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Disneyland union files charges against Disney in Mickey button dispute

A coalition of labor organizations representing thousands of Disneyland employees has filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney for allegedly "threatening to discipline" workers for wearing union pins depicting Mickey Mouse's raised fist.

Master Services Council — which represents 13,000 custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks and other workers at the Anaheim amusement park — accused Disney on Tuesday of unlawfully disciplining, intimidating and surveilling employees for "exercising their right to wear union buttons at work" amid their contract negotiations with the Burbank-based entertainment giant.

In a statement provided Thursday to The Times, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said that "cast members may only wear buttons and pins that are a part of their costumes while at work so that the show is maintained for our guests.”

The bargaining unit maintains that wearing the buttons at work is a legitimate form of union activity and that Disney cannot legally take action against employees for violating a dress code, regardless of what uniform they are required to wear or how regularly they interact with guests.

A Disney spokesperson said that supervisors have been asking workers to remove accessories that are not part of their approved costume and that only repeat incidents lead to disciplinary action, starting with a verbal warning. They added that "less than a handful" of disciplinary actions have been taken.

The Master Services Council alleged that more than 550 employees were surveilled, intimidated and disciplined for wearing the pins. The employees affixed the buttons in a show of solidarity as part of their ongoing contract campaign.

Talks between the unions and the company commenced on April 24. The Master Services Council contract expires on Sunday. Wages remain a top priority among workers, who say the "reality for park employees is one of economic hardship."

“Cast members have been at the bargaining table for months trying to win a fair contract because we deserve more, but the company has been busy ... disciplining cast members for exercising their rights,” said Michi Cordell, a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland.

“These unfair labor practices are hindering our ability to get the fair contract we deserve and Disney must be held accountable and prevented from further threatening us, the cast members who make the magic for guests on a daily basis.”

The charges were filed less than a month after Disneyland character performers voted to unionize under the Actors' Equity Assn. in an election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.

The workers — who portray the beloved heroes, villains, fairies, cartoon characters, princes and princesses that wave from parade floats, sign autographs, pose for photos and entertain Disneyland Resort guests — are seeking higher pay, improved health and safety standards, flexible schedules and greater involvement in workplace discussions.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

News | Is your city manager one of 14 in California to…

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News | Is your city manager one of 14 in California to make $500,000? Find out

Column: they can make a lot. but we wouldn't want that job, no matter how much you paid us.

We’ve been looking at public pay and pensions lately — city councils and mayors , other elected officeholders, special district workers, retirees — and a nudge from on high steered us toward city manager compensation.

Remember Barbara “Stir-the-Pot” Kogerman’s survey of Orange County CM pay back in 2010 — before there were public databases of same — and the firestorm of outrage it ignited?

Remember the Bell scandal that quickly followed in Los Angeles , and Robert Rizzo’s $1.5 million compensation in one of California’s most disadvantaged cities?

These numbers can tell important tales. And high payouts are often accompanied by high drama. Occasionally, the train conductors of democracy are involved in train wrecks.

Francesca Tucker-Schuyler sued Montebello after her contract was terminated — which she claimed was payback for reporting what she saw as city violations of bidding laws to the police chief, according to the suit.

But even without her, conflict in Montebello remained: An erstwhile councilmember was accused of creating a hostile work environment, driving out the next city manager (along with the city spokesperson and the city HR director). Perhaps we’ll see what that cost taxpayers when the controller’s next data batch drops.

Anyway, California’s second-highest-comped city manager helmed the modest city of Santa Clara — smaller than the city of Orange — in Silicon Valley. Handsome wages of $529,352 were topped with retirement plan contributions of $175,284, deferred compensation of $50,434 and health benefits of $30,226, for jaw-dropping total comp of $785,296.

That was Santa Clara’s Deanna Santana, and she pulled down way more than the city manager of nearby San Jose ($479,365), even though San Jose is nearly 10 times larger, population-wise.

More conflict here: Santana was fired after battles with the city council majority and the San Francisco 49ers (who play at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium). “When you get bitten by a dog, you need to heal regardless,” a councilmember said at the time. “The teeth may leave holes, but you need to remove the dog.”

