News Briefs
Council approves skatepark rules
Users of the city's new skatepark, to open this summer, will be required to wear safety equipment as well as have a responsible adult sign a liability waiver on their behalf.
The city council on May 15 adopted a new ordinance requiring the safety gear and signs posted at the sites where the portable park will be located to explain the consequences of not wearing the gear. City Parks and Recreation Director Joan Pisani said that the liability waivers will be required by her staff of all park users.
Skateboarders must wear helmets, elbow pads and kneepads, while in-line skaters must also wear wrist guards.
The city had previously approved the purchase of the portable skatepark for a pilot skatepark program this summer. The park will be dedicated June 17.
Sheriffs targeting seatbelt violations
Residents better buckle up, as Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies are handing out citations this week as part of the nationwide America Buckles Up Children (ABC) Mobilization campaign. All five Saratoga traffic officers, plus all Saratoga beat patrol officers, are taking part in this "zero tolerance" seatbelt violation campaign from May 20 to 27, 24 hours each day.
The sheriff's office is participating in the campaign, sponsored by the National Safety Council and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to raise awareness about drunken driving over Memorial Day weekend, as well as to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up.
Summer reading gets under way
The Saratoga Library's 2002 summer reading program, Discover a Hoppin' Place @ Your Library, begins June 17.
Children in first grade and up are encouraged to sign up and read 10 books by the end of July to receive an award certificate in August. Younger children can enter the library's Good Listening Club, and teens can join a teen reading club.
In addition, the library will hold a series of craft programs for preschool and school-age children during July. For more information call Peggy Baker, the children's librarian, 408.867.6126.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
