City Council Retreat

The City Council Retreat agenda is available online at www.saratoga.ca.us/agenda. The City Council Retreat will be held on Friday, February 10 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Lower House at Hakone Gardens. Attendees must check in with the Gift Shop prior to entering the facility. This Special Meeting will be recorded and made available following the meeting on the City website.

Volunteer at Quarry Park

Join the Parks & Recreation Commission to volunteer at Quarry Park on Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. This volunteer group will meet on the second Saturday of the month through April to beautify and maintain the trails. Please visit www.saratoga.ca.us/volunteer to submit a Volunteer Interest Form by Wednesday, February 8. Volunteers should meet in the Quarry Park parking lot and bring gloves, water, and sunscreen. Please wear closed-toed shoes and long sleeves.

Housing Element Update

Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (PDF) is available for the community to review. The Draft EIR addresses the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update, Safety Element Update, 2040 General Plan Update, and Associated Rezonings.

Comments or questions regarding the Draft EIR must be submitted in writing by Tuesday, March 14 at 5:00 p.m. and should be addressed to:

City of Saratoga Community Development Department

Debbie Pedro, Community Development Director

13777 Fruitvale Avenue

Saratoga, CA 95070

Email: dpedro@saratoga.ca.us

Following the Draft EIR public review period, a Final EIR will be prepared. The Final EIR will respond to comments received and may also include corrections, clarifications, and additional explanatory information.

Updated Second Draft of the Housing Element

The Housing Element Second Draft (PDF) has been updated to address public comments, and it has been submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. We expect the second round of comments from HCD in 60 days.

Love Notes in the Saratoga Village

The Saratoga Village Development Council invites you to create an original love note to honor those you hold close to your heart. Love notes should be no bigger than 8.5x11 inches and must be flat. Drop your note off at any business on Big Basin Way after January 29, and they will be displayed in windows until February 15.

Storm Assistance for Individuals

On January 9, 2023, Santa Clara County was added to the national disaster declaration as a result of the recent severe winter storms. As a result, individuals and households impacted by the storms may now request assistance from the Federal government. The forms of assistance range from housing assistance to private property repairs. Interested residents can view additional information about available assistance and eligibility criteria and submit applications online.

Storm Loans for Businesses

Following the Biden Administration's Major Disaster Declaration due to the recent severe winter storms, the Small Business Administration has made Economic Injury Disaster Loans available for businesses in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are working capital loans to help small businesses and private, non-profit organizations meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the storms. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period, which began on December 27, 2022. Eligible businesses include:

Small businesses
Small agricultural cooperates
Small businesses engaged in aquaculture
Private, non-profit organizations of all sizes

Businesses can apply online and call (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov with any questions.

CERT Academy - Prepare Today for Tomorrow's Disaster

Sign up for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy hosted by Santa Clara County Fire to learn how to prepare for a disaster and assist your community when first responders are not immediately available. In addition to learning disaster preparedness, training includes disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, fire suppression, light search and rescue, and terrorism awareness. Classes are held online on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. January 25 through March 22. Additionally, in-person skills training will take place on Saturday, March 11 and Saturday, March 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Apply to Serve on a City Commission

We're looking for five Saratoga teens to serve on the Youth Commission. Applications are due April 28, and interviews with the City Council will be held in May. Applicants must be Saratoga residents in grades 7-11.

For adults, there are two openings on the Planning Commission, and applications are due by February 17. There is also one opening on the Heritage Preservation Commission, with applications due by March 17.

Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac to learn more and apply.

#SaratogaROCKS

Saratoga’s rock painting program encourages you to paint, place, and share to let the world know that #SaratogaROCKS! You can find and decorate rocks on your own, or borrow a kit with everything you need from the City. After you complete your masterpiece, mark your rocks with the hashtag #SaratogaROCKS and place your rocks in City-landscaped areas. Use the hashtag to share photos of rocks you’ve created or found on social media. To request a kit or submit photos of your painted rocks, please visit www.saratoga.ca.us/rocks

Connect with the City of Saratoga

Never miss an update from the City of Saratoga! Like the City of Saratoga on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and join the Nextdoor community. You can also visit the City’s website to sign up to receive notifications about topics you’re interested in.