HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2020 Heritage Preservation Commission Agenda PacketPage 1 of 3
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
September 8, 2020
8:30 AM REGULAR MEETING
Participation Information:
This hearing will be entirely by teleconference. All Heritage Preservation Commissioners and
staff will participate via teleconference in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order
N‐29‐20 suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The
purpose of this order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials,
and staff while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation
during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Members of the public can view and participate in Meeting by:
1. Using the Zoom website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89024951453 or App (Webinar ID
890 2495 1453) and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when
directed by the Mayor to speak on an agenda item; OR
2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID (890 2495 1453),
and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by
the Chair.
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person.
Methods of viewing the meeting will be listed on the meeting agenda. The meeting is being
conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N‐29‐20 suspending certain
teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to
provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for
continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐19
pandemic. The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. In accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need
assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk at
debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting.
The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much
accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety.
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1. Site Visit(s)
a. None
2. Call to Order
3. Roll Call- Alexandra Nugent, Annette Stransky, Dr. Jo Rodgers, and Rina Shah
4. Oral Communications
Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not
on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may
not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future
agenda.
5. Approval of the August 11, 2020 minutes
6. New Business
a. None
7. Staff Comments
8. Old Business
a. Heritage Orchard Master Plan Update
• Heritage Orchard Signs/Website
• Final Heritage Orchard Master Plan
b. Project Status Update
9. Commission Items
10. Adjournment
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a
disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at (408) 868-1216 or dbretschneider@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as
early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting.
Any recommendation made by the Heritage Preservation Commission may be appealed to the
Planning Commission within ten (10) days of the date of the decision. The appeal shall be taken by
filing with the Secretary of the Heritage Preservation Commission a written notice and filing fee within
ten (10) days of the date of the decision.
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff report, and other materials provided
to the Heritage Preservation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at
the office of the Community Development Department Director at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga,
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California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available
for public review at the office of the Director at the time they are distributed to the Heritage
Preservation Commission.
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Nicole Johnson, Senior Planner, for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting
of the Heritage Preservation Commission was posted and available for public review on September 3, 2020,
2019 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City’s website at
www.saratoga.ca.us.
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HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES
August 11, 2020
8:30 AM REGULAR MEETING
1. Site Visit(s)
a. None
2. Call to Order: Chair Nugent called the meeting to order at 8:34 AM
3. Roll Call:
Present: Chair Alexandra Nugent, Vice Chair Rina Shah, Annette Stransky, and
Dr. Jo Rodgers
Absent: None
Staff: Nicole Johnson, Senior Planner
4. Oral Communications
None
5. Approval of the July 14, 2020 minutes
STRANSKY/SHAH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE REVISED JULY
14, 2020 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: NUGENT, SHAH, STRANSKY,
RODGERS. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE
6. New Business
a. None
7. Staff Comments
a. Webinar Training
Nicole Johnson asked HPC members to complete a webinar training by
the end of September.
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b. 20250 La Paloma Avenue
Nicole Johnson updated the HPC with work that has been done on the
property without first obtaining permits or review by the HPC.
8. Old Business
a. Heritage Orchard Master Plan Update
The HPC reviewed the draft document and provided edits/comments.
b. Project Status Update
None
9. Commission Items
Commissioner Rodgers asked about the current vacancy.
10. Adjournment
Chair Nugent adjourned the meeting at 10:10 am.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Nicole Johnson, Planner II
City of Saratoga
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MEMORANDUM
MEETING DATE: September 8, 2020
TO: Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
FROM: Kayla Nakamoto, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: Item 8a- Heritage Orchard Website & Signs
The City will be ordering new signs to put up around the Heritage Orchard. The signs will go
up around the Orchard near the Library, Sacred Heart Church property line and the Warner
Hutton House. The signs will placed in a way to not distub the orchard trees. These signs will
share general information with the public including a web link to where they can find more
information online.
The web page is currently live and shares information about what fruit is grown and some
historical information about the Heritage Orchard.
