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Home My WebLink AboutNovember 1986 The Saratogan p City Of Saratoga ' �� '!��e�] ��d��r p� � 13777 Fruitvale Ave. Bulk Rate, _ a �;] J -Saratoga,CA 95070 U.S.Postage - PAID Cet Ready For Winter P. 3 � � Pea��36 POSTAL C(ISTOMER LOCAL ;� :.��,; - , _. , �t �1�� . . , . . ,4, a� . � � :` . c� F :a � . � . - . .. �. .,. � . � .. , - _ � 196s �j, _ _ � �j',r��g�� City Government I`lews � rlovember 1986. • • • � dedicated" as city officials and community �r members joined to acknowledge the completion e a u t� 1 c a t�o n i O ra m of the most recent phase of park improvements. � IYew additions to the park include a combination � � snackshack and restroom facility,a multi-use sport �i i a ra t a a r S court,playing fields and picnic areas. a es o The park also has two new tennis courts — the Saratoga's scenic parks offer a wide variety of The City's applications for the funding were first in Saratoga parks —which will be open to the recreational facilities and have become popular approved,and after adding funds.from Saratoga's public year-round.The Saratoga Community places for Saratogans looldng for outdoor park development fees,and from Little League Center will be offering tennis lessons at this activities and relaxation.That popularity,however, and soccer organizations,construction on the location,with the next session scheduled here for has resulted in significant increases in park usage improvements began in June. early April. - � .-�<�.� ,,_ �-��r�-��. - - . _� . �'- �-- -- �- - -- - - - -- -While most of ti�e ark's refu�bishrrment was I`lew Fa�iGNes Completed� , p � In order to keep up with the growing demand for Last month Congress Springs Park was"re- (continued on page 3) recreational facilities,Saratoga has made use of a - combination of state,city and community funds. . � . �.�� , The result has been tremendous improvements — ��a� k��%��A�� .�� g�� :� ��s�a�"�'�'��"�,�- �a' e � a g . c �� ^I� a`i some recently completed and others unden�vay— �,��`� � �� A k� � � �b� a� �� at Congress Springs,EI Quito and Wildwood � �� ¢� � �� , Parks. `�� `�� x � �� , , �� . _ e�$`� . . �,�°'-,�.�s � ��k y& � � �<��,� . � . � �' . . , x.fi�',..� y�°� , _ � - .,- . .:� .,�s.'+? � Congress Springs Park �� `� ` � �� '�`�� g 5 . � �= a �. � ,�,;. ,_ . q ��; ,, � When Congress Springs Park first opened in c s 1969 the entire park consisted of 3.2 acres of field - `"'"� � off Glen Brae Drive. Since then,the Park has � � � � �� tripled in size through the acquisition of , � �`��,��°� :� � >, � �� f� z surrounding parcels of land.Today,Congress ' �-.��,, X � � Springs Park is Saratoga's largest and most �'_��'��.�� ; � "� �'' � � ° � � heavily used recreational facility. � r�`�� ; � �` �' �, . � �, ,_ :��. ,.-�� . s ....w During.the early years of the Park's . Before and after.A major improvement program at Congress Springs Park left the facility"under � development,the Saratoga Parks and Recreation construction" during the last several months. Today it's clear that the wait was worth it. Commission was busy designing a master plan for more extensive park improvements.The master • plan directs the growth of Congress Springs Park V�lla e Pla n P ro re s s e s and other ci ty parks,to accommodate the needs g g of various community groups. � The process of developing and implementing questions about the consultant's report.Those The first phase of the plan was implemented in �the Saratoga Village Plan took a major step comments were documented by the Planning staff 1980,when the City,the Saratoga Little League � forward last month when the�Ilage Plan Task and forvvarded to the consultant,who will use the and the American Youth Soccer Organization '. �'orce received a presentation from the project's comments in the preparation of their final presen- pledged financial support to develop baseball consultant.The presentation,made by MacKay 6 tation. diamonds,soccer fields,a play area,paddng lot, , Somps,included the results of their review and paths and landscaping.As primary users of the planning proposals for the�llage Plan. Plans now call for the consultant to make a Park's facilities,these athletic groups have played presentation to the Planning Commission in late I an important role in planning the development of The Village Plan Task Force,made up of various December or January,and to the City Council in the Park. government and community members,evaluated February or March.Once the City Council has the report and has approved its contents.With its reviewed the plans,and the required public - Two years ago,the Parks and Recreation Com- approval,the Task Force also directed the City's hearings have been held,the Council will direct mission was made aware of the availability of new , Planning Department staff to initiate the formal the Rlanning staff to prepare a specific state funds,which would allow implementation of process of review. � implementation