This newsletter provides information about events and news in Saratoga, California. It discusses the growth of neighborhood watch programs which has corresponded to a decrease in residential burglaries. The mayor notes the increased sense of community and connection between neighbors. Upcoming events include art exhibits, summer luncheons, Shakespeare in the park, and community dances and screenings. The council member answers questions about mail theft prevention, requesting a fire truck for parties, and applying for neighborhood watch grants.

1.
August 2018 Newsletter
Newsletter intern: Julia Gonzalez
On Mobile/Tablet, View in Landscape Mode
Contents
1. A Note From Rishi:
“Saratogans are “Stronger Together” and happier
2. Saratoga Happenings, Info, & News
● Protest against San Jose’s water rate increase w/AL#524
○ Download the App and push back easy against all water rate increases
● Residential Burglaries at 35 so far in 2018 (69 in 2017, 130 in 2016)
○ Saratoga Neighborhood Watch Programs have enhanced our safety
○ New Alexa ‘skill’ may ward off burglars
● NEW: Big Basin Turnaround completed
● Saratoga roadwork project is approved
● Permitting system for Saratoga goes online
● Wednesday Farmers Market has moved
● Appeal of an at&t Microcell site
● Verizon Fiber optic construction begins
● Fiscal Year 2018/19- Saratoga’s assessed valuations
● Coyote Sighting in your neighborhood
● Saratoga Senior Center Construction
3. Upcoming Events
● World renowned artist exhibit to shine at Montalvo Arts Center, Oct – March!
● Summer Luncheons at Montalvo Arts Center
● The Hood of Sherwood at Sanborn Park
● Silicon Valley Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing

2. ● September 21st­ Superhero Dance for Individuals with Disabilities
● September 22nd­ Free Screening of Documentary, “Dark Money”
● September 25th­ Living Room Conversations
4. Q&A with Councilmember Kumar
● Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list
● Question: What are the rules pertaining to my old EWAS SYSTEM?
● Question: How can I track or prevent mail theft?
● Question: How can I request a fire truck for our neighborhood block party?
● Question: What are Neighborhood Watch Grants? How can I apply for one?
● Question: How can I run my neighborhood’s block party?
5. A Glimpse into August ­ a pictorial view
1.A Note from Rishi
Dear neighbors
I am very excited to report to you the stronger community and connected neighbors coming together
in every part of Saratoga; our friendship bonds are getting tighter.
Almost a throwback to what many Saratogans have taken pride in and look back fondly to ­ the
sense of community we had in the '70s and '80s. Are we coming full circle? Saratoga is changing,
evolving for the good in the last couple years ­ we are truly becoming that "one big happy family”,
•*¨*•♫♪ Where everybody knows your name/ And they're always glad you came" . •*¨*•♫♪
Yes, we might say that we are safer with the Neighborhood Safety Watch programs, but there is
something deeper happening. The special Saratoga secret sauce of success that we are
embellishing has the key ingredients of "Connection, Communication and Collaboration" between
our neighbors. That really enhances the quality of our lives ­ makes us a tad bit hopper.
Here is what I have observed.I attended probably the largest neighborhood block party in recent
times earlier this month. The 2nd annual Miljevich Neighborhood Watch party had over 120+
attendees at the historic Miljevich home’s backyard. Ted Miljevich’s spacious backyard with historic
tractors, vintage hand tools and other memories of his family’s orchard day was both intriguing and
nostalgic. One of the best venues a block party has had in Saratoga.
YES! THE BLOCK PARTIES ARE HAPPENING

