Here is my March council update - read it here See the newsletter archives here In this update you will get to read about Water, Safety, Cupertino Vallco Mall, the New Stop Sign in the Village, Sanborn park is open, the Big Basin Turnaround, Fruitvale-Allendale improvement, along with upcoming events like the Neighborhood Watch CERT gathering, Hakone Matsuri, Color Dash, State of the City - scroll down to see the index of topics WATER DECISION- SJWC 45 basis point reduction SARATOGA SAFETY: Two weeks that were not good Developer tries to fast-track housing at Vallco Mall under new state law

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March 2018 Newsletter
Newsletter intern: Arushi Saxena
On Mobile/Tablet, View in Landscape Mode
Contents
A Note From Rishi:
Recent happening with Cupertino Vallco Mall
Water Decision
City Happenings, Info, & News
● Senator Beall recognizes Saratogan Laurel Perusa
● New 4-way stop sign installed in Saratoga Village
● Sanborn Park is open
● Saratoga prepares for Emergency Management
● Vallco Mall and Quito Village housing project
● Mudslide on Big Basin Way
● Community Grants approved by City Council
● Saratoga’s Mid-Year Budget is available
● Big Basin Turnaround
● Fruitvale Allendale Avenue Intersection Improvement
● Girl Scouts Silver Award Project
● Change of ownership: Lady of Fatima Villa
● Have you been to Plumed Horse Chocolaterie in Saratoga?
Upcoming Events
● April 21st Neighborhood Watch CERT gathering
● (Series) Grief Recovery Workshop

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● (Series) ‘Stay Safe, Stay Secure!’ Classes
● (Spring Series) Hanami at Hakone
● May 20th Hakone Matsuri
● (Series) Free Smart Cycling Training
● National River Cleanup Day on May 19th
● April 8th Color Dash on April
● April 29th, State of the city
● May 20th, Saratoga Safety Fair on May 20th
Q&A with Councilmember Rishi Kumar
● Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list
● Question: I am new to Saratoga. Are there specific groups I can
subscribe to?
● Question: Can I have pet pigs in Saratoga?
● Question: I am interested in bee keeping...
A Note From Rishi
Water, Safety and Cupertino’s Vallco Mall
Dear friends,
Here is an update with the water situation, safety of Saratoga and the
latest Vallco Mall project that is important for Saratoga to keep an eye on.
WATER DECISION- SJWC 45 basis point reduction
Thanks all who sent in their emails to CPUC earlier this month.
The CPUC Commission’s decision on A.17-04-001 adopted a cost of
capital for SJWC (years 2018, 2019, and 2020). The adopted decision
provides a rate of return of 7.64%, which is a 45 basis point reduction from
SJWC’s previous authorized rate of return of 8.09% adopted in Decision
(D.) 12-07-009. The rate of return on equity dropped from 9.43%
(approved in 2012) to 8.9% (for adoption in 2018 by CPUC) while San Jose
Water Company had proposed 10.75%. Administrative Law Judge

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Bemesderfer’s ruling of February 21, 2018, had proposed returns of 8.3%
instead of SJWC’s request for 10.75%. SJWC lawyers pushed back on
Judge Bemesderfer’s ruling. CPUC today made a decision on this
As a result of the ruling, SJWC has to now reduce their revenue collection
by $5.843M* submitting AL 518 (visit RishiKumar.com/water and search for
AL518 to see details)
Please, please stay engaged with water. By sending our concerns and
letters to CPUC and the SCVWD Board, we have helped with rejection of 3
San Jose Water Advice Letter (AL501,510,512), removed the surcharge in
Feb 2017 - letters were directed to the SCVWD Board, CPUC is
considering data for an investigation and audit of SJWC - and now this.
Together, we can make a difference and push back these rampant rate
increases.
SARATOGA SAFETY: Two weeks that were not good
Saratoga has recently 4 residential burglaries the week of 3/12 recently
and 7 residential burglaries the week of 2/12
Please exercise caution, turn on your alarm systems and pick up some
safety tips from The Top 25 Safety Tips at rishikumar.com/tips and create
an extra layer of safety deterrent to better protect their home.
Also, for the latest information on crime join Saratoga's Citizen Safety
Forum https://www.facebook.com/groups/safesaratoga
Also, launch a neighborhood Safety Watch initiative for your
neighborhood/ a block party this spring (www.RishiKumar.com/party) to
better connect your neighbors and make the neighborhood safer.

