Why is Saratoga different

Jeff Schwartz 

2020

Saratoga has less traffic, noise and congestion than our neighboring cities.

Saratoga is still “semi-rural” – mostly no sidewalks or streetlights - and very safe.

Saratoga is beautiful, with a marvelous tree canopy.

You can see our hillsides are different. We don’t build on ridgelines.

Our schools are among the very best in California.

We don’t do high-density infill. We don’t up zone for more intensive use.

Almost nothing in Saratoga exceeds two stories.

How have we maintained all this in the face of urbanization pressures?

Starting in 1976, in a conflict lasting until 2006, we stopped the West Valley College plan to build a 20,000 to 25,000 seat football stadium on Fruitvale.

In 1979, our Measure A voter initiative: prevents unsafe hillside development.

In 1996, our Measure G voter initiative: prevents high-density development.

Our zoning does not allow monster homes.

We led the vote to defeat the plan for 3 Highway 85 on/off ramps in Saratoga.

Our strong tree ordinance protects our tree canopy.

Our 2006 voter referendum saved Saratoga’s North Campus.

We defeated the Council plan for a 300 room hotel at the Mountain Winery.

Each of these landmarks was difficult and controversial at the time, and Preserve Saratoga and/or its Board members were centrally involved in these achievements. The threats have never been greater. Let’s work together to keep Saratoga the unique and special place that it is.

Please join us.