If any of this strikes you as eccentric, wait until you hear about the mess in Palmdale. A headline in one of our publications read, “ Palmdale pays $5.25 million to settle lawsuit over gun-toting city manager. The city also paid $2.23 million to its deposed city manager, who filed a complaint that he was wrongly terminated. “

This city manager was J.J. Murphy, who had wages of just $83,758 in 2022 — but “lump sum” pay of $632,810, for total comp of $734,654. Turns out Murphy regularly brought a gun to work and was recorded receiving oral sex from a married woman, according to the workers who sued, claiming they were “terrorized” and discriminated against for raising concerns about no-bid contracts, gender biases and other city misconduct. Murphy had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and tensions ran so high that one official wore a bulletproof vest to a city council meeting, fearing what might happen if Murphy was fired that night.

Anyway, Palmdale paid that aforementioned $5.25 million to settle the lawsuit from three high-level employees; Murphy was fired; Murphy sued for wrongful termination, claiming he was the victim of retaliation for refusing to cut corners to help out councilmembers’ donors; and Palmdale paid him that aforementioned $2.23 million.

Lawsuits aside, employment contracts for these high-powered, lightning-rod positions aim to cushion the city manager’s financial blow in event of a municipal train wreck.

The city manager is an at-will employee serving at the city council’s pleasure and can be terminated at any time, without notice, and with or without cause, says the contract for Temecula’s city manager, which is pretty standard.

If the city council unanimously gives the CM the ax, the CM gets severance of 12 months’ salary. If the council splits, with a majority voting to ax the CM but others voting to keep, the cost rises considerably, to a severance of 18 months’ salary.

Most of the time, though, bulletproof vests are unnecessary. The meat and potatoes work of zoning and paving and putting police and firefighters on the streets proceeds with far less drama (and, often, a good bit less money).

The average city manager’s total comp in Los Angeles County cities was $321,233.

In Riverside County cities, it was $297,475.

In Orange County cities, it was $296,433.

In San Bernardino County cities, it was $291,281.

Most of these folks are handling multi-million-dollar budgets and overseeing thousands of workers — though those aren’t always the most well-compensated ones, as we’ve seen.

If you object to these pay packages, we’ll refer you to the CM’s delicious rant at the end of this story — and to the mirror. The city council approves the city manager’s pay. Citizens elect the city council.

The top 25 most well-comped city managers in California include seven from Los Angeles County (remember, strong mayor cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, Oakland and San Francisco don’t have the city manager-council form of government, so won’t show up here). San Bernardino had three, Riverside had two and Orange County had none. ( Story continues after database)

Something that got our Spidey Senses buzzing: Retirement and health benefits that seemed rather high in relation to wages.

In Rancho Cucamonga, for example, the city manager had wages of $343,289 — and retirement and health benefits of $222,202.

CM John R. Gillison explained that this includes deferred compensation of $104,000. He voluntarily deferred 10% of his salary into a Retirement Health Savings program to help pay medical costs for himself and his spouse. The city offers no post-employment health benefits to retirees — a big cost-saver for the public, and one that too few agencies embrace (but that’s a separate story) — so the savings program helps cover gaps until folks are Medicare-eligible.

Note that Gillison paid his share of required retirement contributions — 8% of what he makes — but many other CMs do not.

Just like many of us must pay into our own 401(k) accounts out of our own pockets, public workers are supposed to pay into their retirement accounts out of their own pockets as well. The employer pays the bulk, but workers are supposed to have skin in the game, and it eases the public burden a bit.

Yet there are still some 60 cities paying both the employer’s required pension contribution and the worker’s required pension contribution, according to the controller’s data.

Consider: The city of Newark paid $107,769 for its employer’s share of the CM’s retirement, and $31,524 for the CM’s share. The compensation aligns with what’s offered by other Bay Area cities, a city spokesperson told us. Those retirement and health benefit numbers include what the city’s required to pay each year, as well as contributions toward unfunded liabilities, “ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.” There’s also a 401(a) defined contribution amounting to 6% of base salary; and health benefits that max out at $2,400 a month for employee and family coverage.

Other cities paying between $15,000 and $30,000 a year to cover the worker’s share of pension contributions were Santa Ana, Temecula, Lancaster, Berkeley, Aliso Viejo, Delano, Oakley, Yuba City, Redondo Beach, Camarillo, Cerritos, Yorba Linda, Albany, Azusa, Highland, Moorpark, Capitola, Diamond Bar, Sunnyvale and San Fernando.

In Palo Alto, the city did not cover the employee’s portion of retirement contributions — but its contribution to the CM’s retirement was a beefy $158,451. Total wages were $375,516, and total comp hit $581,050.

