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After more than 40 years, the city of Saratoga, the Saratoga Homeowner's Association and West Valley College are all on the same page. Many people who have been here since the college was formed 40 years ago never thought they'd see the day when we would all publicly support each other. We're pleased to announce that red-letter day is here.
In September, the three parties--West ValleyMission Community College District, city of Saratoga and the Saratoga Homeowner's Association--unanimously approved a legal agreement stating that no improvements will be made to the football/track and field stadium at West Valley College for at least 30 years.
As part of the agreement, the city and the homeowners have agreed to support the college. Already the city has made good on its promise by endorsing Measure H, the district's facility repair/job training measure. The measure specifically states WVMCCD will not spend any funds improving the West Valley College football and track stadium.
The district endorsed Measures V and U, the utility users' tax and advisory measure placed on the ballot by the city.
This new collaboration will benefit the entire community by making better use of our limited resources and improving the quality of life in our city. Two examples of potential cooperative ventures under discussion are a joint-use agreement between the city and the college for joint use of West Valley College facilities and a first-of-its-kind Park Management Program where the college would use the city of Saratoga as a living laboratory. With a closer, positive relationship established between the two public entities, many cooperative ventures are now possible.
From the citizens' perspective, this end to the local conflict means that there will be no more money spent on litigation, no more split loyalties, and no local neighborhoods negatively impacted by football field lights and amplified noise. Most importantly, we've created a positive opportunity for better services at both the city level and the college level--a long overdue win-win-win for all involved.
Thanks are owed to the representatives of our organizations who never gave up--Mayor Ann Waltonsmith and City Councilman Nick Streit; WVMCCD Board President Jack Lucas and Board Member Bob Owens; and Homeowner's Association leaders Evan Baker and Cynthia Barry.
Dave Anderson is the city manager of Saratoga and submitted this selection in conjunction with West ValleyMission Community College District Chancellor Stan Arterberry and West Valley Homeowner's Association President Vic Monia.
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