plan.This plan,which will include the�nal phase of park improvements.ln addition, the adoption of any necessary ordinances,will the new plans regarding Route 85 devetopment � The review process began this month,when the make improved traffic control,parking and other necessitated the retocation of some playing fields Planning Commission conducted a workshop with vllage Plan goals a reality. out of the freeway corridor. _ _the Plannin�staff to express their concems and_ _ _ N�- ' ' _ • • wo ox ro- er lons en i le The resuits are in from the consultants hired hy other options were either all commercial or all (Neighborhood/Commercial)can be retained, ' the City to evaluate land use options for a 2.7 acre single family homes. _ eliminating the need for a general plan parcel of City-owned land on the comer of Cox amendment and zoning change.The next step will and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road.The Saratoga City The mixed use option would use the existing be for interested developers to submit offers or Council met two weeks ago to hear a presentation creek,which bisects the property as a separating conceptual plans for consideration by the City. from the consultants,take public testimony,and element between the residential and commercial . -narrow down the number of options. portions of the site.The townhouse units would be � " � � , located on the side of the creek closest to the � � Two of the options — multiple family residential existing residential area,with the commercial �` � (i.e.townhouses)and mixed use of multiple buildings on the side that"fronts Saratoga- � ` residential and commercial —were identified as Sunnyvale Road. acceptable land use altematives which would be , � both economically beneficial to the City and com- By showing a preference for these two options, ' patible with surrounding neighborhoods.The two the current zoning definition of the parcel � �Ao ? ��o � . � ` �o� Med�ar� Pi O ram Continues � Prospect Rd. g , 9 . �oGi The Saratoga Maintenance Department is �� moving ahead with the�rst phase of Saratoga's - s � median strip beautification program."Completion ��o,, ��= of the segment of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road � a r . �°��:, a� � c�, �� between Southem Pacific Railroad and Blauer � ` �:- . �� F: Drive is scheduled for earty December," says Dan � Cox nve. "� �" � ��`r' Trinidad,Director of Maintenance. � � �x � � � : '�,� ��... �.� �� °- -��, � Master plans call for planting trees,shrubbery c'n ' ��¢%?�� -�� j F ,� � ' and ground cover throughout the city."When the ' � �� t � �; Saratoga-Sunnyvale strip is completed the Parks� o �� ' `~�° '� Recreation Commission and City Council will ,;. �.� �� .� , „�;x� " ��,� � i°�Y� �a: �c,� _� � x �� , � �` "�� F >, evaluate the design and cost effectiveness of the � �� # �" '� , � program a�d will prioritize the remainder of the "' � �"" ' work;' not�s Trinidad. Improvements are also PROJECT �� : � �� planned for Prospect,Fruitvale and Saratoga $ITE .�"rc �.� �� s �� .�� Avenues. " . _ � � ..� "�° �� • � - � r .��a �� . ��.�e �� ar t a i �� a o u c a e � � `• �,�s�� k� �;�'' � °' �� '' S��<' � �„�r � � � �� erv�ces� ul e val a -0�r� ,� � �� .. e Med�an Beautification. Once completed,th�s strip running down the middle of Saratoga- � Public safety is a community concern,and like . Sunrtyvale Road will be covered with trees and other cities,the City of Saratoga and Santa Clara groundcover. County provide residents with a comprehensive � range of public safety services.In order to put - public safety service information at your fingertips, the Saratoga Public Safety Commission,with the " . � '�!� assistance of West Valley College,has prepared a `,, `' � Public Safety Services guide. ' The Saratogan is published quarterly by the � The guide — a copy of which should be - City of Saratoga to inform residents about '� included with this issue of"The Saratogan" — important City Council and govemment issues. � lists information about law enforcement,fire and Please direct your comments to the Saratoga � medical services,emergency preparedness, `, City Co�ncil, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Sara- animal control,and the Neighborhood Watch toga,CA 95070. program.It also lists important emergency and S public safety telephone numbers. p� �'�O Editors 1` � x�`, =e � Robert Stankus,Karen Sela West Valley College designed and printed the N Marvenco guide under the direction of the City's Public V Safety Commission,as a community service, ' 1 SARATOGA CITY CO(IIYCIL saving the City a considerable amount of money. � ,sss ,1qr Mayor The college began work on the guide eight ', `, - Joyce Hlava months ago and worked along with the � C`4LIFOg'� Councilmembers Commission�o design a pamphlet that would be , Karen Mderson informative and easy to use. . - Martha Clevenger David Moyles "The City and Public Safety Commission are If your ct�py of the Public Safety Services guide Donald Peterson very pleased with the outcome of the brochure," did not arrive in this issue,or you would like an comments Director Of Community Services Todd extra copy,please contact Community Services at Argow. 