HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-2018 Public Safety Task Force Agenda Packet
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 22, 2018
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 February 15, 2018.
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. Joint Meeting with Saratoga CERT Leadership
Recommended Action:
Open joint meeting with the Saratoga CERT Leadership, introduce Task Force and CERT
leadership members to each other. Consider opportunities for collaboration between CERT
and the Task Force and/or Neighborhood Watch. Discuss the Neighborhood Watch
leaders/CERT gathering planned for April 2018.
2. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the January 25, 2018 meeting.
3. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics. Metrics will be provided at the meeting.
4. Commission Work Plan Study Session
Recommended Action:
Discuss the March 5, 2018 Work Plan Study Session with the City Council.
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 2 of 2
5. Public Safety Postcard
Recommended Action:
Provide feedback on the May public safety postcard.
6. Neighborhood Watch Brochure
Recommended Action:
Provide feedback on draft Neighborhood Watch brochure.
7. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next meeting is on March 22, 2018.
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
February 15, 2018 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on
the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 15th day of February 2018 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 408.868.1294. 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]
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: February 22, 2018
Subject: Joint Meeting with Saratoga CERT Leadership
On February 22, 2018, the Task Force will meeting with the leadership of Saratoga CERT. The
Joint Meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the Task Force and CERT leadership to
discuss opportunities for collaboration, as well as the gathering of Neighborhood Watch leaders
and CERT Membership planned for April.
ABOUT CERT
In the event of an area wide disaster, critical infrastructure and emergency services will be
impacted. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy trains residents to
prepare for and respond to life-threatening events in their community. CERT members can
mobilize neighborhood resources, deliver immediate assistance to victims, organize emergency
communications and provide support to first responders.
Each city has its own organized CERT program. CERT members prepare, organize and work
together as a team to provide essential services to their community during and after a disaster.
CERT strengthens neighborhood resiliency and plays a vital role in their City’s disaster response
efforts.
CERT training academies are offered in the communities served by the Santa Clara County Fire
Department and rotate throughout the year. Some of the skills taught include organizing
resources, medical operations, basic search and rescue, how to use a fire extinguisher and
damage assessment. Academies are offered throughout the year. An academy in Saratoga is
planned for May.
ABOUT THE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
The Public Safety Task Force is comprised of 5 Saratoga residents appointed by the Saratoga
City Council to provide recommendations for enhancing public safety in the City of Saratoga.
The Task Force’s goal is to bring greater awareness to public safety through outreach and
education; strengthen partnerships between residents and their neighbors, the City, and public
safety agencies; and monitor and track progress of City efforts.
ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
3
Neighborhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program that focuses on education
and collaboration with local law enforcement. Through the program, residents learn how to
identify and report suspicious activity. Neighborhoods that are more closely connected are better
equipped to spot unusual activity and report it in a timely manner, so that deputies can respond
immediately and catch criminals or prevent crimes from occurring.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH LEAD/CERT GATHERING
The intent of the event is to increase collaboration between Neighborhood Watch and CERT by
bringing representatives of the two groups together.
Tentative event details are below:
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Saratoga Prospect Center, Friendship Hall
The Task Force held a similar gathering of Neighborhood Watch leaders in October 2017. As
part of the event, attendees were divided into small groups for discussion then each group
reported out key findings at the end of the event.
The Neighborhood Watch/CERT gathering could be conducted similarly, with groups organized
based on CERT neighborhood boundaries. This would allow Neighborhood Watch and CERT
members living in the same areas to talk about increasing cohesiveness of the two programs.
The CERT neighborhood divisions are much larger than the boundaries of most Neighborhood
Watch groups. Consequently, breakout groups may be larger than those at the Neighborhood
Watch lead gathering. Designating one member of the Task Force and one member of the CERT
leadership team to each of the groups may help facilitate breakout discussions and keep the
group on point.
Small Group Discussions
If the two groups would like to hold smaller group discussions, staff has provided some
preliminary instructions and questions to help guide discussions.
Instructions:
- Conduct a round of introductions. Each person should share their name, the group that
they are part of (such as CERT or the name of their Neighborhood Watch group), and
their role in CERT or Neighborhood Watch.
- Designate one member of the group as the note taker. This person will document key
findings or recommendations and then report out at the end of small group discussions.
