HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-1996 Parks and Recreation Agendas
AGENDA
$~RATOGA PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
TIME: Monday, February 5, 1996 - 7:30P.M.
PLACE: Hakone Gardens - Cultural Exchange Center
21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I. ORGANIZATION
A) Roll Call
B) Minutes (Meeting of January 3, 1996)
C) Posting of Agenda
Pursuant of Government Code 54954.2 the agenda for
this meeting was posted on the City Hall Kiosk on
February 1, 1996.
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II. OLD BUSINESS
A) Further discussion of park/recreation facilities
needs list for the scheduled Joint Meeting with City
Council on Tuesday, February 27, 1996
III. NEW BUSINESS
A) A multi-media show presented by the Hakone
Foundation, "Artistic Views of Hakone Gardens" and
discussion with the Foundation regarding future
projects.
IV. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A) Memorandum regarding the proposed 4th of July
Celebration.
8) Letter from Paul D. Romero, Director of Santa Clara
County Parks and Recreation Department.
V. COMMISSION AND STAFF REPORTS
A) Commissioner's Reports
B) Previous Month Council Meeting Report
C) Recreation Department Status Report-Joan Pisani
D) Park Maintenance Division Update-Bob Rizzo
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special
assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Parks
Superintendent, Bob Rizzo, at (408) 867-3438. Notification 48 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure
accessibility to this meeting.
• M B M O R A N D II M
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Secretary, Parks and Recreation Commission
SUBJECT: MEETING OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1996
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III. NEW BUSINESS
A) A multi-media show presented by the Hakone Foundation:
This will be the first item of business, the Hakone
Foundation has requested to present to the Commission a
20 minute multi-media show entitled "Artistic Views of
Hakone Gardens". After the presentation, the Foundation
wishes to discuss with the Commission two projects to be
considered for parks/recreation facilities needs list.
• II. Old Business
A) Further discussion of parks/recreation facilities need
list for the scheduled Joint Meeting with City Council on
Tuesday February 27, 1996:
At the joint meeting, Council has requested the
Commission to develop a detailed need list that addresses
parks and recreation facilities future development. I
have attached a number of items for your review:
1) The Commission draft list of needs items that was
developed at the January 8 meeting which now needs to be
reviewed, edited and forward to City Council in advance
of the Joint Meeting.
2) The Council's Park Parameters Brainstorming List
developed by Council on January 23, 1996.
3) The summary of City/School Recreational Facilities.
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IV. Written Communications
A) Memorandum regarding the proposed 4th of July_
Celebration:
The Council is requesting that the Parks and Recreation
Commission consider being the group to volunteer to work
with others to hold the 4th of July Celebration. The
Commission is being requested to provide the organization
and leadership necessary to make it a successful event.
B) Letter from Paul D. Romero Director of Santa Clara
County Parks and Recreation Department•
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Information regarding support for renewal of the Santa
Clara County Park Charter Fund.
Please let Janice know if you will be
(867-3438 Ext. 245)
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unable to atte d this meeting
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ob Rizz , cretary
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MEMORANDIIM
TO: PAR1C8 AND RECREATION COMMI88ION
FROM: CITY MANAQER ~~~'=G~~
BIIBJECT: PARK PLANNING PARAMETERS FROM CITY COONCIL
I am transmitting to you the twelve general parameters discussed
and agreed upon by the Council at its meeting on January 23rd for
your review on February 5th and for discussion with the Council on
February 27th.
1. Improvements to the park and recreation facilities system of
the City should allow the system to meet the needs of the overall
community and, to the extend possible, provide improvements which
make facilities convenient for as many different types of users as
possible.
2. Planning for improvements should assume that there is a
greater need for more active use facilities.
3. When considering the need for improvements, all city
facilities should be considered including parks, the Community
Center, the Warner Hutton House, and Hakone Gardens to the extent
that improvements for the latter help assure the successful
operation of the Gardens by the Hakone Foundation.
4. Recreation facilities and parks needs should be addressed
within the current inventory of land devoted to or potentially
available for such use, i.e., city parks, city owned buildings,
and public schools.
5. Use and improvement of school facilities should be a vital
part of the overall planning effort and should be done with maximum
involvement from the schools themselves. Specific proposals to
consider should include:
a. Redevelopment of the Saratoga School field area for better
sports and/or community use in exchange for the school
allowing improved parking on the site which could be used
by the business community.
b. Redevelop the Foothill School field area with Foothill Park
into an integrated facility.
c. Improve and develop facilities for community use at
Saratoga High School.
• d. Develop new practice sports fields at all public school
sites using the following guidelines:
• 1. One soccer field and baseball field at each
school.
2. City would build or renovate as needed.
3. Fields would be available to City/Leagues during
non-school hours.
4. Joint use agreements to be executed before City
starts work.
5. City would maintain fields built or renovated,
schools would maintain playground areas.
6. Schools would have to agree to help financially
with maintenance of new or renovated
facilities.