City spokesperson Meghan Horrigan-Taylor said only about a quarter of the pension payment “relates to the employee while approximately 75% of this relates to unfunded pension liability for the employer’s retirees within the plan. CalPERS requires unfunded liability payments for retirees and these costs are allocated across all current employees, which distorts and overstates the actual benefit figure specific to an individual current employee.”

Often skewing things are outsized payouts that often accompany retirements.

In Norco, for example, the city manager clocked total wages of $378,604 — a wee $166,593 in regular pay, and $212,011 in “other pay.” That’s an anomaly, a city spokesperson said, because the CM retired after 20 years of service and cashed out unused vacation, administrative and sick leave.

Institutions

We hate to sound like a dinosaur, but we remember when city managers served for decades in a single city. They were rudders on the ships. Integral parts of their communities. Institutions, if you will.

Ken Frank helmed Laguna Beach for 31 years. There’s a gorgeous view park named after him, for goodness sake.

Bruce Channing ran Laguna Hills for 26 years. Tim Casey was Laguna Niguel’s city manager for more than 22 years. Jim Ruth was on deck in Anaheim for 22 years, a dozen of them as head honcho. Fred Wilson ran Huntington Beach for 11 years.

These days, it seems like there’s a lot of churn at the top. Conflicts are more frequent and nastier. Since Frank left Laguna some 13 years ago, there have been at least four folks in the CM’s chair, and one of them left after filing a hostile workplace claim against a councilmember, and enduring a grotesque bit of vandalism at her home (someone smeared feces all around). Anaheim and Huntington Beach have burned through several CMs as well.

Honestly, it’s a job I could never do. This gem of a rant from a gent in the hot seat explains exactly why:

“I’m a retired City Manager with 33 years in the barrel in one position or another,” a city manager wrote to us after the Kogerman report dropped. “Over the years, I told many people that my contract was public record and they were welcome to a copy at 10 cents a page. As for those who think they can do this job in their sleep, give it your best shot.

“YOU tell every councilman that no, you won’t make an exception to the building code for his friend; you won’t hire his brother-in-law; you won’t contribute to his campaign or anyone else’s. You tell the mayor that his wonderful proposal is against state law. You negotiate with the police and fire unions and face their family and snot-nosed kids when they can’t get a fat contract. You explain to the Little League why the city can’t spend another $10 million for a new baseball complex; and on and on and on.

“If you can do the job for half price without sinking the city financially or shooting yourself or the city council politically, have at it! I only have 18 years of schooling and a lot of post-grad work. Probably you’re twice as good with half the background and experience and hey … that’s what you get for half the money.”

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Saratov city, Russia

The capital city of Saratov oblast .

Saratov - Overview

Saratov is a large city located in the southeast of the European part of Russia, the administrative center of Saratov Oblast, a major cultural, economic, and educational center of the Volga Region.

The population of Saratov is about 818,400 (2022), the area - 2,100 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8452, the postal codes - 410000-410600.

Saratov city flag

Saratov city coat of arms.

Saratov city map, Russia

Saratov city latest news and posts from our blog:.

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History of Saratov

Foundation of saratov.

People already lived on the site of today’s Saratov in ancient times. On the territory of the city there is Alekseevskoye settlement - an archaeological monument that has seven identified cultural horizons from the catacomb culture of the Middle Bronze Age (the 20th-19th centuries BC) to the settlements of the Golden Horde time (the 13th-14th centuries AD) with a temporary break in the 5th-13th centuries.

The settlements in this place regularly appeared during periods of relatively stable state structures (Khazar Khaganate, Volga Bulgaria, Golden Horde) and disappeared without a trace during the next wave of nomads. The last such cycle before the founding of Saratov ended in 1395-1396, during the invasion of Tamerlane (Timur), who destroyed the Golden Horde town of Uvek (Ukek) that stood here.

In the next 200 years, the sparse population of this region was represented by Nogai and then Kalmyk nomads, Cossacks and fishing artels of Russian monasteries. After the military campaigns of Russian troops against the Kazan Khanate in 1552 and the Astrakhan Khanate in 1556, the Tsardom of Russia gained control of vast territories of the Volga Region. Under Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich, it was decided to found several new fortified towns on the Volga River.

