Councilmember rishi kumar saratoga christmas newsletter 2018 google docs

12/31/2018 Christmas Newsletter 2018 - Google Docs
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NH7q4SGn-IQN9qrZiQI0T7HKYD4hBsdvFk4xAscbpSw/edit 1/44

Christmas 2018 Newsletter
On Mobile/Tablet, View in Landscape Mode
Contents
1. A Note from Rishi:

Our city council invites our sheriff and fire team to join us for a joint
meeting. Please find decks that were presented by them at this meeting.
Fire safety and prevention is going to be a huge focus in Saratoga now,
particularly for the hillside. Please review this deck and I would love to get
your thoughtful ideas and feedback on what we can implement in
Saratoga.
https://www.slideshare.net/rishi59/santa-clara-county-fire-department
2018 Crime Stats for Saratoga (as of end of October)
https://www.slideshare.net/rishi59/sheriff-presentation-to-saratoga-city-
council-december-6th

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 A Note from Rishi

2. Saratoga Happening, Info and News:
● 2018 Election Results
● A new water rate increase - please protest
● Saratoga’s Neighborhood Safety Watch covered by Stanford
StanfordPolitics.com
● Four Residential Break-ins the week of December 10th
● Your neighbors will love you! Get Cert Certified
● New Regional Housing Needs Allocation Subregion
● Term Limits for Saratoga?
● Good work by our Sheriff - suspects in custody
● Saratoga has Lighted Crosswalks
● ADA access to the Joan Pisani Community Center Stage
● New mixed-use project approved by the Planning Commission
● Paint the City Project
● Text based Crisis counseling
● New Restaurant The Hero Ranch in Saratoga
● West Valley College, now an Age Friendly Campus

● PG&E Tree Removal on Cox
● Annual Tree Inspection - Tree removal on Cox
● Prospect Road Project Update

3. Upcoming and Past Events
● Today through March 17th - Bruce Munro Show at Montalvo
● January 3rd - Sanborn Park Mysteries of the Cosmos
● January 12th - Let’s Work Volunteer Day
● January 16th: Night Photography Workshop #1
● February 20th: Montalvo Arts Center: Stories in Light
● Sanborn Park-Quicksilver History Hike
● Saratoga Youth Commission Fall Fair
● Celebration of Light
● Saratoga City Council Reorganization
● Hakone Koi Pond Sustainability Project
● Screening of Dominion in Saratoga

4. Q&A with Councilmember Kumar
● Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list
● How can I prepare for the winter storms?
● How can I prepare for the cold spell?
● What should I do if I experience flooding or other hazards during a storm this
winter, and what are my winter emergency resources?
● What are some simple tips for fire safety?

5. A Glimpse into November and December - a pictorial view

1. Holiday Greetings

2. Saratoga Happening, Info and News

2018 Election Results
As I got off the stage after the swearing-in ceremony someone tapped me and
congratulated me.
“Rishi, Congratulations on getting the highest number of votes in the 60 years history of
Saratoga. You got 65% of the Saratoga votes - amazing. And you even beat the one
running as mayor, never happened before in Saratoga”


Well…these numbers don’t matter. I look back at my last 4 years and just feel blessed to
serve Saratoga and simply stated, “Be the public servant and help our community”

I take this as a tremendous responsibility that has been entrusted...THANK YOU again to
each of you for trusting me yet again. The swearing-in tonight was a special event for
our city.

THANK YOU to every resident of Saratoga who engaged on issues, not being shy, and
exerting your ideas and energy to make Saratoga better.
When we focus on the problems of people, their pain, when we try to be of service and
help, just do something, our community wins and together, we all win.
The "Breakfast of Campaigns" team set a record by knocking, walking talking with every
single Saratoga voter - that has likely NEVER happened in 62 years of Saratoga. This
dream team did it 2 weeks ahead of Election Day. Who would have Thunk!!!
THANK YOU to our Neighborhood Safety Captains, Neighborhood Block Captains and
so many new neighborhood leaders that have taken charge. Someone remarked today
at the swearing-in after party, that they haven’t seen such community engagement in
prior years , from so many different cross-sections of Saratoga. Always a good thing!