7. Congress Springs Park would be reserved primarily
for league play not practice.
6. In making recommendations for improvements, how they would be
financed should not be a constraint on the recommendations,
however, recommendations should include not only the estimated cost
of the improvement but the cost of maintaining the improvement as
well. If certain improvements would reduce current costs that
information should also be included.
7. The design of proposed improvements should be developed with
neighborhood input.
8. Proposals for improvements should be based upon a demonstrated
• community need over the long term and prioritized based upon degree
of immediate need, ease of implementation, and/or cost. Avoid
making proposals for improvements which may be merely a current
fad.
9. In proposing improvements at parks the following
criteria should be considered:
a. the improvement should add beauty to the area.
b. improvements should emphasize use by the school
age population through high school but also
provide improvements which would encourage use
by older users as well.
c. proposed improvements should be limited to those
which would allow daylight hours use of parks
only.
d. proposals for intensive use improvements should
include major buffers placed between the use
and neighboring residences.
e. the parking needs of users who don't walk to
parks should be anticipated.
10. Improvements to trails which will improve stability and reduce
the need for long term maintenance should also be considered in
recommendations for improvements.
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11. Attention should be paid to improving access to Wildwood Park
from the downtown area and to improvements, either on site or off
site, which would encourage the community to make better use of the
park.
12. A proposal should be made as to how to develop either a park
or a school site as a location where major community events can be
held.
CC.:City Council
ZT'EM ]II - q
The Commissioners developed a draft list of these items, and agreed tc
review and edit the list at the February 5, 1996 meeting. Then the
• lists will be provided to the City Council, in advance of the Joint
Meeting.
1. Political decisions by the City Council needed, in a timely
manner:
a. Do neighborhood parks remain or are they to be upgraded t c
Community Parks?
b. Will there be no new land obtained unless it is a unique
opportunity?
c. Cost of maintenance.
d. Should the "passive" park users be surveyed to equally
represent the "active" park users surveyed?
2. Assumptions:
3. Needs:
a. Soccer fields
b. Baseball/softball fields
c. Indoor multipurpose activity space (basketball, volleyball,
• aerobics, theater)
d. Teen programs
e. Expand tot 'lots
f . Community Center renovation (facelift, space expansion for
classes)
g. Pool
h. Outdoor basketball
i. Multiple access routes to facilities (paths, trails, parking)
j. Adult sports programs
k. Hakone Gardens improvements
1. Master plan reorganization
m. Develop demographics model
n. Partnership negotiations with schools
o. Outside support to the Staff for the negotiations
At the next Commission meeting:
1. Additions, subtractions, consolidations, edits
2. Identify the primary vs. secondary priorities
3. Estimate of the quantities needed
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.- bark Parameters Brainstorming as Recorded on January 23, 1996
SYSTEM SHOULD SERVE MORE PEOPLE (MEET MORE NEEDS)
• NEED MORE ACTIVE FACILITIES
ALL FACILITIES MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL PEOPLE
DON'T ACQUIRE NEW LAND-SOLVE PROBLEMS WITHIN EXISTING LANDS
USE OF .SCHOOLS SHOULD BE A PART OF THE PLAN
LEAVE FINANCIAL QUESTIONS TO COUNCIL BUT INCLUDE COSTS OF
IMPROVEMENTS
INCLUDE ALL CITY FACILITIES-PARKS, COMMUNITY CENTER, WARNER HUTTON
HOUSE, HAKONE BUILDINGS
DON'T LIGHT PARKS FOR NIGHT USE
PLAN PARKS WITH MAXIMUM COOPERATION WITH SCHOOLS
PLANS FOR PARKS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED WITH NEIGHBORS
IMPROVEMENTS BASED ON DEMONSTRATED COMMUNITY NEED-LONG TERM VIEW,
I.E., TEN YEARS
PARKS IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD
1. Add to the beauty of the area
2. Emphasize youth through high school
3. Encourage use by older residents
4. Encourage daytime and evening use only (no night use)
5. Major buffers should be placed between intensive uses and
residences
6. Anticipate parking needs of users who don't walk to parks
PUT SOME EFFORT INTO TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS
DEVELOP SPORTS PRACTICE FIELDS AT ALL SCHOOLS UNDER THE FOLLOWING
GUIDELINES
1. One soccer field and baseball field at each school
2. City would build or renovate as needed
3. Fields would be available to City/Leagues durinq_non-school
hours "" - '
4. Joint use agreements to be executed before City starts work
5. City would maintain fields built or renovated, schools
would maintain playground areas. Schools would have to
agree to help financially with maintenance of new or
renovated facilties
6. Congress Springs Park would be reserved primarily for
league play not practice
PROJECTS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED
• PROVIDING BUSINESS PARKING AT SARATOGA SCHOOL IN EXCHANGE FOR
SPORTS FIELD DEVELOPMENT AT THE SCHOOL
FIND WAYS TO MAKE WILDWOOD PARK MORE ACCESSIBLE TO DOWNTOWN AREA