In the summer of 1586, the Samara fortress was founded, in the summer of 1589 - Tsaritsyn (Volgograd). In the summer of 1590, halfway between Samara and Tsaritsyn, the Saratov fortress was founded. The exact location of the original Saratov is unknown. In the winter of 1613-1614, the fortress burned down. In 1617, it was rebuilt on the left bank of the Volga, at the mouth of the Saratovka River.

In 1674, Saratov was moved to the right bank of the Volga, to the area of the present Muzeynaya Square. Thus, the city of Saratov was founded three times: in 1590, 1617, and 1674, and each time in a new place.

More Historical Facts…

Saratov in the 18th-19th centuries

In 1700, the population of Saratov was about 2,000 people. The sedentary agricultural population for a long time could not populate the territory of the region. Only those who were attracted by the free life of the Cossacks moved here.

The construction of the Tsaritsyn guard line and other measures taken by Peter I to strengthen security created conditions for the settlement of the right bank of the Volga. Its location at the intersection of the shortest land route to Moscow and the water route from the lower Volga and the Caspian made Saratov an important transit point and a major center for trade in fish and salt.

In 1763, foreigners were invited to settle in the Volga Region. In 1766, Saratov became the center of coordination of German colonists. In 1780, the town became the center of the Saratov Vicegerency. In 1796, it was renamed the Saratov Governorate.

In 1811, the population of the town was 26,700 people. The general plan of Saratov, approved in 1812, became the basis for the development of the town for more than a hundred years. The French invasion of Russia (1812) influenced the life of Saratov. In 1813, the French prisoners of war were exiled here and used for public works to level ravines, build dams, plant gardens. Later, a lot of them took Russian citizenship and stayed in Saratov. Some of them were invited as tutors and teachers to Russian families and educational institutions, others opened their workshops.

In 1828, the Saratov Tobacco Factory, one of the first in the Russian Empire, began production. In addition to it, the town had a rope, tannery, bell, brick, and a number of other factories. Cholera epidemics broke out in Saratov in 1830 and 1848. The epidemic of 1830, which lasted more than one month, claimed up to 10,000 people.

The further growth of crafts and trade stimulated the development of river shipping on the Volga, which became the main transport artery of the Russian Empire. In the 19th century, Saratov turned into a major river port. A very strong impetus for the development of the Saratov Governorate was the construction of the Tambov - Saratov railway in 1871. It connected Saratov with the country’s railway network.

In 1876, the first stationary circus in the Russian Empire was built in Saratov. In 1885, a public art museum was opened, which became a major event in the cultural life of the city. In the end of the 19th century, Saratov was one of the largest centers for the grain trade and flour-grinding industry in the country. It became a major intermediary in the trade of oil products, meat, fish, salt, and wool.

Saratov in the 20th century

In 1908, trams began to carry passengers in Saratov - one of the oldest tram systems in Russia. In 1912, the Saratov Conservatory was opened - the third in the country after Moscow and St. Petersburg. In 1914, its population was 235,300 people. Until the end of the 1920s, Saratov remained the largest of the cities of the Volga Region (larger than Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, etc.) and was often unofficially called the “capital of the Volga region”. From 1928 to 1932, Saratov was the administrative center of Lower Volga Krai, since 1934 - Saratov Krai, since 1936 - Saratov Oblast.

The rapid development of the city took place during the Second World War, when a number of factories and military schools were evacuated here from the west of the USSR. Saratov was subjected to several German air raids, the main purpose of which was to destroy the bridge over the Volga and the oil refinery.

Before the war, the town of Pokrovsk (Engels) located just across the Volga River was the capital of the German autonomous region with a population of about 800,000 people. A lot of them (about 400,000) were exiled to Siberia and Kazakhstan during the war; some later came back. Since the 1980s, most of them have emigrated to Germany. Until now, the few surviving buildings in the pseudo-Gothic style remind of this page in the history of Saratov.

Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, studied in Saratov. In 1955, he graduated with honors from the Saratov Industrial College. After his historic flight, Gagarin also landed about 35 km from Saratov - on the left bank of the Volga.

Saratov’s population peaked in 1987 - 918,000 people. Until 1992, Saratov was a closed city (foreigners were not allowed to visit it), since several large enterprises of the Soviet defense industry worked in the city, in particular, the Saratov Aviation Plant, which produced military and civil aircraft. Several industrial enterprises in Saratov also carried out orders for the Soviet space program.

