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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 1989 The Saratogan - _�, . �. . . � �.� � � �``� '� - APRIL 1989 [ i . (..� ...'t f w� .. . ��;Y /� _ �' ._ . .. � ' � ( �,, �� � �,. �� �� r , y, ti> � , i � ':':� "'::: ., .�. � �:� � . . •:. / CITY UPDATE, PAGE 2 -_ .- _ - ORDINANCE NEV�S, PAGE 3 ��; HIGHWAY 85 INFORMATION, PAGE 3 ;� ' �'�� _` �.,`������' FIRE S�AFETY SYSTEMS, PAGE 4 City Takes Lead All cities in Santa Clara County are adopting similar ordinances in order to achieve their commitment to a � 25%overall reduction in water usage over 1987. In Conserva.tion Restrictions are: As the drought in the Santa Clara Valley enters its third year,the City of Saratoga is setting a�high stan= ,., -. ,_ , �. No,ae6ivities resulti�g-in water waste - dard for its own water conservation efforts. shall be allowed, including,but not , limited to,flooding or runoff on side- At a time when Saratogans are being required to cut walks,streets or gutters. , residential water use by 25%,the City has established its own prioricies and goals for reduced water use at 2. No use of water for cleaning of side- all City facilities. walks,driveways,patios,parking lots or � other hard surface areas shall be 19��nservation Goals Met allowed. Between April and October of last year,the Ciry was able to reduce its water usage'by approximately 3. No use of water through a hose for 20%compared to the same period in 198Z. washing cars,buses,boats,trailers or other vehicles shall be allowed without In order to accomplish further reductions,the staff . a positive automatic shut-down valve has considered the use of each City facility and estab- • • � on the outlet end of the hose. lished minimum water needs based on sanitation, Or L`e L�i� recreation,capital investment,and aesthetics. 4. No decorative fountain or other form of HO�� ����� = Tc� de�corative water display shall be L��7 o erated. Specit�c Plans Of Action The City will attempt to keep all landscape plant- On March 28,che Saratoga City Council adop[ed an_ . 5. No tap water shall be used for construc- ings alive throughout the summer. However,since the �gency ordinance establishing resuictions and regu- tion purposes,such as consolidation of replacement of turf is far less costly than the replace- lations for the conservation of water. back-fill. ment of shrubs and trees,some turf may be sacrificed if more severe cutbacks are required. The ordinance provides that any violation consti- 6. No water waste due to a broken or tutes an infraction and carries a fine of$100 for the defective plumbing,sprinkler or irriga- Other measures the City will take include: first conviction,$200 for a second conviction,and tion system shall be allowed. $500 for a diird or subsequent conviction within a �II • Replace all restroom faucets with auto- one year period. (�o�r�►Uea o�page 2) matic shut-offs. . Water landscaping only between 11 p.m. City Of Saratoga . at7d 6 a.m. Bulk Rate 13777 Fruitvale Ave. U.S.Postage ' Saratoga,CA 95070 rnm . Install drip irrigation where feasible. Saratoga,CA Permit 136 . Monitor water meters every week. . • EliminatewacedngSaratogaAvenue P�STA�— �+UST�MER L�C+A�— medians which will be removed by hee- - way consuuction next Spring. ; The.Saratogan ... � , . . o �o . o 0 0 CITY UPDATE � - � , o . _ • ' can print a�copy of anything in the microfilm - Ca.11ing All Homeowners �ollection. , �� �C�'��ns� The completion of the microfilming project was � - � Attention Hoineowners Association officers!The made possible by a$6000 donation from the Friends � � City would like to keep you informed about matiers of the Saratoga Library. For more information,%contact �� Homes� Ar_e of importance to you,but our files are out of date. Dolly Barries,Librarian,at 867-6126. _ We may not have your correct name and address: - " �Q�n SHA� Will you let us know who.you are? M��n�n W�e g � The Sarato Housin Assistance And Rehabilitation Please contact the Deputy City Clerk at City Hall to �riex Stud Underwa �o (SHA�RP) rovldes both technical and finan- be pUt on our mailing List.'The phone number is 867- � � g� p �38 =� cial_assistance to eligible City residents making � ` _ In an attempt to gain greater control over possible . improvements and repairs to their homes. � construcfion in the hilisides to the west of Saratoga, ., . P De t. A(�,��T� ,the City's planning departmenris preparing a study SHARP is funded entirely through the Federal� � �Y calling for the anne�tion of the old Paul Masson ' Community Development Blak Grant Program. Saratoga's Planning Department has added the ser- Mouritain Winery and the land sunounding it, � vices of two talented.new planners:James Walgren , In operation since 1975,the program assists in the � and Todd Graff. _ The study will be presented_informally�o LAFCO, , preservation di the City's existing housing stock and � � the Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa , helps maintain viable housing opportunities for those - James,a recent graduate of Cal'Poly-San,Luis Clara County,lafer this month. LAFCO reviews and of low to moderate income. Obispo,will help run the City's SHARP progrdm, approves annexations and jurisdictional boundary dis- ' � • ` which is discussed further in another article in this