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Here is a recent Mercury News page headline
Developer tries to fast-track housing at Vallco Mall under new state law
Here is the link
The project submitted by Sand Hill Property Company ­ Peter Pau’s
company ­ will be 2,402 residential units (50% affordable housing units and
approximately 1200 residential units that will be up for grabs at market
price) — a huge jump from the 389 units in Cupertino’s plan The Better

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Cupertino political action group has fought against turning Vallco into a
major office and housing project. "City officials have 180 days to approve
Sand Hill’s proposal under SB 35, assuming it meets the city’s big­picture
zoning and planning requirements."
The new state law referenced here is SB-35
This is housing legislation from the office of Senator Scott Wiener (D-San
Francisco) and has Senator Allen (D-Santa Monica) and Senator Atkins
(D-San Diego) as co-sponsors. Here is the League of California Cities
explanation of this and voteSmart.org has some details here and here
2018 Housing Law Update - by Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance
‑ Rishi Kumar
rkumar<at>saratoga.ca.us
­ 408 805 5993
City Happenings, Info, & News
Senator Beall recognizes Laurel Perusa
SARATOGAN GETS RECOGNIZED: Every year, Senator Jim Beall holds a
Women of the Year Celebration to recognize dedicated women who have
made the Silicon Valley a better place. Six women will be honored for their
work and civic involvement on Friday, March 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
at 2105 S. Bascom Avenue in Campbell. Laurel Perusa has been selected
as the community service honoree. She is being recognized for her work to
increase awareness about human trafficking in Santa Clara County. She is
also active in several local organizations, including the Village Gardeners
New 4­Way Stop Sign Installed
The 4­Way Stop at Big Basin Way and 4th Street was installed by Public

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Works Streets Crew the morning of Wednesday, March 28. The message
board to alert drivers of the new stop are up and will be in place until April
Additionally, Deputies were present the morning of March 28 to issue
warnings to drivers that failed to stop at Big Basin Way and 4th Street.
Deputies will continue to issue warnings for the remainder of this week and
will begin issuing citations the week of April 2. The City’s Traffic Engineer
conducted field observations during the evening commute on March 28 and
the morning commute on March 29. The City will continue to collect vehicle
behavior data over the next few weeks. The Traffic Safety Commission will
review traffic data at a meeting on June 7, 2018. Community members are
welcome to attend the meeting.
Saratoga residents have brought their concerns for pedestrian safety to the
Traffic Safety Commission a number of times over the years due to the
speed of vehicles traveling down Highway 9 and entering the Village. After
the Commission’s recommendation, the installation was approved by
Caltrans and the City Council. The impact of the 4­way stop will continue to
be observed and analyzed after installation.
On installation day, staff will also place signage at Village entrance points to
alert motorists that the signs have been installed. These additional signs
will be placed at 6th Street before entering and at the Gas Station on
Saratoga­Sunnyvale Road.

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Sanborn Park is open
Sanborn Park in Saratoga re­opened last week and reservations are now
being accepted for campgrounds, weddings and picnics.
The park has only been open on Sundays for the last few months because
Sanborn Road was being repaired. It was damaged by mudslides during
last winter’s rains, Park Ranger Edward Ancheta said. Sanborn has more
than 22 miles of hiking trails and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. It’s located
at 16055 Sanborn Road, about two miles west of downtown Saratoga.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/03/22/sanborn­park­re­opens­after­roa
d­repairs/
Saratoga Prepares for Emergency Management