- At the end of small group discussions, each group will be asked to report 2 to 3 key
findings.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the benefits and purpose of Neighborhood Watch and CERT?
2. What challenges do Neighborhood Watch and CERT face?
3. How can Neighborhood Watch and CERT support each other?
4. What, if any, opportunities are there for collaboration between Neighborhood Watch and
CERT? 4
5. How can Neighborhood Watch and CERT become more integrated and collaborative in
my neighborhood and throughout the City?
Event Program
In addition to draft instructions and questions, staff has also created a draft program for the
event.
Event Program
5:00 p.m. Event Start & Dinner
5:30 p.m. Welcoming Remarks and Overview of Small Group Discussion
Instructions
5:45 p.m. Small Group Discussions
7:00 p.m. Report From Small Group Discussions
7:30 p.m. Event End
5
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
(CERT) TRAINING
NEXT CERT ACADEMY
HOSTED BY: City of Saratoga
Joan Pisani Community Center
Multi-Purpose Room
19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga
Tuesday, May 08, 2018 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 10, 2018 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 17, 2018 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 24, 2018 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 26, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For additional information, visit www.sccfd.org
This training course is open to individuals who
live or work within the communities served by
County Fire: Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos,
Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Los Altos, Los Altos
Hills and the unincorporated surrounding areas.
In the event of an area wide disaster, critical
infrastructure and emergency services will be
impacted. The Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) academy trains residents to prepare for and respond
to life-threatening events in their community. CERT members
can mobilize neighborhood resources, deliver immediate
assistance to victims, organize emergency communications and
provide support to first responders.
How can you help? Join your local CERT!
What is CERT?
Each city has its own
organized CERT program.
CERT members prepare,
organize and work together
as a team to provide
essential services to their
community during and after
a disaster. CERTs strengthen
neighborhood resiliency and
play a vital role in their City’s
disaster response efforts.
CERT Training
CERT training academies are
offered in the communities
served by the Santa Clara
County Fire Department and
rotate throughout the year.
Some of the skills taught
include organizing resources,
medical operations, basic
search and rescue, how to
use a fire extinguisher and
damage assessment.
Registration $35
Register via Eventbrite.com: search “CERT Saratoga”
Questions: 408-808-7800 or Email: barry.stallard@sccfd.org
6
2018 Santa Clara County Fire Department
CERT ACADEMY SCHEDULE
Campbell
Campbell Community Center
Orchard City Banquet Hall
1 W. Campbell Avenue, Campbell 95008
Tuesday 01-16-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 01-18-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 01-23-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 01-25-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 01-30-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 02-01-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 02-03-18 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Room
Los Altos Hills
Town Hall
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills 94022
Monday 03-05-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 03-07-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Monday 03-12-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 03-14-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Monday 03-19-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 03-21-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 03-24-18 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Saratoga
Joan Pisani Community Center
Multi-Purpose Room
19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga 95070
Tuesday 05-08-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 05-10-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 05-15-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 05-17-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 05-22-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 05-24-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 05-26-18 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cupertino
Cupertino Community Hall
10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino 95014
Monday 07-09-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 07-11-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.*
Monday 07-16-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 07-18-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Monday 07-23-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 07-25-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 07-28-18 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
*Note: Class on 07-11-18 will be held at Quinlan Community
Center (Cupertino Room)
Los Altos
Hillview Community Center
Multi-Purpose Room
97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos 94022
Tuesday 09-11-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 09-13-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 09-18-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 09-20-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 09-25-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday 09-27-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 09-29-18 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Los Gatos/Monte Sereno
Police Operations Building
15900 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos 95032
Monday 10-22-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10-24-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10-30-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.*
Thursday 11-01-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.*
Monday 11-05-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday 11-07-18 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 11-10-18 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
*Note: Class schedule shift the week of Halloween
Rev11.15.17
7
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 1 of 4
MINUTES
JANUARY 25, 2018
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
Chair John Hirokawa called the regular meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members Ray Cosyn, John Hirokawa, Rebecca Jepsen, Chuck
Page
ABSENT: Member Sudip Ghosal
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 was properly posted on January
19, 2018.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the November 28, 2018 meeting.