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Heritage Orchard Master Plan
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Acknowledgments
City Council
Howard Miller Mayor
Mary-Lynne Bernald Vice Mayor
Rishi Kumar Council Member
Yan Zhao Council Member
Heritage Preservation Commission
Alexandra Nugent Chair
Rina Shah Vice Chair
Dr. Jo Rodgers Commissioner
Annette Stransky Commissioner
Former HPC Members
Marilyn Marchetti Chair (2019)
City Staff
James Lindsay City Manager
Debbie Pedro Community Development Director
John Cherbone Public Works Director
Kate Bear City Arborist
Nicole Johnson Senior Planner
Original Document Prepared by :
David Gates and Associates and Heritage Preservation Commission
August 2001
Amended by:
Heritage Preservation Commission
November 2020
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Table of Contents
Vision Statement & Purpose 1
Introduction 2
History 3
Review of 2001 Master Plan 5
Previous Plan’s Accomplishments 6
Objectives of the Orchard Master Plan 7
Existing Conditions, Issues, and Assumptions 8
Recommendations 12
Orchard Preservation Plan 14
Summary 15
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Vision Statement
“The vision for the Heritage Orchard is to preserve, in perpetuity, the rich agricultural history of
Saratoga for the education, involvement and enjoyment of the community.”
This vision statement builds upon the achievements of the previous Master Plan for
preserving this scenic symbol of Saratoga’s agricultural history, as well as continuing to
involve the residents of Saratoga in the unique life of a working orchard.
Purpose
The Heritage Orchard was placed on the
Heritage Resource Inventory (HRI) in 1984.
With the assistance of David Gates and
Associates, the Heritage Preservation
Commission (HPC) created a Master Plan in
2001 that addressed: orchard preservation,
educational opportunities, maximizing the
views of the orchard, minimizing intrusion of
site improvements, maintaining the
orchard, and implementing a tree adoption
program.
In March of 2019, the City Council asked the
HPC to update the existing Master Plan. The HPC immediately began their research, which
included a tour of Saratoga’s orchard led by the orchardist, as well as site visits to Heritage
Orchards in surrounding cities.
The information in this report includes the history, vision, objectives, and accomplishments
of the 2001 Master Plan. This 2020 plan details issues faced today and recommendations to
ensure the continued success and protection of the Orchard using the best agricultural
practices and standards of care in the industry.
This Master Plan is a working document which provides the community and its partners a
guideline for operations, maintenance, and development of the Orchard, while minimizing
disruption and safeguarding the existing unique character and health of the orchard.
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Introduction
The Heritage Orchard is recognized by the
residents of Saratoga as a living jewel and
community landmark. Historically the Heritage
Orchard has also been known as Central Park.
The working orchard is located at 13650 Saratoga
Avenue on the Southwest corner of Saratoga
Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue, south of the
Saratoga Library. The site is bounded by Saratoga
Avenue to the North, Fruitvale Avenue to the East,
Wildcat Creek to the South, and Sacred Heart
Catholic Church and School to the West. The land
was purchased by the city in 1972 to construct
the Saratoga Library and associated parking lot
on 4.3 acres of the property.
The orchard was designated as a City park in 1984 to preserve
the important agricultural heritage of Saratoga. As
development encroached on the last remaining orchards in
Saratoga, this site was chosen to represent the important early
history of Saratoga and the role orchards played as the
economic backbone of the town during the period of
Horticultural Development (1869-1906). It was preserved as a
working orchard, growing apricots, cherries, and prunes,
because it was one of the last remaining orchards in the City
of Saratoga in the 1980s. The orchard was designated by the
City of Saratoga as a Heritage Landmark in 1988 (HP-88-01).
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History
Santa Clara Valley consists of most of Santa Clara
County and a small portion of San Benito County. The
valley, named after Mission Santa Clara, was known
as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” from 1890 to the
1950s because of its high concentration of fruit
orchards.
The Heritage Orchard site was originally part of Quito
Rancho. In the 1880s it was owned by the Marian
family. The site was purchased by FC Cox in the
1920s, who farmed apricots and prunes for 30 years.
In the 1950s, the land was owned and farmed by three generations of the Seagraves family.
In 1900, Edwin Sidney (Everlasting Sunshine) Williams organized a citywide celebration when
the two-year drought ended and called it the Blossom Festival. Wanting people to enjoy the
blossoms of the orchards, invitations were issued as far away as San Francisco. Hundreds of
attendees responded on foot, by stage, and by train. The day was filled with a parade, food,
games, and a blossom and garden tour. Each succeeding year, the event grew in popularity
with 20,000 attending one year. Due to its initial success, the Blossom Festival was held each
year until WWII.