Streets of Saratov

Street traffic in Saratov

Author: Kiyanovsky Dmitry

Picturesque old building in Saratov

Architectural monument in Saratov

Saratov - Features

Saratov stretches for 34 km along the right bank of the Volgograd Reservoir (the Volga River) opposite the mouth of the Saratovka River and the city of Engels, which is located on the opposite bank. The distance from Saratov to Volgograd - 376 km, Samara - 425 km, Moscow - 847 km. The City Day of Saratov is celebrated on the second Sunday in September.

There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name of Saratov. One of the main versions is that Saratov got its name from Sokolovaya Mountain, which was called “sary tau” in Tatar meaning “yellow mountain”. There is an assumption that the name came from the words “sar atav” - “low-lying island” or “saryk atov” - “hawk island”. It is also possible that Saratov got its name from the Scythian-Iranian hydronym “Sarat”.

Three silver fish (sterlet) are depicted on the coat of arms of Saratov symbolizing “the great abundance of such fish in this area”. They form the Greek letter “upsilon” meaning “the choice of a worthy path at the crossroads of life’s roads”.

The climate in Saratov is moderately continental. This city is characterized by long (about four months), moderately cold winters and hot, often dry summers. The average temperature in January is minus 7.5 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 22.6 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Saratov is from late May to early September.

Saratov is located at the intersection of main railway and highway lines, water routes. The international airport “Gagarin” offers regular flights to Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Surgut, Ufa.

Trains to Moscow regularly depart from Saratov railway station, as well as passing trains to Adler, Astrakhan, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kislovodsk, Kirov, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhnevartovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novokuznetsk, Novorossiysk, Perm, St. Petersburg, Simferopol, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk. The river port of Saratov serves only passengers of intercity cruise ships.

Saratov is a large industrial, cultural and educational center. Machine building, chemical and oil industries are well developed here. There are a lot of various attractions in Saratov: historical, architectural, religious and natural, various museums and beautiful parks. The city has a large number of architectural monuments of the late 19th - early 20th centuries.

Main Attractions of Saratov

Victory Park on Sokolovaya Mountain . This memorial complex was created in Saratov in 1975, when the 30th anniversary of the Victory in World War II was celebrated. This large park covers an area of 80 hectares. Here you can find the Eternal Flame, the Museum of Military and Labor Glory, the 40 meters high monument “Cranes”, and a unique exposition of military and civilian equipment with over 200 exhibits.

In 2003, the National Village of the Peoples of Saratov Oblast was opened in the park with real houses, yurts and other dwellings of the peoples of the region. In this place you can feel the atmosphere of the past not only of Russians, but also of Tatars, Armenians, Bashkirs, Georgians, and other peoples living in the Saratov region. In 2013, the Alley “Days of Russian Military Glory” was solemnly opened, on which monuments to prominent Russian commanders and statesmen were erected.

Victory Park is a favorite place for recreation for locals and visitors of the city. The top of Sokolovaya Mountain is one of the highest points in Saratov (165 meters). The observation deck located here offers a magnificent view of Saratov, the Volga River and its islands, the opposite bank, and the city of Engels (Saratov is connected with it by a bridge). Sokolovaya Street.

Cosmonauts Embankment - a street that stretches for 1.5 km along the Volga to the Saratov Bridge. The embankment received its present name in 1962 - after the first cosmonaut of our planet landed near Saratov. The monument to Yuri Gagarin was erected at the beginning of the embankment more than 30 years later. The embankment descends to the Volga in 4 wide terraces. In summer, there is a rental of bicycles, rollers, and gyro scooters.

In 2017, the floating light and music fountain “Heart of the Volga” was opened here. It is located right on the water, its multicolored jets rise to a height of 40 m. The fountain is open from May to October.

The embankment offers an excellent view of the Saratov Bridge (1965) - a reinforced concrete road bridge across the Volga River connecting Saratov with the city of Engels. The length of the bridge is over 2.8 km. It is one of the symbols of Saratov.

Kirov Avenue - a pedestrian street that stretches for 1 km through the historic center of Saratov. Unofficially, the street is called “Saratov Arbat”. Along the entire length of the street there are mansions and houses built in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. The most interesting ones are the neo-Gothic building of the Saratov Conservatory (1902) and the Volga Hotel (1917) built in the Art Nouveau style. The monument to the Saratov accordion, one of the symbols of Saratov, is installed here.