putes.A formal application will then be filed with the Progrdm Eligibility " . issue. agency in May and hearings are expected to begin in Program eligibility is�determined by famity size and � June. � income,with loan rates varying from 0%to 7%based Todd comes to the City from Half Moon Bay,where on ability to pay. � he served as an assistant planner.Most of his time will jurisdiction for the Mountain Winery,which was be,spent assisting with building applications and recently purchased by a commercial developer,is Maximum annual family income for eligibility cur= pe���• currently shared by Saratoga and Santa Clara Counry. rently ranges from$23,000 for a one person house- ' hold to$40,000 for a family of seven. Loans of up to y `Sara.tQ a News on �nexing the properry would bring the entire Win- $35,000 may be granted for a term of 20 years.A sepa- g . ery property into Saratoga's"sphere of influence"and rate program for rental units is also available. 3 ��0� 'give che City a greater say over the land's use. _ ., � SHARP loan funds may be used for a new roof, ;''i The Saratoga Library now has all of the issues of Saratoga is moving quickly to protect this environ- electrical work,plumbing,termite repairs,heating, i; the Saratoga News from 1962-1988 on microfilm.The mentally sensitive land by ensuring future develop- . structural repairs,and painting. ! Library has a microfilm readerjprinter so that patrons ment meets Saratoga's design standards. - � �� . Free Servlces Provided � ' � ';, � . In addition,the City provides free services to the ' homeowner in deter}nining the scope of improve- . � Ord�iance Restxicts 1.-A�1 newly constructed buildings and ments needed,completing a total cost estimate, � inigation systems shall be equipped obtaining bids from licensed contractors,and per- ReSiden�lA,l W ater USE.' with water conservation plumbing fix- forming inspections of the repair work.The City's tureS,as specified or approved by the • goal is to provide at least five new loans per year.. ,,� building official. (conrinued from page i) It is estimated that over one million dollars in no- r . ,_ 2. All newly installed irrigation systems for � or low-interest loans have been granted to Saratogans ' 7. No exterior landscape watering shall be exterior landscaping shall be equipped since the i�ception of the program. � allowed during any day between the with automatic timers and water sen- . � hours of 8:OQ a.m.and 8:00 p.m. sors,as specified or approved by the Saratoga homeowners who think they may qualify i' . : building official. for a below-market-rate loan to rehabilitate their 8: No water shall be served by any restau- . . . ' home are invited to contact James Walgren or Carolyn rant to ics customers,except upon spe- 3. All newly constructed or remodeled _King of the City staff,at 8673438>�for further informa- cific request by the customer. - non-residential buildings shall be tion on the program. ' � ' equipped with automatic shutoffs for � ' 9. No hydrant flushing.shall be�ermitted, plumbing fixtures,as specified or , except where required for public approved by the building official: health or safety. � T�� S�1 U.�O �11 I 4. No single-pass cooling processes shall � 10. No building,grading or plumbing be udlized in any construction. permits shall be issued for the drilling, The Saratogan is published quarterly by the installation;connection or operation of In addition to complyirig with these regulations, a new water well or the reac�ivation of residents are urged to read the accompanying water- City of Saratoga to inform residents about impor- any existing well not in use as of the � saving tips and to do everything possible to reduce tant City Council and govemment issues. Please date this Ordinance is adopted. water usage.Conserving now will pay off for all of us direct your comments to Carolyn King,City of Sar- - . this summer,next year,and into the future. atoga,13777 FruitvaleAvenue,Saratoga,CA95070. � While the above restrictions will apply only until � �Editorial/Desi � the Santa Clara Valley Water District declares that a S A N T_A C L A R A V A L L E Y � drou ght condition no lon ger exists, the City has also o O e o Roben Arithony made some changes to the City Code to improve . water conservation on an ongoing basis: _ . 5oi°o°°'°�"r°�'�"�O , � , . : . . : :. . .�:- � . . : The Saratogan tion courts and must also be colored to blend with � the terrain. ORD��E���JI�/�,J Extended height limit. � The height hmit of three feet for&ont yards and exterior side yards of reversed corner lots has been '� � extended to fences and walls lawfully constructed � � - prior to March 20; 1987. " I • • regarding solicitors and peddlers should contact the � Sol�citors Must Have Saratoga Community Services Department at � License, Permit, I.D. �'-�38� � � . Vehicle for Sa1e? , Should a problem arise conceming a solicitor after Solicitors and peddlers who wish to engage in busi- normal business hours,please dial 911 for assistance. Keep It a.t HOme• ness in the Ci[y of Saratoga must first obtain a solici- tor's permit.and a business license froc�the City. If you•wish to avoid adding a ticket on the wind- New Fence Rules shield to the"For Sale"sign in the window, leave Persons who apply for these permits with the vehicles for sale parked