At one time, the Santa Clara Valley produced one third of the world’s prunes. Saratoga had
its share of contributions during this time, including Glen Una, the largest prune ranch, the
Blossom Festival which ran for forty-one successive years, and inventions like the prune
dipper by Luther Cunningham, whose company became FMC. The valley was the largest fruit
producing and packing region in the world, with thirty-nine canneries. Innovations in the
areas of planting, drying, canning, and care of fruit flourished.
After WWII, as men and women returned from the war, high tech firms were attracted to
California. Orchards were removed to make room for homes and factories, and in the 1960s
the Valley of Heart’s Delight became known as Silicon Valley.
In 1972, the City of Saratoga bought 11.3 acres to build the Saratoga Library. In 1973, the City
purchased 4.2 more acres, and in 1977, an additional 2.6 acres were purchased.
In 1984, the City approved the Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record (DPR)
survey written by the HPC and placed the orchard on the Heritage Resource Inventory. The
DPR is a standard survey form used by the State of California’s Department of Parks &
Recreation. This DPR referred to the site as Central Park Orchard. In 1986, a small sign was
placed calling the land Central Park/Heritage Orchard. After that, the public began to use the
name Heritage Orchard when referring to the site.
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As land began to be developed, builders looked to use the Heritage Orchard for other
purposes, including soccer fields, a gymnasium, and more. The community was opposed to
these new uses, and they voted in favor of preserving the orchard as a piece of living history.
In October of 2000, the City Council released Resolution No. 00-049 to block changes to the
orchard, with the expectation that the orchard would be “maintained in perpetuity.”
The original Master Plan was then prepared by the HPC and David Gates & Associates before
it was approved by the City Council in 2001. On April 3, 2002, the City Council approved
Resolution 02-021 to remove specific trees from the orchard. In 2005, a gravel trail was added
through the orchard connecting City Hall with the Saratoga Library. The trail has been used
extensively by Redwood Middle School students.
Between 2000 and 2007, the orchard was the
site for the Mustard Fair. In 2013, the festival
resumed and was renamed the Blossom
Festival in honor of the original festival’s name
in 1900. The festival continues to this day as
the community celebrates and draws visitors
from all over the valley. If an agricultural
structure is added to the site in the future, it
will complete the setting of a typical orchard of
the 1900s.
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Review of Previous 2001 Master Plan
The 2001 Heritage Orchard Plan provided an overview of the history and makeup of the
Central Park Heritage Orchard, as well as guidelines for renovating the orchard and
recommendations for its future use. The Plan included six goals:
1. Preserve the orchard as a functioning agrarian entity or enterprise.
2. Provide educational opportunities to learn about agricultural history in the area and
orchard management and operations.
3. Maximize views of the orchard from the surrounding area to ensure the orchard is an
important part of the community’s image.
4. Minimize intrusion of site improvements into the orchard that may disrupt orchard
maintenance operations, or impact the ‘natural appearance’ of the orchard.
5. Ensure the orchard is maintained in optimum health by implementing necessary
orchard maintenance and replacement programs.
6. Implement a Tree Adoption Program.
In the 2001 Master Plan, the HPC recommended the City replace any dead or declining trees.
The Master Plan called for the immediate replacement of 298 trees that were either dead or
missing and 154 that were declining. At the time the Master Plan was created, the Heritage
Orchard included some native oaks and other, non-orchard trees. The HPC recommended
the City retain these trees due to their historic relationship to the orchard, noting that only
“orchard trees” (fruit) would be planted in the future.
The HPC expressed concern for the impact of pedestrian traffic through the orchard and
recommended that any pedestrian paths be “hard-packed, dirt paths” that would be created
and maintained on a yearly basis.
The HPC recommended a spray irrigation system be developed in a “disking pattern”
between the tree rows. It was recommended that the system not only make use of the local
metered water, but also explore the creation of a sustainable well system that included a
“booster pump or holding tank system.” It was determined that a feasibility test would be
needed to confirm the viability of a well at this site.
The following three HPC recommendations were not implemented, but are still
recommended for accomplishment as soon as possible:
1. Construction of an orchard maintenance/educational program “barn” on the eastern
portion of the site.