Hirokawa/Cosyn moved to approve draft minutes from the November 28, 2018 meeting.
MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, HIROKAWA, JEPSEN. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT: GHOSAL, PAGE.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics.
Captain Rich Urena provided an overview of the public safety metrics, including a year-end
totals.
Task Force Member Jepsen recommended showcases successful arrests of the Sheriff’s
Office.
8
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 2 of 4
Task Force Member Page thanked Captain Urena and his staff for their quick response time
to his home security alarm being activated.
The Task Force discussed some of the reasons why residential burglaries may have increased
during the month of December.
3. Task Force Work Plan and Status Update
Recommended Action:
Review work plan, consider any work plan changes, develop status report, and discuss the
presentation for the March 5, 2018 Work Plan Study Session with the City Council.
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio presented a report on the Task Force Work Plan.
Task Force Member Jepsen requested that the number of Neighborhood Watch groups before
creation of the Public Safety Task Force and the current number be included in the progress
for Work Plan Item 2.B Increase the number of Neighborhood Watch groups. She also asked
that the progress for Work Plan Item 2.D Review process and guidelines for forming
Neighborhood Watch reference the Task Force’s review of the registration process as well as
the Task Force’s recommendation to maintain a simple registration process and outreach to
make residents aware of the easy process.
PAGE/COSYN MOVED TO APPROVE THE WORK PLAN WITH A NOTE ON THE
NUMBER OF NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUPS BEFORE FORMATION OF
THE TASK FORCE AND NOW UNDER WORK PLAN ITEMS 2.B PROGRESS AND
THE ADDITION OF THE TASK FORCE’S REVIEW OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
WATCH REGISTRATION PROCESS AND RECOMMENDATION TO KEEP THE
PROCESS SIMPLE AND ALSO MAKE RESIDENTS AWARE THAT THE PROCESS
IS EASY UNDER WORK PLAN ITEM 2.D. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN,
HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: GHOSAL.
4. Saratoga Safety Fair
Recommended Action:
Consider Saratoga Safety Fair, including outreach materials, criteria for resource table hosts,
and desired presentations.
Chair Hirokawa requested a presentation on domestic violence.
Task Force Member Jepsen requested a presentation on personal safety that includes tips for
youth, women, and seniors.
Vice Chair Page requested a presentation on human trafficking.
The Task Force agreed on presentations on: Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking,
Personal Safety, Scams and Identity Theft, and Home Fire Safety and Home Escape Plans.
The Task Force also approved the outreach materials with a request to add yellow police tape
on the flyer and agreed to allow vendors to sell products at the Fair, if they choose to do so.
9
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 3 of 4
Chair Hirokawa left the meeting.
5. Public Safety Postcard
Recommended Action:
Provide feedback on draft public safety postcard and publication schedule.
The Task Force discussed the postcard. The Task Force requested that the back side include a
seasonal message, 6 bullet pointed safety tips, a summary statement, and call to action. They
requested that he front of the postcard include bulleted tips from Captain Urena. The Task
Force also requested that future postcards be brought to the Task Force for review in a two-
step process. First, the Task Force will review content of the quarterly postcard and at the
subsequent meeting review the draft postcard and provide feedback to staff.
6. Neighborhood Watch Brochure
Recommended Action:
Provide feedback on draft Neighborhood Watch brochure.
The Task Force requested condensed content in a bulleted format. The Task Force requested
the brochure come back at the February meeting.
7. Joint Meeting with Saratoga CERT Leadership
Recommended Action:
Prepare discussion topics for the Task Force’s joint meeting with Saratoga CERT on
February 22, 2018 and the Neighborhood Watch/CERT gathering.
The Task Force agreed to hold the reservation for a Neighborhood Watch/CERT gathering
on April 21, 2018 at the Saratoga Prospect Center, Friendship Hall. The group also identified
the following discussion topics for the Task Force and CERT joint meeting:
- What is CERT?
- How do residents identify and get in touch CERT members in their neighborhood?
- How can CERT and Neighborhood Watch leaders partner?
- How can Neighborhood Watch leaders help CERT?
- Should CERT be better promoted? If so, how can CERT be better promoted?
8. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next meeting is on February 22, 2018.
The Task Force agreed to discuss the Neighborhood Watch Brochure at the February
meeting.
