Consejo Municipal — Ciudad de Saratoga

#1 A KICK-OFF MEETING IS HELD: Neighborhood Meeting held with Councilmember Rishi Kumar and Neighborhood Safety Captains (at least 2) and Zone Block Captains identified at this meeting. After the meeting, Rishi sends the following to the Neighborhood Safety Captains: 1. A summary of the meeting and reference links  and 2. The framework of the Neighborhood Safety Watch program that explains the details of the process
#2 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNICATION SETUP: A Neighborhood wide email group is established by the Neighborhood Safety Captains (if one does not exist). They then email the neighborhood a status update from the meeting  and the next steps to establishing the Neighborhood Safety Watch program, using the email from Rishi - step 1 above.
#3 DIVISION INTO ZONES:  Neighborhood Safety Captains divide the neighborhood small chunks called "zones" or blocks, with each zone being led by a Block Captain. A few Block Captains are lined up based on step 1 volunteers. We can now see missing Block Captains in the neighborhood zone map. The Neighborhood Safety Captain provides this zone map to all the Block Captains.
#4 RECRUIT BLOCK CAPTAINS: Neighborhood Safety Captains now focus on recruiting Block Captains to fill the gaps in the zone map. This is likely the most difficult task so far. Once we have all block captains identified and ready, publish the zone  map online and have it available to the neighborhood by sending an email.
#5 MEETING #2  (WITH BLOCK CAPTAINS)- Neighborhood leaders now meet with Block Captains, answer questions and get their support to move forward. Block Captains are ready to collect the required information (name, email, phone #s etc) from their zone neighbors using the zone template - this will help with communication.
#6 BLOCK CAPTAINS BUILD THEIR ZONE CONTACT LIST:  Block captains have collected information from their zone, compiled the directory and Neighborhood leaders have obtained the zone list from ALL the BLOCK CAPTAINS.
#7 ZONE COMMUNICATION: Block captains have established a communication mechanism for their zone (text or email).
#8 MASTER SPREADSHEET/ DATABASE: Neighborhood Safety Captains have built a master spreadsheet from the input data from the Block Captains. subscribed the block emails (from each zone) into the Neighborhood email group. Based on authorization, some of the emails from the Master database (stored encrypted) will be entered into the email group setup in step 2
#9  - GETTING CERTIFIED: Neighborhood Safety Captains next fill the certification template and schedule a meeting with the Sheriff to get certified.
#10 - REGISTERING WITH THE CITY: Now that the neighborhood is certified, register the Neighborhood Safety Watch program with the city of Saratoga. Our city next installs a "Neighborhood Safety Watch" sign at chosen spot(s) in your neighborhood. Yes - it is party time!
DETAILED STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH is explained at www.RishiKumar.com/safety (search for "Process for a successful Neighborhood Safety Watch launch")

#1 DETERRENTS: THE SAFETY SECRET SAUCE

DO NOT MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM TO TARGET YOUR HOME. GET A DOG, A DOOR BELL VIDEO CAM,  SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS, AN ALARM SYSTEM, AND LOCK YOUR FENCE GATES

#2 LOCK ‘EM UP

INSTALL A LOCKING MAIL BOX

DEADBOLTS ARE REQUIRED ON YOUR FRONT DOOR/ GARAGE SIDE DOOR. LOCK YOUR ELECTRICAL PANELS

#3 WHAT ABOUT BOB?BOB IS ALWAYS HOME

MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK “OCCUPIED”. PLAY MUSIC OR LEAVE THE TV ON. YARD LIGHTS AND INDOORS LIGHTS TURN AUTOMAGICALLY ON AT DUSK. CAR PARKED ON DRIVEWAY IS GOOD. NEWSPAPERS PILED ON YOUR DRIVEWAY? BAD!

 #4 FORT KNOX?