2. Promote community involvement.
3. Implementation of a Tree Adoption Program.
4. Installation of a prominent sign at the corner of Fruitvale and Saratoga Avenues, to
identify the location of the Heritage Orchard.
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The proposed Master Plan of 2001 implementation was divided into two phases:
• Phase One: Several capital improvements, including the removal of dead/declining
trees, determining the feasibility of a well, and designing an irrigation system.
• Phase Two: Planting bare root trees, constructing a well, and installing an irrigation
system.
Previous Plan’s Accomplishments
1. Provided a Master Plan documenting objectives.
2. Preserved the orchard through City Council resolution.
3. Created a pedestrian path connecting City Hall with the Library.
4. Installed a permanent irrigation system in the orchard.
5. Installed a well with a booster pump for irrigation water supply.
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Objectives of the Orchard Master Plan
Preserve & Protect
1. Preserve the 13.9-acre orchard as a working, productive orchard to engage and
educate the community on Saratoga’s agricultural heritage.
2. Protect the orchard in perpetuity.
3. Provide guidelines for the proper stewardship and best agricultural practices of the
orchard.
Maintain
1. Maintain and improve the orchard’s optimum health.
2. Ensure there is minimal intrusion of the site and orchard when improvements are
made to ensure no disruption to orchard maintenance and little impact on the
orchard’s natural appearance.
3. Maximize views of the orchard from the surrounding area to ensure the orchard is an
important part of the community image.
Educate
1. Encourage and provide educational opportunities and events for others to learn
about the agricultural history of the area and pursue avenues for community
involvement.
2. Install prominent signage on the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue, as
well as signage within the orchard.
3. Incorporate an agricultural structure(s) for community education and engagement.
Outreach
1. Develop an outreach program to surrounding communities with heritage orchards in
order to share ideas.
2. Foster and encourage a network program with other heritage orchards, orchard
preservation programs, and experienced historic orchardists.
3. Generate interest through social media and conventional media outlets.
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Existing Conditions, Issues, and Assumptions
Preservation of the Orchard
• Existing Conditions: The Heritage Orchard is the only park in the City of Saratoga that
preserves and celebrates Saratoga’s rich agricultural history. The site is zoned R-1-
20,000 and the Land Use designation is Open Space-Managed Resource Protection
(OS-MR).
• Issues: The public has limited knowledge of the orchard and is not engaged in its
preservation.
• Assumptions: The orchard will be secured for future generations. There will be
outreach programs and events, such as the Blossom Festival, to engage the public
and gain their continued appreciation of the land usage and history.
Size and Use of the Orchard
• Existing Conditions: The orchard is composed of approximately 13.9 acres and
consists of fruit trees.
• Issues: Any use, such as educational opportunities, community events, marketing
efforts, and campaigns, could impact the health of the trees and the harvesting and
distribution/sale of the fruit.
• Assumptions: Decisions to place structures in the orchard, or community uses of the
orchard, will consider the impact these changes might have on the current health or
the future number of trees in the orchard. The site survey will be updated to
represent the boundary and trees within the orchard.
Inventory of Trees
• Existing Conditions: Approximately 1,400 fruit trees grow in the orchard, consisting of
apricot, prunes, and cherry trees. There are some mature coast live oak trees growing
among the fruit trees.
• Issues: The non-orchard, oak trees and other tree types may provide habitat for
wildlife in the area. These non-orchard trees may be threatening the health of the
fruit-bearing orchard trees.
• Assumptions: When a non-orchard tree dies or needs to be removed, it will be
replaced with an orchard tree. The City will continue annual thinning and caring for
all non-orchard trees.
Irrigation
• Existing Conditions: There is currently a well in the orchard which is used to irrigate
the trees. An above-ground sprinkler system is also installed.
• Issues: The current system is inadequate.
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• Assumptions: An updated irrigation system will be installed, such as a system that
allows cross-disking.
Climate and Air Quality
• Existing Conditions: Due to climate change, the area will continue to see warmer days
and drier conditions.
• Issues: Air quality is a concern, for both trees and visitors.
• Assumptions: Climate and air quality will be considered when planning for the
continued health of the trees and when timing educational activities and events in the
orchard.
Soil Conditions
• Existing Conditions: The soil in the orchard is a dry, clay type of soil. Weeds are
managed with mowing and manual weed whacking.