THANK YOU to all my friends and family who stepped up and were the rock of support
in this campaign - we couldn’t have done this without you…Gratitude!

During my first term as your councilmember, I reminded myself everyday that I serve
your interest. I purposefully focused my efforts with a citizen-centric vision,
responsiveness and results-driven behavior to impact Saratoga’s toughest challenges.
Next 4 years:
There is a lot of work to be done to address our immediate challenges.
Stay tuned - a new water rates protest campaign is beginning
Earlier this month I had lunch with Senator Jim Beall discussing the risks of fire, and
what we can do. You should see an invitation to a Fire Safety Seminar hosted by the
Senator’s office.

Rest assured, when I see something erupting as a big Saratoga challenge, I will be the
first one to step up and take action.
I am all ears, so do not hesitate to send that email or make that phone call

I will always do the right thing in representing you and our fabulous community of
Saratoga I am very thankful to you for the privilege of serving Saratoga, and through my
diligent service I will express my thanks in impactful ways.

Please know that I hold your faith and trust dearly. I will continue being responsive to
your concerns and requests, and above all keep Saratoga amazing, by protecting the
interests of each and everyone of you.

YES, WE WILL CONTINUE GETTING THINGS DONE...there is NO other way.
Yes, having a couple allies on the council for solving Saratoga’s toughest challenges
would definitely help :-(
I will leave you with a quote of #35
LIFE IS NEVER EASY. THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE AND OBLIGATIONS TO BE MET -
OBLIGATIONS TO TRUTH, TO JUSTICE, AND TO LIBERTY President John F Kennedy

Press Coverage

http://www.indiapost.com/saratoga-councilman-rishi-kumar-wins-re-elec
tion-comfortably/

A new rate increase AL 528 please send your protest emails.
San Jose Water is at it again they have proposed a 4.55% rate increase with AL#528
My apologies on the late notice, but please request your neighbors to file their protests by tomorrow
i.e December 26th which is the deadline
I am not sure why San Jose Water Company has submitted many Advice Letters in December.
They are relentless with increasing their water rates…
So what do we do? Yes, we do what we do best…. PROTEST!
Protesting is easy….
OPTION A: You can download your app
● Download the app on your Apple iOS phone
○ Search for Silicon Valley Water
○ Download the app, Open it
○ Fill the form and hit “Click to send email

○ Review the email and just send
● Download the app for Android phones
○ On your Android phone go to   https://tinyurl.com/WaterApp1 ,
○ Download the app, and open it
○ fill the form and hit “Click to send email"
○ Review the email and hit send …send  your protest emails to CPUC
OPTION B:  Use the Google Doc link
Don’t want to download the app but still want to send the email?
Alternately, you can go to   www.RishiKumar.com/water
Search for Option B
Click on the google doc link, follow the instructions
Saratoga’s Neighborhood Watch program covered by
StanfordPolitics.com
The articles is very well written and researched covers Prop 47  etc.
https://stanfordpolitics.org/2018/12/10/secondchancestheenduringempathyofprop47/

Four residential breakins the week of December 10
A total of 64* for the year (unofficial number), in comparison to 69 in 2017 and 130 in 2016
Please do alert your neighbors please and ask them to watch over their vacationing neighbors
Visit safety tips under the “ Planning a Vacation ” section at   www.RishiKumar.com/tips .  Tips such as
signing up for vacation patrol or request a Patrol Check by our sheriff while you are out.  It is a free
service
Before you head out for your family vacation, let your immediate neighbors know, when and how
long they will be gone requesting them to keep an eye, pick up newspapers and delivered
packages etc.
Some simple safety  tips and measures to take before you leave   here
Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
Weekly Activity Summary 12/10/2018 – 12/16/2018
*** ATTEMPTED 12/11 At 7:01 PM, deputies responded to an inprogress burglary call at a
residence in the 19000 block of Kerwin Ranch Court where a suspect removed a window screen and
attempted to enter the residence. That suspect jumped fences and fled the scene. Meanwhile,
deputies located a possible getaway driver near the scene and attempted to make contact with the
suspect occupant inside the vehicle, but the suspect fled from deputies and recklessly evaded until
reaching a dead end. The suspect driver then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Burglary tools
were found inside the suspect vehicle. The suspects are unknown and at large.