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Through a FEMA grant, the City was able to purchase a brand new
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) supply trailer. This trailer
will act as the City’s third emergency response supply cache (to join the
Corp Yard and the Prospect Center base caches), and will include a small
emergency generator, search and rescue supplies, first aid supplies, tools,
and a full supply of emergency equipment. The same grant also allowed
the IT Department to purchase 24 new computers and devices for the
Emergency Operations Center. Thank you to the California and Santa
Clara County Offices of Emergency Services and FEMA!
New Housing Projects Proposed at Vallco Mall and Quito Village
Cupertino and area residents ... the latest on Vallco mall. The project
submitted by Sand Hill Property Company will be 2,402 residential units
(50% affordable housing units and approximately 1200 residential units that
will be up for grabs at market price) — a huge jump from the 389 units in
Cupertino’s plan The Better Cupertino political action group has fought
against turning Vallco into a major office and housing project. "City officials
have 180 days to approve Sand Hill’s proposal under SB 35, assuming it
meets the city’s big­picture zoning and planning requirements."
Mudslide on Big Basin Way on March 24th
A Mudslide occured on Big Basin Way on March 24th - Highway 9 - in
Saratoga near Sanborn Park and Saratoga Open gap preserve. Residents
were advised to use caution.
Community Grants approved by City Council
One of the delightful things about living in Saratoga is all the wonderful
community events that occur on a fairly regularly basis, adding to the

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community spirit and bringing all of us together to enjoy some special
Saratoga moments.
NOTE: If you are running events in Saratoga, you can request for grant
funding. (http://www.saratoga.ca.us/301/Community-Event-Grants)
During the city council meeting on March 21st, our city council approved
the following community grants totaling $40,000 (FY 2018/19) for the
following Saratoga events:
Blossom Festival (Secured Funding), Chamber of Commerce events
(Secured Funding), Fourth of July celebration (Secured Funding), Memorial
Day celebration (Secured Funding), Saratoga Community Band event
(Secured Funding), SVDC events (Secured Funding), Girls Scout Crafts at
Blossom Festival by Girls Scout SU618, Hakone Garden's Matsuri, Mosaic
Saratoga by Sangam Arts, Opera in the Park by the Bay Shore Lyrics
Opera, Rock the Garden by Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga Senior Center
Health Fair, Sushan Playland by Congregation Beth David, and the CA
Holocaust Action and Awareness Interactive Museum by CHAIM.
The following items were also on the agenda for our city council meeting
4:45pm - Closed session with City Attorney, 5pm - Annual meeting with
Saratoga Ministerial association, 6pm - Annual meeting with Planning
Commission.
7pm - Consent Calendar (Meeting minutes, Accounts Payable Check
Registers, Completion of Senior Center ADA Restrooms, Guava Court
Capital Budget, Disposal of City Vehicles and Quarterly Community Report
was pulled out for a longer dialogue, OBAG2 Prospect Road funding,
Replacement of Quito Road Bridges - Approval of Acquisition and
Acceptance of Interests in Real Property). Weed/ Brush Abatement
Program and Assessment Hearing, Resolution on Communitywide Firearm
Safety, Community Grants Application for FY 2018/19.

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Saratoga’s Mid­Year Budget Review Is Here
For more information:
https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/p
df/160168/2018.3.7_Mid-Year_Budget.pdf.
Proposed Budget Adjustments:
ISF: Facility Replacement Fund
- $41,488 Re-appropriation of PY funding CIP: EV FAST CHARGE
STATION
CIP: Village to Quarry Park Pathway - Phase 1
- $100,000 of additional funding
CIP: Prospect Road Improvements
- $160,000 of additional funding

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Big Basin Turnaround
Big Basin Way turnaround (at the end of our village) is now almost funded
city council project for the FY 2018/19. This will allow folks who have
driven past our village, being short as it is, to turn back.
Fruitvale Allendale Avenue Intersection Improvement
Fruitvale Allendale Avenue Intersection improvement is now almost funded
city council project for the FY 2018/19. This should alleviate traffic issues.
Girl Scouts Silver Award Project
In 2017, two local girl scouts contacted Public Works staff and requested
City assistance to help them complete their Silver Award Project. They
proposed setting up crosswalk flags at existing Saratoga crosswalks. Staff