• Issues: The quality of the soil in the orchard is impacted by climate, human and animal
interactions, fertilizers, water, and conservation efforts.
• Assumptions: An evaluated and annually updated maintenance plan will be
implemented and followed.
Pathways
• Existing Conditions: There is currently one path of travel into the orchard, from the
southern corner of the orchard at Fruitvale Avenue, to the library.
• Issues: The current path, along with any additional paths taking visitors to a future
structure, may impact the health of the orchard.
• Assumptions: Pedestrian paths in the orchard will have minimal impact on the natural
appearance of the orchard and will not interfere with maintenance.
Wildlife and Domesticated Animals
• Existing Conditions: The existing orchard provides a habitat for a variety of local
wildlife, including coyotes, deer, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, opossums, birds,
squirrels, and gophers.
• Issues: Wildlife can cause problems for the trees and their fruit.
• Assumptions: Proper precautions will be used to deter unwanted wildlife at all times
with an ongoing abatement plan. Signs will be placed to support the City’s
requirement for pets to remain on a leash.
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Security
• Existing Conditions: The orchard is not fenced.
• Issues: When fruit is removed by pedestrians from the orchard, it decreases the
amount of fruit available and could cause damage to the trees. People walking off the
paths and taking the fruit could damage the trees and the soil.
• Assumptions: Programs will be introduced to educate the public.
Adjacent Properties
• Existing Conditions: The site is bounded by Saratoga Avenue to the North, Fruitvale
Avenue to the East, Wildcat Creek to the South, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church and
School to the West.
• Issues: Any increased community involvement in the orchard could impact the
surrounding properties.
• Assumptions: A communication network with the adjacent properties will be adopted
to ensure there are no event date conflicts.
Structures
• Existing Conditions: Currently, there are no structures for educational programs in
the orchard.
• Issues: The addition of a structure may impact the number of trees possible in the
orchard.
• Assumptions: With the addition of an appropriate agricultural structure, programs
could be incorporated to promote education and the engagement of the community.
Any structure will be placed in such a way as to minimize impact on orchard trees.
Utilities
• Existing Conditions: There are no public utilities in the orchard.
• Issues: There are no public restrooms, other than those found in the library. People
attending educational events will need restroom facilities. There is currently no
drinkable water in the orchard for visitors participating in educational activities or
events held in the orchard.
• Assumptions: If an agricultural structure is added, there will eventually be public
restrooms and utilities brought to the structure to support this addition. The HPC
expects those managing the placement of any utility lines (water, sewer, electrical,
etc.) will be mindful of the location so they will not impact the success and operations
of the orchard.
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Signage
• Existing Conditions: One small sign is located in the orchard with the name “Central
Park Heritage Orchard”.
• Issues: There is not adequate signage within the orchard.
• Assumptions: Prominent signage will be added to the orchard.
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Recommendations
Orchard Care & Maintenance
1. Implement the orchard preservation plan.
2. Create a program to manage wildlife that may threaten trees.
3. Replace all dead/diseased trees accordingly.
4. Request City staff work with the orchardist to prepare quarterly reports to the HPC
regarding the health of trees based on annual orchard maintenance tasks, numbered
tree records, new trees to be planted, and projects, such as new irrigation systems.
5. Implement a tree numbering system to keep better records on each tree and to assist
when an “Adopt a Tree Program” is initiated.
6. Update the irrigation system.
7. Maintain existing paths and mindfully add paths if a new structure is installed to
ensure the health of the trees is not threatened.
8. Orchardist will work with the City to use best management practices and Implement
orchard maintenance and tree replacement programs. Create an accessible database
that provides documentation of ongoing and planned maintenance to ensure the
health and longevity of the orchard.
9. Soil nutrients and fertilization will be introduced when testing shows that it is
necessary to properly care for the trees. A more adequate weed control program
should be used accordingly.
10. Pedestrian access through the orchard will be limited to hard-packed, dirt paths
created by dragging or rolling a disked area to create an even smoother surface.
Paths will need to be recreated each year.
Signage & Orchard Name
1. Install signage with appropriate lighting on the corner of Saratoga Avenue and
Fruitvale Avenue and at the corner on Saratoga Avenue closest to the Warner Hutton
House.
2. Provide signage within the orchard related to history, education, pet requirements,
etc.
