HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2017 Public Safety Task Force Agenda Packet
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 28, 2017
6:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
City Hall, Administrative Conference Room | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070
ROLL CALL
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
The agenda for this meeting was properly posted on November 22, 2017.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Public Safety Task Force for up to three (3) minutes
on matters not on the Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Public Safety Task Force from
discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Public Safety Task Force schedule the
item for discussion at a future meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the October 26, 2017 meeting.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics.
3. Saratoga Safety Fair
Recommended Action:
Consider Saratoga Safety Fair location, hours, and fundraising plan.
4. Public Safety Task Force Budget Requests
Recommended Action:
Finalize the Public Safety Task Force budget and make a recommendation to the City
Council for consideration at the December 6, 2017 City Council Meeting.
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 2 of 2
5. Increasing the Number of Neighborhood Watch Groups
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities to increase the number of Neighborhood Watch Groups and identify
next steps or recommendations for City Council consideration.
6. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA
PACKET, & COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing
agenda for the meeting of the Public Safety Task Force was posted and available for review on
November 22, 2017 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on
the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 22nd day of November 2017 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials
provided to the Public Safety Task Force by City staff in connection with this agenda are available
at the office of the City Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in
this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1269. Notification 24 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this
meeting. [28 CFR 5.102-35.104 ADA title II]
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 1 of 4
MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 2017
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
Chair John Hirokawa called the regular meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in the City Hall
Administrative Conference Room at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members Ray Cosyn, Sudip Ghosal, John Hirokawa, Rebecca
Jepsen, Chuck Page
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Captain Rich Urena, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio reported that the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on October 19, 2017.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the September 28, 2017 meeting
COSYN/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE DRAFT MINUTES FROM THE
SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, HIROKAWA,
JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: GHOSAL.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics.
Captain Rich Urena provided an overview of the public safety metrics, noting that there were
9 residential burglaries last month.
The Task Force discussed the metrics, common methods of entry for residential burglaries,
and recent arrests.
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Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 2 of 4
3. Neighborhood Watch Leader Gathering Debrief
Recommended Action:
Discuss the Neighborhood Watch Leader Gathering on October 15, 2017 and outcomes of
the event.
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio provided an overview of key takeaways from the
Neighborhood Watch Leader Gathering.
The Task Force asked staff to add a postcard or tear out with public safety tips in the
Saratoga News to the list of takeaways from the event. The Task Force suggested organizing
the outcomes into two categories: demographics/basic information and issues/concerns.
The Task Force discussed what went well during the event and what can be improved. The
Task Force discussed the next Neighborhood Watch Leader Gathering. The Task Force
discussed focusing future gatherings on best practices, rather than basic facts about each
group, such as number of households.
The Task Force considered how to address the request for a postcard or handout in the
Saratoga News with public safety tips. The Task Force asked staff to look up pricing
information on a postcard/handout in the Saratoga News and a postcard mailed directly to all
Saratoga households.
4. Saratoga Safety Fair
Recommended Action:
Consider Saratoga Safety Fair program and budget.
Task Force Member requested a fire truck at the event and inquired about bringing the
Sheriff’s Office helicopter to the Redwood Middle School athletic field.
The Task Force discussed the possibility of inviting private businesses to host resource tables
and charging a sponsorship fee.
HIROKAWA/PAGE MOVED TO INCLUDE A TOTAL OF 30 RESOURCE TABLES
AT THE SAFETY FAIR WITH A TOTAL OF 10 RESERVED FROM
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES/SERVICE PROVIDER AND REQUESTED STAFF
PREPARE A FUNDRAISING PLAN FOR CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION TO
ALLOW THE CITY TO CHARGE $250 PER RESOURCE TABLE FOR BUSINESS
RESOURCE TABLE HOSTS. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, GHOSAL,
HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
JEPSEN/PAGE MOVED TO REQUEST THE CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATE $2,500
FOR THE SAFETY FAIR. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, GHOSAL,
HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
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Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 3 of 4
5. Neighborhood Watch Leader & CERT Gathering
Recommended Action:
Consider budget for the Neighborhood Watch Leader & CERT Gathering and prepare for
joint meeting with CERT Leadership to plan the event.