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suggested they consider setting up the crosswalk flags at the Saratoga
Avenue & Crestbrook Drive crosswalk, and also at the Quito Road &
McCoy Avenue crosswalk, due to high foot traffic at these specific
locations. The girl scouts purchased the materials for their project, and
Public Works Staff has installed the unit at Saratoga Avenue & Crestbrook
Drive. The second unit will be installed next week, weather permitting.
Change of Ownership for Fatima Villa
Saratoga, CA ­ 3/16/2018 ­­ Times are changing at Our Lady of Fatima
Villa. The 5­Star* assisted living and skilled nursing facility has signed an
agreement to begin the process required for change of ownership. As part
of the transaction an operational agreement has been signed with Kalesta
Health Care Group LLC., a locally­owned health care provider of assisted
living, and skilled nursing services.
Chocolates, Oscars and Sensations
Have you been to Plumed Horse Chocolaterie in Saratoga?
The luxurious Plumed Horse Chocolaterie has been selling out of its
gem­like truffles and other creations since it opened its doors in December,
just across the street from its Michelin­starred parent restaurant, The
Plumed Horse. Angelica Duarte is the classically trained chocolatier behind
the operation, conceiving and hand­making the colorfully stunning
chocolates, from the pyramid­like Vanilla­Infused Dark Chocolate to the red
swirls of the Fresh Jalapeno. Her chocolates also support The Plumed
Horse’s dessert program. That’s right — they’re Michelin quality, too.
Details: Open from noon Wednesday­Saturday at 14572 Big Basin Way,
Saratoga; www.plumedhorse.com/chocolatier

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Upcoming and Past Events
Neighborhood Watch/CERT Gathering on April 21
The Public Safety Task Force will be holding a dinner on Saturday, April 21
from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Saratoga Prospect Center in Friendship Hall
to bring Saratoga’s Neighborhood Watch leadership and Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) members together to meet each other
and discuss how the two programs can be more collaborative and identify
strategies for the programs to support each other. During the dinner,
participants will be split up into small groups, based on CERT Divisions
within the City so that residents living in the same area can meet each
other. Following discussions, each group will be asked to report out their
key findings.
Grief Recovery Workshop ­ April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, and May 6th;
4:00 ­ 5:30 p.m.
The workshops will be held at Saratoga Federated Church - Douglass Hall,
20390 Park Place, Saratoga. The Grief Ministry is providing a workshop on
self-care for those who are grieving, and those caring for others who are
suffering a loss. Come for your own sake of for the benefit of one another.
Care recipients and care providers will grow together. Consider attending
with a friend. Sessions will include practical tools, stories shared by those
further along the same road, spiritual guidance, recommended resources,
and fellowship with others living a similar experience. While our focus will
be on bereavement, the workshop will be helpful for those recovering from
other forms of grief, such as the loss of marriage, employment, or health.
You may register for this class by calling Peggy Beck, Grief Ministry
Coordinator, at (408)-867-1000 or by email:
peggy.beck@saratogafederated.org.

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‘Stay Safe, Stay Secure!’ Classes
FREE Safety Class Series at Saratoga Senior Center. Santa Clara County
Fire Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, and the City of
Saratoga are hosting a series of adult and senior safety classes to keep
you prepared, safe and secure. Four class sessions will be held, beginning
March 21, and will present the following topics:
­ "Crime Prevention & Home Fire Safety"
­ "Be Ready: Seniors Prepared!"
­ "Preparing Residents for Home Emergencies"
­ "Preparing Caregivers for Medical Emergencies"
All classes will be offered at the Saratoga Senior Center. Call 408­868­1257
to register.

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Hanami at Hakone ­ Spring 2018, Monday to Friday 5:30 to 9:30
The cherry blossoms are currently in bloom, and this event is a nighttime
viewing of the beautiful flowers. Viewing cherry blossom in the night is a
popular event in Japan. Admission: Adult (18-64) $12, Seniors & Students
(5-17) $10, 4 years old & under and Hakone members free.

