The new substation will be located in the former AAA building at 1601 S. De Anza Blvd., 50 yards from the border of Cupertino and Saratoga.

According to John Hirokawa, the captain at the West Valley Substation, the move will not affect police response time.

"It's not like the fire department," he said. "We don't respond from substations. Officers respond on location based on where they are in their cars. We don't expect any problems."

The substation provides police services to Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Altos Hills, the Los Gatos mountains and a few unincorporated areas. In September, Cupertino also renewed its law enforcement contract with Santa Clara County until 2015.

The move concludes an eight-year search for a new facility. In 1996, the sheriff's office considered building a new substation in Saratoga, but determined it would be too expensive to purchase the necessary land.

"It will be moved because of the space situation," said Helm, referring to the need for more room for staff and vehicles. "With the expansion of the new fire station and the nearby church [in Saratoga], we're out of room for parking."

The new facility will provide 10,000 to 12,000 feet for parking--room for both official and personal vehicles. The substation has also grown from 40 officers to almost 90 since 1983. Additionally, the Saratoga facility had experienced structural problems such as roof leaks, flooding and poor air conditioning.

"The move is also good," said Helm, "because it puts the station directly between Cupertino and Saratoga."