The walking area starts from Kirov Square, where one of the oldest stationary circuses in Russia is located - the Nikitin Brothers Circus. The fountain near the circus is a traditional meeting place. The building of the Covered Market (1916) located here is also worth mentioning.

Pictures of Saratov

The building of the Volga railway administration in Saratov

Summer in Saratov

Saratov architecture

Church of the Icon of the Mother of God (1904-1906) - a very picturesque church, the main feature of which is that its multicolored domes resemble the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed standing on Red Square in Moscow. In Soviet times, the building served as a city planetarium. So it has been fairly well preserved. Volzhskaya Street, 36.

Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity (1689-1695) - the main Orthodox church in Saratov, a unique architectural monument for the Saratov region built in the Moscow baroque style. Moskovskaya Street, 6.

Saratov Regional Museum of Local Lore - the largest museum organization in Saratov Oblast. In total, the museum has about 400 thousand exhibits: archaeological, ethnographic, paleontological, entomological collections, examples of manuscript and early printed books, objects of religious worship, poster graphics, numismatics, materials on the history of the political, economic, and cultural life of Saratov.

Among the numerous exhibits on display in 30 spacious halls, it is worth highlighting the complete skeleton of an ichthyosaur, utensils belonging to the 4th century BC, a rare saber granted by Empress Elizabeth to the clerk Panteley Selivanov. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum organizes thematic exhibitions. Lermontova Street, 34.

The Radishchev Art Museum . Created in 1885, it became one of the first publicly accessible art museums in the Russian Empire. The ground floor displays medieval icons and a collection of Western European art, which is considered the third largest in Russia. These are canvases by Dutch, German, French, and Italian artists, furniture and porcelain, bronze and glass products.

On the second floor, you can see the works of Russian painters. Musical concerts and literary and art meetings are held in the Great Hall of this art museum. The library of the museum has a rich collection of manuscripts, old books. Radishchev Street, 39.

Museum of Samovars . This private museum, opened in 2015, houses the largest collection of samovars in Russia - over 700 pieces. Today, in a small room on the ground floor of a residential building, you can see samovars from all over the world and trace their evolution over several centuries. Over time, these ordinary kitchen utensils have turned into works of art and have become one of the symbols of Russia. Kutyakova Street, 34/36.

Gagarin’s Field (Gagarin’s Landing Site) . This attraction of Saratov is located outside the city. On April 12, 1961, the landing vehicle of the Vostok-1 spacecraft with Yuri Gagarin on board landed near the village of Smelovka in Saratov Oblast, several kilometers south of Saratov.

According to the pre-flight plan, the landing was to take place in the steppes of Kazakhstan, but due to a failure in the braking system, Vostok-1 landed on the field of the collective farm “Lenin’s Path”. Yuri Gagarin himself considered his landing near Saratov to be symbolic. In this city the first cosmonaut of the planet attended an industrial technical school.

Today, a memorial complex has been created on this field with a 27-meter obelisk in the form of a rocket taking off. It is a smaller copy of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space located near the Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow. Near the obelisk, there is a monument to Yury Gagarin, a descent vehicle, and 12 steles with images of the first cosmonauts, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, and Sergei Korolev. There is a small park around the complex.

Saratov city of Russia photos

Sights of saratov.

Dandelion fountain in the center of Saratov

Saratov State Agrarian University

Lenin monument in Saratov

Churches of Saratov

Holy Alexievsky Convent in Saratov

Author: Oleg Maraev

Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in Saratov

Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity in Saratov

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

As an American visiting Saratov for the first time I was a little apprehensive, but I was pleasantly surprised with the friendliness of the people, so much so that I returned many times in recent years.

If you are interested in exploring Russia away from the usual Moscow or St Petersburg, you should consider Saratov with its location on the Volga River, interesting city center and landmarks. You will find the people will try and interact with you even if you don't speak Russian. Another wonderful adventure!

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Saratov Oblast Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Saratov Oblast, an unassuming gem in the heart of Russia, is a region that captivates with its rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Nestled along the majestic Volga River, this picturesque destination offers an array of experiences for travelers. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about Saratov Oblast, including the best time to visit, must-see places, exciting activities, transportation options, dining experiences, accommodation choices, famous street markets, and essential travel tips to make your journey to this hidden gem truly unforgettable.

About Saratov Oblast: Geography: Saratov Oblast is located in the southern part of European Russia, along the Volga River. The region boasts diverse landscapes, including fertile plains, rolling hills, and picturesque riverbanks.

