If you are unsure of the payment amount or whether you are paid up you can input the assessors parcel number or street address by clicking>here.  This may be particulary important for home buyers who this past year may only have paid for the first installment and ; as a home owner, you are responsible for property taxes even if you have not received a new notice from the Santa Clara County Assessor’s office. 

Any unpaid current secured property taxes as of 5:00 p.m. June 30 will be enrolled on the Defaulted Master Tax File.

Do you think that the value of your property (as of January 1, 2010) has dropped below the current assessed valuation?  If so, you may be able to get a temporary reduction in property taxes.  Wait until late June 2010 when you will receive your valuation notification Card.  Then contact the County Assessors to request a Prop 8 review. Click>here  for more information.  There is NO CHARGE to request a Prop 8 review.

Last week Jill Hunter, Vice Mayor of Saratoga, CA asked me if trees contribute to home values in Saratoga and I said yes.  Acre+ estate properties frequently have heritage oaks that add to the beauty and distinctiveness of the neighborhoods.  On the other hand, they also act as a constraint to new construction as care must be taken to not encroach into the drip line of mature trees.

Saratoga is physically very green, compared with the east side of Silicon Valley.  Now the Cityof Saratoga is making efforts to be even more “green” in terms of environmental awareness with a tree planting effort patterned after New York City.

The Heritage Tree Society of Saratoga will be tracking the City’s effort to plant 2015 trees between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015.  The Heritage Tree Society will be creating an online database of the trees that have been planted. Residents will be able to share information about trees that have been planted by filling out a tree planting form and submitting it to the Heritage Tree Society.

Rick Bonetti | Alain Pinel Realtors | 408-857-8800 | DRE #01237009

St. Andrews School, Saratoga, CA 95070

This Saturday,  St. Andrews School and Sacred Heart School, two of Saratoga’s outstanding private schools, are featuring Open Houses to boost enrollment.  St. Andrews admissions open house is November 14th from 2 PM to 4 PM and Sacred Heart School’s Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House is November 14th from 10 AM to Noon.

St. Andrews School

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School is a coeducational, Pre-K through Grade Eight day school located in Saratoga, CA 95070.  The school, located on Saratoga Avenue, across from the Saratoga Library, offers an advanced, comprehensive academic program plus enrichment in the areas of the studio and performing arts, physical education, foreign languages, technology, character development, religion and community service.  Although affiliated with the Episcopal Church, Saint Andrews’s welcomes students of all beliefs and includes teaching about all major faiths.

Founded by Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in September 1961, the school today serves approximately 325 students from over 15 communities in the South Bay and Peninsula Area.  The School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES).

Sacred Heart School

Sacred Heart Catholic School, also located on Saratoga Avenue, is  somewhat closer to Saratoga Village.  It was established in 1956. The School is a Catholic community that promotes and supports students in developing a strong and deep faith in Jesus, reaching their highest academic potential, and behaving as compassionate and generous Christians in the world.

The School is fully accredited through Western Catholic Educational Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The administrative staff consists of a lay principal and vice principal. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 19 professionals. There are nine homeroom teachers, specialty teachers in the areas of science, math, technology, art, music, Spanish, physical education, early reading intervention, and special needs, all credentialed by the state of California – many with Advanced degrees.  In 2006 a pre-kindergarten class was added to the school.  It is directed by a licensed early childhood development professional, and two qualified teaching assistants.

In addition to outstanding public schools in Saratoga, these private schools enhance the value of real estate and community in Sartoga, CA 95070.

Rick Bonetti | Alain Pinel Realtors | 408-857-8800