Silicon Valley Clean Energy Updates

Earth Day may have you wondering what you can do to lower your impact on the environment. Did you know you’re already receiving carbon-free electricity through our community-owned electricity provider?

It has been two years since Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) launched to provide clean electricity at competitive rates to residents and businesses in Santa Clara County. The agency now serves nearly 97% of all residents and businesses, saved customers $20 million on their energy bills in 2018, and reduced our regional emissions by 16.6%.

SVCE is committed to a more sustainable future for our community. Visit www.svcleanenergy.org/programs to learn about SVCE’s new programs that will reinvest millions in our local communities to further cut carbon emissions. We look forward to seeing the results of SVCE’s new renewable projects and energy programs!

Meet County Fire Department Captain Tyler Mortenson!

Captain Tyler Mortenson grew up in the area and was introduced to a career as a first responder when he enrolled in an EMT class at UC Santa Barbara. When he returned home after college, a family friend and Captain with the Saratoga Fire District brought him to the Saratoga station and introduced him to the crew.

Captain Mortenson became a volunteer firefighter with them before he was hired in 1999. In 2008, the Saratoga Fire District entered into a contract for service with Santa Clara County Fire Department. This change resulted in a more efficient, regional approach to fire service in the West Valley.

Captain Mortenson looks forward to the unknown challenges he will face each day. One of the unique challenges in Saratoga is the wildfire risk. County Fire has already taken many steps to mitigate this risk and promote wildfire preparedness in the community, and he hopes to see even more progress made in the coming years.

The Saratoga station has housed a wildland fire engine for several years, which also travels up and down the state to provide assistance through California’s Mutual Aid System. Captain Mortenson has been deployed on this engine to large wildland fires both in and out of the County. Wildland firefighting, particularly on a mutual aid deployment, presents unique challenges and invaluable experience that can be applied to Saratoga’s local wildfire risk.

Coming Up

Arbor Day Celebration
April 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Gardiner Park
www.saratoga.ca.us/arborday

Living Room Conversations
April 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Joan Pisani Community Center
www.saratoga.ca.us/events

Understanding Islam
April 23 & 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Saratoga Civic Theater
www.understandingislam2019.eventbrite.com

Nextdoor Digest

Wildfire Preparedness Community Meetings
Santa Clara County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office will host the next Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting on Thursday, May 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Joan Pisani Community Center. This free workshop will teach you how to reduce wildfire risk and better prepare your family and home for wildfire. For more information, visit www.sccfd.org/rsg

New West Valley STRIDERS Walking Group
West Valley STRIDERS is a new monthly walking group for all ages and physical abilities. The first event will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue. To register online and view more information, including the meeting location and full schedule, visit www.westvalleystriders.eventbrite.com

Expanded Sunday Hours at the Saratoga Library
The Saratoga Library has expanded its Sunday hours to be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., giving you even more time to explore all the library has to offer. The Saratoga Library is open Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Saratoga Library, visit www.sccl.org/saratoga

Sign up for Nextdoor to receive updates from the City of Saratoga, regional 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.

Take a few moments during your spring cleaning to make sure your dryer does not become a fire hazard. Always clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Remember to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up, and clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.

For more information on safety and Saratoga Neighborhood Watch, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe

Ask Our Staff featuring Crystal Bothelio

Q: How can I invite the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office and Fire Department to my Neighborhood Watch event?

A: It is great to hear you are planning a gathering for your Neighborhood Watch group, which will satisfy the requirement for your group to hold 1 gathering per calendar year to stay registered with the City. While you are not required to invite public safety agencies, it is a great idea!

Existing groups may invite a member of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office to drop into gatherings for 15-20 minutes. New groups can invite the Sheriff’s Office to their first Neighborhood Watch Orientation for a 20-30 minute presentation. Requests must be submitted at least 1 week in advance. You can also request that local Saratoga firefighters briefly stop by to meet your group. These requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.

Please be advised the members of the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department are on duty. They may be unable to attend or need to leave quickly your event quickly if they receive a 9-1-1 call. For more information and to submit your request, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/neighborhoodwatch

Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio oversees the City's Neighborhood Watch Program and Serves as the staff liaison to the Public Safety Task Force.

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 and Instagram, join the Nextdoor community, or sign up to receive notifications you're interested in. To suggest Saratoga Source story ideas or ask a question, contact Lauren Pettipiece at lpettipiece@saratoga.ca.us

????

????????????????????????? : www.saratoga.ca.us/translate