3. Many of our Saratoga neighbors are connecting with their next­door neighbors at such annual block
parties.
· Miljevich neighborhood just celebrated their 2nd annual block party which was 5x bigger than
last year
· The DeHavilland Cox neighborhood celebrates their 7th annual block party this past weekend.
The Fredericksburg Drive neighborhood celebrated their 7th annual block party too.
· The Meadowbrook neighborhood is celebrating their 4th annual block party next month
· Harleigh Drive, Prides Crossing East, Congress Springs, Braemar Drive and many more have
scheduled their block parties in the next few weeks
· The Bonnie Scots is a special story. They held their first meeting in late May, were certified
as a Neighborhood Watch in less than a couple weeks. A team of four phenomenal women ­ Ada
Luong, Indira Joshi, Lori Lytle and Risa Foster ­ took charge! They have recruited new block
captains, applied for their neighborhood grant $, and are now gearing up for their block party
already. Fast moving train..I have a tough time keeping up :­)
ACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS, BUT. ..Impressive! The culture we have together
established in Saratoga with active Neighborhood Watch programs, is of neighbors that are
connected and socially active; new neighborhood leadership feeling empowered, jumping in, taking
charge to make Saratoga a socially vibrant neighborhood.
HAPPINESS INDEX IS UP A simple urge to make Saratoga safer has neighbors getting to know
each other. We can talk about safety, drop in crime, or neighborhood watch programs, but the true
story is that Saratoga has once again become a vibrant community with connected neighbors, that is
creating immense happiness and joy for our families ­ after all we are social animals and happiness
index goes up when we are connected.
The story is “Yes, Saratoga has 70 Neighborhood Watch Programs”. But what is even bigger is how
our neighbors feel a sense of belonging; they are collaborating, taking charge, and solving their
neighborhood challenges while having fun. Miljevich neighborhood is a prime example.
Neighborhood leaders Ray Froess, Tina Hubbard and David Markus on Saturday, created something
magical in Ted’s backyard, for every family in the neighborhood that will be remembered for a long
time
WHY DON’T YOU PARTY TOO..WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS. Please consider starting a block party
in your neighborhood ­ not next year, but this month. Even if this is a teeny­tiny effort this year with
just a pot­luck social, it is still a VERY good start. You will find many more stepping up to support
your efforts and you will make some new friends.

4. Taking the first step is important. The party playbook will help you at www.RishiKumar.com/party
Simple steps on how to run a block party. Invite the sheriff, invite the fire truck too.
I am extremely proud to be a Saratogan and I look forward to seeing many more of such block
parties and a thriving, flourishing sense of community­ship
Together, let us build connections with our neighbors, make it one joyous community, continue to
enhance the quality of our lives
­ Rishi
A SUCCESS STORY ­ DROP IN CRIME
What an amazing community we live in! With our strong neighborhood community­ship and
collaborative spirit, Saratogans have the ability to handle challenges and find solution. And we did
that to address the gradual increasing crime in our neighborhoods.
Saratoga is definitely one of the safest cities, but one break­in is one too many, and we have done a
phenomenal job of reducing** crime with the collaborative and teaming between our neighbors, our
city and our sheriff, on the foundation of strong neighborhood leadership.
Saratogans don't point fingers, we collaborate, we innovate and we solve problems!
Our residential break­ins had gone up* from 59 in 2012 to 130 in 2016 and then 2017 happened!
What happened? Read on...
Our City of Saratoga had a huge drop in burglaries from 2016 to 2017 compared to many Santa
Clara County cities ­ A 29% drop from 2016 to 2017 as per the county crime tally table ­ see
attached. As per West Valley Patrol, residential burglaries dropped a whopping 47%** from 2016 to
2017.
I am extremely proud of our vigilant citizens our alert and engaged Sheriff team, 70 neighborhood
watch programs that are growing thanks to engaged neighborhood leaders and an active city of
Saratoga Neighborhood Watch program***.
Monthly burglaries averaged 15 in the summer of 2016; dropped to 3 in 2017 as per our sheriff. Why
did crime drop so drastically? By fighting crime strategically...by empowering each neighbor,
neighborhood at a time and collectively making a huge difference...alongside our determined,
proactive, hard working sheriff team...strategically rolling out Neighborhood Watch programs,
building awareness with the crime, talking about best practice and specific safety deterrents**** to
rollout. A few neighborhoods have put up cameras at the entrance/egress points… ring.com door
bells installed in people's homes the first line of deterrent, locking up fence gates, arming the alarm
systems ­ it was a collective concerted effort that resulted in this dramatic drop
Crime has gone up in many cities or stayed constant