NEED A PARK OR SCHOOL FACILITY WHICH CAN BE USED FOR COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Summary of City/School Recreational Facilities
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M Softb l Bsktb l Tenis Socer stRm Vbl Bbl P1
Argonaut School 1 2 4 2 1
Beaucham~s Park 1/2 1 2
Blue Hills Elem.Sch 1 1 1 1
1
Brookglen Park 1/2 1
Central Park
Christa McAuliffe Sc h 1 1
1
Congress Springs Pa rk 1 2 5 1
5 2
E1 Quito Park 1 1 1 1
Foothill Park
Foothill School 1 3 2.5 1 1
Gardiner Park 2
Historical Park
Kevin Moran Park 2
Marshall Lane Schl 4 1
1 2
Prospect High Schl 2 1 4 6 1
1
Quito/Pollard
Ravenwood Park 1
Redwood Middle Schl 1 1 12 3
Sacred Heart School 4 1
2
Saratoga Hiah School 2 1 g g 2 1
Saratoga School 1 2 1
St. Andrews 1 1 6 1 1 3
West Valley College 1 2 4 16 3
1 1 1
Wildwood Park 1 1 2
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Key; MP - Multipurpose Rm/Gym
Softbl - Softball field
Bsktbl - Basketball court/outdoor
Tenis - Tennis court
Socer - Soccer field/multipurpose field
RstRm - Restrooms
Vbl - Volleyball court
Bbl - Baseball field
P1 - Play structures
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• n~~® 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 867-3438
~~~~,~a~
~'-U~'~~ COUNCII. MEMBERS:
Arn Marie Burger
Paui E. Jaccbs
MEMORANDIIM Gillian Moran
Karen TucKer
DATE : January 2 4, 19 9 6 Dona; d L Wo1/e
TO: Joha Clark, Chair
Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Harry Peacock, City Manager
//~ ..
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SIIBJECT: 4th of July Celebration
Yesterday the Saratoga Business Development Council discussed the
possibility of holding an old fashioned 4th of July celebration at
Villa Montalvo. The Montalvo Association has offered to let the
City use the facilities at Villa Montalvo that day for no charge to
hold a 4th of July celebration.
Last night the Mayor discussed this possibility with the other
members of the City Council. One of the big issues of course is
who would organize such an event. We have some interest from the
business community in the form of the SBDC but we need a group to
spearhead the effort on cooperation with them. The Council is
requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission consider being
the group to volunteer to work with others to hold such a
celebration and to provide the organization and leadership
necessary to make it a success.
Would you please discuss this at your next Commission meeting and
let.me and the Council know if you feel you can take on such a
task? If so I will follow up with those in the business community
to get things rolling. One of the possible ways to do this is to
hire a coordinator to handle most of the details relating to
putting on the event. To this a"nd some members of the business
community will be meeting with me at 10 AM next Tuesday (January
30th) in the Administrative Conference Room. A professional event
coordinator will be attending to lay out for us what they can do
and how much they charge.
CC: Joan Pisani
'Bob Rizzo
City Council
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Prmtetl on recycletl paper
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County of Santa Clara
Environmental Resources Agency
Parks and Recreation Department
• 298 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, California 95030
(408) 358-3741 FAX 358-3245
Reservations (408) 358-3751 TDD (408) 356-7146
January 22, 1996
Jennifer Crotty, Chairperson
City of Saratoga Parks Commission
13777 Fruitvale Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
Deaz Ms.Crotty:
In November 1995, I was appointed to the position of Parks and Recreation Director for the
County of Santa Clara. These past two months have been exciting and challenging as I learn
about the County and the many issues confronting parks in our region. One of the rewarding
tasks has been meeting or reacquainting myself with park professionals in the Bay Area. My park
• experience has been for the past 23 years in southern California. For the past 11 years I was the
Director of the Riverside County Park system and my primary charge was managing and
developing regional parks and acquiring open space. I have much to learn in that the geography,
issues and politics of the south bay are new to me. But, I have found the people and parks in the
County to be the finest that I have encountered in California. To say the least, I am pleased to be
here and proud to direct the Santa Clara County park system.
One of the many challenges facing County Parks is the renewal of the Park Charter Fund in
March. As you know the Charter has funded many park improvements, historic structure
rehabilitations and trails throughout the County. Without the Pazk Charter the Pazks Department
would be greatly limited in meeting goals and fulfilling its mission. Without question, we could
not continue with parkland acquisition and many worthy capital projects would be unfunded. I
understand that various city park improvements were funded by the Park Charter and obviously
our potential for funding similar ventures would be lost. Therefore, I encourage you to review
the enclosed material prepared by the Yes on Parks Committee and solicit consideration from
your commission and council. More information has been prepared and will be transmitted on
request to the Yes on Parks Committee.
