News Briefs

The Planning Commission may get new members

For the past two weeks, the City Council has interviewed eight candidates to fill four seats opening at the end of this month.

The only member leaving the commission is current chairman Mark Pierce. At its April 14 meeting, the commission named Mary-Lynne Bernald its new chairwoman.

Marcia Kaplan, Cheryl Martlage and Henry Murakami all have terms expiring, but have reapplied.

The remaining five applicants include Erna Jackman, Lisa Kurasch, George A. Roupe, Marion K. Tavenner and Ann Waltonsmith.

The Council was expected to appoint the new commissioners on April 27.

City hires manager for Hakone house

The Saratoga City Council voted unanimously April 21 to enter into an agreement with the Housing Authority of Santa Clara County to manage the house for rent at Hakone Gardens.

The council's move puts to rest months of confusion over how it was going to rent the two-bedroom cottage, which is available to county residents who qualify for low-income housing.

In a report to the council, City Manager Larry Perlin said that the Housing Authority was chosen based on its "outstanding reputation and extensive experience in developing and maintaining affordable housing, particularly properties owned or regulated by public agencies."

The city will still be in charge of leasing the cottage, and rent has been set at $900 a month. The Housing Authority will charge the city $75 per month for its services.

The city began a search for a property manager after attempting to rent the cottage on its own. At the time, the city had said it wanted to rent it possibly to an older couple, or at least to someone who would be on the premises often and serve as a deterrent to potential trespassers.

That statement caught the attention of at least one area housing watchdog organization, which said the city cannot, by law, be selective in its choice of a tenant.

The Housing Authority will now begin screening possible tenants, who must submit to background checks and income verification.

Sheriff's Report

Saratogan offers plan to bring the community closer together

Obituaries: Roberta Worden, Sandria Johnson

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

Falcons earn 10-1 division record in baseball

CCS Top 8 Track Classic

Saratoga softball team wins two, loses one

Kids' summer sports camps