Kumar,  Council Member Elect Mary-Lynne Bernald, and Council Member Elect Yan Zhao were sworn into office. The City Council will also select a new Mayor and Vice Mayor. A reception will be held in the lobby of the Civic Theater following the Reorganization.

Nov 27-Hakone Koi Pond Sustainability Project

Please join the City of Saratoga and the Hakone Foundation for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Hakone Koi Pond Sustainability Project on Tuesday, November 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Hakone Estate and Gardens, 21000 Big Basin Way.

Come celebrate the new pump house and filtration system that greatly improve the pond’s water quality and the health of the koi! Event admission and parking are free. For more information, call 408.868.1216

Special thanks to Santa Clara County for their $100,000 matching grant contribution that helped implement this first project as part of the Hakone Master Plan.

December 2nd - Screening of Domininion at the Joan Pisani Community Center

4. Q&A with Councilmember Kumar

Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list.

How can I prepare for the Winter Storm?

Temperatures are dropping, raindrops are falling, and we’re reminding all Saratogans that it’s important to be prepared for winter weather! Flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and landslides are all possible outcomes of winter storms.

If you live in a flood-prone area, please prepare your property in advance of heavy rain. A free, 24-hour sandbag station is available right outside of the City’s Corporation Yard (19700 Allendale Avenue) where you will find bags, sand, sandbag fillers, and shovels. There is a 25-bag limit per household. You can find more information and learn about proper sandbag techniques on the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s website at www.valleywater.org/sandbags.

You can report fallen trees, landslides, and flooding on roads and public property to the City of Saratoga 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. Report power outages and damaged power lines to PG&E at 800.743.5000, and always call 9-1-1 to report downed power lines or any other emergency. For more information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/storms.

Question: How can I prepare for the cold spell?

ANSWER:

1. Dress warmly in layers to avoid hypothermia.

2. Bring pets and potted plants inside and cover outdoor plants.

3. Check on isolated or medically fragile family, friends and neighbors.

For Santa Clara County cold weather resources visit: http://bit.ly/Cold_Weather_Resources

 

Question: What should I do if I experience flooding or other hazards during a storm this winter, and what are my winter emergency resources?

ANSWER: Flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and landslides are all possible outcomes of storms. It's always best to prepare ahead of time.

If you live in a flood-prone area, please prepare your property in advance. A free, 24-hour sandbag station is available right outside of the City's Corporation Yard (19700 Allendale Ave.) where you will find bags, sand, sandbag fillers, and shovels. There is a 25-bag limit per household. You can find information on proper sandbag techniques on the Santa Clara Valley Water District's website at https://www.valleywater.org/sandbags

You can report fallen trees, landslides, and flooding on roads and public property to the City of Saratoga by calling 408.868.1245 between 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At all other times, contact Santa Clara County Communications at 408.299.2507. Report power outages and damaged power lines to PG&E at 800.743.5000. You should also call 911 to report downed power lines and in the event of any other emergency. For more information, visit http://www.saratoga.ca.us/218/Winter-Storms

Question: What are some simple tips for fire safety?

ANSWER:

#1 Notify authorities if you see people burning debris, playing with fireworks, or driving off-road vehicles in dry, grassy areas or trees touching a power line.

#2 Develop an evacuation plan for family members. Identify a meeting location outside your home and neighborhood.

#3 Create a fire-safe zone around your home, where dead vegetation and other flammable materials have been removed

#4 Have your address clearly visible from the street to help first responders find your house.

#5 Maintain two emergency kits, one at home and another in your car.

#6 Take videos and photos of everything for insurance purpose. Take picture copies of insurance policies, wills, passports, driver’s licenses and social security cards and place them on the cloud. NOTE: If the home burns, it’s unlikely stuff stored in a fire safe will survive. For help developing a personal wildfire action plan, visit tinyurl.com/ReadySetGoPlan.


5. Glimpse Into Nov/Dec- A Pictorial View

Swearing-in Ceremony on December 13th

Thank you Larry Roben Neighborhood Watch Leader from Wardell Saratoga neighborhood for swearing me in. This was the very first NSW program that got the safety initiative going in Saratoga

At the Boring Company’s Tunnel Opening

Here is the press release from this launch https://www.pr.com/press-release/772875?fbclid=IwAR2Y5yl2EBlbCwBG8gxQu7N7BTjZjF5Y37aBUHYzYkhMls8AqqoGrtSKZ3E 

Meeting Congressman Ro Khanna, December 3rd over coffee

Meeting Senator Jim Beall over lunch on December 13th - discussing Fire Safety


At Congressman Khanna’s Town Hall Meeting
Councilmember Kumar asked a question on transportation

Honored to be part of the

League of California Cities Board of Directors Asian Pacific Islander Caucus

Prepping, cooking and serving 141 Thanksgiving dinners at the Orchard Road Shelter


Councilmember Rishi Kumar at the Better Cupertino Victory Party with the 3 winning candidates

November 14th Neighborhood Safety Watch Meeting

December 9th: A new Neighborhood Safety Watch program goes live

Screening of Dominion in Saratoga on December 2nd

Ladoos and Lattkes: Celebrating Diwali and Hannukah at the Los Gatos JCC


Morning of Election Day November 6th

Getting Ready for the Election Night Party

News on Election Night

 Election Night Party

An Anniversary Celebration

At the victory party of Sergio Lopez, Mountain View

Honoring the founders of California Cricket Academy at their annual awards night

Interviews by IND TV USA

Touch-a-Life’s Annual Banquet

Monthly Saratoga Bollywood Night

Diwali Parties


Thursday evening Bollywood party at Mountain Winery