I also want to encourage you to schedule your calendar for the Legislative Forum offered by the
California Park and Recreation Society this May. The Forum provides an opportunity for park
professionals to learn directly from legislators and top state administrators about issues
• confronting our profession. This yeaz the Forum will be held in Sacramento on May 2, 1996,
Board of Supervisors: Michael M. Honda. Blanca Alvarado. Ron Gonzales. James T. Beall Jr., Dianne McKenna
County Executive: Richard Wittenberg a®
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followed by the CPRS Legislative Committee Golf Tournament at Mather Golf Course. The golf
• tournament provides a less formal setting for individuals to shaze thoughts and ideas with state
leaders. Last yeaz the tournament drew pazk professionals from throughout California, as well as
several legislators, state administrators and legislative staff. Not only was the tournament
enjoyable, but it was also effective in that we lobbied our elected and appointed representatives on
solving problems and providing funds for facility rehabilitation and pazk enhancement. This yeaz a
hole-in-one event will be held, giving contestants a chance to win prizes including an automobile,
a set of new golf clubs or a week trip to Hawaii. Look for more information about the forum and
golf tournament later this year.
I look forwazd to working with you on mutual endeavors in the neaz future. I am always available
for discussion on any item or concern of interest to you. Please feel free to contact me at your
convenience at (408) 358-3741 x128.
B egazds,
~~ ~~~
Paul D. Romero, uector
attachment
. g/awarnes/cities.ltr/amw
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Fact Sheet
for the
Penewal of the Santa Llara County
Park Charter Fund
Why is a Regional Park System needed in Santa Clara County?
With the County's population continuing to grow at a rapid pace, an ever increasing need is
created to provide pazk and recreation facilities to serve the general public's desire for a better
standard of living. Santa Clara County's parks are regional parks, located close to home, yet
away from the pressures of the valley's urban lifestyle. County parks and open spaces bring
beauty to this area while giving residents satisfaction and improving their quality of life.
How is the Regional Park System funded?
In 1992 voters in Santa Clara County approved a renewal of the existing Park Charter by setting
aside 1.5 cents per $100.00 of assessed property valuation for park land acquisition,
development, operations and maintenance. This renewal established a minimum of 20% of the
Park Charter Fund be used for acquisition, with the balance to be dedicated to development,
maintenance and operations.
The Pazks Charter is not an additional tax, it simply requires that a portion of the existing tax
revenue collecteii in the General Fund be eazmazked for the Pazk Charter Fund. The Park Charter
Fund is then used to pay for the County Regional Park System.
In Mazch 1996 voters will be asked to renew the Park Charter as amended by the Santa Clara
County Boazd of Supervisors. The amendment to the Pazk Charter increases the time period for
renewal from four years to twelve years. It also decreases the allocation from the General Fund
• to the Park Charter Fund by 5%, beginning in the sixth year.
® Board of Supervisors: Michael M. Honda. Blanca Alvarado. Ron Gonzales. James T. Beall Jr.. Dianne McKenna
County Executive: Richard Wittenberg
County of Santa Clara
. Em~ironmrnr~l Rcsourccs Agency
Parl~~ ~lnd Recre~tnctn Department
2~-8 c;arden Hill Drive
Los Gatos. California 95030
14081 358-3741 FAX 358-3245
Reservations 14081 35&3751 TDD 14081 356-7 1 46
v .
Who is responsible for the management of the funds once the Park Charter is renewed?
• The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department is the responsible organization by
which management of Pazk Charter Funds will be governed. With the guidance of the Pazks and
Recreation Commission and the Board of Supervisors the Department is able to effectively and
responsibly govern the use of Park Charter Funds.
What are the responsibilities of a Regional Park System to its customers?
The County's Regional Pazk System promises to provide to its customer, the pazk user, the most
positive pazk experience possible. We have succeeded at providing safe parks for children to play
in, improved the quality of water in our reservoirs, and maintained high levels of standards for
the operations and maintenance of our parks.
What types of natural environments can be found in the Regional !'ark System?
Santa Clara County's Regional Park System consists of 24 parks comprised of over 40,000 acres
of urban and mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams and open space and is one of the most diverse
in all of California.
The natural environment of the Regional Park System ranges from the wetlands of the San
Francisco Bay to the oak woodlands of the Diablo Range to the majestic redwoods of the Santa
• Cruz Mountains.
What types of activities are available in the Regional Park System?
County parks offer opportunities for recreation in a natural environment to all County residents.
Regional pazks are larger in size, usually more than 200 acres, than local neighborhood or
community pazks. Many of the County's regional parks also feature points of local interest. The
County park system's recreational opportunities and facilities include:
• Approx. 200 miles of hiking, jogging, walking and equestrian trails
• Archery ranges at Mt. Madonna, Santa Teresa and Stevens Creek Parks
• Power and non-power boating is available at County lakes and reservoirs
• Olympic-size bicycle racing track at Coyote Hellyer Park
• RV camping at Sanborn and Mt. Madonna Park
• M18 miles of trails for ATV, ATC and a motocross track at Motorcycle Park
• Hang-gliding at Ed Levin Park
• Golf courses at Santa Teresa and Ed Levin Park
• Picnicking and birdwatching can be enjoyed at Alviso Marina
• Lakeshore boating and camping is very popular at Coyote Lake Park
• Youth and Group Camping is available at many of our County parks
• Ten-Field Sports Complex at Twin Creeks in Sunnyvale
• Remote control aircraft flying at Rancho San Antonio Park ~s~~•i a~m~c ~~y~~~a>
• Shooting complex at Field Sports Park
Are there benefits to cities and counties working together to further the mission of the
• Regional Park System?
