Politics & Government
Saratoga Awarded $175,000 Grant for Safety Improvements
City invites public to planning sessions to determine how to spend money.
Although we are not subject to the hurricanes of the east coast or the twisters of the Midwest, we all know that sooner or later there will be another big quake in the Bay Area. And, with our city nestled up against the mountains we are also not immune to the ravages of fires and landslides.
So, it is essential that we prepare for natural and "‘human-activity related" disasters and how to protect the citizens and structures of our fair city.
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Fortunately, Saratoga City Staff has prepared for whatever might come our way by applying for and landing a sizable grant to boost up our safety budget. In 2011, the City of Saratoga was awarded a $175,000 State of California 2008 Disaster Recovery Initiative (DRI) grant to update the Safety Element of the City’s General Plan.
“The Safety Element is a critical planning document for the city that identifies potential hazards within our community and establishes policies that prevent these hazards from becoming disasters or serious problems,” said Saratoga Mayor Jill Hunter in a press release.
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The public review and comment period has begun and the the city plans to hold the following meetings:
- Planning Commission Study Session, January 8, 2013 at 5 p.m. at the Joan Pisani Community Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue.
- Planning Commission Public Hearing on January 23, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue.
- City Council Study Session on February 4, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the Saratoga City Hall Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
- City Council Public Hearing of the Safety Element on February 20, 2012 at the Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue.
“The last update to the Safety Element took place 25 years ago. As someone who has lived in Saratoga for more 31 years, I can tell you that a lot has changed since 1987. I’m pleased that the city is updating the Safety Element and that we were able to pay for the project using grant funds,” Hunter added.
To read the Safety Element Plan visit www.saratoga.ca.us/safetyelement.
What do you think is most important when planning for potential disasters? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.
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