5. Did crime magically go down in Saratoga?
Our engaged, aware neighborhoods are helping. "See Something, Say Something" is our city slogan
to address crime. The call volume to our sheriff was the highest in June earlier this summer.
Neighborhood Watch programs have helped and so also the awareness about crime
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain Urena was quoted in a Saratoga News article:***** "Saratoga’s
drop in those kinds of burglaries is “absolutely” related to its recently revitalized Neighborhood Watch
program". Read these Saratoga News articles below
*Home Burglaries in Saratoga as per our official sheriff report:
2017 ­ 69
2016­130
2015­125
2014­98
2013­72
2012­59
**NOTE: Our county uses a different metric for burglaries. As per the County DA's office: 2016
burglary count for Saratoga is 159 and 2017 is 93. As per our sheriff department that number is 130
and 59. Our sheriff does not take attempted break­ins as part of their count.
***Visit the city of Saratoga safety page for information on the latest crime stats and Neighborhood
Watch Programs http://saratoga.ca.us/stayingsafe
**** Safety Deterrents visit www.tinyurl.com/Top25Tips
*****Mercury News articles
https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/07/saratoga­sees­quick­growth­of­neighborhood­watch­prog
rams/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/07/06/is­saratoga­among­the­safest­cities­in­california­yes­but/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/06/07/neighborhood­watch­credited­with­reducing­crime/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/27/message­to­criminals­neighbors­are­watching­as­auto­bu
rglaries­rise/

7.
2. City Happenings, Info, & News
Protest against San Jose’s 0.83% water rate
increase w/AL#524
San Jose Water is at it again - they have proposed a 0.83% rate increase with AL#524
They are relentless with increasing their water rates…
So what do we do? Yes, we do what we do best….PROTEST!
PROTEST AWAY...
WE ARE NOT GOING AWAY!
PUSH A BUTTON AND PROTEST
Download the Water Rates Protest App on your...
Apple iOS phone
1. Go to App Store and Search for Silicon Valley Water
2. Download and Open
3. Fill the form with your info and hit “Click to send email"
4. Review the email and send. The email is delivered to CPUC.
Android phones
1. On your Android phone go to https://tinyurl.com/WaterApp1,
2. Download and Open
3. Fill the form with your info and hit “Click to send email"
4. Review the email and send …Your protest email is instantly delivered to CPUC

8. New Turnaround on Big Basin Way
A new turnaround has been constructed on Big Basin Way, just past the intersection with 6th Street.
This will improve traffic circulation through the Saratoga Village and provide a designated place for
drivers to pull off the road and turn around before leaving the Village.
Permitting goes Online
Did you know you can get a tree permit, a sound permit by going online? Here is the link
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/304/Permits
Hosting a neighborhood block party? You can just submit the permit request online
Give it a try ­ no need to visit city hall.
We are also exploring online building permits ­ simple ones like getting a remodel for a car charging
install ­ also online.
Wednesday Farmers Market moves to Prince of
Peace Lutherean Church
On August 22, the Planning Commission reviewed and unanimously approved a proposal to relocate
the All Bay Farmers’ Market from Blaney Plaza in the Village to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,
12770 Saratoga Avenue. The Farmers’ Market will be open on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. from April through October and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from November through March. The
new location will provide shoppers with plenty of parking in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
parking lot, which can be accessed from Saratoga Avenue and Cox Avenue. According to Market
Manager Bill Harlow, the Farmers’ Market will begin operating at its new location next month.
Residential Burglaries in 2018 at 35 so far
NOTE: We ended 2017 at 69
ZERO RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES ­ 8/6­8/15
THREE RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES 8/6/2018 – 8/12/2018
8/6 Between sometime on 6/13 and 12:30 AM on 8/6, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in
the 14000 block of Carnelian Glen Court by breaking a window. Nothing was taken from the
residence and the total amount of damage is unknown.