County and cities have made joint venture agreements which created many diverse urban parks.
In nearly every city within Santa Claza County, the County Parks and Recreation Department has
worked cooperatively with the respective jurisdictions to bring to reality a better quality of life
for the residents of Santa Clara County to enjoy. Some of these pazks created through a
County/City joint venture include Penitencia Creek County Pazk, Lake Cunningham Park and
Guadalupe River Pazk (City of San Jose), Los Gatos Creek Trail and Pazk (Town of Los Gatos
and the City of Campbell), and Twin Creeks Sports Complex and Sunnyvale Baylands Park
(City of Sunnyvale).
The community needs to continue to join together in this effort to extend the Pazk Charter for 12
mare yeazs.
C]
C~LirTi r' t~F SAi"~"i A CLARA CTriART~_,tZ AI~1E:~TDiLfENT l~/TEASUR~
Measure
Amendment to the Shall the Santa Clara County Charter be extended Yes
Charter of the County to provide for the acquisition, development,
of Santa Clara maintenance, and operation of parks, without
increasing taxes, by continuing the annual transfer
• from the general fund of an amount estimated to No
equal one and one-half cents ($0.015) per
one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of all real
and personal property for five years and $0.01425 per
one hundred dollars of assessed valuation thereafter for
seven years?
Argument in Favor of Measure A
i
Santa Clara County's Regional Park System is made up of over 40,000 acres of urban and
mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams and open space. This park system is funded by the voter
approved Park Charter Fund which requires the county to dedicate a portion of its budget for park
purposes. .
Measure A will extend funding for parks another 12 years. The voters approved extensions of the
Park Charter Fund in 1972, 1978, 1986, 1988 and 1992. Measure A does n of increase taxes, it
merely dedicates existing tax dollars for park purposes.
Measure A will provide funds to:
• Purchase available lands to expand and improve the park system.
• Rehabilitate and restore park facilities.
• Provide adequate ranger staffing in county parks.
• Improve public access to bicycle, hiking and equestrian trails.
Our county parks have over two million visitors each year. Whether you use the trails at Rancho
San Antonio, camp at Mount Madonna, golf at Santa Teresa or Spring Valley, boat at Calero or
Anderson Reservoirs, or picnic at Vasona, we all enjoy the benefits of county parks.
Measure A also provides the funding for city/county projects such as Penitencia Creek Park, Lake
Cunningham Park, Guadalupe River Park, the Los Gatos Creek Trail, Twin Creeks Sports Complex
and Sunnyvale Baylands Park.
In addition to these recreational opportunities, parks enhance the quality of life in our valley.
Parks provide open space and help protect watersheds and wildlife. Measure A is a responsible
and proven way to address our needs for quality recreational areas.
Join Us In Voting Yes for Measure A.
DIANNE McKENNA, Chairperson
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
MURPHY SABATINO, President
Gem Properties
STEVEN J. TEDESCO, President
San Jose Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
SUSANNE WILSON, Co-Chair
Yes on Parks
LUCILLE B. CHACbN
Abrazos and Books
•
• RESOLUTION OF
ENDORSING THE PASSAGE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY MEASURE A
ON THE MARCH 26, 1996 BALLOT
WHEREAS, preservation, maintenance and enhancement of parks and open space is vital to the
quality of life of Santa Clara County residents,
WHEREAS, Santa Clara County parklands and park programs are essential in meeting park needs
of County residents; and
WHEREAS, Measure A on the March 26, 1996 ballot would extend the current County Parks
Charter amendment through the year 2008 providing an assured level of funding for Santa Clara
County parks acquisition, development and operation without creating new taxes,
NOW, THEREFORE, we do resolve to endorse the passage of Measure A on the March 26, 1996
ballot, and
Do authorize publication of our name as a Measure A endorser.
Authorized Signature
• TYPE OR PR1NT AUTHORIZED NAME TO BE USED:
~~)
(Contact Representative, Address & Phone)
Return Endorsement to:
"YES ON PARKS", 1922 The Alameda, #213, San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 983-0539
•
YES on Parks! YES on A!
C:
January 11, 1996
Judy Etheridge
Calaveras Trailblazers
668 Bancroft Street
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Dear Judy
We are asking for your support for an important March ballot measure--the County Parks
Charter--which has been the mainstay of cur County Parks system since l X72 and has provided
funding to joint-venture projects like the I.os Gatos Creek Trail, Sunnyvale Baylands and
Penitencia Creek Park. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has voted to place an
extension of the County Parks Charter fund to guarantee funding for 12 Years--far longer than
previous parks charter extensions.
