HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 Fall SaratoganSAR ATOGANthe
Fall 2015
The Bay Area, along with the rest of California, is facing a historic drought. Precipitation is at an all-time low and this summer is expected to be another extremely dry season.
In recognition of California’s extreme drought condition—and to conserve water—the City of Saratoga has cut its water use. The City is on track to use at least 30 percent less water in 2015 than it did in 2013.
Last summer, the City reduced the watering schedule for lawns at Saratoga City Hall. The City has also replaced faucet heads with aerators in kitchens and bathrooms throughout City Hall. The aerators slow the fl ow from faucets, thereby saving water.
The City’s Public Works Department implemented a turf reduction program eight years ago. Since then approximately 140,000 square feet of grass has been pulled from Saratoga’s parks and replaced with drought-tolerant plants. That’s enough turf to fi ll two-and-a-half football fi elds.
The City has also focused on planting native, drought-tolerant plants in City medians and the Public Works Department has installed smart irrigation controls to monitor watering. The controllers work like a weather station for the watering system and automatically adjusts the
City’s watering schedule based on local weather and landscape conditions.
Sustainable Saratoga
The City of Saratoga is inviting residents to share pictures of their water
conservation efforts. Have you replaced your grass lawn with drought-
tolerant plants, or are you watering plants with a bucket fi lled with water
from your shower? Snap a shot and email it to saratoga@saratoga.ca.us.
Photos accepted by the City will be featured on the City’s website and
social media pages, such as Facebook and Nextdoor. Residents will also
receive a certifi cate of appreciation signed by the Mayor.
In This Issue
Share Pictures of Your Water Conservation Efforts!
This issue of Saratoga’s
quarterly newsletter focuses
on water conservation and
sustainability. Residents will
fi nd out what the City has
done to conserve water, as
well as learn about tips and
resources available to help them
save water in their homes.
Residents will also read about
the Saratoga Quarry Park, its
history and grand opening
in October; local nonprofi t
television station KSAR-
15; graywater systems; and
upcoming community events.
Happy reading!
TAKE VEHICLESTO THE CAR WASH
ONE DROPAT A TIME
California’s drought affects everyone and conservation efforts have been mandated by the State. But what can Saratoga residents do?Below are some tips and resources to help save water...one drop at a time.
1.
2.3.
4.5.
SCHEDULE AWATER AUDIT
ORDER FREE HOME ITEMS RECEIVE REBATES
USE MULCHUNDER TREES
Instead of hosing down vehicles in the driveway using potable water, take them to the car wash. Not only do car washes use recycled or reclaimed water, but the water (with all the cleaning chemicals) doesn’t run off into the gutter and into waterways.
Santa Clara Valley Water District offers free conservation items for homes and gardens. Items include faucet aerators, low-fl ow showerheads, toilet fl aps, and moisture meters for gardens. To order items, contact the Water District at (408) 630-2554.
Spread a three- to four-inch layer of mulch/wood chips under trees to insulate the soil. The mulch holds moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation, meaning trees do not have to be watered as often. Replenish the mulch yearly.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District also offers rebates for a variety of water-effi ciency upgrades in homes. Rebates are available to homeowners who purchase and install a high-effi ciency toilet or Energy Star clothes washer, convert grass lawn to drought-tolerant landscape, or attach their clothes washers to graywater systems. For more information, visit www.valleywater.org/programs/rebates.aspx.
San Jose Water Company offers a free water audit for customers. An inspector will check for leaks and plumbing ineffi ciencies. The inspector will then make recommendations and provide conservation tips. To make an appointment, contact San Jose Water at (408) 279-7900. For more information, visit www.sjwater.com.
SAVING
Want to get away?
There’s no need to take a fl ight to some far-
off destination. Just jump in a car and head up
Highway 9 to the Saratoga Quarry Park. Located just two miles from downtown Saratoga, the
tranquil and picturesque 64-acre property is
a natural haven from the hustle and bustle of
Silicon Valley.
The park, which will offi cially open to the
public in October 2015, was acquired by the City
from Santa Clara County in 2011. Since then
the City has engaged the Saratoga community
with guided tours of the property and volunteer
opportunities to help remove invasive shrubs and brush.
The public was also instrumental in creating
the Quarry Park Master Plan, which was
approved by the Saratoga City Council in June 2014. The Master Plan outlines improvement projects including
hiking trails, picnic areas, recreational facilities, parking and restrooms. These improvements will be completed
in phases over several years.