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Hakone Matsuri ­ Hakone Gardens; Sunday, May 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Hakone Matsuri is a Japanese Festival, featuring a kimono show and
sale. Admission is $5, and children 4 years and younger will be admitted
for free. There will be no available parking at Hakone Gardens, but there
will be shuttles from the West Valley College Parking Lot 5. The event will
feature Shamisen, Chorus, Martial Arts, a Tea Ceremony, a Children’s
Booth, Japanese Food and Beer, and Vendors. The event will be
supported by the Consulate General of Japan, and for more information,
you can call: (408)-741-4994, or visit www.hakone.com.
FREE Smart Cycling Training this Spring!
VTA & Santa Clara County Public Health Department is offering Smart
Cycling bicycle safety courses for FREE this spring. This is a 2-day course
with one classroom session & one bicycle riding session. If you feel

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uncomfortable bicycling on busy streets, this is a great way to gain skill &
confidence. There are several different sessions at locations around the
county. http://www.vta.org/SmartCycling
National River Cleanup Day on May 19th
Do you regularly notice a creek, river, or lake that is plagued by litter in
Santa Clara County? If so, we encourage you to be a site coordinator for
the annual National River Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 19, 2018, from 9
a.m. to noon. Register by March 2: https://t.co/aGFkjoi6gK
https://t.co/6pe3be6nvu
Color Dash on April 8th

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State of the City on April 28th

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Safety Fair on May 20th
Aram Sei on May 12th
Signature Gathering event ­ Prevent Cruelty

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Did you Know?
Saratoga website stats: 68% of users are on desktops,
25% smartphones and 7% tablets
Q&A with Councilmember Kumar
Visit www.RishiKumar.com/faq for the complete list.

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Question: I am new to Saratoga. Are there Saratoga specific
Interest Groups I can subscribe / join?
Answer: Here are a few groups
Discussion group for Saratoga Residents
h p://Groups.google.com/group/Saratogan
Saratoga’s STEM programs for middle and high school kids
h p://groups.google.com/group/SiliconValleySTEAM
Email group for Saratoga Union School District

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https://groups.google.com/group/susdparents
Email group for Saratoga’s High School District
http://groups.google.com/group/shsparents
Email group for Saratoga Safety http://groups.google.com/group/safeSaratoga and
Facebook.com/groups/SafeSaratoga
Saratoga Neighborhood Watch Captain’s group
h ps://www.facebook.com/groups/SafetyCaptains
Email group for Saratoga Water http://groups.google.com/group/WaterOversight
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce events
h ps://www.facebook.com/groups/saratogachamber
Saratoga’s Open Mic / Entertainment events Email group:
http://Groups.google.com/group/ValleyTalent
Revitalize Saratoga group: https://groups.google.com/group/revitalizesaratoga
Incredible Saratoga Groups.google.com/group/IncredibleSaratoga
Ques on: Are dogs allowed off their leashes in Saratoga?
A: No, dogs are not allowed off­leash when outside of their yards. When in public and at City parks,
dogs must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Leash laws exist to keep your dog, and
the people and other dogs you encounter, safe and able to comfortably enjoy the City's beautiful
amenities. The City of Saratoga contracts with San Jose Animal Care and Services.
To report a dog off­leash, contact them at 408.794.PAWS (7297), or call 911 if you find yourself in a
dangerous situation where you feel threatened. San Jose Animal Care and Services also provide a
variety of other animal services. You can contact them for pet licensing or if you have lost or found a
pet. For more information, visit www.sanjoseanimals.com

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Owners must also immediately clean up after their dogs in parks and public areas, including schools.
If you forget dog waste bags, the City has provided dog waste stations at City parks, throughout
downtown, and at several trailheads. Please take only one bag as needed, and dispose of them in
nearby bins. Saratoga has always been a dog­friendly community, and abiding by leash laws and
picking up dog waste will help it stay that way.
Captain Jay Terrado manages the Field Services Unit for San Jose Animal Care and Services. The
Field Services Unit responds to calls for animal law enforcement, stray animals, bite investigations,
emergency calls, and other animal­rela
Ques on: Can I have pet pigs in Saratoga?
ANSWER: The City Code is not specific on pet pigs. Section 15­12.020 (Permitted uses
in single family residential zones) states. It comes down to pet owners being
responsible and not impacting their neighbors.
Ques on: I am interested in bee keeping in my backyard and would like to find out
what are the regula ons for that?

