Marjorie Moore, who carried the Olympic torch in 1984, hands off to Marilyn White during their practice run. Photograph by Robert Scheer.
From campaign strategies and boycotts to festivals and celebrations, Saratoga had a busy 1996. The year started out with threats of a lawsuit by the Friends of Nelson Gardens against Saratoga for the city's decision to rescind the Williamson Act. The legal theme carried throughout the year: the Pacific Legal Foundation threatened to sue the city unless the utility-user's tax was put on the November ballot, the Nelson Gardens suit was decided in court and a few Saratogans wound up on the wrong side of the law. But the news wasn't all bad; 1996 brought Saratoga into its 40th year, the Saratoga Rotary Art Show was as splendid as ever and plans were made to move the Eastfield Ming Quong Strawberry Festival from Los Gatos to a new location on the West Valley College Campus in Saratoga. By choice or circumstance, Saratogans were kept busy this year.
Former finance director gets six-month sentence
Former Saratoga finance director Patricia Shriver was sentenced Jan. 19 to six months in jail after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $6,000 in public funds. Shriver continued to receive her $2,343.35 a month pension, for which the city of Saratoga helped pay. Shriver worked for the city for nine years, retiring exactly one year before her sentencing.
School considers uniforms
After fervent debate on both sides of the issue, the SUSD board voted to grant a request from two parents and design a policy for a pilot uniforms program at Saratoga Elementary.
Caltrans agrees to listen to Highway 85 noise complaints
In what Freeway Noise Abatement Committee members called a victory, Caltrans agreed on Feb. 23 to try silencing traffic noise on Highway 85 with sound-absorbing materials or quieter types of concrete, budget permitting. Caltrans officials said they would hire an independent consultant to study the issue and determine the best sound-deadening techniques for the highway.
Odd Fellows win approval to expand facilities
The City Council approved a development agreement with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Feb. 21 that not only granted the group a conditional use permit for the facility, design review approval and a change in the city's general plan, but also exempted the home from the effects of Measure G. The agreement also extended the group's right to build for the next 10 years. Plans to expand the IOOF facility drew complaints from neighbors about increased traffic, density and the time dedicated to construction.
Council rescinds Williamson Act
The Saratoga City Council rescinded a no-build contract and changed general plan and zoning designations for the 5.1-acre Nelson Gardens property. The move made it possible for a nine-home development to be built on the land. Under the Williamson Act, a land-preservation contract, the city had to find that the nine houses could be built elsewhere. Members of the Friends of Nelson Gardens claimed other parcels of land were available for the houses; the city disagreed, saying those parcels' owners already had plans for the property. The issue ended up in court, where a judge ruled in August that the city acted properly in making way for the development on the Nelson Gardens land and releasing it from the Williamson Act.
Measure G approval sends a message of protection
In what supporters called a resounding victory, the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, Measure G, was approved by Saratoga voters Mar. 26. The initiative garnered 54.6 percent of the vote. Supporters said the victory sent a message to the council and developers about residents' desire to protect the city against overdevelopment. Opponents, who outspent the Yes on G campaign 3-to-1, said they were shocked. The initiative requires a public vote on any proposed development that changes land-use designation or increases land-use intensity or density. Debate over the initiative split the city into two camps, often leading to bitter arguments between its supporters and opponents.
Black students protest article, cartoon in school newspaper
Six African American students and their parents wrote an angry letter to the Saratoga Falcon's editor, chastising the Saratoga High School paper for running an offensive cartoon. Kerry Mohnike, adviser to the student newspaper, agreed to run an apology.
Saratogans carry Olympic torch
Five Saratogans were chosen to carry the Olympic torch in recognition of their dedication to community involvement. Bob Clayton, Jim Katzman, Beverly Myers, Paul Wesling and Marilyn White represented Saratoga when the torch made its way through the Bay Area. In a process facilitated by the United Way, torchbearers were nominated by other members of the community, who had to describe in 100 words why the nominee should carry the torch.
Saratoga rocks and rolls when earthquake hits area
An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale left some residents shaken May 21. The temblor's epicenter was located 10 miles east of San Jose on the Calaveras Fault, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No damage was reported in the area.
Pierce Road bridge finally completed
Delayed two months because of last winter's storms, the Pierce Road bridge was finally completed. Costing $450,000, the project replaced the old bridge on Pierce Road, which Public Works Director Larry Perlin said was in danger of failing.
Council reverses Measure G stance
In yet another sordid chapter of the Measure G saga, the City Council changed its position on whether potential developments would go straight to public vote under Measure G.The reversal came a week after heated debates and threats of recall from Measure G supporters. The new stance gives applicants affected by Measure G a choice of whether to go through the planning process or go directly to the ballot.
Saratoga Market Days begin
Saratoga Market Days kicked off what nearly 50 Saratoga businesses are hoping will be a successful campaign to bring shoppers to the area.The event was a joint effort by the city's four shopping centers and is designed to draws visitors to the Farmer's Market and the Quito, Argonaut and Gateway shopping areas. The campaign uses special events and attention-getting displays, such as balloons and banners, which received approval for a sign-ordinance exemption from the City Council in late April.