MANY BREAK-INS OCCUR DUE TO UNLOCKED DOORS/ WINDOWS ON WARM DAYS. SO LOCK ‘EM! ARM YOUR ALARM SYSTEMS BY HABIT  . KEYS UNDER YOUR MAT IS SO OLD SCHOOL – WHY DO IT?

#5 KNOW THY NEIGHBOR

GO MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS TODAY! A CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOOD IS A SAFER NEIGHBORHOOD. ORGANIZE A BLOCK PARTY

#6 RELAXING VACATION!

LET YOUR NEIGHBORS KNOW.
CALL THE SHERIFF FOR VACATION PATROL @408 868 6600. STOP MAIL, NEWSPAPER, YOUR RECYCLE BINS IN AND OUT.  DON’T POST PICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

#7 SMILE, YOU ARE ON    

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ALL AROUND YOUR HOME: BACKYARD AND SIDE YARDS. POINTING TO YOUR GARAGE, EVEN MAILBOX

#8 CHECKS IN THE MAIL

DO NOT LEAVE IMPORTANT ENVELOPES, CHECKS IN YOUR MAIL BOX WITH THE FLAG RAISED. FOLKS CASING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WILL GRAB IT

#9 MAN’S BEST FRIEND

A FEROCIOUS BARKING DOG IS THE #1 DETERRENT. DON’T HAVE A DOG? BUY A BOX THAT BARKS LIKE A DOG. FOOL THEM!

#10 FLAUNT THE SIGNS

“BEWARE OF THE DOG” “THIS HOME HAS VIDEO SURVEILLANCE”  “THIS HOME MONITORED 24X7”

#11 IRS WANTS $5000 in TARGET GIFT CARDS?

IGNORE PRANK IRS CALLS. IRS WILL NEVER MAKE THREATENING PHONE CALLS

#12 A SAFE IS THE MOST UNSAFE PLACE

JEWELLERY SHOULD BE IN THE BANK LOCKER – NOT IN YOUR SAFE. IN PUBLIC PLACES COVER UP YOUR
EXPENSIVE JEWELLERY

#13 TO HAVE OR NOT…

 WITH AN ALARM SYSTEM THEY LEAVE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. WITHOUT? THEY PLUNK DOWN ON YOUR LUXURY SOFA AND WINE. MUST HAVE: SHOCK SENSOR/ GLASS BREAKAGE SENSOR

 #14 UTILITY WORKER AT YOUR DOOR?

 DO NOT LET STRANGERS INTO YOUR HOUSE OR YARD. DO NOT BE DISTRACTED BY SWEET TALK

 #15 SECURITY GURUS CAN HELP YOU FOR NO CHARGE

 GET A FREE SAFETY ASSESSMENT DONE. CALL THE SHERIFF AT 408 868 6600 OR EMAIL WVADMIN@SHERIFF.SCCGOV.ORG

 #16 GUY AT YOUR DOOR SELLING YOU A PONY?

 CALL THE SHERIFF. SOLICITORS SHOULD CARRY A CITY OF SARATOGA PERMIT. BUT DON’T LET STRANGERS WALK YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. REPORT THEM!

 #17 MY PRECIOUS

 BACKUP YOUR FAMILY VIDEOS ( CLOUD/NAS). ALWAYS HAVE A COPY OUTSIDE THE HOME. SCAN YOUR IMPORTANT DOCS AND SECURE THEM

 #18 THE BIG CREDIT FREEZE (CAN HELP)

PREVENT IDENTITY THEFTS: FREEZE AND LOCK YOUR CREDIT FILE BY CALLING EXPERIAN, TRANSUNION AND EQUIFAX

 #19 SLEEPLESS IN SARATOGA?

 YOU WILL SLEEP BETTER WITH  HOME MONITORING SYSTEM ARMED. A FEW BREAK-INS HAVE OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

 #20 TRACK YOUR MAIL

SIGN UP FOR USPS INFORMED DELIVERY. GET AN EMAIL EVERY MORNING WTH IMAGES OF YOUR EXPECTED MAIL. A FREE SERVICE

#21 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

 MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS AROUND YOUR PROPERTY ARE GOOD. YARD LIGHTS ARE GOOD TOO.