9. 8/6 Between 10:00 AM and 5:56 PM, unknown suspect(s) used a step ladder to access an open
window, pushed the window screen inwards and entered a residence in the 12000 block of Titus
Avenue before taking car keys, cash and jewelry for a total loss of about $6,207.
8/6 At 11:48 AM, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 12000 block of Titus Avenue by
kicking a door open and took electronics for a total loss of about $948.
TWO RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES ­ 7/30 ­ 8/5
**On 8/3 Between 6:15 PM and 9:55 PM, unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 13000
block of Beaumont Avenue through an unlocked rear sliding glass door and took cash and jewelry
for a total loss of about $22,400.
**7/30 Between 10:13 AM and 10:17 AM, unknown suspect(s) entered the garage of a residence in
the 12000 block of Saratoga Creek Drive by kicking a side door open. Nothing was taken from the
residence.
CAR BREAK­INS
**8/3 Between 5:57 AM and 6:05 AM, unknown suspect(s) broke through a window of a vehicle
parked near Starbucks in the Quito Village shopping center on Cox Avenue and took a laptop and a
purse for a total loss of about $2,000.
**8/4 Between 12:30 AM and 9:14 AM, unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle parked in
the driveway of a residence in the 18000 block of Kosich Drive and took electronics for a total loss of
about $2,270.
Vehicle Burglaries 8/6/2018 – 8/12/2018
**Between 1:15 PM and 1:35 PM, unknown suspect(s) broke through a window of a vehicle parked
at the US Post Office on Allendale Avenue and took an empty purse for a total loss of about $250.
***Between 12:45 PM and 12:52 PM, unknown suspect(s) broke through a window of a vehicle
parked near CVS in the Argonaut Shopping Center on Saratoga Sunnyvale Road and took a purse
containing cash, credit cards and a cellular phone for a total loss of about $2,300.
**Between 6:00 AM on 8/5 and 8:00 AM on 8/6, unknown suspect(s) broke through a window of a
vehicle parked in the 12000 block of Walden Court and attempted to steal a bag containing clothing,
but ultimately were unable. Nothing was taken from the vehicle and the total amount of damage is
unknown.
BREAK­INS SO FAR in 2018
8/31­8/19 ­ none
8/6­8/12 ­ 3 residential burglaries (Totals 35 so far this year)
7/30­8/5 ­ 2 residential burglaries
7/23­7/29 ­ none
7/16 ­ 7/22 ­ 1 residential burglary
7/9­7/16 ­ none
7/2 ­ 7/8 ­ none
**JUNE (0)
6/25 ­7/1 ­ none
6/18­6/24 ­ none

10. 6/11­6/17 ­ none
6/4 ­ 6/10 ­ none
** MAY (4)
5/28­6/3 ­ none
5/21­5/27 ­ none
5/14­5/20 ­ none
5/7­5/13 ­ 3 residential burglaries
**APRIL (3)
4/30­5/6 ­ none
4/23­4/29 ­ none
4/16­4/22 ­ none
4/9 ­ 4/15 ­ 1 residential burglary
4/2 ­ 4/8 ­ 2 residential burglaries
**March ­ (8 )
**February ­ (10 )
**January ­ (5)
Let us stay vigilant, watch out for our neighbors and let us make Saratoga safer!
Appeal of an AT&T Microcell Site – by Nicole
Johnson
At their July 11 meeting, the Planning Commission approved 12 microcell sites to be located on
existing utility poles within the public road right­of­way at various locations on Big Basin Way,
Congress Springs Road, and Pierce Road. On July 23, an appeal application was submitted to the
City Clerk for one of the sites located on Pierce Road near the Vista Regina intersection. The
appellant states negative aesthetic impacts to the surroundings and a visual burden as reasons for
the appeal. The application is tentatively scheduled to go before City Council on September 5.
As of Fiscal Year 2018/19, the City of Saratoga’s total assessed valuations are almost $15.5 billion –
having grown by almost $1 billion in the last year. Santa Clara County grew by $33 billion overall.
Assessed valuations reflect the total net assessed value of residential and business real estate.
This is the sixth year in a row with greater than 6% growth, “consistent with the second longest
post­recession recovery, led nationally by the Bay Area’s high technology sector,” announced County
Assessor Larry Stone. His press release providing additional information is available on the County
Assessor’s website.