The Task Force discussed the possibility of holding two gatherings per year, with the
Neighborhood Watch Leader & CERT Gathering serving as the second gathering of the year.
The Task Force agreed to hold the second gathering in April and asked staff to look at
availability of City facilities.
The Task Force agreed to meet with the CERT leadership in February.
PAGE/JEPSEN MOVED TO REQUEST CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATE $1,500 FOR A
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH/CERT LEADERSHIP GATHERING IN APRIL.
MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, GHOSAL, HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
6. Public Safety Webpage
Recommended Action:
Receive preview of the City’s new public safety webpage.
Vice Chair Page suggested displaying the crime statistics on the right side of the page.
Task Member Jepsen suggested using icons with the prevention and safety tips.
7. Ongoing Success and Sustainability of Neighborhood Watch
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities for the ongoing success and sustainability of Neighborhood Watch,
process and guidelines for forming a Neighborhood Watch group, and guidelines for keeping
Neighborhood Watch groups active.
Task Force Member Jepsen suggested that the City help new groups establish Neighborhood
Watch boundaries.
Chair Hirokawa suggested creating a mentorship program that allows new Neighborhood
Watch leaders to learn from experienced leaders.
Task Force Member Ghosal suggested creating a video on how to form a Neighborhood
Watch Group. Chair Hirokawa and Task Force Member Jepsen agreed with the idea.
HIROKAWA/COSYN MOVED TO FORM A SUBCOMMITTEE COMPRISED OF
VICE CHAIR PAGE AND TASK FORCE MEMBER JEPSEN TO IDENTIFY
POTENTIAL BOUNDARIES OF NEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUPS.
MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, GHOSAL, HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
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Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 4 of 4
8. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings.
The Task Force rescheduled the November 30 meeting for November 21 at 6:00 p.m.
The Task Force requested that November 21 meeting include budget requests to be presented
to the City Council and the Safety Fair.
The Task Force also confirmed that it will hold its joint meeting with CERT Leadership in
February.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:08 p.m.
Chair Hirokawa adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: November 28, 2017
Subject: Public Safety Metrics
At the June 22, 2017 Public Safety Task Force Meeting, the Task Force requested monthly update to
public safety metrics, including reported crime, arrests, and suspicious calls. This information is now
provided as a monthly agenda item, so that the Task Force may discuss the data if desired.
7
Burglary,
Residential
ID Theft,
Forgery, Fraud Vandalism Grand Theft Burglary, Vehicle Domestic
Violence
Burglary,
Commercial Auto Theft
Simple &
Aggravated
Assaults
Sex Crimes Robbery
2014 98 66 24 32 34 21 26 20 8 6 1
2015 123 103 36 29 33 29 24 20 13 9 1
2016 130 107 31 24 15 31 16 9 21 9 6
2017 - Oct 54 57 14 22 8 16 16 15 9 5 4
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
CRIMES 2014 -2017 (THROUGH OCTOBER)
2014 2015 2016 2017 - Oct
8
Burglary, Residential, 54, 25%
ID Theft, Forgery, Fraud, 57, 26%
Vandalism, 14, 6%
Grand Theft, 22, 10%
Burglary, Vehicle, 8, 4%
Domestic Violence, 16, 7%
Burglary, Commercial, 16, 7%
Auto Theft, 15, 7%
Simple & Aggravated Assaults, 9, 4%
Sex Crimes, 5, 2%Robbery, 4, 2%
CRIMES 2017 (THROUGH OCTOBER)
9
10
2014 2015 2016 2017
Total Arrests 25 7 8 9
Patrol Arrests 14 6 6 6
Detective/Warrant Arrests 11 1 1 3
# Residential Burglaries 98 123 130 54
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY & ARRESTS 2014 -2017 (THROUGH
OCTOBER)
11
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
# Residential Burglaries 7 6 4 10 3 7 0 3 9 5
Arrests 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 0
Patrol Arrests 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Detective/Warrant Arrests 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0
Calls for Service 25 36 28 20 22 24 17 38 34 17
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
2017 RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY, ARRESTS, & CALLS FOR SERVICE
BY MONTH
12
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 Calls 22 26 27 24 23 21 31 26 15 20 21 23
2015 Calls 15 30 27 26 27 24 16 25 13 22 28 43
2016 Calls 28 25 39 25 29 16 24 37 37 34 33 53
2017 Calls 25 36 28 20 22 24 17 38 34 17
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
CALLS FOR SERVICE/SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 2014 -2017 BY MONTH
13
2014 2015 2016 2017
Calls 279 296 380 261
Res. Burglaries 98 123 130 54
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
CALLS FOR SERVICE & RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES 2014 -2017
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Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Crime Definitions
Burglary, Residential The criminal offense of breaking and entering a residence illegally for the purpose of
committing a crime.