10
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 4 of 4
ADJOURNMENT
COSYN/JEPSEN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:47 P.M. MOTION
PASSED. AYES: COSYN, JEPSEN, PAGE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT:
GHOSAL, HIROKAWA.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga
11
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: February 22, 2018
Subject: Commission Work Plan Study Session
On March 5, 2018, the City Council will be holding a study session to review the proposed 2018 work
plans for each of the Commissions (not including the Planning Commission or Youth Commission). Each
group will have a designated time during the study session to present their proposed work plan and provide
a brief summary of activities over the last calendar year. The Public Safety Task Force is scheduled to
present at 8:15 p.m.
Typically, the Chair or another member of the group verbally presents an overview of the work plan and
progress report. At least one member of Task Force should attend the study session, but all members are
welcome. The Task Force may want to determine who will be attending the study session to present the
work plan and the brief status update.
In anticipation of the study session, the Task Force reviewed the existing work plan and status update on
January 25, 2018. A copy of the updated work plan, including progress to date, is attached.
12
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE WORK PLAN
Approved by the City Council June 7, 2017
MISSION: Enhance public safety in the City of Saratoga.
GOAL: Bring greater awareness to public safety through outreach and education; strengthen partnerships between residents and their neighbors, the City,
and public safety agencies; and monitor and track progress of City efforts.
ACTION ITEMS IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS
1. Outreach and Education:
A. Create an improved public safety
website
Review existing content and provide staff with
recommended changes before the launch of the new City
website, scheduled for late summer/early fall 2017.
Completed. The Task Force recommendations
included a safety button on the homepage, strong
search tool, and additional home protection
information on the website. The Task Force also
requested that the website include crime data in
response to feedback from the Neighborhood
Watch Lead Gathering in October 2017.
B. Create a mobile app that includes public
safety information
Provide staff with recommendations for desired content
and functionality to be implemented in mobile app
available through CivicPlus.
Review effectiveness of mobile app after
implementation.
In progress. The Task Force recommended
including a variety of safety information, such as
traffic safety information or areas of potential
congestion due to construction, and use of
mobile notifications to share safety information.
C. Increase public safety communications
on a broad range of public safety topics
and provide regular communications on
public safety (as needed or on a set
schedule)
Create a public safety communications plan that
identifies the audience, strategies for communicating
(including priority messages/information and
communication frequency), format for communications
(such as email), and measure for success.
Include schools in communication efforts to target
parents.
In progress. In response to input from the
Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering in October
2017, the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter
started getting emailed quarterly in January
2018. City Council authorized funding for
mailing a quarterly public safety postcard to
residents quarterly in December 2017. Mailing is
expected to begin in February 2018.
D. Hold a Saratoga Safety Fair that
provides residents with a variety of
public safety resources, including
information on domestic violence
reporting/prevention, identity theft
prevention, and burglary prevention
Identify event objectives and create an estimated event
budget
Request event funding from the City Council
Schedule event date and time
Work with staff to create outreach strategy
Document event planning process and lessons learned so
that it can be recreated in future years
In progress. City Council authorized funding for
the Saratoga Safety Fair in December 2017 and
the event is scheduled for May 20, 2018 at West
Valley College.
13
2. Strengthen Partnerships:
A. Host a gathering of Neighborhood
Watch leaders
Schedule event date and time
Work with staff to create outreach strategy
Document event planning process and lessons learned so
that it can be recreated in future years
Completed. Gathering of Neighborhood Watch
leaders was held in October 2017. A gathering is
also planned for fall 2018.
B. Increase the number of Neighborhood
Watch groups
Identify areas without a Neighborhood Watch
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest
in Neighborhood Watch, including CERT members that
may not be part of an existing Neighborhood Watch
In progress. The Task Force has identified areas
in the City without a Neighborhood Watch
group. Areas without Neighborhood Watch
groups will receive targeted outreach to
encourage residents to form new groups or join
nearby groups.
Additionally, a gathering of Neighborhood
Watch leads and CERT members is planned for
the spring of 2018 to bring greater awareness to
both programs.
Since the Task Force’s first meeting in March
2017, the number of Neighborhood Watch
Groups registered with the City has grown from
41 to 65.