Cultural Heritage: Saratov is known for its rich cultural heritage, with influences from Russian, Tatar, and German traditions. It is famous for its local festivals, music, and folklore.

Best Time to Visit Saratov Oblast: Summer (June to August): Summer is the prime tourist season in Saratov Oblast. The weather is warm, nature is in full bloom, and outdoor activities are at their peak.

Spring (May and early June) and Autumn (September): These transitional seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring the region.

Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter activities and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, visiting Saratov Oblast in winter can be a unique experience.

Places to Visit in Saratov Oblast: Saratov: The city of Saratov, the regional capital, is known for its vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the Saratov State Art Museum, the beautiful riverfront, and the historic city center.

Engels: This picturesque town is located on the Volga River and is known for its charming architecture, parks, and the picturesque Lenin Square.

Volga River: The Volga River, one of Russia’s most famous waterways, flows through Saratov Oblast. Enjoy a river cruise to appreciate the scenic beauty and historical sites along its banks.

Sokolova Mountain: For panoramic views of the Volga River and the surrounding landscape, visit Sokolova Mountain. It’s a perfect spot for hiking and photography.

Things to Do in Saratov Oblast: Saratov Beaches: Enjoy the sandy beaches along the Volga River during the summer months, where you can swim, sunbathe, and engage in water sports.

Volga River Cruises: Take a cruise along the Volga River to appreciate the natural beauty of the area and to visit nearby towns and attractions.

Local Festivals: Participate in local festivals and events, such as the Saratov Festival of Balloons and the annual Volga Day celebration.

Local Cuisine: Savor the local flavors of Saratov, including traditional Russian dishes, Tatar cuisine, and German specialties influenced by the region’s heritage.

How to Get Around Saratov Oblast: Public Transportation: Saratov Oblast has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, trolleybuses, and a metro in Saratov city.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Saratov Oblast. Make sure to use official and registered taxi services to ensure a safe and fair experience.

Walking: Many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it a pedestrian-friendly destination.

Where to Eat in Saratov Oblast: Russian Cuisine: Sample traditional Russian dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and shashlik at local restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local flavors.

International Cuisine: Saratov Oblast also offers a variety of international cuisine, including Italian, Chinese, and European restaurants. You can find options to suit diverse tastes.

Cafes and Bakeries: For a quick snack or a cup of coffee, Saratov Oblast has numerous cafes and bakeries where you can relax and enjoy a break.

Famous Street Stalls in Saratov Oblast: While street food stalls are not as prevalent in Saratov Oblast as in some other cities, you can find local stalls offering traditional Russian snacks and fast food in some areas.

Where to Stay in Saratov Oblast: Hotels: Saratov Oblast offers a range of hotels, from luxury to budget-friendly. Some popular options include the Saratov Marriott Hotel and the Saratov Hotel.

Hostels: If you’re traveling on a budget, Saratov Oblast has several hostels that offer affordable accommodations with basic amenities.

Guesthouses and Homestays: For a more personal and homely experience, consider staying in guesthouses or bed and breakfasts in smaller towns and villages.

Travel Tips for Saratov Oblast: Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visa to enter Russia well ahead of your trip. Visa processing can take some time.

Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken, so it’s helpful to learn some basic Russian phrases or have a translation app handy.

Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to exchange some currency to Russian Rubles before your trip. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.

Respect Local Customs: Russian culture values politeness and respect. Be courteous to the locals and follow cultural norms.

Weather Preparation: Depending on the season of your visit, pack accordingly. Winters can be extremely cold, so bring warm clothing.

Conclusion: Saratov Oblast, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences, promises an unforgettable journey for travelers. Whether you’re captivated by the natural beauty, cultural festivals, or outdoor activities, Saratov Oblast has something for every type of traveler. By following the travel tips provided in this guide, you can make the most of your visit to this hidden gem, whether you come in the summer, winter, or any other season. Saratov Oblast is a destination where lasting memories are waiting to be created.

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Other destinations

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Saratov Oblast was the center of Volga German culture, Germans who resettled in Russia in the 17th century enticed by offers of farmland, until World War II, when Stalin deported the Germans en masse to Siberia and Kazakhstan. Today, Saratov Oblast is a big center of industry along the Volga River.

Overnight trains from Moscow to Saratov take about 16 hours and are very affordable. Flights cost about twice as much (although they are still very reasonable) and will get you there in an hour and a half.

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