** 12/12 At 9:38 AM, the victim came home to find unknown suspect(s) inside the residence in the
20000 block of Chateau Drive after using body force to open a door. It is unknown if anything was
taken from the residence.
**12/13 At 7:47 PM, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 12000 block of Beauchamps
Lane by using body force to open a rear door. The suspect(s) ransacked the residence and took
jewelry and purses for a total loss of about $10,000.
**12/16 Between 5:15 PM on 12/15 and 12:45 PM on 12/16, unknown suspect(s) entered a
residence in the 13000 block of Debbie Lane by kicking in a side garage door and opening an
unlocked door leading from the garage to the residence. The suspect(s) took table lamps and a
television for a total loss of about $1,500.

REPRINT: Crime Tips and Reminders for a Happy Thanksgiving

The holiday season is here, and with that, West Valley Patrol would like to provide the community
with some crime tips and reminders.

Many people will often go out of town during the holidays, a fact known by many, criminals included.
With homeowners out of town, burglars will be looking for crimes of opportunity.  Burglars typically do
not want to encounter potential victims or witnesses during the commission of their crime, so an
unoccupied home is preferred.  These burglars have various methods for attempting to ascertain
whether or not someone is home.

Just this week, detectives arrested a suspect responsible for a residential burglary that occurred in
the 12000 block of Saratoga Creek Drive.  The victims had an alarm system installed in their
residence, and fortunately, because of that, deputies responded immediately upon receiving the
alarm notification.

Video surveillance was obtained from the victims’ neighbor, which showed the suspect vehicle pull
up to the residence, followed by a suspect exiting the vehicle and ringing the door bell, likely to
ascertain if any residents were home at the time.  Through followup investigation, including
assistance from a specialized task force and cellular phone data analysis, a suspect was identified,
arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall for the residential burglary.

Please take this example as a reminder to secure your homes and vehicles.  Activate home alarm or
surveillance systems and always lock your doors and windows, even when you are home.  If you are
leaving town for the holidays, do not broadcast this information on social media and place a
temporary stop on newspaper and mail deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor, family member or
friend collect these daily.  Do not leave any valuables or gifts in your vehicles either.  Moreover, be
neighborly, and report suspicious activity in an effort to reduce crime where you live.

West Valley Patrol would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Term Limits for Saratoga?
At the newly elected leaders swearing-in, departing Councilmember Emily Lo brought up
term limits in her departing speech. She wants to see a Term Limit Ballot Measure that
makes (2 term) term limits in Saratoga DEFINITIVE, and not just advisory.
Councilmember Howard Miller said he did not agree on Emily’s view of Term Limits.
Don’t you think term limits would be a good thing for Saratoga? I would love to hear
from you. Email me at rkumar<at>Saratoga.ca.us
Good work by our Sheriff Team. Suspects in Custody
West Valley Deputies Arrest 4 Burglary Suspects After Saratoga Vehicle Pursuit
On October 31, 2018, at approximately 11:45 AM, a Cupertino resident interrupted a burglary of
their residence on Erin Way.
Three suspects ran from the
Cupertino residence when they
realized the homeowner was
actually home at the time of the
burglary. The suspects fled into a
waiting getaway vehicle, a Gold
Lexus sedan, and drove off before
deputies arrived at the residence.
A short time later, an observant
Sheriff’s Office Detective saw a
Lexus in Saratoga matching the
description provided from the prior
Cupertino burglary. A registration
check of the vehicle revealed this
particular Lexus was stolen during a
carjacking in the City of San Jose
earlier that day.
When deputies attempted to pull the
Lexus over, a vehicle pursuit ensued with the suspect driver speeding excessively, while committing
other egregious vehicle code violations. Eventually, the suspects drove the vehicle through the front
yard of a residence off La Paloma Avenue in Saratoga, and the four suspects abandoned the Lexus,
running in various directions from deputies.
West Valley Patrol Deputies and a Sheriff’s K9 responded to setup a perimeter. Deputies quickly
apprehended 2 of the 4 suspects. With the help of residents in the area, as well as a group of
electricians working in the area, the other 2 suspects were apprehended within a few hours.