11. MCI/Verizon Fiber Optic High Level Design – by Poh
Yee
MCI Contractors will begin installing fiber optic communication wire for Verizon throughout Saratoga
this week, and work will continue over the next 6­9 months. This project will serve the community
with improved future communication capacity and create a 5G network for Verizon customers.
The City has issued encroachment permits for various sites, including Big Basin Way,
Saratoga­Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga Avenue, Fruitvale Avenue, Cox Avenue, Allendale Avenue,
Pierce Road, and Glen Brae Drive. Throughout the project, there will be minor traffic delays at these
locations on occasion, but all traffic lanes will remain open.
Fiscal Year 2018/19- Saratoga’s assessed valuations
As of Fiscal Year 2018/19, the City of Saratoga’s total assessed valuations are almost $15.5 billion – having
grown by almost $1 billion in the last year. Santa Clara County grew by $33 billion overall. Assessed
valuations reflect the total net assessed value of residential and business real estate.
This is the sixth year in a row with greater than 6% growth, “consistent with the second longest
post-recession recovery, led nationally by the Bay Area’s high technology sector,” announced County
Assessor Larry Stone. His press release providing additional information is available on the County
Assessor’s website.
Saratoga Neighborhood Watch Programs have
enhanced our safety
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/06/07/neighborhood-watch-credited-with-reducing-crime/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/27/message­to­criminals­neighbors­are­watchin
g­as­auto­burglaries­rise/
Saratoga’s Neighborhood Watch program is being credited with a significant downturn in home
break-ins as per a Saratoga News article - see the link below. Saratoga’s biggest crime problem is
burglaries,” Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Lehmann said. “A few years ago we weren’t
getting enough calls about suspicious people and vehicles, so the Neighborhood Watch program has
had a real impact.”
Start a neighborhood watch program for your street today - contact Council member Rishi Kumar at
rkumar<at>saratoga.ca.us

12.
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain Urena: "Saratoga’s drop in those kinds of burglaries is
“absolutely” related to its recently revitalized Neighborhood Watch program". Read these
Saratoga News articles below
New Alexa ‘skill’ may ward off burglars
A new “skill” for Amazon’s Echo smart speaker takes things a step further: Away Mode
attempts to trick potential burglars into thinking somebody is home by playing long audio
clips that sound like real – albeit absurd – conversations that could be happening inside.
The skill, created by Hippo Insurance, a San Francisco-based home insurance company,
includes about a half-dozen conversations. Users can ask Alexa to play Away Mode, and it
will play recorded conversations, such as a couple breaking up while trying to watch TV, a
frustrated mom explaining to her daughter how to assemble IKEA furniture over the phone
or two average guys talking about what makes them unique because they want to start a
podcast.
The idea was to come up with "funny but somewhat common conversations that happen in
a home,” says Andrea Collins, head of brand marketing at Hippo Insurance.
***For full article, visit link***