The Supervisors' decision is not enough to make it happen. Their decision must be
supported by a majority vote from the public on March 26th. Although this measure has
consistently won voter approval in the past, there is no guarantee that next year will be the same.
Your su{~4oert is vital. By extending the parks charter fund for twelve years. the County Parks
• Department can more successfully carry out long range acquisition and capital improvement plans.
We hope you can endorse this measure and send back to us authorizatio-~ to publish your
name as a Measure A endorser (form attached). We have included a fact sheet, sample newsletter
article, parks brochure, ballot language and a copy of the argument in favor of the measure.
Thanks for your support. Call me at (408) 983-0539 for more information.
Sincerely,
Gametta Annable
Yes on Parks Campaign Chair
•
Susanne Wilson, Honorary Chair Garnetta Annable, Chair Vicki ~loore, Co-Chair
YES on Parks! YES on A! 1922 The Alameda, Suite 213, San Jose CA 95126
~°~`~• (408) 983-0539 (4151948-2412 Aurelia Winsemius. Treasurer ID #862-140
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~a~~e~cec~S
Volume 7, Number 1, January 1996
The Hakone Foundation
Post Office Box 2324
Saratoga, California 95070-0234
Phone (408)741-4994
FIRST ANNUAL WORK DAY IN HAKONE GARDENS
JOIN US FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS OF
DIRTY HANDS AND GOOD COMPANY
ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3, 9:30AM
(RAINY DAY ALTERNATE FEBRUARY 10)
NEEDED:
Gardeners, like you, to help finish-up the ground cover planting on the filter tank mound. The work is
not strenuous or back breaking. You will be digging up a few bamboo rhizomes in the bamboo garden
and digging them back in again around the new filter tubs. A few strong arms to help lay some paving
stones near the CEC. Not a big or difficult job, but it will be made much easier if there are several
hands to share the work. Some non-strenuous workers to help serve hot cocoa and cake to the work
crew.
WE PROVIDE:
The fabulous opportunity and pleasure of real hands-on work in the gardens; hot cocoa and cakes;
and the chance to see the gardens in their winter splendor.
YOU BRING:
Muscles and enthusiasm. Shovel, hand trowel, gloves, a bucket and warm clothes.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WILL BE HELPING; CALL JANET IN THE OFFICE: 741-4994
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1 9 9 6
YEAR OF THE RAT
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THE FOUNDATION RECENES A LARGE GIFT
Thank you and deep appreciation to Tom and
Eloise Rigler for their very generous year-end
donation of stock. The $4000 plus realized from
this gift will enable the Foundation to accomplish
many of the items on its Needs and Desires list.
There are a number of scouting projects in the
gardens which we will be able to advance because
we have the funds for materials. We especially
like the idea of stretching these dollars and at the
same time giving young people a work project in
the gardens. They will be doing such things as
step improvements, water fountains, benches,
cabinet for the garbage, railings, pathway
improvements, etc.
Please let any scout leader friends know of the
opportunity for projects in Hakone Gardens. Call
the Office for a list of projects and whom to contact.
A GIFT OF UNIQUE CAMELLIAS
The Camellia Society of Santa Clara County is
donating seven single Japonicas received from
Nuccio's Nurseries. Established in 1935, Nuccio's
Nurseries is recognized world wide as one of the
foremost camellia growers. These plants are a
selection of wild Japanese Camellias. The plants
will augment the Wabisuke variety of single
flowered Japonica Camellias donated and planted
by the society this last spring at the Cultural Center.
The following paragraph from Nuccio's Catalog
provides some insight into these special Single
Camellias. "For centuries, the people of Japan
have shown an appreciation for the beauty of the
wild Camellia Japonica (tabu Tsubak). Widely
found in Japanese art and highly treasured for
flower arranging, the single Japonica is pure
Camellia beauty in its simplest form
The varieties received from Nuccio's include three
from Oshima Island: Oshima Pink, a light pink
small single; Oshima Red, a rose red small single;
Oshima White, a white small single. Also included
are: Hakushu, a small white single with somewhat
rounded petals; Okuni, a deep pink miniature to
small single, with well-spaced petals; Tsushima-
No-Musume, abrilliant red small single, with a
tubular shape; Wakamurasaki, a blush pink. All
seven plants are of medium upright growth.
Hakone Yews, January 1996 - 2
These plants will serve as an enhancement of the
collection in the Garden and will be planted soon.
Jack Tomlinson will supervise the selection area
and the Society will engage in the planting and care
until they are well-established.
The Society would like to invite everyone interested
in camellias to attend our meetings. At these
meetings, you are able to learn about camellia
culture and propagation, new and interesting
camellia varieties, and meet other friendly people
who enjoy and share this hobby. The Camellia
Society of Santa Clara County meets at Lick Mill
Park, 4750 Lick Mill Blvd., City of Santa Clara,
September through April on the third Wednesday
of the month at 7:30 p.m.