C. Encourage collaboration between
Neighborhood Watch and CERT by
working to have 1 CERT member per
neighborhood
Identify Neighborhood Watch groups without active
CERT Members
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest
in CERT
In progress. The Task Force and CERT
leadership will hold a joint meeting in February
2018 to discuss strategies for integrating
Neighborhood Watch and CERT, as well as the
Neighborhood Watch and CERT gathering
planned for spring 2018.
D. Review process and guidelines for
forming Neighborhood Watch groups
Recommend changes to the City’s Neighborhood Watch
registration process, if necessary
In Progress. The Task Force has discussed and
reviewed the registration process and reviewed
registration materials. The Task Force reviewed
the City’s registration process and recommended
a simple, easy process. The Task Force further
recommended communicating the ease to
register. The Task Force recommended
providing more support for newly forming
groups, such as assistance establishing
boundaries. The Task Force also recommended
holding quarterly introductory meetings for
anyone interested in learning more about
Neighborhood Watch and to create a
Neighborhood Watch brochure. 14
E. Establish guidelines for keeping
Neighborhood Watch groups active
Survey or solicit input from Neighborhood Watch groups
to better understand what has worked well and should be
avoided when forming Neighborhood Watch groups or
keeping them active
Draft a guide for keeping a Neighborhood Watch group
active
In progress. The Task Force recommended that
the City Council require Neighborhood Watch
groups show proof of holding a social gathering
at least once a year to be eligible to receive a
Neighborhood Watch grant.
3. Monitor and Track Progress:
A. Develop a metric for measuring success
of public safety efforts, such as arrest
rates
Work with Sheriff’s Office to identify effective measures
for tracking progress, including crime rates, calls to 911,
and arrest rates or case solved rates
Identify regular review period (such as annual or
quarterly) to monitor success
Completed. The Task Force reviewed various
public safety metrics and receives monthly
updates.
B. Measure/monitor engagement of
Neighborhood Watch groups
Create Neighborhood Watch survey for leads to inquire
about activities and engagement
Regularly review Neighborhood Watch registration and
grant applications (such as annual or quarterly)
In progress.
15
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: February 22, 2018
Subject: Public Safety Postcard
On December 6, 2017, the City Council authorized funding to send a postcard with public safety
messaging to Saratoga residents on a quarterly basis for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2017/18
and through Fiscal Year 2018/19. The Task Force discussed the postcard at the January 2018
meeting, including the distribution schedule, layout, and review process.
The Task Force requested that post card include:
- A seasonal message
- 6 bullet pointed safety tips
- Summary statement
- Call to action
- Bulleted tips from Captain Urena on the front
The Task Force decided that future postcards be brought to the Task Force for review in a two-
step process. First, the Task Force will review content of the quarterly postcard and at the
subsequent meeting review the draft postcard and provide feedback to staff.
Distribution of the postcard is shown below:
- February 2018 (final draft attached)
- May 2018 (draft attached)
- August 2018
- November 2018
- February 2019
- May 2019
All postcards will be based on a similar look and feel so that they are easily recognizable by
residents. The dimensions of the postcard is 6.25 inches by 9 inches. The postcard will be mailed
to all residences in the 95070 zip code.
A draft of the May 2018 postcard is attached.
16
See Something Say Something
CITY OF SARATOGA PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS
** Spring into Safety! **
Check out these tips from the City of Saratoga to keep you and your family safe this spring.
1. Spring showers bring May flowers, and wet roads. Slow down, turn your lights on, and give other vehicles extra space.
2. As you spring forward for daylight savings, replace smoke alarm batteries. Smoke alarms should be installed in all bedrooms, hallways
that lead to bedrooms, and on each level of your home.
3. Don’t be fooled this April by scammers posing as the IRS during tax season. The IRS will never demand payment by debit card, gift
card, or wire transfer; threaten to involve law enforcement; or demand payment without the opportunity to question or appeal. Visit
www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing for more information.
4. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and ear and eye protection during your spring gardening. Consider switching to an electric leaf blower
that produces no more than 65 dBA measured at 50 feet.
5. During spring cleaning, collect content for a home emergency kit with supplies to last at least 72 hours.
Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for supply recommendations.