13. Coyote Sighting in your neighborhood?
Here is an important safety tip from our county to avoid interaction with Coyotes
—-
Coyotes are a part of a healthy ecosystem in Santa Clara County, but that can lead to sightings and
interactions with people and domestic animals. With recent accounts of possible coyotes attacking small
pets in Mountain View, we encourage you to follow a few recommendations and tips for avoiding coyote
interactions before they happen.
To report a coyote sighting in your residential area, please go to sccvector.org or call the Santa Clara
County Vector Control District at (408) 918-4770. In case of immediate danger involving any wild animal,
call 911. (Comments are not monitored by the Vector Control District so please do not report coyote
sightings on this post.)
The below information provides guidance on how to properly maintain your property, protect your pets,
and react if you encounter a coyote. Information is also available online:
http://bit.ly/NeighborhoodCoyotes
Your Property
• Trim and clear brush and dense vegetation from around your house and near the ground that
could provide hiding places for coyotes and habitat for rats and mice.
• Pick up fallen fruit, which attracts coyotes and their prey including rats, mice, and birds
• Secure your garbage and recycle bin lids. Coyotes have a keen sense of smell. Strong garbage
odors and food left outdoors are attractive to coyotes, as well as other wildlife.
• 6’ fencing, secured below ground level, including a 1 1/2 foot overhang slanted outward from the
yard can help to prevent coyotes from scaling a fence or digging under it. Wooden stockade and chain link
fencing are easily climbed by coyotes
• Small children shouldn’t play outside unsupervised.
Walking your Pets
• Keep your pets on a fixed-length leash when walking them. Retractable leashes allow dogs to
travel an unsafe distance away from you.
• Take note if your pets seem nervous and frightened when outside. They may have encountered or
smelled a coyote nearby.
Your Pets at Home
• Never leave pet food or water outside. Pet food and bird feeders directly attract coyotes and
animals that coyotes eat.
• Poultry or hobby livestock should be secured in sturdy cages or pens every night.
• Pets should be brought in at night.
Make Coyotes Uncomfortable
• Use loud noises to scare coyotes away (e.g., an air horn, a referee whistle, or shaking a can with
marbles/coins inside). Tolerating their presence encourages coyotes (and other wildlife) to remain nearby
and lose their fear of humans.
• Install strategically placed motion detector lights outside to deter coyotes from your home. They
tend to shy away from lighted areas.

14. • Stray dogs or cats can compete for food with coyotes and may be eaten themselves. Call your local
Animal Control to report abandoned animals.
If you have questions or comments, please call (408) 918-4770 or email vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org.
The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Tri­Chamber mixer on Aug. 23 rd
!
Saratoga Senior Center Construction
Please note that the Saratoga Senior Center is temporarily closed for the renovations. All classes
have been moved to their temporary locations. Please visit www.sascc.org for more information
on class locations!
Saratoga will see road work soon…
Earlier this month, the City Council approved the Pavement Management program for many
Saratoga streets.Contract was awarded to the lowest bidder O'Grady Paving Inc. for $1.827M.
You should projects going forward soon

19.
3. Upcoming and Past Events
World renowned artist exhibit to shine at Montalvo
Arts Center, Oct – March!
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
light­based works ranging in scale from immersive to intimate, Bruce Munro at Montalvo:
Stories in Light will utilize multi­hued 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 6:00 pm – 8:20 pm. Please note that no cars

20. will be allowed on site, and all patrons must park at West Valley College and board a free shuttle
to Montalvo.
Summer Luncheons at Montalvo Arts Center
Wednesdays in August
The Montalvo Service Group is once again pleased to host its famous series of summer
luncheons. Dine al fresco on the front and side veranda of the Villa, just as visitors did nearly a
century ago! Bring your friends and create a memorable, delicious experience in this lovely
setting. Seating times are at 12:00, 12:30, and 1:00 pm. To view the menus, make reservations,
and learn more information, please visit montalvoarts.org/summerluncheons .
The Hood of Sherwood at Sanborn Park
Silicon Valley Shakespeare's band of merry men and women is playing The Hood of Sherwood
at Sanborn Park in Saratoga. This original production, written by local, nationally­produced
playwright Doug Brook, offers a unique and exciting look at one of the world's most famous
outlaw heroes. Full of adventure and romance, this fresh take on the classic tales of Robin Hood

