News Briefs

Highway 85 sound reduction delayed

A decision from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority regarding measures to reduce sound from Highway 85 has been further delayed after the VTA presented incomplete test results to the Saratoga City Council on Nov. 7.

The VTA has budgeted $9.3 million to reduce sound on Highway 85, between Interstate 280 and Highway 87. The organization is currently deciding whether to grind down the concrete grooves on the highway or to lay down a new layer of asphalt.

Staff members from the VTA have recommended grinding the concrete with diamond-headed machinery, a process they say reduces noise as much as an asphalt overlay.

However, a study in Woodside on grinding grooved concrete has yet to be completed, which left city council members skeptical about the procedure. Council members chose to have VTA staff members return in January to explain the results of the Woodside study before making a choice.

West Valley seeks clothing, blankets

West Valley College is holding a winter clothing and blanket drive. Citizens can drop off laundered donations in the Community Service Learning office in the college's Campus Center.

For more information, call 408.741.4081.

City says parking not a problem

A recent city-commissioned study of Village parking space has determined that there is adequate parking to serve the needs of area businesses.

Transportation consultants Fehr & Peers Inc. were charged with determining the legitimacy of business owners' chronic complains about the lack of Village parking.

The consultants recorded the capacity of both on-street spaces and public parking lots throughout the Village between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Wednesday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept. 22.

They found that even during peak dinner hours on both days, there were still at least 10 percent of the area's parking spaces available.

City officials acknowledged that the events of Sept. 11 have decreased business activity in the Village.

Sheriff's Report

Editorial: Government should not try to legislate patriotism

Local Home Sales Listings

Photo: 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

High school football

Saratoga High School water polo