Identity Theft,
Forgery, Fraud
Identity Theft: Knowingly transferring or using, without lawful authority, a means of
identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any
unlawful activity
Forgery: The creation of a false written document or alteration of a genuine one, with
the intent to defraud
Fraud: A false representation of a matter of fact—whether by words or by conduct,
by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should have been
disclosed—that deceives and is intended to deceive another so that the individual will
act upon it to her or his legal injury.
Vandalism Deliberate defacing or destruction of property
Grand Theft Unlawful taking in any of the following, with the intent to steal:
Money, labor, or property with a value of over $950
Farm products including domestic fowl and crops with a value of over $250
Ocean and agricultural products taken from a research facility with a value of over $250
Money, labor, or property taken by an employee from their direct employer over a 12
month period with an aggregate value of over $950
Property taken from the person of another
When the property taken is a car, firearm, horse, or any other farm animal, regardless of
value
Burglary, Vehicle The criminal offense of breaking and entering a vehicle illegally for the purpose of
committing a crime.
Domestic Violence Abuse or threats of abuse when the person being abused and the abuser are or have
been in an intimate relationship (married or domestic partners, are dating or used to
date, live or lived together, or have a child together)
Burglary,
Commercial
The criminal offense of breaking and entering a commercial building illegally for the
purpose of committing a crime.
Auto Theft Unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle
Simple & Aggravated
Assaults
Simple Assault: Unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent
injury on the person of another
Aggravated Assault: Assault with an "aggravating circumstance" to elevate the
charges against the defendant. For example, use of a deadly weapon is often
considered an aggravating circumstance that can elevate a charge to aggravated
assault.
Sex Crimes Criminal acts involving but not limited to rape, indecent exposure, lewd conduct,
sexual assault, child pornography, child sex abuse, and violations of sex offender
registration requirements pursuant to PC 290.
Robbery The taking of money or goods in the possession of another, from his or her person or
immediate presence, by force or intimidation.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: November 28, 2017
Subject: Saratoga Safety Fair
Safety Fair Location & Hours
At the September meeting, the Task Force agreed to hold the Safety Fair on May 20, 2018 at the
Joan Pisani Community Center. Since then, a pre-existing facility scheduling conflict has been
identified. Consequently, staff is recommending that the Safety Fair be relocated to West Valley
College’s Campus Center.
While rental of the Campus Center, setup, and parking for attendees are all free, there would be
an additional cost of $384 to hire a Site Supervisor for the day (assuming the event is 3 hours
long). Consequently, staff is recommending that the Task Force consider relocating the event to
West Valley College on Saturday, May 19 or Sunday, May 20 and increase the recommended
allocation for the event to $2,900.
Additionally, to proceed with reserving the Campus Center, staff is requesting that the Task
Force designate the hours of the event. Staff has prepared sample event programs based on a 3
hour event to demonstrate the timetable on the day of the event. The sample programs are
identical, but show the program in the morning versus afternoon. The Task Force may adjust the
schedule as desired.