21. will take you on a journey that illuminates the importance of community and standing up for
what you believe in.
TICKETS: https://www.svshakespeare.org/tickets/
The Hood of Sherwood
July 27 ­ August 31, 2018
Thursdays ­ Sundays at 7:00pm
Sanborn Skyline County Park
Sherwood alternates performance dates with Much Ado About Nothing. For exact dates, view
our Calendar or see them when you Buy Tickets.We look forward to seeing you at this very
special production! Please feel free to share this with your friends ­ the more the merrier!
www.svshakespeare.org
Silicon Valley Shakespeare: Much Ado About
Nothing
What better way for Silicon Valley Shakespeare to close out our 20th season, but in the Roaring
20's?!? Set against a backdrop of art deco styling and Jazz music, Shakespeare's wit and mastery
of word play shine in the fan favorite comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Enjoy some pre­show
singing and dancing with original jazz music by composer Phil Surtees, starting 15 minutes
before curtain at each performance!
TICKETS: https://www.svshakespeare.org/tickets/
Much Ado About Nothing

22. August 3 ­ September 2, 2018
Thursdays ­ Sundays at 7:00pm
Sanborn Skyline County Park
Much Ado alternates performance dates with the World Premiere production of The Hood of
Sherwood. For exact dates, view our Calendar or see them when you Buy Tickets.
We look forward to seeing you at this very special production! Please feel free to share this with
your friends ­ the more the merrier!
www.svshakespeare.org
Free Screening of Documentary, “Dark Money”
Sat, Sep 22, 10:00 AM
Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga
DARK MONEY” examines the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected
officials. The film follows an intrepid Montana journalist as he works to expose the impact of the US
Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. Directed/produced by Kimberly Reed (PRODIGAL SONS) and
produced by Katy Chevigny (E-TEAM). Screening followed by audience Q&A with film subject, Ann Ravel,
former Chair of the Federal Election Commission.
For registration info, visit link

23.
Superhero Dance for Individuals with Disabilities
The Saratoga Recreation Department is hosting a Dance for Individuals with Disabilities (ages 14 and
older) on Friday, September 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The dance will be held at the Joan Pisani
Community Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. Parents and support staff are welcome to join, and attendees
are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes! Admission is $5 pre-registration or $7 at the door
(cash or check only), and the registration form must be completed prior to entrance. Tickets can be
purchased in advance at the Recreation Department, 19655 Allendale Avenue, online, or by mail.
Download the necessary registration form here, or call 408.868.1249 for more information.
Date: September 21, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM ­ 9:00 PM
Location: Joan Pisani Community Center
Address: 19655 Allendale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070
Contact: 408.868.1249
Cost: $5 pre­registration, $7 at the door
Link: Download Registration Form

24.
Living Room Conversation
The Saratoga Ministerial Association and the City host the monthly Living Room Conversations series for
the community to engage in productive dialogue about important topics. To reserve your seat, call
408.868.1216 or email debbieb@saratoga.ca.us
Date: September 25, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM ­ 8:30 PM
Location: Joan Pisani Community Center
Address: 19655 Allendale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070
Contact: 408.868.1216
4. Q&A with Councilmember Kumar
Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list.
Question: What are the rules pertaining to my old
EWAS SYSTEM?
Answer:
The big change we made with Saratoga Fire a few years back was to give residents a choice of system and
the monitoring companies for an EWAS system. Residents are no longer limited to the vendor provided
by Saratoga Fire. When an alarm system is required, Santa Clara County Fire makes the final
determination if it meets all requirements. You can get another system and monitoring as long as County
approves it.
You can call County Fire at 408 378 4010 and ask for Fire Prevention Department, speak with Mac Bala
for further info. Here is the FAQ on EWAS http://www.saratogafire.org/ewas/

