Saratoga News News Briefs Don't cut dead, unwanted trees The city of Saratoga is asking residents to get a tree removal permit before cutting down any unwanted or dead trees. Rebecca Spoulos, a Saratoga community service officer, said the free permit is required, and those who don't obtain one could be cited. Spoulos said the city has seen an increase this year in illegal tree removals. Many times the city receives notice that a tree was chopped down after receiving calls from concerned citizens, she said. Once notification is received, Spoulos checks to see if a permit is on file; if not, she visits the residence. Illegally removing trees can get costly, after the offender is cited and the city arborist determines the tree's value. She said that depending on the tree, residents could have to replant another tree and/or be fined. Parents petition school over move A small group of parents calling themselves the Concerned Saratoga Parents have collected more than 100 signatures from residents who oppose moving sixth-grade students from Redwood Middle School to Strawberry Park School in San Jose next year. The entire student body from Saratoga School will be moved to Strawberry Park next year during construction on that campus. The group sent a letter and a copy of the petition to State Superintendent of Education Delaine Eastin, asking her to appeal the decision. Alison Humphries, a member of CSP, said she would prefer no construction while school is in session and says she's concerned about the safety of the seventh- and eighth-graders who would remain at the school during next year's planned construction. Civic Theatre lights complete The mood inside Saratoga's City Council Chambers was a lot brighter last week, thanks to the completion of a $91,000 project to upgrade the lighting inside the Civic Theatre. Schindler Electric of San Jose recently finished the project, which began in October of last year. The lights make a big difference, fully bathing the stage in a bright, warm glow. The lighting changes temporarily caused most City Council meetings to be moved to the city's adult day care center. Meetings will again be held in the theatre at 13777 Fruitvale Ave. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, February 10, 1999. ©1999 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.