The suspects were identified as 18 year old, Terrence Gentry of San Jose, and three other male
juveniles ages 1617. All 4 were taken into custody on a variety of felonies.
We want to thank the residents of Saratoga for their patience during this prolonged event, and to
those community members who assisted in the apprehension of these suspects. Protection of our
Community is a team effort!

VIGILANT SHERIFF MAKE AN ARREST On November 26 at approximately 10:13 a.m ., deputies
attempted to stop a motorist in a vehicle with paper license plates at Paseo Presada and Cox
Avenue for a failure to stop traffic violation.
The suspect driver pulled over initially, but then fled at a high rate of speed and recklessly evaded
until colliding into another vehicle on northbound Lawrence Expressway. The suspect vehicle then hit
a curb, which disabled the vehicle.
Multiple subjects, including the suspect driver, exited the vehicle and fled the collision scene on foot.
The suspect driver was ultimately located, arrested, and booked into Main Jail for reckless evading
and hit and run. The other occupants of the vehicle remain unknown and at large.
Your neighbors will love you! Get CERT certified
There is a CERT training session in Campbell starting January 15, 2019.
Please invite your neighbors to get trained and certified
Every neighborhood should have a CERT trained leader
This is a very good program that will help your neighborhood and easy enough for anyone to
complete and get certified.
Please visit  http://saratogacert.org
http://www.sccfd.org/communityeducation/emergencypreparedness/communityemergencyrespon
seteamcert
NOTE: Saratoga will have a course in May.

New Regional Housing Needs Allocation Subregion
Saratoga Supports the Formation of a Regional Housing Needs Allocation Subregion for Santa Clara
County. Meeting of December 5th. Earlier this year, on August 15th, the city council unanimously
expressed interest in such participation. On December 5th, the resolution was unanimously passed.
Pursuant to Government Code 65584.03, local jurisdictions may form a SubRegion to conduct an
allocation process that parallels, but is separate from ABAG’s regional process. This subregional

approach increases the potential for local control and may provide cities and the counties more
flexibility in distributing housing needs allocation among member jurisdiction

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons Lighted Crosswalks – by Mainini
Cabute
Installation of three rectangular rapid flashing beacons units is complete at the
intersections of Quito Road/McCoy Avenue, Herriman Avenue/Lexington Court, and Cox
Avenue/Cumberland Drive. When activated, these crosswalks display an irregular
flashing pattern that help increase driver awareness of pedestrians. In the next few
weeks, old signs in the area will be removed and trees that block visibility will be
trimmed
ADA access to the Joan Pisani community center stage
This was a project proposed by Councilmember Rishi Kumar earlier this year and supported by the
council. Last week, demolition of the stage in the Community Center MultiPurpose Room began,
and the project will be completed before January 10, 2019. The new stage will meet ADA
accessibility requirements, including a ramp behind a partial wall. The stage will have new flooring,
and the storage areas on either side of the stage will be completely rebuilt.
TEXT Based counseling
The County is now offering a new 24/7, text-based crisis counseling service to the
community. Emotionally or mentally distressed residents in Santa Clara County can
receive text-based support from trained Crisis Text Line counselors by texting “RENEW”
to 741741. The support is free, accessible 24/7 and confidential.