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Glimpses - A Pictorial View

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Councilmember Kumar at a Neighborhood Watch meeting at
Larchmont

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Councilmember Kumar with Senate District 15’s 2018 Women
of the Year Community Service Award Winner, Laurel Perusa

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Senate’s 15th District 2018 Women of the Year.
Councilmember Kumar at his weekly Saturday Office Hours
at Big Basin Cafe.

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Councilmember Kumar with Saratogans at a Neighborhood
Meeting in Saratoga Woods.
Councilmember Kumar with Governor Jerry Brown after a
dialogue about University of California schools.
“ Excellent dialogue today with Governor Brown on our University of California current
state/challenges, future direction and the ideal/desired profile of a UC Regent. Participating in
this informal discussion were California Speaker Anthony Rendon, UC Regents Chair George

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Keiffer, a few UC Regents and members of the UC Regents selection committee. Candid
dialogue and Governor Brown was a keen listener”
Councilmember Kumar at the State Capitol, part of a panel
defining a Computer Science curriculum for K­12 California
schools.
PUBLIC COMMENTS can be emailed to CSSIPP@cde.gov
Computer Science curriculum K­12. THere will be plenty of opportunities to provide feedback
as the curriculum gets crystallized. In the meantime, love to get any feedback as I sit in these
sessions. http://bit.ly/CACSstandards
“I am honored to represent our Silicon Valley hi­tech community and being appointed to the
Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan Panel (CSSIPP) by the California Senate Rules
Committee” ­ Rishi Kumar

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Rishi Kumar, Emily Lo and Howard Miller at Saratoga
baseball Opening Day

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Councilmember Kumar with the California Education
Department and the Computer Science Strategic
Implementation Plan Panel in the California State Capitol.
Board member Betty Yee of California's State Board of
Equalization and Former mayor of Milpitas Jose Esteves

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With Anna Valenzuela, Consul General of El Salvador and
County Supervisor David Cannepa from San Mateo County
Pain the City Kick-off at City Hall

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Assemblymember Evan Low’s Lunar New Year celebration

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Saratoga Springs is a treasure
Loved the tour of Saratoga Springs today. It is a lovely location just 2 miles from Saratoga
downtown where you can host your corporate parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties ­
even weddings. I was meeting with the property owners ­ a family that has owned this
paradise for generations ­ to discuss the 100+ year old bridge that currently being considered
for replacement by Caltrans
At a fundraiser in Atherton

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Congratulations Rohan Mehrotra ­ a tremendously talented student of Saratoga ­ for getting a
special commendation today from our Saratoga city council.
Rohan was 1st place at the Synopsys Science Fair Championship, 1st place for Chemistry at
the California State Science fair, entered the Intel Sciemce fair for his project “A novel
Nanoscale approach to combat disease: electrically stimulated drug release from
biodegradable PVL Nanoparticles”. Amazing achievement! Congratulations to proud mom (in
the picture) and dad
At a tech conference in Vegas - after business assembling
bikes for kids of Vegas

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Dance-a-Thon Season 2

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Dance-a-Thon Season 2: Honoring Dharmesh Sir
From Dance-a-Thon Season 1
USA Women's Team Cricketer Sugetha Kalyanaraman
Chandrasekar felicitated by Saratoga Council Member Rishi
Kumar at a Cricket Zeal Academy (CZA) event

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Oscar Party

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At the 10th Lunary New Year celebration at Hakone Garden

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Cupertino Education Foundation Black and White Ball

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Saratoga Community Center saw the
4th annual Silicon Valley’s got Bollywood