3. Recommend that the City officially rename the park “Heritage Orchard” for
consistency. Remove existing sign that reads “Central Park” and save for a future
historic display.
Education and Community Outreach
1. Create educational and community outreach programs that engage the community
in the preservation of the heritage orchard.
2. Introduce education programs with the orchardist and the community to ensure the
security of the orchard.
3. Add an agriculture structure (such as, but not limited to, a barn) to educate and
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engage the community.
4. Implement the Adopt a Tree Program recommended in the 2001 plan.
5. Hold an Annual Harvest Day to engage the community. Saratoga residents would be
guided and allowed to pick the fruit on Harvest Day using best practices.
6. Create an advisory group of residents and other orchardists to provide feedback and
input on the orchard.
7. City communication channels (social media, newsletters, etc.) shall be used to share
this necessary information with the community, including any educational/outreach
programs, special events, and orchard program information.
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Orchard Preservation Plan
A primary objective of the management of the
Heritage Orchard is the preservation of the orchard
in perpetuity. The HPC has determined that the
highest level of protection to preserve the Heritage
Orchard in perpetuity is to require an amendment
to the original City Council resolution. The
amendment would reference and be supported
with updated, technically accurate land surveys.
The original City Council Resolution No. 00-049,
adopted by the Council on October 4, 2000, noted
that the orchard “should be maintained in perpetuity for the enjoyment of generations to
come.” However, the resolution did not specifically reference the necessary land boundaries,
an official survey, acreage, or elements of the orchard.
In order to further ensure the protection of the orchard, it is recommended that a licensed,
professional survey company perform updated surveys, and photogrammetry
documentation, which would provide important addenda to the Master Plan.
It is advised and imperative that the City Council issue an amendment to Resolution No. 00-
049 that references the updated land surveys. The reference would ensure that none of the
documented, surveyed orchard site would be vulnerable to sale or boundary limitation by
future City Councils or adverse consequences due to actions by others. With the goal of
protection in perpetuity in mind, it is strongly advised that an attorney review the options
and documents, affording the strongest legal wording for the amended resolution.
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Summary
The Heritage Orchard is living history and considered a piece of agricultural history in
Saratoga. The preservation and maintenance of the Heritage Orchard will continue to be
associated with the early twentieth century horticulture and fruit growing agriculture
industry, that once flourished in the Santa Clara Valley. This can be accomplished by:
1. Providing permanent protection using revised and updated surveys and
documentation.
2. Utilize and annually reviewing the best agricultural practices.
3. Recognize the orchard with attractive and educational signage
4. Implement educational and outreach programs, including Adopt-a-Tree, news
articles, a web site, video tours, for the community.
“The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and
economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.”
― Frank Lloyd Wright
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Project Status Worksheet
Heritage Resource Inventory Candidates
Staff/Commissioner
Assigned Status
14625 Big Basin Way Stransky
14285 Saratoga Av Rodgers
18495 Montpere Way Marchetti
13650 Saratoga Av (Library)Stransky Hold
13716 Saratoga Av Sacred Heart Rodgers
19246 DeHavilland Nugent
19222 DeHavilland Nugent
19223 DeHavilland Nugent
20520 Marion Rd Shah
20602 Marion Rd Shah
20996-21398 Congress Springs Rd (Quarry)Nugent
18530 Montpere Way Rodgers
14301 Saratoga Av Rodgers
Commissioner sent letter in 2017 to property owner. No response. Draft historic survey submitted May 2019. Due to
length of time since previous correspondence, letter will be prepared by staff to send to property owner to commence a
new 45 day review.
14321 Lutheria Way Stransky
20290 Orchard Road Stransky
14104 Oak St Stransky
14791 Oak St
20318 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road Stransky Owner in support of being on the inventory. Additional research needed
14404 Quito Rd Stransky
14900 Montalvo Road Stransky
20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road Stransky The Interurban Stop (also called a passenger shelter) requires CC approval-City Staff is working with the SHF