867-3438. �1�"" � • � i s �r in er " - a orm re are ness � During February of 1986,Saratoga suffered —Store a stock of food that requires little " severe winds and rainstorms which resulted in cooldng in case power is interrupted. extensive damage to private and public property. � With the 1987 winter storm season right around . —Store a portable radio,flashlights and the comer,the City of Saratoga is urging residents extra batteries.Check them periodic�lly to to take the necessary precautions to limit potential be sure each of these are in worldng order. damage. � —Be sure your car in fueled.lf electric power � , The City of Saratoga,in conjunction with is out,gas stations may not be operating. Govemor Deulanejian's office,recently declared the week of November 17 as Winter Storm —Store materials like sandbags,plywood, - - Preparedness Week.Clnder the coordination of the plastic sheeting and lumber for State Office of Emergenry Services and the emergency waterproofing.Sandbags are Califomia Department of Water Resources, many available at the City's service yard Monday _ local,state,federal and volunteer agencies � through Friday between the hours of 7:30 observed Winter Storm Preparedness Week to a.m.and 4:00 p.m. educate the public on this important issue. Additional storm preparedness tips are available Some tips for storm preparedness include: in the pamphlet"Be Winter Wise",prepared by the , � Govemor s office of Emergency Se�vices and —Keep first aid items and critical medical available to Saratoga residents through the City supplies(i.e.prescriptions,insulin,etc.)in Maintenance Department.ln addition,helpful available from the Santa Clara County OfFce of stock. flood safety and Flood insurance information is Emergency Services. Park Beauti�cation Pro ram y g _ _ _ _ _ .. (continued from page 1) given to those cities which demonstrate the beautification of the park entrance,renewing de- greatest need.ln Saratoga,notes Terry Ward of teriorated equipment,upgrading the Park's completed in advance of the scheduled October 1 the Saratoga Parks Commission,demonstrating softball and playing fields,and addition of a target date(in time for the opening of soccer the need has not been a problem. volleyball court. season),construction is still underway to build a , 120-stall parldng lot in the PG�E-owned land "Within the past five or six years,"Ward Wildwood Park,noted for its scenic beauty,has across the railroad tracks from the park This explains,"recreational use of Saratoga's parks has also been the target of beauti�cati�n efforts. In parldng lot,which should alleviate parldng increased by as much as 40 — 50�." addition to being frequented by Saratoga residents problems at the park,is scheduled for completion - in early December. , "With the reat increase in ark usa e," he and eommunity groups,Wildwood is also the 9 P 9 "classroom" for the Community Center's Nature continues,"Saratoga has been fortunate to receive Day Camps.As additional funds become avai�able, Other Park Improvements the funding to make improvements to Congress more extensive improvements will be made here While the cost of regular park maintenance and Springs Park,and we're looldng to uPgrade EI and at other locations,permitting greater use and minor improvements are covered in the City Quito Park and others as well." enjoyment of all Saratoga parks. budget,major park improvements — like the � Congress Springs Park refurbishment— often Plans to upgrade�I C�uito Park facilities are For more information on Congress Springs Park depend upon state grants for funding. already unden�vay,with new restroom facilities — or other Saratoga parks,contact Sharon Trejo at including handicap accommodations — already 867-3438. State grants for park improvernents are typically completed.Within the next year plans call for . �: .��' 1■■��■��■��■�■■��■ - �� I _ � I ' NO DOSTAGE r ` , �� I NECESSARY � �` � j ` � � IF tvlAilEG a� a , '�, � #�.� �� j � k � �,p��ax�� .� � . . INTHE t - :.�� ,a" r�� 3: 1�3t'"�� '�+� r: '� � . . UNITF�GSTATES � d' r��„��a�k�� a ��, '��.a�'�' c��: � 'u�� '�� . �e � �'�"'�a € ��.a'��+��`��i�z�. a� �r� �.. " . �'��a � a a� ��k a� a. .a a��z� x 3� ��fr ��' � J �i� �� ' ��t�.z� �"i�rea�e"� � �:.-a � z� �� %�� °`��F�� ° .ry�, � BUSIIYESS REPLY MAIL ��y,� 4� � . ��, �-�� .a�. �� ,� � ��R- ��" "<��re �� ' ��; I FlRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 11 SARATOGA,CA , � :,� ,, e ='? i POSTAGE WILL BE PA1D BY ADDRESSEE. - - � ��_ ,�r x � N,- � �� . � � :. I . ,} ��" ,' t :�.��„� � yk� 3 ' � �� I City of Saratoga 9� . � ��i� I ;.� �, F �� s. 13777 Fruitvale Avenue . �� ° �� Saratoga, CA 95070 .� � -0 � I � �� ` ,.� .��a.