 #22 BOILING THE OCEAN? NOT FUN!

 DO NOT CONDUCT AN ANALYSIS-PARALYSIS. PICK A FEW SAFETY PRODUCTS THAT ARE EASY TO DEPLOY. THE PERFECT PRODUCT IS WITH THE MARTIANS. YOU GOTTA ACT NOW, NOT PLAN A MARS TRIP

 #23 CAR DATACENTER?

 DO NOT EVER LEAVE A LAPTOP OR A PURSE OR A LAPTOP BAG OR ANY BAG VISIBLE IN YOUR CAR OR IN TRUNK. DO NOT DISPLAY A GARAGE DOOR OPENER

#24 LET US PLAY THE KNOCK, KNOCK GAME

 ALWAYS RESPOND TO A KNOCK BY MAKING YOUR PRESENCE FELT EVEN IF YOU ARE TOO BUSY TO ENTERTAIN.

 #25 STRANGERS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

CALL THE SHERIFF

NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 408 299 2311

EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 911 or 408 299 3233

SIGN UP FOR COUNTY CRITICAL ALERTS BY VISITING WWW.TINYURL.COM/ALERTSCC

FOR PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

WWW.RISHIKUMAR.COM/TIPS

GET CERT TRAINED. EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD SHOULD HAVE AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS LEADER. VISIT http://saratogacert.org/  info@saratogacert.org

JOIN SAFE SARATOGA CITIZENS GROUP

Facebook.com/groups/safesaratoga

Groups.google.com/group/safesaratoga

We have had it with SJWC! We want a NEW DIRECTION.

Water is going to be our biggest challenge over the next few decades - based on what we just saw during the recent California drought. It is time we took control of it...now! We do NOT want to be at the mercy of an investor-owned utility company for our water. 

** 5 STEPS TO OUR EXECUTION STRATEGY
#1 Forging a broad coalition of cities that get served by SJWC will help. See A1 below
#2 Follow the execution strategy of other success stories See A2 below
#3 Let us Condemn San Jose Water Company by exercising eminent domain. See an existing California use case success of doing exactly that A3 below
#4 Today, the cities of Palo Alto and Santa Clara have their own municipal water company. How about a new municipal utility company servicing neighborhoods that are currently serviced by SJWC, that will NOT be motivated by profit, but interested in serving to the best of it's capabilities. - see A4 below
#5 A sound financial model and approach. See A5 below for the financial analysis

Excited about this idea? Join this activist group groups.google.com/group/wateroversight
----------------------_DETAILS BELOW ---------------------

#A1 We are building a broad coalition engaging councilmembers from cities to converge behind this push back against rampant rate increases and more. Currently a councilmember** each from the following cities are on board: Cupertino, Monte Sereno, Milpitas, Sunnyvale and Saratoga . NOTE: Being on board does not mean the collective city council or the city have converged to this thought process..

#A2 Worldwide, 235 cities in 37 countries— including Paris, Budapest and Buenos Aires —  have taken stronger or total control of their water systems in the last five years.  In the U.S., 58 cities have taken or retaken control of private systems in the period, with the pace accelerating. Read this LA Times article http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-public-private-properties-20151015-story.html

#A3 California municipalities have been particularly active in reclaiming water systems. San Francisco purchased Spring Valley Water Company (SVWC) leading to the formation of San Francisco Public Utility Commission (SFPUC). SFPUC is a public agency of the City and County of San Francisco that provides water, wastewater, and electric power services to the city and an additional 1.9 million customers within three San Francisco Bay Area counties . Click on this article below that describes how eminent domain action led to California based Casitas Municipal Water District (“Casitas”) taking over operating assets of Golden State Water Company’s Ojai water system by eminent domain for approximately $34.5 million. Yes it can be done!  http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170413006178/en/American-States-Water-Company-Announces-Agreement-Resolve

#A4 Santa Clara and Palo Alto already have city owned and operated municipal utility company which is working very well for their residents i.e reasonable water rates, and NEVER surcharges. Twelve communities in Santa Clara County formed Silicon Valley Clean Energy, creating a community-owned agency  https://www.svcleanenergy.org/about-us that has created an alternative to PG&E. Why not a Silicon Valley Municipal Water - community owned water ?  All options will be considered - perhaps expand the existing San Jose Municipal Utility or Cupertino Municipal Utility. 

