Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao recognized outstanding members of the community and reflected on the city’s accomplishments this year in her State of the City address on Oct. 5.
Organizations like the Saratoga Village Gardeners, which this year celebrated 19 years of its efforts to beautify the city, and individuals like Saratoga “Citizen of the Year” Ray Froess, were recognized for their contributions to the city’s overall vitality and well-being. Zhao noted the state’s recent approval of the city’s housing element and the approval of its general plan among its accomplishments this year.
The city had been working for years to get the housing element — a plan for all housing that will be built over the next eight years — approved by the state; California’s Housing and Community Development department gave its approval in July.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our city council and the city staff, who have worked diligently with our community members and the state agencies to address our community’s housing needs while preserving the unique character of our beloved city,” Zhao said.
Local officials like Assemblymember Evan Low and Los Gatos Mayor Mary Badame were also in attendance at the event in the Joan Pisani Community Center. The city’s youth commission kicked off the event with a Saratoga-themed “Jeopardy” game, and Zhao concluded the event after distributing awards to members of the community.
Zhao also recognized Captain Tiffany Woods with the Santa Clara County Fire Department as Firefighter of the Year, and Deputy Chris Velasco from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office as Officer of the Year.
She also highlighted the city’s efforts to revitalize commercial areas like Saratoga Village, which residents have been advocating for in response to a downtown business district that some have said is “on life support.” The city council voted to create an ad hoc committee in May which has been working to meet with residents and business owners to bring “economic vitality” to the city’s commercial areas.
“The historic Saratoga Village is not just a business district, it is the heart of our community, embodying the city’s character and history,” Zhao said in her address.