�� '� � � , l�lew tennis courts. One significant addition to Congress Springs Park I was the construction of two new tennis courts for community use. � II�I��I�I�II��I��III��I�I��I�I��I��I�II��III . ! ; � . I __. _ -- _ _._ _ . � �=, w �� . . i �' __�" ��, j� / ' `q +r � i� � �. � � O qe .�. i � � � " � � � � � � � \ , �J-' � — , , a:,; 4 `:_,aq0 + ' a � q � +`fI' 3 9 d� �� nnin in ar �� $ . � r _ Pla S ato a , g g , .a 'a � . h s� �+� e Land is one of Saratoga's most valuable .�`/ �� - W� �� resources. However,it is also a finite reso�rrce. `` � , � ' ,�`�f, Consequently,how Saratoga land will be used is a �� , �» primary concem of residents and local ° a � r � � �.o• �. �� e,�,. y government officials.�o ensure land use which is � � ' g� , - < <v. �. practical,legal,economically sound,safe,. - � �� `� � �:��'� � � �` aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the_ � �� 7� , z` _ ,. �� .� � �ry � character of Saratoga,a system of checks and . � � ; ° � � °s �. ' balances exists in the process of land use review. _ , r � �' � ' �p ,� " o s ,�, . +., �,..a' . The City of Saratoga has a seven member � ___- � 1 �� ,.r�' � °0' � Planning Commission which deals with both long : ; Q ' �J ` �,�� `'y' range issues and current land use development � �� ` ' � . � o ! �� ' applications. Its members are appointed by the ' �-�_` �, �'� �- � �.' �` • � � City Council for four-year terms,and the Chair of � the Commission is elected by its members to a ° ' €�� one-year term.The Commission holds regular , meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of `� ''�. " � �� each month at 7:30 p.m,in the Saratoga City � , � �. Council Chambers. s� ln addition '` The Planning Commission serves as the desig-� to perForming these _ . u a t ry nated planning agency for the City of�Saratoga, functions,the Planning performing the following functions: Commission se`Fves as ��;�;� ,� ' �- the local review body for land . 1. Prepare, periodically review,and revise(as nec- use deve�pment applications.! essary)the General Plan. _ These in lude:use permits,subdivisions, The Department is also responsible for working variances,design permits,lot line adjustments and with property owners,developers and other pro- 2. Implement the General Plan through actions sign permits. fessionals who wish to process applications.The including the administration of specific plans planning staff typically explains to them the code - and zoning and subdivision ordinances. The Planning Commission is responsible for requirements and the environmenal making decisions and recommendations on dev- documentation needed,and advises them of the 3. Annually review the capital improvement elopment projects and public policy. Because the anticipated date of the public hearing,and to the program and public works projects for their Commission plays an essential role as the eyes, extent possible,of the conditions which would consistency with the General Plan. ears and conscience of the community in matters probably be required if the Planning Commission ' related to land use and general planning,it were to approve the request. 4. Promote public interest in and understanding of represents the long-range interests of the the General Plan and regulations relating to it. commuriity within a framework of law,assuring In Saratoga land use issues,the City Council is equal treatment to all persons and properties. the final authority,either by direct action or on 5. Promote the coordination of local plans and appeal.As the final authority the Council is programs with the programs of other agencies. The Commission is supported by the trained accountable to the courts and Saratoga residents . and professional staff of the City's Planning for their decisions.Together with input from the 6. Perform other functions as the City Council " Department,which provides reports containing community,the Planning Commission,Planning provides,including conducting studies and pre- both data and information based upon Department and City Council use all of the tools paring plans other than those required by State professional interpretation of planning laws and and information necessary to guide the use of �a�+• data. land resources in Saratoga. ■��■■■■■��■■�■�■�� ■■��■■��5�■■■��■■��■■�■■■■��■�■■■■� ` Cut aut,fold,tape shut and mail. i � � � � � � �� " � � � � � �'' ��° 2. What kinds of local ori ination television ro rammin would ou like to . _ _ . � � � . - .: �:,. � 0 9� P 9 9 Y ��- see on our Saratoga cable station (Channel 8)? The City of Saratoga encourages you to express your views on city services. � Please take a moment to complete this Resident Response Card,cut out the � Form,fold it in half and mail it in today. I`�o postage is required. I � " � " 1. Please let us know which city services you would most like to see � improved. ' I . � � NamP Date _� " _ � � Address Phone � (If you would like a reply) �b � I�'" � - , . . . . / � . . 1 ' .. . . �: . : i . . . . . i . . . . . � - . . . . - . � . ' � - � ' � � -_ _ ___ _" � _. � -