Morning Event Program Afternoon Event Program
Time Activity
8:00 a.m. Resource Table Hosts Arrive
9:00 a.m. Resource Table Hosts Complete Setup
9:30 a.m. Event Start
10:00 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
10:30 a.m. Public Safety Presentation 1 (15 minutes)
11:15 a.m. Public Safety Presentation 2 (15 minutes)
12:00 p.m. Public Safety Presentation 3 (15 minutes)
12:30 p.m. Closing Remarks, Event End
1:30 p.m. Event Cleanup Complete
Time Activity
12:30 p.m. Resource Table Hosts Arrive
1:30 p.m. Resource Table Hosts Complete Setup
2:00 p.m. Event Start
2:30 p.m. Welcoming Remarks
3:00 p.m. Public Safety Presentation 1 (15 minutes)
3:45 p.m. Public Safety Presentation 2 (15 minutes)
4:30 p.m. Public Safety Presentation 3 (15 minutes)
5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks, Event End
6:00 p.m. Cleanup Complete
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Safety Fair Fundraising Plan
At the October meeting, the Task Force requested that staff prepare a Fundraising Plan for the
Saratoga Safety Fair to allow the City to charge a $250 sponsorship fee per table for
business/commercial resource table hosts. A total of 30 resource tables are expected with 10
reserved for government agencies or non-profit service organizations. Resource table sponsor
applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If spaces are filled before the
end of application period, the application process will be closed.
Attached to this memo is a detailed Fundraising Plan for the Task Force to review. Should the
Task Force recommend that the City Council approve a Fundraising Plan for the Safety Fair, it
will be presented to the City Council on December 6, 2017 along with the Task Force’s budget
requests.
If the fundraising plan is approved by the City Council, staff can develop an application process
for resource table hosts, including those that will be charged a $250 sponsorship fee, and begin
development of outreach materials for the Safety Fair. The application and general outreach
materials can be presented to the Task Force at the January meeting.
About the Saratoga Safety Fair
One of the Public Safety Task Force work plan items includes holding a fair that provides
residents with a variety of public safety resources, such as crime prevention or bicycle safety. At
the September meeting, the Task Force agreed to hold the event in May 2018. At the October
meeting, the Task Force agreed upon an event budget of $2,500.
In addition to the resource tables, activities for children and several public safety presentations
and will be offered. Presentations might include child seat safety, proper use of a fire
extinguisher, creating a home emergency supply kit, fall prevention for older adults, or home
burglary prevention. There will also be Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department vehicles on display.
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CityofSaratogaFundraisingPlan
FundraisingPlanTitle&Purpose:Pleaseprovideatitleanddescriptionforyourfundraising
project.
FundraisingParticipants:Pleaselistthenamesforallgroupsandindividualsthatwill be
conductingfundraising.
DonationType/Amount:Pleasedescribethetypesandamountofdonationsthatwillbe
sought.
AnticipatedDonors:Pleasedescribewhowillbeapproachedfordonations.
DonorRecognitionPlan:Pleasedescribehowdonorswillberecognized.
FundraisingTimeline:
CouncilReviewofFundraisingPlan:
FundraisingStart:
FundraisingCompletion:
CouncilReviewofDonations:
DonorRecognitionComplete:
Restrictions/Reporting:Pleaseidentifyanyrestrictionsorreportingrequirements
associatedwiththisfundraisingplan.
Saratoga Safety Fair - the Public Safety Task Force Work Plan included hosting a resource fair on public safety resources. As part
of the Safety Fair, the Task Force would like to invite businesses with a public safety focus to host resource tables for a fee. A total
of 30 resource tables are proposed to be included in the fair, with 10 reserved for government agencies/non-profit service
organizations. Government agencies and non-profit service organizations will not be subject to a resource table sponsorship fee.
Public Safety Task Force Members, Crystal Bothelio (Deputy City Manager)
$250 Sponsorship Fee/Table
Business Resource Table Hosts
Sponsors will be noted on the event program/map and acknowledged at the event
December 6, 2017
January 2017
April 2017
N/A
Saratoga Safety Fair - May 2017
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: November 28, 2017
Subject: Public Safety Task Force Budget Requests
In anticipation of the December 6, 2017 City Council Meeting, the deadline for presenting
budget requests to the City Council, the Task Force requested that a list of all budget requests
from the Public Safety Task Force be scheduled for consideration at the November 21, 2017
Task Force Meeting. Since the Task Force was considering pricing options for an insert in the
Saratoga News in comparison to a mailed postcard to all households, three different budget
request options have been prepared. Detailed budget requests are shown on the following page.