in your driveway. Community Service Department are subjected to a detailed application process,an application process- If your Spring yardwork includes changes to your City ordinances prohibit the parking of vehicles for ing fee,and a background check by the Santa Clara � fences,you should be awaze of some new fencing sale on any public street or any other public property County Sheriff's Department. ordinances the City has passed recently: � in the City. � � � Those approved and licensed by the City may only Wrought iron entrance gates. Commercial parking lots are also off-limits for vehi- solicit between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM and These gates,designed with openings to permit vis- cles for sale. i may not solicit at any business or residence that has ibility,can be built as high as 5 feet tall now an observable"No Soliciting"or"No Trespassing" You can park one vehicle for sale on your private sign posted on the propecty. ��e��, property if it is registered to the property owner and No fence shall unreasonably impede the movement bears a sign smaller than two square feet. Commercial solicitors must also wear a City-issued of wild animals ualizing an established trail or migra- � ' identifica[ion badge in a prominent place on their tory route which crosses the site. Violators are subject to a parking citation ranging outer clothing while they are engaged in business. form$23 to$28 for each and every day the vehicle is Wire and c.hain-link fences. displayed for sale illegally. Non-pro6t solicitors must carry a Ciry-issued letter �re fencing other than chain link,barbed wire or � with them veriCying their authorization to solicit. galvanized wire is permitted as long as the wire is If you have questions or wish to report a vehicle, black or otherwise colored to blend with the terrain. please rall the Community Services Department in Residents who have any questions or complaints Chain link fencing is permitted only around recrea- City Hall.The number is 8673438. . r ------ ---- --------- --------- -- — � '�-- ------ --------- -- ---- — --- ---- —----- - — --� • Gradually extend the time between waterings. H i L n This encourages the growth of deep roots. e our a ca e • If run-off is a problem,particularly on slopes, � - water for short periods and shut off water imme- 1V� _ � �O� � diately when run-off begins. • Utilize wetting agents to improve penetration of � water into the soil. During a drought,living conditions for your land- • Use water absorptive polymers in containers and scape can become very stressful. Plants and lawns can flower beds to hold water in the root zone.This . Water early in the moming to avoid excess evap- be lost through improper treatment,poor mainte- material retains water for days and shrinks as it oration loss. Evening is second best,but the nance practices,weakened resistance,shalIow root releases it,thereby allowing air to circulate in the chance of fungal diseases is increased. systems,inappropriate fenilizer strategies;new plant- soil. ings or transplantirigs,etc. - - ��; ' • Keep weeds to a minimum as they"steal"valu- For many pe`ople,their landscaping is a substandal able water&om your desired plantings. Remov- investment in:.'their home environment.You can ing them as soon as they appear ensures that �N� reduce plant stress by using the kinds of survival strat- they don't reseed and multiply your problem. Need 1i11O�t�.�On O�Z egies listed beTow: . General • �e sure your gardener is aware of water saving tlie cons�ruction of techniques. Don't assume he knows how to irri- u�`��a� Q�' ' • Give your plants�vater priorities.Concem for gate efficiently. Let him know what your conser- ill�.Il � . drought survival should be given to those plants vation prograin is and see that he>,follows it:..: more likely co suffer from a lack of water.These - ' �1 408/996-CARS will be, in general, (a)shallow-rooted plants,(b) • Phase ou[plants which require heavy watering. If tropical species with lush foliage,(c) imports any re-landscaping needs to be done,plant with ' from high rainfall sreas, (d)heavily foliaged drought-resistant plants.Wait until the cooler fall Measure A Field Office deciduous trees and shrubs.Naave plant species weather to plant because even drought-resistant 10320 S.DeAnza Blvd.,Suite 1-D and those&om Mediterranean climates and dry plants need a lot of water to get established. Cupertino,CA 95015 azeas are usually more resistant. - . � � Hours: • A layer of mulch at least 2 inches thick azound ����n M-W-F 2-5 p.m. . the root area will protect the soil from evapora- • Water eriough to dampen the entire root azea at T-TH 10 a:m.-1 p.m. tion. It will also limit the growth of weeds which one time.Slow and deep watering promotes compete with your plants for water. Suitable deep,healthy roots while only wetting the Get up-tathe minute: mulches include fir bark,compost,peat moss, � ground surface stimulates shallow roots which —Maps&informational materials. i gravel,grass clippings and black plastic cannot sustain drought conditions. —Community meeting dates. I —Construction schedules. ' • Remove sick or dying plants.Save your water and • Where possible,create a basin around individual ! efforts for plants most likely to survive the drought. plants to prevent run-off during watering. ; . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . ... . . ... .. . . . . . . . �i The Saratogan , Fire Safety Focus �- � « �� � � �� � • .e Ho��s an f . y� o S er �� • - -.�, an E� �� S �� � Y e�� . : , Saratoga and local fire"districts have taken a leading associated elecuical early waming devices alert the now be included in determining whether early wam- �x role in.requiring home sprinkler.systems and early Saratoga Fire District. � ing systems must be installed in a home. Previously, , waming alarm systems to raise fire-prevention stan- � basernents were not counted towards the 5,000 i � � dards and reduce damage caused by residential If a home is not required to be equipped with an � square-foot minimum requirement"for early waming � blazes. � early waming alann system but has fire sprinklers systems. � " installed in the garage,an exterior audible alarm will The need for these systems was brought info sharp alert residents and neighbors so that they can contact The City also passed an ordinance requiring focus in 1987 when a sudden fre along the 17-mile firefighters more quickly. sprinkler systems and associated audible interior/ drive near Carmel,a relatively"low-risk"area,des- exterior alarm systems in all new garages and garages troyed�some of the State's most valuable homes. City Amends Code,Protects C�rages expanded by more 200 square feet or 33%,whichever . The Ciry recently amended the Municipal Code so , is less. . Response time by firefighters is one of the most that early warning alarm systems apply more consist- " critical factors in preventing the spread of a blaze. ently to new and rennovated homes. - The new ordinance was passed in response to ` - . - national statistics which show that 80%of residential � ` Sprinklers help control the spread of a fire while Basements which can be used as living space.will fires start in the garage. - From The Central Fire District - 1 r T � r•y��� r Records compiled over�50 years prove the likeli- A C1OS�1 LVO� A� Sp 111 lill�l S S��� h�of accidental discharge to be very remote,and r _ y �. water damage&om fire sprinklers operating during Though records show that they have been in use head in contact with the heat is activiated. fires is less than from the fire hoses of responding for over 100 years,automatic residential fire sprinkler firefighters. - systems are still widely misunderstood. The fire is then contained to the area where it origi- - . na[ed,reducing the possibility of further water,heat, �I had a residential sprinkler system, � The Central Fire,District,which services about half smoke,or F�e a�ge. would I stiil need to have a smoke of Saratoga's residences,has prepared these answers �= to frequendy asked questions about the systems. � CleteCtOf� ,, Why would we need a sprinkler Absolutely!The sprinkler system and�the smoke r S37Ste111 lri OLiP �lOII]C? ` detector work best as a team.Since most fatal fires - W�11t 1S 1 PeSI(�eAtl� fire SpTlrikler � Recent studies show that 90%of deaths;injuries, occur at night,during"sleeping hours,"the smoke system, a11C� YlOW C�OeS lt WOrIC� and property loss by fire couid have been prevented detector is designed to wake up and alert a resident A residential fire sprinkler system carries water by residential fire sprinkler systems.'Additionally,the to a fire. It is also designed to provide additional time from the main through pipes and tubing to sprinkler average square footage of homes is increasing. for residents to escape. ; heads mounted in a roof or ceiling. ` Conventional firefighting methods aze more than If a fire were to ignite,rising adequate for homes of 1500-2000 square feet.Homes - HOW COStly aze Spf111kler Sy5tef17S� � exceeding 5,000-6,000 square feet behave more like temperatures would melt a thin When installing a conventional sprinkler system at fires in commercial buildings,requiring the assistarice wiie in the head,releasing the time of construction,the cost is about$1JS per the water.As the system �f pre-planned fire protection.The sprinkler system is square foot.To install a sprinkler system in an existing is activated by heat, usually operating and extinguishing the fire prior to home would cost a little more. - - the fire department's arrival. � only the ' sprinkler . � Compaze those costs with the average price of car- k W�'1at �e �le C�l1riCeS Of�1e S�5te111 peting!Or look�at it another way; replacement and Fd'lllrig 1riC1 CauS111g wdtet dltri�e? repair costs from fire,smoke,and heat damage will� . cost much more than sprinkler installation costs. � Residential fire sprinkler systems rarely fail. Also, 19 of the 27 insurance carriers currently offer ' ` According to the National Emergency discounts for residential fire sprinkler systems. _ Training Center,there is 1 failure for every 3>600,000 systems. - Wouldn't a residential sprinkler - system be unsightly? . Residential sprinkler systems are custom-designed - to be low-profile. Many of the sprinkler heads are � � � now designed to be recessed into the ceiling,until � : such a time as a fire would occuc � � �" � For more information on sprinkler systems,please contact CFPD Public Education Officer Laura Gantt at - . - : � . 378-4010. € ' _ . . . � \ �= � . .. . _ . ' : , . � • . � . , ; : . . � _ _ .- . , .� . . . .