6. Don’t let emergencies spring up unexpectedly, sign up for emergency notifications at www.sccgov.org/sites/alertscc.
Put a spring in your step and get started with these tips today!
** Sign Up for Neighborhood Watch **
Neighborhood Watch is one of the best ways to deter crime. Starting Neighborhood Watch is simple and a great way to build a sense of
community. View the City’s map of Neighborhood Watch groups at www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch to see if you are part of an
existing Neighborhood Watch group. Contact the City at 408.868.1269 to get connected or for help forming a new group.
17
CITY OF SARATOGA13777 FRUITVALE AVESARATOGA, CA 95070CITY o f S ARATO
G
A
CALIFO R N IA1956
** Save the date **
SARATOGA SAFETY FAIR
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2018
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE
Get safety tips, meet the professionals,
and learn about safety-related
services and products.
www.saratoga.ca.us/safetyfair
** tip from Captain rich **
We saw an increase in the number of
stolen vehicles in 2017. Follow these tips
to protect yourself from vehicle theft:
* Never leave your car running while
unattended
* Keep your car parked in the garage at
home
* Use an alarm system or mechanical
locking device
** More Information **
www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe
18
See Something Say Something
CITY OF SARATOGA PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS
** Be Summer Safety Savvy **
Check out these tips from the City of Saratoga to keep you and your family safe this summer.
1. Leave the fireworks show to the professionals on Independence Day. All fireworks are prohibited in Saratoga and can cause serious
injuries and fires.
2. Beat the summer heat, never leave children or pets unattended in cars. Vehicle interior temperatures can reach dangerous levels in a
very short amount of time, even if windows are cracked.
3. When you take off for summer break, put a hold on mail and newspaper delivery, program interior lights to come on at night so it
appears someone is home, and request a patrol check from the Sheriff’s Office by calling 408.868.6600.
4. Swimming is a great way to enjoy warm summer days. Make sure children near pools are supervised at all times and secure the pool
with appropriate barriers. Keep pool water clean and check chemical levels to minimize risk of rashes, ear aches, or other issues.
5. Don’t let mosquitoes take a bite out of summer fun. Wear long-sleeve shirts or pants, apply insect repellent according to instructions,
and eliminate standing water in your yard to prevent bites and illnesses associated with mosquitoes.
6. With the blue skies of summer, comes an increase in door-to-door solicitors. If a commercial solicitor without a permit from the City
knocks on your door, call 911.
Make a note of these tips, so the dog days of summer don’t catch you unaware!
** Join Saratoga CERT Today **
Register for the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy to learn to prepare for and respond to disasters in Saratoga. Be
part of Saratoga’s disaster response efforts! Sign up at www.sccfd.org.
19
CITY OF SARATOGA13777 FRUITVALE AVESARATOGA, CA 95070CITY o f S ARATO
G
A
CALIFO R N IA1956
** Save the date **
SARATOGA SAFETY FAIR
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2018
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE
Get safety tips, meet the professionals,
and learn about safety-related services
and products.
www.saratoga.ca.us/safetyfair
** Tip from Captain rich **
Identity theft and scams can happen to
anyone. Here are to protect yourself:
* Drop outgoing mail off at the Post
Office and never leave mail in your
mailbox overnight
* Requests for money by wiring money
or gift card may be a scam
* Sign up for free scam alerts at
ftc.gov/scams
** More Information **
www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe
20
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: February 22, 2018
Subject: Neighborhood Watch Brochure
At the November 2018 Task Force Meeting, the Task Force requested that staff create a brochure
on the Neighborhood Watch Program. The draft brochure was considered by the Task Force at
its January 2018 meeting. The Task Force requested condensed content in a bulleted format. The
Task Force requested the brochure come back at the February meeting. The updated draft
brochure is attached.
