From the Mayor’s Desk: Saratoga council has had a busy start to 2022
After years of public service, I am honored to now serve my community as mayor of Saratoga. You may have read a profile of me in in this publication after I took office in December. I’m pleased to appear on these pages once again to update you about all the work that’s been done since then due to the city council’s dedicated efforts. I appreciate this exciting opportunity to write a monthly mayoral column and connect with the community going forward. Here are a few of the many things we have been working on in the past several months.
We had a busy start to the year with a focus on the Housing Element, which brought unprecedented levels of community input. It is inspiring to see Saratogans’ devotion to civic participation, and I am thankful for your thoughtful comments. Work will soon begin on the Environmental Impact Report, which will address potential impacts of implementing this project.
The city council also recently approved use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for five stormwater management projects. This money will be used to update the city’s aging stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure. Over $6 million will go toward revamping the city’s storm drain collection and treatment systems in the Village parking districts to improve water quality flowing into Saratoga Creek.
A one-year automated license plate reader pilot program to install seven cameras on main roads at entrances to Saratoga was recently approved by the council. These cameras will capture images of vehicle license plates and compare them with law enforcement databases, then alert the sheriff’s office if a plate matches a database listing so a deputy can investigate.
This has all been accomplished as the council continues to meet virtually under public health guidance during the ongoing pandemic. Many Saratoga residents enjoy the convenience of participating from home, so we will continue to offer remote participation options when meetings are held in person again. Our Agenda Center on the city website includes links to upcoming city council and commission meetings, as well as minutes and videos of past meetings.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak virtually with members of one of those commissions, our inspiring Youth Commission. We discussed many interesting topics, including how young people can engage with politics and use their voices to speak up about issues they care about. You can watch this interview on the city’s YouTube channel.
Another group of city volunteers, the Traffic Safety Commission, is developing Saratoga’s Safe Routes to School Master Plan. They are seeking feedback on the proposed improvements from parents, students, faculty and neighbors.
I hope to see you around town and chat more about these updates, as we all are getting out more to enjoy Saratoga’s beautiful outdoor spaces and attend community events. We recently enjoyed the successful St. Paddy’s Party in the Village and are now looking forward to events like Blossom Festival at the Heritage Orchard and Civic Center on April 9 and Arbor Day at Kevin Moran Park on April 27.
There’s much to look forward to this year, and I am delighted to share all that we have planned. To stay informed, please subscribe to the City of Saratoga’s newsletter at www.saratoga.ca.us/subscribe and follow us on social media. You can also share your thoughts with the city council using the online comment form at www.saratoga.ca.us/comment or email me directly at twalia@saratoga.ca.us.