The Master Plan also includes several goals for the property. One of those goals is to use the open space
to protect viewsheds and natural resources. By achieving habitat restoration, the City will be able to create a
sustainable area that will be retained in perpetuity in its natural and scenic condition.
For more information on the Saratoga Quarry Park and Master Plan, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/quarrypark.
sustainable area that will be retained in perpetuity in its natural and scenic condition.
For more information on the Saratoga Quarry Park and Master Plan, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/quarrypark.
Fo ow the Trail to the Saratoga Quarry Park
Volunteers remove invasive plants at Quarry Park
* SAVE THE DATE *Saratoga Quarry ParkGrand Opening
Saturday, October 31, 2015
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
22000 Congress Springs Road
Early 1900s to 1967 1967 to late 1990s 2011 to present
There were two active quarries on the site in the early 1900s. Both were converted from lime quarries into one gravel quarry after the purchase of the properties in 1908. In 1921, Santa Clara County bought the property and operated it as a rock and gravel quarry, which supplied the material for the county’s roads. The County closed the quarry in 1967 due to complaints from neighboring residents.
Following the 1967 closure, County Road Department employees used the site with their families and friends for recreational activities. On their own time, they installed and maintained picnic tables, barbecue pits, and sitting areas. The site, which was restricted to the public, was used for parties, including the occasional wedding, until the late 1990s.
The City of Saratoga acquired the property in 2011 with a conservation easement and joint-funding from the County and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. A Master Plan for the park was approved by the Saratoga City Council in 2014. The Master Plan set the stage for a unique local and regional destination that improves trail and open space connectivity.
A Brief History of Quarry Park
To learn more about The Saratogan, make comments, suggest story ideas, or just ask a question,
contact Brian Babcock at bbabcock@saratoga.ca.us or 408.868.1275. You can also find The Saratogan
online and sign up for email alerts at www.saratoga.ca.us/saratogan.
C I T Y o f S ARATO
G
A
CALIFO R N I A1956
Upcoming Community
Events
Education and
entertainment and
news! Oh my!
For three decades, KSAR-15 has been
Saratoga’s go-to
television station for
local news, education,
and entertainment.
The local nonprofit
organization is
responsible for operating
the public, education,
and government
access station
for the Saratoga community.
Its mission is to provide an energetic medium
of communication for Saratoga residents
to express and view the diverse talents and
interests within the community. The station also
provides facilities, training, and support to those
who would like to create their own shows.
KSAR-15 records and broadcasts Saratoga City
Council and Planning Commission meetings, as well as a variety of local community events. Residents
can tune in and watch on Comcast channel 15, AT&T
UVerse channel 99, and online at www.ksar15.org.
KSAR-15 videos can also be viewed on YouTube at
www.youtube.com/KSARsaratoga.
Saratoga Movie Nights
Friday, Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m.
El Quito Park
12855 Paseo Presada
www.saratoga.ca.us
Saratoga Bollywood
Sunday, Aug. 16, 5 p.m.
Big Basin Way
Saratoga Village
The Show Goes on for KSAR-15
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
Sept. 27, 1 to 5 p.m.
Saratoga History Museum
www.saratogahistory.com
Ask Our Staff featuring Poh Yee
Have a question? Send your question(s) to bbabcock@saratoga.ca.us or (408) 868-1275.
Q: I’ve heard about my neighbors installing graywater systems in their homes. What is graywater and do I need a permit to install a graywater system?
A: Graywater (also spelled “greywater”) is untreated household water from sinks, bathtubs, showers, and washing machines that can be used to water outdoor landscapes, such as grass, ornamental plants and trees. While graywater might look “dirty,” it is safe to use in a yard.
Graywater systems are allowed in single-family homes in Saratoga. A permit is not required for a simple gravity system where graywater flows directly to yards . Permits are required for more complex systems, such as when pressurized pumps and holding containers are used.
For more information on graywater systems, contact me at pyee@saratoga.ca.us. Residents can also drop by the Community Development Department at Saratoga City Hall and a staff member would be happy to answer any questions related to their graywater projects.
Poh Yee is the Senior Building Inspector/Plan Checker for the City of Saratoga. Yee is responsible for
the administration of the City’s Building Code Regulations, inspections and code enforcement.
&Q A