News Briefs

Fire candidate forum Oct. 25

The League of Women Voters will sponsor a forum for the four candidates running for seats on the Saratoga Fire Commission. The event is Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center, 1655 Allendale Ave.

In the Nov. 6 election, the four candidates will compete for two commission seats open at the end of the year. Present Commissioner Jay Geddes seeks re-election, while David Dolloff, Barry Ford and Joe Long all seek election for the first time.

It is the first competitive election for the fire commission in nearly two decades.

After each candidate gives a short speech, Marge Bunyard, president of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, will moderate a question-and-answer period.

Housing element heads to state

While an official public hearing on Saratoga's plan to accommodate housing needs was scheduled for Oct. 3, the city has already sent its plan to the state for a preliminary review.

The city is to finalize the plan--known as a housing element--by Dec. 31. The Community Development Director convinced the city council to send the element to the state housing department on Sept. 19, citing the three-month timetable the city is now working on.

Prior to final submittal, the city can amend the plan to respond to comments from citizens and the state. The current plan encourages mixed-use development and some expansion of second units in the city. The entire document is available for viewing at www.saratoga.ca.us/pdf/dhe.pdf on the web.

Repairs will close lanes of highway

From Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, one lane will be closed in each direction on Highway 17, between Los Gatos and the Summit. Every Monday through Thursday, the southbound lane will be closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the northbound lane will be closed between 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Caltrans will close the lanes so that they can survey the area for drainage and road improvements. Caltrans advises drivers to plan to take more time driving on this section of the road.

Sheriff's Report

Mark W. Mayfield: For a beautiful lawn, forget the horses and get the horsepower

Local students contemplate possibility of a military draft

Local Home Sales and Property Listings

Wedding: Tom and Esfti Schulz

Les Landin named Citizen of the Year

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

Central Park Invitational Cross Country

Ultimate Kids Triathlon

Local school sports