HomeMy WebLinkAbout102-Attachment A .pdfTo: Aileen Kao, Mayor
Anne Waltonsmith, Vice Mayor
Members of the Council
Cc: David Anderson, City Manager
During our Celebrate Saratoga experience the neighborhood parties were a
significant success. Appreciation was widely expressed. This project actually
changed some behaviors, improved relationships and promoted community.
I asked my colleagues in the Saratoga Clergy Association if they would be willing
to sustain the effort annually. They readily agreed. I was asked to continue as the
point person on the project. I now ask for your formal partnership as a co-
sponsor of this undertaking.
We are not asking for funding. We are asking for the freedom to promote this
concept as a joint-project of the City and the City’s faith communities. I am
proposing a broad summer season: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Again, Saratoga
Federated Church will coordinate efforts and contribute support materials for
party hosts. We will, of course, encourage all appropriate permit processes and
safety guidelines for parties in public places.
As was the case last time, I will seek the participation of those Buddhist, Muslim
and Hindu faith communities outside Saratoga but most used by City residents.
During Celebrate Saratoga we had parties hosted by households from all five
faith traditions and dozens of households with no particular faith tradition.
We are hopeful that you will find this a worthy annual emphasis. Public
encouragement is all that is needed for some neighbors to acquire the initiative to
become hospitable. We will hold off on promotion until I hear from you.
Sincerely,
Arvin Engelson
Pastor of Care Ministries
Saratoga Federated Church
(408) 867-1000