#A5 HOW DO WE FINANCE IT? With 229,000* metered connections, we anticipate a price tag of $700M - on the high side. An investment of $3,000 to $5,000 / family would be needed - financed upfront and spread the cost recovery over 10 years. Given that SJWC profited $222M in 7 years, we would have saved at least $350M in the next 10 years that could accelerate payments or credited back to the customers, or even better - rates lowered to ensure a break-even operation (remember - the new municipal utility is NOT driven by profits)

----------------------_OTHER INFO---------------------

See press coverage "Call for money back from SJWC" http://www.indiapost.com/rishi-calls-for-money-back-from-san-jose-water-company/
We want a municipal utility company. See the position of this Water Oversight group by watching this video https://youtu.be/g0OPuznJLig at the CPUC Public hearing on Nov 6th 2017 in San Jose

San Jose Water Company could have done a better job of warning it's customers of these super high water bills. But customers only found out about their four figure water bills after the fact. 

Water is a public asset and should be controlled by the community.  In spite of residents conserving, cutting back their water use 30% to 50% in 2015 and 2016 over 2013, the water bills have gone sky high. High bills don't reflect high water use. Nothing is more necessary to life than water.  

*SJWC provides water services to ~229,000 water meter connections (~1 million residents) that serve 80% of citizens of San Jose, some of Cupertino and all of Saratoga, Campbell, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, and unincorporated Santa Clara county

**NOTE: Titles are used for identification purpose only.

In 2014, I was elected to the Saratoga City Council.  Currently, I serve as the Mayor. Prior to my election, I served on the Planning Commission for a total of ten years and chaired the Commission three times. I am proud of my record as a Council Member and as the Mayor.

I have ensured high quality and cost effective services within a fiscally responsible budget; prioritized residents' safety in their homes and on our streets; championed measures to make Saratogans and our environment healthier; created a Public Arts Committee; spearheaded efforts leading to City employee retention; supported diversity in the community through a variety of cultural events; enhanced senior services and funded the pilot R.Y.D.E transportation program; initiated the first Youth In Government summer internship program; and maintained the unique character of Saratoga.

My Council assignments include: Council Finance Committee; West Valley Mayors and Managers, Chair; West Valley Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority, Chair; West Valley Clean Water Program Authority, Member; Public Arts Committee, Co-Chair; Hakone Foundation Board, Liaison; Saratoga Historical Foundation, Liaison; Cities Associations of Santa Clara County Legislative Action Committee and Selection Committee.

I was appointed by the Cities Association of Santa Clara County to serve on the Congressionally formed Select Committee on South Bay Arrivals from April 2016 to November 2016, where I represented over two million residents of the South Bay.

Additional appointments by the Cities Association include serving on the Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission for Santa Clara County and the Cities Association Airport Round Table Ad Hoc Committee.

Thorough my involvement with these agencies, I have created a network that extends beyond Saratoga. This translates into being an effective player not just in Saratoga but also when it comes to tackling regional issues.

While I am excited about the progress made, there is more to be done.  I look forward to working with my fellow Council members and with the public to:

- ensure steadfast fiscal policies for an efficiently run City;

- keep our community safe in their homes and on our streets;

- maintain the unique character of our City and neighborhoods;

- protect our environment

- improve our community communication efforts;

- continue active engagement with our outstanding school districts;

- keep our residents healthy and engaged; and,

- ensure that both seniors and future generations have the best opportunities Saratoga can offer.