The Camellia Society of Santa Clara County
presents its
55th Annual Camellia Show
February 24, 1996 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 pm
February 25, 1996 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
City of Santa Clara Community Recreation
Center
969 Keily Blvd., Santa Clara, CA
Co-sponsored by the City otSanta Clara
Parks and Recreation Department
Admission ~s Free
This show gives you the opportuniiy to see one of
the finest selections of Camellias in our area. All
blooms are in competition so the quality of each
bloom is superb. All entries are named and
hundreds of varieties are represented.
Roy Swanson
Camellia Society of Santa Clara County
Many thanks to the Camellia Society and Roy
Swanson for this beautiful addition to the
Gardens. Look for these new varieties next to
the Lower House. Kay Duffy
THE TEA SERVICE IS DEAD
With great regret we must announce the demise of
the summer weekend service of tea in the
Gardens, along-standing institution at Hakone.
Despite years of effort by Elaine Salter and Jan
Morgan, and despite the attractive new tea service
area by Bruce Parkinson there has not been
enough interest in purchase of tea to sustain the
time and energy of the tea service volunteers.
Hakone Yews, January 1996 - 3
•
Jan and Elaine, instead, will be putting efforts in at
the Gift Shop, hoping to make better use of the tea
area as a pleasant resting spot and for (ugh!)
drinking diet sodas and consuming other items
from the Gift Shop. In order to unify the area and
make it more attractive the asphalt will be removed
from the front of the second garage door in the
near future.
NEW WINTER ART PROGRAM
Many interesting art programs are listed in the
brochure included with your bulletin this month.
Hakone is an inspiring place for these classes and
we have some excellent teachers. You are
encouraged to join a class and to pass on the
brochure to anyone you think might be interested.
•
Thank you Jan, Elaine and tea volunteers for all
your dedicated effort and many hours with the
teapots. Kay Duffy
PERFORMANCE PLATFORM FUNDS = $3000
._
10' x 20' PERFORMANCE DECK
as viewed from the mound
This deck will be used for dance, music and
cultural programs, master of ceremonies, and
weddings, etc. The dimensions of the deck will
fit tatami mats, which are in storage, for special
cultural programs.
Thanks to a very successful silent auction at the
Foundation's "Tweener" (between holidays) party
we have added $700 dollars to the fund for this
deck which brings this fund to nearly $3000. Jeff
Heid has submitted plans and gotten approvals
from the City. In the next months we will be going
ahead with construction in the hopes of having it
ready for the summer.
Thanks to everyone who helped Marge, brought
auction items, and took home another treasure.
ff you weren't there, you missed a jovial holiday
evening. Thanks to Barry Weiss for a beautiful
pertorrnance on the bamboo flute.
Kay Duffy
Many thanks to Luanne Nieman for her many
hours putting together this program, and to
Gerry Furman for taking care of the
registrations. Kay Duffy
HAKONE LIBRARY IS READY
At the August meeting of the Garden Docents a
reference library was discussed. The Josie Wiley
book collection and the Jean Nelson collection
were available to add to our collection, but they
needed to be catalogued.
Rose Marie Dippel volunteered and Betty Peterson,
Julia Kane and Jan Morgan agreed to help on the
project. (A generous contribution from Tom Rigfer,
organization from Bruce Parkinson, and the
craftsmanship of Syd Dunton provided the
bookshelves which are in the Hakone Foundation
office.)
We realized that to do library properly, we needed
to catalogue the books correctly. My friend, Evelyn
Johnson who is a librarian gave me directions on
how to start. For cataloguing, we are using the
Library of Congress system so that if future
collections are added to the library this format will
continue.
The last step to the library is computerizing the
index cards which Julia Kane has offered to do.
Helen Metcalf is reviewing the book lists in order to
designate which books will only be for "reference
only" and remain in the office. Others may be
taken on loan for your reading enjoyment. There
are approximately 168 books. The subjects range
from architecture to zen. Once you discover these
wonderful books you will be anxious to read them.
The library will be ready for your enjoyment
shortly. HAPPY READING!
Rose Marie Dipple
Many thanks to Rose Marie from all of us for the
many hours of work organizing this fine library.
Do stop by and check out a book. Kay Duffy
Hakone Views, January 1996 - 4
• FURNISHINGS FOR BRIDES' DRESSING ROOM further notice and details in February, but put this
special event on your calendar now.
•
•
In anticipation of the spring and summer months,
we're hoping to encourage more weddings and
receptions in our beautiful gardens. My daughter
Sue and I are working on refurbishing a small bare
room below the Cultural Center. We'll be painting
and decorating the room for a bride's and
bridesmaids' dressing room. Our budget is small,
and there are several things that we need, and are
hoping that some of you might be able to donate.