First the rain, now the heat?!
As if power outages from last winter's storms weren't enough, about 43,956 residents in Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell and parts of San Jose were without power for almost three hours April 30. Pacific Gas and Electric officials said the outage was caused by the failure of a piece of equipment at the company's Saratoga substation. Apparently, the failure of a fan caused equipment to heat up and the failsafe system to kick in. Power was restored to all customers by about 9:30 p.m.
The Rotary shows off in annual art display
The annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show dazzled residents once again with its display of fine art and helped raised money for nonprofit groups. The art show is held at West Valley College and annually draws about 30,000. The money raised goes toward such organizations as the Montalvo Center for the Arts, West Valley College, Southwest YMCA, Eastfield Ming Quong, Saratoga Senior Center, Interplast and Hakone Gardens.
Saratogan indicted by federal grand jury
ASaratoga man was among 14 people indicted by a federal grand jury in San Francisco on charges of smuggling 2,000 automatic machine guns and 20,000 rifle stands from China. Saratoga resident Hammond Ku was accused of organizing the smuggling ring.
Saratoga school board cosigns $600,000 loan
In response to an increasing demand for more space at the Saratoga Union School District's day-care centers, the school board passed a motion to cosign a $600,000 loan.
School Gets $318,613 infusion from SEF
Making its largest grant ever, the Saratoga Education Foundation dropped $318,613 into the SUSD's pocket. Without SEF's help, district students would be denied services such as vocal music, fully staffed libraries and an updated computer lab at Redwood.
Two major issues sent to November ballot
At its July 23 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution to place the utility-user's tax and the Bob Binkley lot line adjustment on the November ballot. The UUT placement on the ballot followed threats of a lawsuit against the city by the Pacific Legal Foundation, which claimed the tax violated Proposition 62 and was illegal. The lot line adjustment on Binkley's property became the first issue put to a public vote as required by Measure G, a growth-control initiative passed in March.
Parks plan approved
The City Council July 17 approved some recommendations by the Community Recreation and Parks Task Force on how to spend more than $2 million available in the city's development fund. The council agreed to begin plans for the development of a community center, the renovation and creation of sports fields and the establishment of joint-use playing fields. Azule Park and fields at Argonaut, Foothill, Saratoga and Marshall Lane schools were all scheduled to benefit from the approval.
Saratoga negotiates for winery purchase
City officials admitted entering in to negotiations to purchase the Paul Masson Winery, once home to the popular Summer Concert Series. City Manager Harry Peacock said the city was interested in purchasing the winery to bring back the concert series, in hopes of reviving summer business revenue. Talks broke off between the city and the property owner, Ravi Kumra, when they could not agree on the issue of development.
Saratoga High School enacts 'partially closed campus' rule
After much consideration, Saratoga High's principal, Kevin Skelly, decided to close the school's campus to freshman and sophomores. Skelly says he made the decision after considering many letters from parents.
Mystery fumes chase students from classroom
Avapor that caused students to complain of eye and lung irritation emptied an English classroom at Saratoga High. Despite prolonged investigation by the Hazardous Materials Response Team, it was not determined what the fumes were.
Candidates boycott forums
In the first controversy to hit the campaign for City Council, candidates Jim Shaw and Stan Bogosian boycotted candidates' forums sponsored by the Los GatosSaratoga District of the PeninsulaWest Valley Association of Realtors and the Good Government Group. The candidates claimed the influence of political action committees had no place in Saratoga politics. Ann Marie Burger, running for re-election, and candidate Beth Wyman attended both forums, saying they intended to make themselves available for discussions with all Saratoga residents.
Neighbors grow frustrated with drinking in El Quito
The Saratoga City Council decided on Sept. 10 to consider an ordinance banning alcohol in El Quito Park except with a special permit. The move was in response to neighbors' complaints that the park had become a haven for drunken, unsafe and unsanitary behavior.
Happy Birthday, Saratoga
Saratogans marched, ate and generally lived it up at the city's 40th birthday celebration Oct. 6. The day included a parade, birthday cake and prizes, and drew a crowd of about 11,000.
Wetlands approved for West Valley site
The West ValleyMission College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the construction of 1.2 acres of wetlands on the WVC campus. The project satisfies Saratoga's responsibility to mitigate nearly half an acre of wetlands destroyed eight years ago near Quarry Creek.
West Valley board exempts college from zoning laws
The West ValleyMission College Board of Trustees voted to exempt West Valley from the city of Saratoga's zoning laws and other ordinances. Using a loophole available to state-run institutions, West Valley College turned its back on Saratoga's rigid restrictions and laws, chalking up another milestone in the ongoing feud between the college and city.
Future of Kosich ranch finally decided
A12-home subdivision plan for the four-acre Kosich property on the west side of Saratoga Avenue was approved by the Saratoga Planning Commission. The approval brought to a close what had been an uneasy history for the property; nearby residents had objected in the past to plans that called for a 28-home subdivision and a strip mall.