Since the Task Force is expecting to submit a fundraising plan to allow a fee for resource table
hosts, sponsorships may offset the cost of the Safety Fair and actual costs may be lower than
shown in the detailed budgets on the following page.
The approved budget requests from the Task Force will be presented to the City Council at the
December 6, 2017 City Council Meeting.
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Budget Requests with Citywide Postcard 6.25 in x 9 in
Item Cost
Timing of
Allocation/Notes
Public Safety Tip Postcard (6.25x9) $3,800 Immediate
Safety Fair $2,900 Midyear (Feb 2018)
NW/CERT Gathering - Spring $1,500 Midyear (Feb 2018)
NW Gathering - Fall 2018 $1,000 FY 2018/19 Budget
Request for Additional Funds $9,200
Funds Previously Allocated $1,000 NW Gathering - 2017
Total Requested Funds + Previously Allocated Funds $10,200
Budget Requests with Citywide Postcard 4.25 in x 11 in
Item Cost
Timing of
Allocation/Notes
Public Safety Tip Postcard (4.25x11) $3,700 Immediate
Safety Fair $2,900 Midyear (Feb 2018)
NW/CERT Gathering - Spring $1,500 Midyear (Feb 2018)
NW Gathering - Fall 2018 $1,000 FY 2018/19 Budget
Request for Additional Funds $9,100
Funds Previously Allocated $1,000 NW Gathering - 2017
Total Requested Funds + Previously Allocated Funds $10,100
Budget Requests with Saratoga News Insert 10.5 in x 11 in
Item Cost
Timing of
Allocation/Notes
Saratoga News Insert (10.5 x 11) $1,200 Immediate
Safety Fair $2,900 Midyear (Feb 2018)
NW/CERT Gathering - Spring $1,500 Midyear (Feb 2018)
NW Gathering - Fall 2018 $1,000 FY 2018/19 Budget
Request for Additional Funds $6,600
Funds Previously Allocated $1,000 NW Gathering - 2017
Total Requested Funds + Previously Allocated Funds $7,600
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: November 28, 2017
Subject: Increasing the Number of Neighborhood Watch Groups
One of the Task Force’s work plan items includes increasing the number of Neighborhood Watch
Groups in Saratoga. Implementation strategies to achieve this in the work plan include:
Identify areas without a Neighborhood Watch
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest in Neighborhood Watch, including
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members that may not be part of an existing
Neighborhood Watch
Additionally, the Task Force is planning to hold a Joint Meeting with the City’s CERT Leadership in
February and host a gathering of Neighborhood Watch leads and CERT members in the spring. The
Task Force also created a subcommittee, comprised of Task Force Vice Chair Page and Member
Jepsen, to identify potential boundaries of new Neighborhood Watch Groups.
About City of Saratoga Neighborhood Watch
Currently, the Saratoga Neighborhood Watch program has 63 groups. After new groups have
established their boundaries and determined that there is general interest in forming a Neighborhood
Watch Group, the City will help new groups schedule a Neighborhood Watch orientation with the
Sheriff’s Office. After orientation, the Public Works Department will work with individual
neighborhoods to install signage.
Additionally, the City offers a $300 Neighborhood Watch grant to each group to help jumpstart
Neighborhood Watch activities for new and existing groups. A total of 29 groups received funding
last Fiscal Year and this Fiscal Year 13 grants have been issued so far. Grants have been used for
block parties, miscellaneous supplies for Neighborhood Watch activities, and to offset the cost of
security cameras on private property. Also, a video on Neighborhood Watch will be released later this
year.
Best Practices for Forming Neighborhood Watch and Keeping Groups Active
After reviewing the Neighborhood Watch Programs of several nearby communities, below is a
summary of some best practices for the Task Force to consider that can be accommodated within the
City’s current budget and staffing levels.
