January is a natural time to pause, reflect and plan ahead. As a community, it’s also when the city begins its annual budget cycle, an important process that helps guide how we invest in Saratoga’s services, infrastructure and long-term priorities, including public safety and emergency preparedness.
As we look ahead and set priorities for the year, it’s also a reminder that planning isn’t limited to finances alone; it extends to how we prepare for the seasonal changes that shape daily life in Saratoga. This time of year also brings another familiar part of life in Saratoga: winter storms. Seasonal rains help replenish our hillsides and open spaces, turning them vibrant green and reminding us of the natural beauty that surrounds our neighborhoods. These storms are essential, and they play a vital role in sustaining our local environment.
I’m in the insurance industry, and the lush green hillsides also give me pause every year, as I know that this seasonal cycle doesn’t end when spring arrives. What begins as healthy winter growth will quickly become dry vegetation by late spring and summer, particularly in our hillside areas. Without preparation, that same greenery can become dangerous fuel, increasing the risk of wildfires during dry and windy conditions. This pattern is a familiar one in our region. Understanding this cycle helps us take action before conditions become hazardous.
That’s why planning now matters.
Taking simple steps early, while the ground is still damp and conditions are safer, can make a meaningful difference later in the year. Clearing leaves from gutters and yards, removing excess brush and maintaining defensible space around homes all help reduce the potential for fire spread, consistent with guidance from our fire authorities. This includes trimming back plants near structures, properly disposing of yard and hazardous waste, removing ladder fuel in wooded areas and ensuring that evacuation routes and driveways remain clear. Taking these steps now is more effective than waiting until fire season begins. These efforts also help prevent blocked drainage and storm-related issues during the winter months, protecting homes and streets alike.
Preparedness is most effective when it’s shared. Just as strong neighborhoods are built through connection and care, community safety depends on collective action. Safety starts at home. When residents take steps on their own properties and look out for neighboring areas, we reduce the greatest risk. Simple acts like checking in with neighbors or sharing information help strengthen our collective readiness and reinforce the sense of connection that makes Saratoga such a special place to live.
The city continues to plan and coordinate year-round with public safety partners to reduce wildfire risk and prepare for emergencies. As part of this effort, the city will be hosting an evacuation preparedness seminar in partnership with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council on the evening of Feb. 25.
The seminar will focus on evacuation planning, what residents can expect during an emergency, and how to prepare in advance. The seminar is open to all residents and is designed to provide practical, easy-to-understand information, whether you are new to emergency preparedness or looking to update an existing plan. Additional details will be shared through city communications and on the city’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
As we move into the new year, I encourage everyone to take a moment to look around their home and neighborhood and consider what small actions can be taken now and to take those actions. Staying informed, preparing early and participating in opportunities like the Feb. 25 evacuation seminar all help ensure that Saratoga remains safe, resilient and well-prepared for whatever the year brings.
Chuck Page is the mayor of Saratoga.
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