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department has partnered with
Crisis Text Line, Inc. to provide free, text-based, confidential assistance to people in
need in our community. To date, Crisis Text Line, a national organization, has answered
more than 84 million messages. The organization has more than 4,500 active Crisis
Counselors with strict safeguards and protocols to provide care, safety, and
confidentiality for each user.

Offering text-based support to people in need adds a new dimension to Behavioral
Health services and is an especially important tool to offer to young people in Santa
Clara County. Text-based counseling is easy and approachable.

The County’s Behavioral Health Services Department already offers a 24/7, free,
confidential Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 1 (855) 278-4204, mental health services
information and referrals at 1 (800) 704-0900, and substance abuse services
information and referrals at 1 (800) 488-9919.

Community members can also become volunteer Crisis Counselors themselves. More
information is available at www.crisistextline.org/volunteer.

New mixeduse project approved by the Planning Commission
20640 Third Street Sam Cloud Annex –
Christopher Riordan
On October 24, the Planning Commission
approved a new mixed-use project for a
2,527 square foot vacant site
adjacent to the Sam Cloud Barn at
20640 Third Street. The 35-foot tall,
three-story building will include commercial
office space on the first floor and two
residential units on the second and third
floors. A basement level garage will provide parking for eight vehicles. The project also
includes improvements to the courtyard located behind the Bella Saratoga restaurant,
including new permeable pavers, a new trash enclosure, accessible parking, and new
trees and shrubs.
Paint the City Project
Get Painting! City Accepting Paint the City Applications – by Crystal Bothelio
The City is now accepting applications for the 2019 cycle of Paint the City: Utility Box
Painting Project. A total of 5 City-owned utility boxes have been selected for the 2019
program. The program is open to Saratoga residents age 10 and older. Selected artists

will receive a stipend of $400 to $600 depending on location. For more information, visit
www.saratoga.ca.us/paintthecity.
New Restaurant in Saratoga
Read the Mercury News Article here
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/10/22/newinsaratogaopafounderopensheroranchkitc
hen/

West Valley College now an Age Friendly Campus


PG&E Tree Removal on Cox Avenue – by Kate Bear
In order to remain compliant with safety regulations, PG&E has needed to annually
prune 22 silver dollar gum eucalyptus trees that grow under high voltage distribution
and transmission power lines. The trees are located on the north side of Cox Avenue
between Fredericksburg Drive and Glen Arbor Court. Some of the eucalyptus trees are
circled in the included photo.
This year, PG&E will remove these trees rather than pruning them. Newcomb Tree
Service will begin to remove the trees on November 5 and will coordinate traﬃc control
with the Public Works Department. All other compatible vegetation will remain, such as
the Hollywood junipers and other shrubs.

Annual Tree Inspection and Removal on Cox
Annual Inspection of City Owned and Maintained Trees – by Kate Bear
In 2013, the City Council adopted a Tree Inspection and Risk Management policy that identified City
owned and maintained trees and created an inspection schedule for these trees. Each year the
City’s Arborist, Parks Manager, and Streets Manager inspect these trees, look for safety concerns,
and prioritize maintenance.
This year, trees were inspected on all of the main arterials, in the Allendale Avenue medians, and at
Kevin Moran Park, Saratoga Prospect Center, the corner of Canyon View and Elva Avenues, and
Parking District #4 in the Saratoga Village. The Kerwin Ranch and Leutar Court Landscape and
Lighting Districts were also inspected, as well as a vacant parcel owned by the City of Saratoga off
of Springhill Court.
Overall, the inspected areas are in good shape. The melaleucas in the medains on Allendale Avenue
were pruned in the fall, along with the trees in the two landscape and lighting districts. A few
raywood ash and liquidabmar trees at Kevin Moran Park were in poor condition and are scheduled to
be removed and replaced this winter. Two eucalyptus trees on Cox Avenue were found to be in poor
condition and at risk of falling. Both trees were removed this week, and photos are included below.
Additionally, PG&E removed eucalyptus trees under very high voltage power lines on Cox Avenue in
the past month.