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- Offer meetings with City staff individually with residents interested in forming a
Neighborhood Watch group to provide guidance and review the process
- Request new groups to demonstrate engagement from a majority of households in the
Neighborhood Watch group to receive signage
- Require existing groups to hold social gatherings at least once a year
- Provide regular communication to Neighborhood Watch groups through leads or directly to
all members
Based on the experience of Saratoga staff, the Task Force may also want to consider requiring that
the boundaries of new groups do not overlap with existing Neighborhood Watch groups.
Additionally, the Task Force could consider recommending requiring that each Neighborhood Watch
group designate at least one person to participate in CERT.
Neighborhood Watch Program Examples
Cupertino Neighborhood Watch
The City of Cupertino has an extensive Neighborhood Watch program, closely tied within the larger
Block Leader Program. Cupertino has a total of 271 Neighborhood Watch groups, many of which
were formed after engaging in the Block Leader Program, which has a total of 300 groups. For
comparison purpose, Cupertino has a population of more than 60,000 and is just over 11 square miles
in area (Saratoga’s population is approximately 30,000 and is almost 12.5 square miles in area).
As part of the Block Leader Program, groups are required to get together two times per year. As a
result, many groups have elected to use Neighborhood Watch as one of the ways to bring residents
together and meet the requirements of the Block Leader Program. Occasionally, new groups not
associated with the Block Leader Program are formed. The Block Leader Program is staffed by 1 full
time city employee.
Currently, the Cupertino Neighborhood Watch program is staffed by 1 part-time temporary staff
member. The total program budget, including staff, office and outreach materials, and the National
Night Out event costs, is $48,750. Additionally, the program receives resources and support from the
Block Leader Program and Recreation Department. For example, Cupertino offers to provide
recreation staff to lead children’s activities at block party events. Without the support of the Block
Leader Program or other departments, the Neighborhood Watch Program would need more staffing
and a much larger budget to sustain the same level of services.
The Cupertino Neighborhood Watch Coordinator will work one-on-one with residents interested in
forming a Neighborhood Watch group, helping define boundaries and providing suggestions for
getting neighbors involved. When the group is ready, the Coordinator will attend a Neighborhood
Watch meeting and provide an orientation. Approximately 10 hours of the Coordinator’s time per
group is required during the formation process.
Before signage is installed, Neighborhood Watch groups have to show participation of 80% of
households in the group. Participation is measured by attendance at Neighborhood Watch meetings or
gatherings through a sign in sheet.
Like the Block Leader Program, Neighborhood Watch groups are required to hold 2 social gatherings
per year to keep residents engaged and connected.
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The City of Cupertino only collects contact information for Neighborhood Watch leaders and shares
updates through a volunteer portal, Better Impact. Pricing varies based on the number of users.
Leaders can share information on the Volunteer Portal with their respective groups.
Los Gatos Neighborhood Watch
Like Cupertino, Los Gatos also has an active Neighborhood Watch Program. The Town’s
Neighborhood Watch Program is supported by a full time Outreach Coordinator that also supports
several other programs, such as Operation Care and Graffiti Abatement. There is no dedicated budget
for Neighborhood Watch.
The Coordinator meets with Neighborhood Watch groups 6 to 10 times per year to check in or
provide orientation for new groups. The Town of Los Gatos has approximately 20 Neighborhood
Watch Groups. Like Saratoga, Los Gatos has a population of approximately 30,000 and is
approximately 11 square miles in size.
Unlike Cupertino, Los Gatos does not require Neighborhood Watch groups to demonstrate
engagement to receive signage, require 2 social activities per year, or provide a volunteer portal for
communication purposes. Signage for new groups is installed after orientation. Before placement,
new Neighborhood Watch groups are required to demonstrate that the majority of the neighborhood
is in favor of installing Neighborhood Watch signs. Town staff select signage locations and do not
seek feedback from residents. Additionally, the Coordinator collects contact information for all
households in each Neighborhood Watch group and regularly sends out updates and information.
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