20295 La Paloma Ave Stransky Stransky is working with the owner to conduct property research.
Other
14120 Shadow Oaks - Tree Stransky
14250 Douglas Stransky
Historic Landmarks
Point of Interest Markers (POI)
Urban Railroad
Heritage Plaques/Signage
Memorial Park
Madronia Cemetery
Heritage Orchard
Events
Blossom Festival 2021
State of the City 2021
Arbor Day 2020
Preservation Month 2021 May 2021
Budget
Approved 11,600.00
Balance 11,600.00
Page 1 of 3 9/3/202024
Project Status Worksheet
Other
Heritage Orchard Master Plan Update In progress
Saratoga Ave Heritage Lane Inventory
Village Inventory
Heritage Lane Ord. Amendment Johnson Staff is working with City Attorney to prepare amendments per CC direction
Heritage Resource Inventory Ord. Amendment Johnson Staff is working with City Attorney to prepare amendments per CC direction
Grover House Development Update Staff Ongoing
Training Ongoing
Page 2 of 3 9/3/202025
Historic Resource Inventory Year/Fiscal Year Notes
Added
18500 Montpere Way 2015
19277 Shubert Dr 2017-2018
Lutheria Way Entrance Posts 14200 & 14221 Lutheria Way 2018-2019
13601 Saratoga Av St Andrew's 2018-2019
19461 DeHavilland Drive 2019-2020 Entrance Planter
19152 DeHavilland Drive 2019-2020 Entrance Planter
20390 Park Place 2019-2020 Saratoga Federated Church Bell
19201 Shubert Drive 2019-2020 Entrance Planter
19401 Shubert Drive 2019-2020 Entrance Planter
18485 Montpere Way 2019-2020 Home
20331 Orchard Road 2019-2020 Peck House
Discontinued
19365 Allendale 2017 Owner did not want house on Inventory
20328 Orchard Road 2019 (Stransky)Letter sent for 45 day comment period. Period up on January 14th. On January 2, 2019, staff was informed that the property
20350 Orchard Road 2019 (Stransky)Letter sent for 45 day comment period. Period up on January 14th. Owner has contacted City and is hesitant about being put
14220 Elva Ave - Russian Church 2019 (Stransky)Letter sent for 45 day comment period. Period up on January 14th. Church responded that they do not want to be included
Landmarks
Added
15320 Peach Hill Road 2020-2021 Landmark and Mills Act Carey House
20331 Orchard Road 2019-2020 Landmark and Mills Act Peck House
Discontinued
20021 Bella Vista 2014 Lack of owner consent
14501-14503 Big Basin Way 2014 Lack of owner consent plus not eligible as it lacks sufficient integrity to its original design
14251 Fruitvale 2014 Lack of owner consent
14519 Big Basin Way 2014 Lack of owner consent
14413-14415 Big Basin Way (20640 Third St)2014 Lack of owner consent plus not eligible as it lacks sufficient integrity to its original design
14495 Big Basin Way 2014 Lack of owner consent plus not eligible as it lacks sufficient integrity to its original design
14754 Pierce Rd 2014 Lack of owner consent
Old Grandview Ranch 2015 Owner did not want house as a landmark
Heritage Tree Inventory
Added
Palm Trees - Yerba Santa Court 2017-2018
Point of Interest Markers
Installed
Theater of the Glade Site Point of Interest Marker 2017-2018 Saratoga Ave/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
Blossom Festival Point of Interest Marker 2017-2018 Saratoga Ave/Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
Approved
Ohlone Indians 2019/2020 Wildwood Park
Saloons 2019/2020 within the road right of way adjacent to 14535 Big Basin Way
Saratoga Paper Mill 2019/2020 within the road right of way adjacent to 14650 Big Basin Way
Caledonia Pasteboard Mill 2019/2020 Wildwood Park
Other
Village Design Guidelines 2019 City Council meeting scheduled Approved by CC 8/21/19
Memorial Arch 2019/2020 Completed February 2020 Completed Feb 2020
Publications
Heritage Tree Guidebook 2017
FAQ's Historic Preservation 2017
FAQ's Heritage Trees 2017
FAQ's Mills Act 2017-2018
FAQ's Landmarks 2017-2018
Training Federal Fiscal Year
Webinar CA Modern Architecture 2017/2018
Webinar Identifying and Treating Historic Wood 2018/2019
Webinar Examples in Sourcing and Repairing California's Historic 2018/2019
Deep Dive into the Secretory of Interior Standards 2019/2020 2/20/2020-Shah, Nugent & Johnson
Eichler Home Tour 2019/2020
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