Prospect Road Project Update
Prospect Road Improvements Project – by Macedonio Nunez
Progress on the Prospect Road Improvements Project continues, and all of the new concrete
medians are now complete. Over the last month, the landscaping contractor has worked on installing

irrigation pipes throughout the project. Weather permitting, the following work will take place over the
next two weeks:
1. Replace existing asphalt sidewalks with concrete sidewalks and replace driveway entrances to
meet ADA requirements on Prospect Road between SaratogaSunnyvale Road and Atrium Drive.
2. Install a new wood fence along the Saratoga Creek Bridge near Prospect High School.
3. Continue installation of underground irrigation pipes to connect the new medians.
The contractor will then temporarily close operations on December 19 and resume construction after
the holidays on January 2. Future phases of work also include landscaping, microsurfacing, and road
striping.
An additional $1,075,000 grant from the One Bay Area Grant program will extend the project timeline
to July 2019. With the additional funding and time, the following improvements will be installed:
1. New irrigation and upgraded landscaping in the three existing medians between Titus Avenue and
English Drive
2. New concrete sidewalks and landscaping in front of the Saratoga Prospect Center
3. NewirrigationandlandscapingalongthesidewalkbehindChristaMcAuliffe Elementary School
4. New concrete sidewalk to replace existing asphalt sidewalk between Titus Avenue and Johnson
Avenue
You can expect minor traffic delays during construction, but one traffic lane in each direction on
Prospect Road will always remain open.

3. Upcoming and Past Events

Bruce Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light
October 28, 2018 – March 17, 2019
Tickets on sale now!
Tickets are now on sale for this astonishing new exhibition by
artist Bruce Munro. Featuring 10 light-based works ranging in
scale from immersive to intimate, Bruce Munro at Montalvo:
Stories in Light will utilize multi-hued waves, clusters, cascades,
ﬂocks, and seas of illumination, transforming Montalvo’s historic
Villa and grounds into a breathtaking spectacle of light. This is

the ﬁrst time Munro's work will be publicly on display on the West
Coast, and will be the largest number of his works ever on view
at a single venue. To information on the exhibit, dates, and to
buy tickets, please visit https://www.munromontalvo.org/
The exhibition is open to the public on select days from October
28, 2018 - March 17, 2019. Standard tickets are $25 with timed entry
between 6:00pm – 8:20pm. Please note that no cars will be
allowed on site, and all patrons must park at West Valley College
and board a free shuttle to Montalvo.

Jan 3rd Sanborn ParkMysteries of the Cosmos (1/3/2019 @
05:30 PM 07:00 PM)
Explore the mysteries of the cosmos from a County Park at night! Discover night phenomena with
your family and friends in group activities designed to ignite your curiosity. Ages 914+. Reservations
required, rain cancels. Reservations (408) 9187779
Jan 12th: Let’s Work Volunteer Day
You can volunteer for the Parks & Recreation Commission Let’s Work! program from 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m. at Quarry Park (22000 Congress Springs Road) on the second Saturday of every month
from November through April. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot, then help remove invasive
plants to beautify and maintain the trails. Please bring gloves, water, and sunscreen, and wear
closedtoed shoes and long sleeves.
RSVP here  https://www.facebook.com/events/2234075436867116/

Jan 16th Night Photography Workshop #1
Wednesday, January 16, 6 p.m. 8 p.m.
VENUE:  Barn Art Studio
Event Summary:

What does it mean to “capture” light? How do artists use light as a medium to create
completely original works? In this new series of night photography workshops, students
will learn the technical basics of shooting in low or high contrast light as well as how to
move beyond documentary style photographs into artistically manipulated images by
using lens movements, flash fills, and other experimental methods. These workshops
take place during Munro exhibition hours to fully take advantage of the light installations
as both subject and inspiration.
Students are asked to bring a camera with manual controls, a sturdy tripod (along with
the adapter to mount the camera to the tripod), a cable release for the camera, a
standard zoom lens (24-70mm), (recommended but optional: an ultrawide zoom lens, a
longer telephoto lens greater than 100mm), and an extra camera battery. Please wear
dark clothing.
February 20th Montalvo Arts Center: Stories in Light
Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 7 p.m.
TICKET PRICES : $10 (with ticket to Bruce Munro: Stories in Light )
VENUE: Historic Villa
Event Summary:
As Bruce Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light nears its close, join Barbara Goldstein, a
leading voice in public art planning and place-making, and Bay Area-based Jim
Campbell, creator of the recent Salesforce tower illumination, who will discuss light as a
medium for engaging community. Campbell will share his work, his practice, and his
interest in light as a medium. Significant large-scale, light-based installations will be
shared and discussed, along with the key role public art plays in sustaining shared
spaces that promote healthy, flourishing, and equitable communities.
NOTE: This lecture is offered as an additional program for those visiting the Bruce
Munro at Montalvo: Stories in Light exhibit on February 20. Separate tickets are required;
to purchase your exhibition ticket, click here.

Quicksilver History Hike (12/22/2018 @ 09:00 AM 12:00 PM)
Explore what remains of the oncebustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden on
this 4mile hike leaving from the Wood Road parking lot off of Hicks Rd. Questions? (408)
9187770

Saratoga Youth Commission Fall Fair
A successful event took place on Saturday, November 18 from 3:00 pm to 6:00pm at El Quito Park.
The event involved a bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting, friendly competitions, music and
food! The only fees were tickets for activities which cost only 50 cents. The best part? It was a kid
friendly event organized for the youth of Saratoga by the youth of Saratoga.
Dec 15 Celebration of Light
Join the City of Saratoga and the Saratoga Ministerial Association for the Celebration of Light. Help
build community and celebrate the diversity of Saratoga with light a symbol of hope, joy, and faith
across cultures. The event will be held at Blaney Plaza and will include music and performances. For
more information, visit  www.saratoga.ca.us/celebrationoflight

Dec 13 Saratoga City Council Reorganization
Saratoga City Council Reorganization took place on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic
Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. During the Reorganization, Council Member Elect Rishi Kumar,
Council Member Elect MaryLynne Bernald, and Council Member Elect Yan Zhao were sworn into
office. The City Council will also select a new Mayor and Vice Mayor. A reception will be held in the
lobby of the Civic Theater following the Reorganization.

Nov 27Hakone Koi Pond Sustainability Project
Please join the City of Saratoga and the Hakone Foundation for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the
Hakone Koi Pond Sustainability Project on Tuesday, November 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Hakone Estate
and Gardens, 21000 Big Basin Way.

Come celebrate the new pump house and filtration system that greatly improve the pond’s water
quality and the health of the koi! Event admission and parking are free. For more information, call
408.868.1216

Special thanks to Santa Clara County for their $100,000 matching grant contribution that helped
implement this first project as part of the Hakone Master Plan.

December 2nd Screening of Domininion at the Joan Pisani
Community Center

4. Q&A with Councilmember Kumar
Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list.

How can I prepare for the Winter Storm?
Temperatures are dropping, raindrops are falling, and we’re reminding all Saratogans that it’s
important to be prepared for winter weather! Flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and landslides
are all possible outcomes of winter storms.
If you live in a floodprone area, please prepare your property in advance of heavy rain. A free,
24hour sandbag station is available right outside of the City’s Corporation Yard (19700 Allendale
Avenue) where you will find bags, sand, sandbag fillers, and shovels. There is a 25bag limit per
household. You can find more information and learn about proper sandbag techniques on the Santa
Clara Valley Water District’s website at  www.valleywater.org/sandbags .
You can report fallen trees, landslides, and flooding on roads and public property to the City of
Saratoga by calling 408.868.1245 on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At all other times,
contact Santa Clara County Communications at 408.299.2507. Report power outages and damaged
power lines to PG&E at 800.743.5000, and always call 911 to report downed power lines or any
other emergency. For more information, visit  www.saratoga.ca.us/storms .

