October 20th 2024.
Over the weekend, the Saratoga City Council and I had the pleasure of hosting the annual Saratoga State of the City event on Saturday, Oct. 5. It was a great honor to deliver the 2024 State of the City address, centered around the theme of "Looking Forward." This theme emphasized the city's commitment to the future of Saratoga, while also celebrating the successes of the past year.
I am thrilled to announce that our city has reached a significant milestone with the approval of the Saratoga 2040 General Plan this spring. This plan will guide our land use decisions, ensuring that any growth aligns with the vision and needs of our community. In addition, we have also received certification from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for our 2023-31 Housing Element. This achievement was the result of a challenging process that required collaboration between our council members, staff, and community members to meet the state's requirements. Together, we were able to address our community's housing needs while preserving the unique character of our beloved city.
The safety of our community is a top priority in Saratoga, and we are proud of our strong safety record and low crime rate. We have taken further steps to enhance security by implementing an Automatic License Plate Reader initiative in 2022. With nearly 60 strategically placed cameras throughout the city, these ALPR cameras have been instrumental in helping the sheriff's office take preventive action before crimes occur.
As we face the threat of wildfires in Saratoga, we are grateful to have been included in the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's list of Fire Risk Reduction Communities. This designation is a testament to our proactive and comprehensive approach to wildfire prevention and community safety.
Maintaining our public infrastructure is also a top priority for Saratoga. This year, we have resurfaced miles of roads through our Pavement Management Program, improving safety and transportation across our community. We are also excited to announce that construction will begin next summer on improvements to the Historic Saratoga Village Parking Districts. These improvements will include more ADA-accessible parking spots, EV chargers, and better drainage to protect our neighborhoods. We will also be adding more landscaping to enhance the overall experience in downtown Saratoga.
Saratoga is proud to be a Tree City USA for 17 years running, known for our beautiful tree canopy. We take pride in maintaining 15 public parks and miles of urban and soft-surface trails, promoting an active lifestyle while preserving the natural beauty of our city. Our efforts have been recognized with the National 2024 Voice of the People Award for Excellence in Government Performance for Health and Wellness by the International City/County Management Association. We are grateful to our partner, Successful Aging Solutions and Community Consulting, for their help in achieving this award.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without our city's dedication to fiscal responsibility. This requires careful planning, sound management practices, and strategic investments in our community's priorities. We are proud to have received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for 17 consecutive years, as well as the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for 29 consecutive years. These honors reflect our ongoing commitment to fiscal integrity and transparency, ensuring a prosperous future for Saratoga.
During the State of the City event, I had the privilege of presenting awards to members of the Saratoga community who truly embody the spirit of giving back. Capt. Tiffany Woods of the Santa Clara County Fire Department was honored as Firefighter of the Year, while Deputy Chris Valesco of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office received the Officer of the Year award. Marilyn Marchetti of Avanti Entertainment and Events was recognized as Businessperson of the Year, and Saratoga resident Ray Froess was named Citizen of the Year. The Saratoga Village Gardeners were also honored as Organization of the Year for their dedication to keeping our historic Saratoga Village beautiful year-round.
The Village is not just a business district; it is the heart of our community, representing the character and history of our city. With its charming tree-lined streets, unique shops, local restaurants, art galleries, museums, and historic landmarks, the Village is a beloved destination for both residents and visitors alike. We invite you to join us for some upcoming events, such as the homemade scarecrows on display throughout downtown Saratoga and our annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 29, at 5:30 p.m. in Blaney Plaza. Come and experience the magic of the holiday season in Saratoga!
As mayor of Saratoga, I am proud to lead a city that is continuously striving for progress and improvement in all areas. I am grateful for the support and dedication of our city council, staff, and community members who have helped us achieve these remarkable accomplishments. Let us continue to work together towards a bright and prosperous future for Saratoga.
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