Saratoga News

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Saratoga resident is appointed to county commission

Saratoga resident and former councilmember and planning commissioner Don Peterson has been appointed to the Santa Clara County Planning Commission, which consists of seven members and is responsible for making land-use decisions and advisory recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. County Supervisor Joe Simitian recently announced Peterson's appointment, citing his experience with Saratoga government as only one reason he thought Peterson was right for the position.

"His experience as a small-business owner is an added plus," Simitian said. "Don is open-minded and even-handed. He has a respect for people and the process."

Peterson was also recognized earlier this year by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. His appointment to the county commission will become effective Dec.15.

Council offers many thanks

A number of commendations were made at the Saratoga City Council's last meeting on Nov. 5. The council thanked Saratoga residents Richard Van Hoesen, Kathy Hahn and Belinda Heerwagen for their time and volunteer work on city commissions and committees.

Van Hoesen and Hahn had served on the city's Finance Advisory Committee since April 1995 and December 1994, respectively, participating in the annual review and adoption of the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Budget and Investment Policy; the reorganization plan; the indirect cost-allocation program; the technology master plan implementation and cost-restructuring as a result of the loss of the utility-users tax last year.

Heerwagen had served on the Public Safety Commission since April 1995. She also worked on the city's Bicycle Advisory Committee, was an Altrans liaison and served as a school resource officer committee liaison during her more than two years of volunteering.

The council also swore in two new members of city commissions: Cheryl Martlage was appointed to the Planning Commission for a term ending in April 1999, and Thomas Edel was appointed to the Public Safety Commission for a term ending in April 2000.

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