Question: How can I prepare for the cold spell?
ANSWER:
1. Dress warmly in layers to avoid hypothermia.
2. Bring pets and potted plants inside and cover outdoor plants.
3. Check on isolated or medically fragile family, friends and neighbors.
For Santa Clara County cold weather resources visit:
http://bit.ly/Cold_Weather_Resources

Question: What should I do if I experience flooding or other
hazards during a storm this winter, and what are my winter
emergency resources?
ANSWER: Flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and landslides are all possible
outcomes of storms. It's always best to prepare ahead of time.
If you live in a floodprone area, please prepare your property in advance. A free,
24hour sandbag station is available right outside of the City's Corporation Yard (19700
Allendale Ave.) where you will find bags, sand, sandbag fillers, and shovels. There is a
25bag limit per household. You can find information on proper sandbag techniques on
the Santa Clara Valley Water District's website at  https://www.valleywater.org/sandbags

You can report fallen trees, landslides, and flooding on roads and public property to the
City of Saratoga by calling 408.868.1245 between 6 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At all other
times, contact Santa Clara County Communications at 408.299.2507. Report power
outages and damaged power lines to PG&E at 800.743.5000. You should also call 911
to report downed power lines and in the event of any other emergency. For more
information, visit http://www.saratoga.ca.us/218/WinterStorms

Question: What are some simple tips for fire safety?
ANSWER:
#1 Notify authorities if you see people burning debris, playing with fireworks, or driving
offroad vehicles in dry, grassy areas or trees touching a power line.
#2 Develop an evacuation plan for family members. Identify a meeting location outside
your home and neighborhood.
#3 Create a firesafe zone around your home, where dead vegetation and other
flammable materials have been removed
#4 Have your address clearly visible from the street to help first responders find your house.
#5 Maintain two emergency kits, one at home and another in your car.
#6 Take videos and photos of everything for insurance purpose. Take picture copies of
insurance policies, wills, passports, driver’s licenses and social security cards and place them
on the cloud. NOTE: If the home burns, it’s unlikely stuff stored in a fire safe will survive. For
help developing a personal wildfire action plan, visit tinyurl.com/ReadySetGoPlan .


5. Glimpse Into Nov/Dec- A Pictorial View

Swearing-in Ceremony on December 13th
Thank you Larry Roben Neighborhood Watch Leader from Wardell Saratoga neighborhood for
swearing me in. This was the very first NSW program that got the safety initiative going in Saratoga

At the Boring Company’s Tunnel Opening
Here is the press release from this launch
https://www.pr.com/pressrelease/772875?fbclid=IwAR2Y5yl2EBlbCwBG8gxQu7N7BTjZjF5Y37aBU
HYzYkhMls8AqqoGrtSKZ3E


Meeting Congressman Ro Khanna, December 3rd over coffee


Meeting Senator Jim Beall over lunch on December 13th - discussing Fire
Safety

At Congressman Khanna’s Town Hall Meeting
Councilmember Kumar asked a question on transportation


Honored to be part of the
League of California Cities Board of Directors Asian Pacific Islander Caucus

Prepping, cooking and serving 141 Thanksgiving dinners at the Orchard Road Shelter


Councilmember Rishi Kumar at the Better Cupertino Victory Party with the 3 winning candidates


November 14th Neighborhood Safety Watch Meeting

December 9th: A new Neighborhood Safety Watch program goes live


Screening of Dominion in Saratoga on December 2nd

Ladoos and Lattkes: Celebrating Diwali and Hannukah at the Los Gatos JCC


Morning of Election Day November 6th
Getting Ready for the Election Night Party

News on Election Night


Election Night Party

An Anniversary Celebration


At the victory party of Sergio Lopez, Mountain View

Honoring the founders of California Cricket Academy at their annual awards night


Interviews by IND TV USA


TouchaLife’s Annual Banquet


Monthly Saratoga Bollywood Night

Diwali Parties


Thursday evening Bollywood party at Mountain Winery

Councilmember rishi kumar saratoga christmas newsletter 2018 google docs

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