We could use a small (round) table to go between
two chairs. We also need some flourescent
I'~ghting fixtures to go over or beside a large mirror,
and someone to wire them for us. We'll need a
small bathroom rug (3 x 5), and hand towels in
white or pale peach. Two small stools for the
dressing table, and a free standing or wall mounted
towel rack would help keep us in our budget.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. If
you have any items you wish to donate, please call
me at 867-2634. Thanks!
Gerry 8~ Sue Furman
YOU ARE INVITED TO:
Sister City Mochitsuki (Rice Cake Pounding)
Festival i! Pot Luck: January 19, 6pm in the
Saratoga Senior Center. The Sister City
organization invites you to attend. The program will
be on the Bali and China trip. Advance
reservations are not necessary, just bring a dish for
12 people. If you need more information call
Marilyn at 867-9417.
Multi-media show: February 5 at 7:30pm in the
CEC. This is a rerun of Millie and Roger Bishops
dramatic presentation: Artistic Vews of Hakone
Gardens. If you missed this spectacular show
last summer this is an opportunity to see it. The
occasion is a meeting of the Saratoga Parks and
Recreation Commission which the Hakone
Foundation is hosting. The show will take about 20
minutes. Stay for some cookies and coffee.
However, it is not necessary to stay for the meeting
which will follow
Cultural Exchange: Saturday, February 25. Mr.
Kiyoshi Yasui, Japanese Imperial Architect and
designer of the Master Plan for Hakone Gardens,
Saratoga, will present a lecture on the architecture
of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto. You will get
FROM THE HAKONE OFFICE:
Happy New Year from the office!
We received two separate donations of $100 from
the Japan Bamboo Society of Saratoga for the
trust fund in that they wanted to share their good
fortune with us from two donors. Thank you very
much. Accolades should also go to the Foothill
Garden Club for their bountiful donation.
This fall, we have also received very generous
monetary donations to the trust fund from the
following: Paul Carmichael, Don Miller, Richard
Dorin, Tom Rigler, Kay Duffy, Aiko Tauchi, and
John Tauchi. Thank you again and again!
We have kept the gift shop open and continued to
collect parking fees through the months of
November, December and into January. Luckily,
due to mild weather, the gift shop has been active
and producing revenue. The parking attendants
are based for collection in the gift shop; running
both operations with ease. We must remember to
thank them for their extra duties.
Please encourage your friends and acquaintances
to consider renting the garden and facilities for
weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries and
special events. We always seek out those rentals
as a substantial part of our income.
Janet Kennedy
GONE WITH THE WIND AGAIN!
These days much of the air movement is in
Washington D.C., certainly the hot stuff. Our
recent storm last month wreaked local havoc with
PG & E lines and equipment, once again enraging
some of the more vocal customers. At Hakone,
last season's weather dropped the susceptible
trees, and what are left seem quite stable (Knock
on wood?).
In the Bamboo Park perhaps a dozen of the really
fine giant bamboos went over, mostly those in the
forest area along the top. Bamboo root systems
are not extensive in any dimension. The 5"
diameter 55' canes might have a cubic foot of soil
among its support roots, no more. And its
attachment to its rhizome has little if any
mechanical strength. It is, by the way, the vast
Hakone Yews, January 1996 - 5
L_J
network of rhizomes that people mistakenly
consider the "root system". Just another case of
the majority being entirely incorrect. The actual
roots are about 1/8" in diameter, 6-10" in length,
and on the base of the culm, resemble those of a
palm tree. On rhizomes the roots occur at each
node and radiate outward very much like the
spokes on a bike wheel.
Bamboo groves count heavily upon community
support in times of wind stress. The whole works
sways in unison, each cane taking its share of the
wind loading. Tremendous flexibility of the canes
and branches absorbs much of the energy of the
wind. In our case, it is the taller than normal canes,
and those on the edges of the grove that were
subjected to more than their share of gusts and
failed.
Unfortunately, those that fell tend to be the
youngest, many being this past year's production,
just about sa months of age. It is the 3-5 year olds
that are considered most suitable for craft and
construction uses, their cell walls have matured
they can be carefully cured and rendered quite
stable. The youngsters are more inclined to wither
as they dry over time. ~ .
Bamboos will live and continue to function even in
a downed state as long as they remain attached to
the rhizome system that they grew from and were
to serve throughout their lives of a dozen years of
so. The leaves reorient to the sun and life's various
processes continue, if horizontally. Thus the
downed bamboos are truly "lost" only if harvested
prematurely.
Soon the low-growing striped-leaf bamboo at the
front wall will be cut to the ground along with the
large-leafed bamboo on the right behind the
Koetsujgaki. Less visible will be the thinning of the
Blackstem and the Golden bamboos up behind the
large stone lantern. The Bamboo Park is maturing
fast now and just marked the beginning of its ninth
year.
Bruce W. Parkinson
President, JBSS
EDITOR'S NOTE:
One more storm like that last one and we'll all start
maturing faster. Bob Louden.
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Hakone Foundation
Post Office Box 2324
Saratoga, CA 95070-0324
NONPROFIT ORG.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
SARATOGA,CA
PERMIT NO. 1208