Learn About the City's Budget

The budget is the City’s most important policy document. It guides the allocation of resources and sets priorities for the year. If you don’t have the time to read this in-depth publication, you’re in luck! The Saratogan provides a summarized look at the City’s Fiscal Year 2018/19 Budget.

The Saratogan includes a breakdown of the City’s General Fund revenues and expenditures, along with an explanation of the distribution of property tax dollars. It also highlights major capital improvements occurring around town to enhance the quality of life in Saratoga by upgrading the City’s roadways, parks, facilities, and other infrastructure.

Additionally, you can see examples of your local government at work in the community, and read about City initiatives and priorities, including safety, health, art, and accessibility. The Saratogan also includes an easy-to-use directory to help you connect with the City.

You can read the 2018/19 Saratogan at www.saratoga.ca.us/saratogan, and visit www.saratoga.ca.us/subscribe to sign up to have future editions of The Saratogan, other City newsletters, and notifications emailed to you.

Meet Firefighter Paul Lellman!

In kindergarten, a firefighter visited Paul Lellman’s class and inspired his lifelong dream to become a firefighter himself. He went on to earn degrees in fire science and social studies before starting his career right here in Saratoga as a volunteer firefighter in 1994. He was hired on full time in 1998 and also worked as a paramedic for five years.

Working for the Santa Clara County Fire Department means Paul can be deployed all over California to fight wildland fires. This is a firefighting specialty that he finds particularly engaging because it is so dynamic and requires firefighters to be adaptive. Over the last several years, local firefighters have assisted on some of the largest and most destructive fires in California history. These experiences provide a unique perspective that is applicable in Saratoga due to the local wildfire risk.

Paul has always felt supported by Saratoga residents, and he values having a connection with the community. Paul is instrumental in organizing the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Saratoga Fire Station to provide an opportunity for the community and firefighters to connect outside of an emergency situation.

Paul feels fortunate to work with such great people, which is why he has worked at the Saratoga station nearly his whole career. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and reading.

Coming Up

Nextdoor Digest

Flashing Lighted Crosswalk Signs
Flashing lighted crosswalk signs will be installed at three locations in Saratoga. Construction began last week, and installation at the intersection of Quito Road/McCoy Avenue will be completed by October 31. Installation at the intersections of Herriman Avenue/Lexington Court and Cox Avenue/Cumberland Drive will be completed by mid-November.

Free Admission to Hakone Estate & Gardens
Saratoga residents can visit Hakone Estate & Gardens for free on the first Tuesday of every month. Residents must provide verification that they currently reside within the City of Saratoga (such as a driver’s license or electricity bill), and each resident may bring two guests. For more information, visit www.hakone.com or call 408.741.4994

Help Saratoga Plant 2,020 Trees by the Year 2020
Through the City’s partnership with Our City Forest, residents can have up to 2 trees planted in their front yard, and the cost is shared between the City and the resident. You can also volunteer to help plant trees! Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/2020by2020 to learn more, apply to receive a discounted tree, sign up to volunteer, or report trees that you have planted on your own.

Are you not a member of Nextdoor, or did you miss a post last month? Read about the recent trending topics right here! Sign up to receive updates from the City of Saratoga, other agencies, and your neighbors at www.nextdoor.com

Quick Tip from Captain Rich

Captain Rich Urena oversees the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Division.

A safe Halloween is a happy Halloween! Adults should escort children while trick-or-treating. Stay on the sidewalk and trick-or-treat while it is light out or carry a flashlight after dark. Make sure costumes are visible and fit correctly to avoid tripping. Inspect all treats before eating them.  

Keep track of crime in your area. Visit www.crimereports.com
Be notified when emergencies happen in your area. Sign up at www.sccgov.org/sites/alertscc
For information on Neighborhood Watch and tips on staying safe, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe

Ask Our Staff

Q: What are the rules about garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers in Saratoga?

A: All waste bins can be placed at the curbside after 12:00 p.m. on the day before your garbage collection day, and bins must be removed from the curbside by 12:00 p.m. on the day after pick up. At all other times, garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers may not be within public view. That means containers need to be fully screened from public view by a fence, wall, landscaping, or some other structure.

You can place yard waste that does not exceed two feet in length or three inches in diameter in your green waste bin. This includes fruits and vegetables from a garden, branches, ivy, flowers, leaves, shrubs, and tree trimmings.

You may not know how many things can be disposed of in your recycling bin, including pizza boxes and small electronic waste. You can even recycle used household alkaline batteries by placing them in a clear, sealed plastic bag on the top of your recycling cart. Larger electronics cannot go into your containers, but West Valley Collection & Recycling does provide alternative options for you to dispose of these items. For more information or to download the Residential How-To-Guide, visit www.westvalleyrecycles.com

Have a question for City of Saratoga staff? We would be happy to answer it! Send your question(s) to lpettipiece@saratoga.ca.us or call 408.868.1275 and your question could be answered here!

Connect with the City of Saratoga

For more updates on what's happening in the City, visit the City of Saratoga's website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, join the Nextdoor community, or sign up to receive notifications you're interested in.