25.
Question: How can I get a fire truck for our block
party?
Many neighborhoods are hosting their block parties and would like a fire truck present for the kids.
Here is how: Call County Fire at (408) 378-4010 and ask for Community Education Department, speak
with Kristy Duncan to schedule the Fire Truck visit to your neighborhood
Let’s help keep Saratoga safe and fire free!
***Visit Saratoga’s Fire District website: http://www.saratogafire.org/***
Question: How can I track or prevent mail theft?
Answer:
How can you track mail that was delivered by USPS, but did not receive? Stolen?
Enroll in USPS Informed Delivery. Free service. Go to
https://www.usps.com/manage/welcome.htm
Now you can preview images* of your mail and manage your incoming packages on one
dashboard without entering tracking numbers. From the Informed Delivery® dashboard you can
also sign up for text or email notifications, schedule delivery alerts, request redelivery, enter
USPS Delivery Instructions™, and more.
*NOTE: Black and white (grayscale) images show the outside, front of letter­sized envelopes
and mailpieces that are processed through USPS® automated equipment
Here are a few ways you can prevent mail theft:
· Pick up mail promptly after delivery and never leave mail in the box overnight

26. · Do not place an envelope with a check and raise the mailbox flag. It may be picked up
someone else not the postmaster.
· Drop outgoing mail directly at the post office when possible
· Install security cameras monitoring your mailbox if you can
· If you're expecting checks, credit cards or other valuable parcels, ask a trusted friend or
neighbor to pick up your mail if you can't be home
· If you don't receive an expected check, credit card or other valuable parcel, contact the
issuing agency immediately
· When going on vacation, tell the Post Office so they can hold mail until you return
· If you change your address, immediately notify the post office and anyone with whom you
do business via the mail.
Q: What are Neighborhood Watch grants and how
can I apply for one?
A: The City of Saratoga offers Neighborhood Watch grants to help neighbors launch or sustain their
Neighborhood Watch groups. Each Neighborhood Watch group is eligible to receive one annual
grant of up to $300. Grants will be awarded on a first­come, first served basis until funding runs out.
It’s up to your Neighborhood Watch group to decide how you would like to use the grant! Examples
of how the grant may be used include flyers, informational materials, or annual block parties. Block
parties are one way to meet the new requirement for Neighborhood Watch groups to hold one
neighborhood gathering per year in order to stay registered with the City of Saratoga. Each gathering
must be open to the entire Neighborhood Watch group, but it does not need to be focused on
Neighborhood Watch.
Neighborhood Watch grants help residents organize groups in their neighborhood and stay engaged
for years to come! On the City’s website, you can easily apply for a Neighborhood Watch grant or
confirm that you’ve held your annual gathering. To submit either of those or to learn more about
Neighborhood Watch, visit
Q: How can I run my neighborhood’s first block
party?
A: Explained at www.RishiKumar.com/party

28. 5. Glimpses - A Pictorial View
Joining Senator Jim Beall’s 20th Annual Creek Cleanup

29.
Rishi speaks at the Milevich neighborhood block party gathering!

31.
The mother of all block parties hosted by the Miljevich Neighborhood
Safety Watch team - with a fair bit of Saratoga history at the historic
Miljevich family "farm" that harvested apricots and nectarines.

32.
Big Basin Cafe - weekend coffee

33.
Bollywood actress Tanishaa Mukerji visits Saratoga

34.
Chamber installation dinner - love the work our chamber is doing.
A few new board members are now on board.

35.
Weekend safety discussions! emphasizing the importance of security for
residential neighborhoods in Saratoga.

36.
Yes, Councilmember Kumar has officially begun his 2018 reelection
campaign! Go Rishi! “...Running again.... for our love for Saratoga, to keep
Saratoga *special*....for getting things done...for solving real problems ...to
continue stepping up for Saratoga’s toughest issues SaratogaFirst....”

38.
Letters in Saratoga News - published on the Mercury News site
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/23/letter­rishi­kumar­really­makes­a­difference­i
n­saratoga/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/01/letter­councilman­kumar­active­in­neighborh
ood­issues/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/06/29/letter­support­for­rishi­kumar­for­saratoga­cit
y­council/

39. https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/11/10/saratoga­news­letters­to­the­editor­3/