Saratoga News

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Data available soon on school districts

The Santa Clara County Committee on School District reorganization will hold a public forum beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Lynbrook High School, located at 1280 Johnson Ave., San Jose.

Larry Shirey, senior research analyst for the County Office of Education, said the first set of data on redistricting scenarios, from the committee's consultant, will be presented at the meeting. The public will also have a chance to comment on the data.

Shirey said he hopes to make the data available to the public before the meeting but is unsure yet of how that will be done.

Creek bacteria level still high

Reports recently released by the Santa Clara Valley Water District reveal that Saratoga Creek bacteria levels have reached an all-time high.

Tests performed by the Urban Creek Assessment Program measuring fecal coliform in May showed that 12 samples collected from the creek near Crestbrook Drive over a 12-hour time span from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. all failed to meet the total coliform and fecal coliform criteria established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

One sample, the UCAP report showed, taken near Crestbrook Drive at about 4 p.m., showed a fecal coliform level of 160,000, or 800 times the EPA criterion.

This is the highest level ever recorded in Saratoga Creek.

Keep pets safe this Halloween

The Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley wants to remind residents to keep pets inside during Halloween. Humane Society officials say that Halloween can bring more than just interesting costumes and trick-or-treaters to your door. It can also bring mischief in the form of animal abuse.

Black and white cats specifically seem to be targets during the spooky revelry. In response, the Humane Society will not be allowing black and white cats to leave the shelter before Nov. 2.

Intentionally maiming, wounding or killing animals is a crime and can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties range from a $500 fine and up to a year in jail or a state prison term and up to $20,000 in fines.

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