We must keep working together to make certain Saratoga remains inclusive and safe! Diversity is our strength!

I have always made it a priority to be accessible to residents and community groups,.  The best ideas come when the community and City Hall work together.  To stay ahead of the curve, to fulfill my commitment to our community, and to continue to deliver results, it is important that I hear from our residents.

In 2014, when I ran for City Council, I viewed it as an opportunity to give back and pay forward.  I have worked tirelessy to keep Saratoga one of the very best and safest cities in California in which to live and raise a family.

I am proud of my record. 

I have

• ensured high quality and cost effective City services within a fiscally responsible budget;

• prioritized residents' safety in their homes, on our streets and in our community;

• championed measure to make Saratogans and our environment healthier;

• created a Public Arts Committee;

• spearheaded efforts leading to City employee retention;

• supported diversity in the community through a variety of cultural events;

• enhanced senior services and funded the pilot R.Y.D.E. transportation program;

• initiated the first Youth in GOvernment summer internship program; and,

• maintained the unique character of Saratoga.

In addition to serving as the Mayor, my City Council assignments currently include:

• Saratoga City Council Finance Committee
• West Valley Mayors and Managers, Chair
• West Valley Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority, Chair
• West Valley Clean Water Program Authority Member
• Public Arts Committee, Co Chair
• Hakone Foundateion Board, Liaison
• Saratoga Historical Foundation, Liaison
• Cities Association of Santa Clara County Legislative Action Committee Member
• Cities Association of Santa Clara County Selection Committee Member

In 2016, I was appointed by the Cities Association of Santa Clara County to serve on the Congressionally formed Select Committee on South Bay Arrivals which addressed FAA NextGen generated airplane noise.  I represented Saratoga along with the 2 million residents in the South Bay. In my role on the Select Committee, I reviewed FAA proposals deemed feasible, received constituent input, and made consensus-based recommendations to House of Representatives Anna Eshoo, Jackie Speier, and Sam Farr.

Since that time, I have served and am serving on the Cities Association Ad Hoc Committee charged with the formation of a new South Bay Airport Roundtable so that residents in our area will continue to have recognized representation in meetings with the FAA.

An additional appointment by the CIties Association includes serving as a representative on the Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission for Santa Clara County.

Through my involovement with these organizations and agencies, I have created a network that extends well beyond Saratoga. This translates into being an effective player not just in Saratoga but also regionally when it comes to tackling the big issues that affect our community.

As a mother of 3 children who attended Blue Hills Elementary School in Saratoga, I started my civic involvement as a room parent 16 years ago. From there my desire to serve the community at large only grew. I served on the School Site Council, as Traffic & Safety Coordinator, Foundation Treasurer, chair for a number of PTA events, and PTA Vice President and President. 

Heavy involvement in my children's schools led to my appointment to the Cupertino Union School District Board in 2009 and two successful re-elections. For the past 10 years it has been my honor to work with 1,700 employees serving over 18,000 students in 19 elementary schools, one K-8 school, and five middle schools in parts of the cities of Saratoga, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Cupertino. 

Through my years of service, I’ve worked with leaders throughout the region, including state and federal officials, fostering relationships and garnering their endorsements and support.

Although a small town, Saratoga is not an island. We are part of the larger Silicon Valley and our quality of life is affected by what happens in, and our ability to work with, our neighboring cities. To successfully promote and protect the special character of our community, we need elected officials who can serve Saratoga while working collaboratively with others. I've been doing that for 10 years. 

Saratoga is a balancing act between Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. At the center of that balance are small businesses that are the economic foundation of our town. Working at a chamber of commerce, I understand the challenges and narrow margins within which they operate.For business and development, I have and always will advocate for local control and local benefits for the schools and communities that I serve.

We expect cynical politicking in Washington, not Saratoga. Some people are spending time and money to distract from the issues. Look behind the curtain and keep an eye on the issues. See endorsements and positions at www.AnjaliKausar.com, please contact me with any questions.