21
See SomethingSay Something
SARATOGA NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
City of Saratoga
Neighborhood Watch Program
www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch
***
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga
408.868.1269 | cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us
***
Deputy Russell Davis
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
408.868.6690 | russell.davis@shf.sccgov.orgCITY o f S ARATO
G
A
CALIF O R N IA1956
Prevent Home burglaries
* Lock all doors and windows when not in use or
anytime no one is home
* Lock side gates to the back yard and doors to the
garage
* Close blinds and curtains when no one is home
or after dark to avoid advertising any expensive
property
* Never hide a key outside
* Install exterior, motion-activated lighting in your
front yard, side yard, and back yard
* Program interior light timers to turn on at random
times, so it appears that someone is home
* Always activate home alarm systems when away
and test alarms regularly
* Call 408.868.6600 to request a Sheriff’s Office
patrol check when you are out of town
Avoid Scams & ID Theft
* Install a heavy duty locking mailbox or use a PO
Box to prevent mail theft, which often leads to
identity theft
* Confirm whether a call is legitimate if someone
requests personal information or money
Stop Vehicle Theft & Break-Ins
* Never leave your vehicle running while
unattended
* Always lock your vehicle and activate the alarm,
consider using a mechanical locking device
* Don’t leave valuable items in plain sight or move
them to the trunk in public parking areas
PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS
Communicate
* Use online tools, like Nextdoor Groups or
Facebook Groups, to share information
* Divide larger neighborhoods into
manageable segments and assign a block
captain to each area to share news and
information with neighbors
* Personally share information with
neighbors who don’t have access to email
or the internet
* Regularly share news and information,
even if unrelated to Neighborhood Watch
* Forward the City’s email newsletters and
weekly Sheriff’s Office Report to your
neighbors
Socialize
* Plan at least one gathering per year
* Apply for a Neighborhood Watch Grant
to kick start a social activity for your
Neighborhood Watch group
* Block party permits are free and the City
offers free barricades and cones
Broaden Horizons
* Find opportunities to meet up outside
of Neighborhood Watch, such as walking
groups or children’s play groups
* Join Saratoga’s Community Emergency
Response Team to learn how to prepare
your neighborhood for a disaster
STAYING ACTIVE
22
Annual Grant
* $300 grant from the City to registered
Neighborhood Watch groups
* Neighborhoods can decide how they would
like to use the money
* Examples include annual block parties, flyers,
or informational materials.
* Apply online at
www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch
Subscribe
* Subscribe to receive emergency notifications
at www.sccgov.org/sites/alertscc
* Subscribe to City e-newsletters, including
weekly Sheriff’s Office Report, monthly
Saratoga Source, quarterly Neighborhood
Watch at www.saratoga.ca.us/subscribe
* Encourage neighbors to sign up to receive the
newsletters or share the newsletters when you
receive them
Share
* Share your success stories or seek information
from other Neighborhood Watch groups
* Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch
to start sharing your experiences on the online
Saratoga Neighborhood Watch forum
Info
* Find crime trends and a variety of
safety tips on the City’s website at
www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe
Join Neighborhood watch
* Neighborhood Watch is one of the best ways to
deter crime and build community
* Residents who are active in Neighborhood
Watch are better able to identify and report
unusual activities to law enforcement
* Neighborhood Watch is a great and easy way to
maintain a healthy and vibrant neighborhood
* Check the map of registered Neighborhood
Watch groups to see if you are part of
an existing Neighborhood Watch at
www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch
* Contact the City at 408.868.1269 to get
connected to an existing group or for help
forming a new one
Gauge Interest
* Talk to a few neighbors to gauge interest, see if
there are others who can help organize and get
your Neighborhood Watch group started
* Decide the boundaries of your Neighborhood
Watch area
* Smaller groupings of homes can be easier to
manage
* A larger neighborhood can be managed by
breaking it into zones or blocks of 10 to 20
homes with designated captains for each area
that are responsible for communicating with
residents in that area
Get Together
* Set a date to bring your neighborhood together
* Get consensus on concerns, goals, and
neighborhood boundaries
Bring in the Experts
* Contact Deputy Russel Davis at 408.868.6690
to invite him to a Neighborhood Watch meeting
* Learn how to identify and report suspicious
activity
* Receive tips for keeping your family and home
safe
Register with the City
* Register your group with the City at
www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch
* Registered Neighborhood Watch groups will be
added to the City’s Neighborhood Watch map
and are eligible for signage and Neighborhood
Watch Grant
Stay Connected
* Keep a roster for your neighborhood for easier
communications
* Organize regular gatherings
Get Help
* Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe or call
408.868.1269 for help organizing or for more
information about Neighborhood Watch
GETTING STARTED RESOURCES
23