Saratogans accused of embezzlement and tax evasion
Saratoga residents Cheryl and Gilbert Chavez were picked up and charged with possession of stolen property and tax evasion. The couple, who lived with their two teenagers on Prospect Road in Saratoga, were implicated in an $18 million embezzlement scheme. Cheryl was charged by the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office with embezzling money from her former boss, Carl Berg.
Controlled growth advocates win two City Council seats
Local activists Jim Shaw and Stan Bogosian were elected to the City Council Nov. 5. The Measure G supporters edged out incumbent Ann Marie Burger and Heritage Preservation Commissioner Beth Wyman in the race for the two council seats. Shaw garnered 31.8 percent of the vote, and Bogosian brought home 29.6 percent of the vote. Burger, running for re-election, received 19.7 percent of the vote, and Wyman followed with 18.8 percent. Riding on the success of Measure G in March, the candidates said residents' dissatisfaction with the council and its recent actions regarding growth in Saratoga put them over the top. Shaw's first venture into the political arena was with Measure G; Bogosian is a former planning commissioner.
Starbucks takes a second look at parking and traffic issues
Starbucks Coffee Co. yanked its application for a conditional use permit on Nov. 8. The issue was scheduled for the Planning Commission's Dec. 12 agenda. Starbucks officials said they wanted to re-evaluate their traffic study and suggestions from the city.
Measure K passes, while Measure L fails by a slim 77 votes
Opponents of Saratoga's utility-user's tax claimed a somewhat shaky victory as Measure L failed by a slim 77 votes. Bob Binkley, on the other hand, could finally put to rest the issue of the lot line adjustment on his father's farm when Measure K passed with a hardy 81 percent of the votes. The failure of Measure L resulted in the repeal of the 3.5 percent tax on Pacific Gas and Electric bills. The city stands to lose more than $1 million without the tax. Binkley's lot line adjustment was the first test case of Measure G, although Measure G supporters claim the initiative was never intended to apply to insignificant and unopposed cases such as Binkley's. Measure K involved changing the land designation of one parcel of land to coincide with another so that a lot line adjustment could be made between the two.
Troublesome tax taken away
The Saratoga utility-user's tax was officially repealed Dec. 3, leaving members of the City Council to wonder about the fiscal future of the city. Council members scheduled a meeting for the first week of January to discuss ideas for changes in the budget. City Manager Harry Peacock told the council that PG&E had been notified to stop collecting the tax.
The Strawberry Festival moves to Saratoga
The 37th annual Eastfield Ming Quong Strawberry Festival was scheduled to be moved from the Los Gatos Civic Center to West Valley College's campus. The festival is set for June 7-8, 1997. EMQ officials said the berry bash had simply outgrown its facilities in Los Gatos and that the college campus provided better parking. It will be the third move for the festival since its beginning in a volunteer's home in Santa Cruz in 1960. The festival attracts about 70,000 people each year and can raise as much as $70,000 for the children of EMQ.
Youth commissioners reach their goal
After months of fundraising, the Saratoga Youth Commission succeeded in raising the $8,450 needed to keep the Warner Hutton House Teen Center open for the second half of the 1996-97 academic year. The teens had been challenged by the Saratoga City Council in July to raise the money when council members approved partial funding for the house. Not ones to rest on their laurels, the youth commissioners announced plans to try to expand the center's services by renovating the attic and turning it into a study center. The commissioners said they were going to continue their fundraising efforts.
Political newcomers take the oath of office
With family and friends in attendance, Jim Shaw and Stan Bogosian took their oaths and their seats on the Saratoga City Council Dec. 3. Shaw and Bogosian filled seats vacated by Ann Marie Burger and Karen Tucker. Both men vowed to create a more open City Council, and Bogosian even went so far as to submit a list of proposed changes to the way council meetings are conducted. The council newcomers were welcomed by fellow councilmembers Gillian Moran and Don Wolfe.
Moran made mayor, makes minor change
Councilwoman Gillian Moran was elected mayor by a vote of the City Council Dec. 3. Moran replaced Councilman Paul Jacobs, who continues on the council. The mother of three and former planning commissioner joined the council in 1994. As one of her first acts as mayor, Moran made a microphone available on stage for residents who wished to address the council but were uncomfortable standing at the podium on the Civic Theater floor.
West Valley student body president investigated
West Valley College's Student Senate voted to begin impeachment investigations of Associated Student Body President Dallas Lawrence, who was accused of sexual harassment and use of derogatory terms. The senate agreed to investigate the charges.
Barriers begin going up on hazardous highway
Caltrans began construction of median barriers along Highway 85. Officials said completion of the barriers would be only 45 working days away, weather permitting. The $1.38 million project was funded by the state, through the Highway Account Safety Fund. Six people died in traffic accidents on Highway 85 over a six-month period when their vehicles crossed over the dirt median strip and into oncoming traffic.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, January 1,
1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights
reserved.