John Martin Nichols, known as Martin Nichols when he worked at Saratoga High, was charged July 27 with two counts of annoying a child under the age of 18, a misdemeanor. He is accused of propositioning one of the school's male students on two occasions off campus last winter. Nichols resigned his position in March; his last day at the school was June 30.

Deputy District Attorney Steve Fein, the prosecutor on the case, said he believes Nichols is out of the state, which is why his San Francisco-based lawyer, Marshall Schulman, entered the plea at the arraignment. Fein said Schulman will review the prosecution's case, and a pretrial conference will be held Sept. 26, at which time the case could be settled, a trial could be set or a decision could be postponed.


Seminars offered in Saratoga

This month and in November, Burlingame-based Net Equity Associates is offering seminars on how to prepare financially for retirement. The seminars will be held at the Saratoga Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ave.

Each seminar, called "Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement," will provide information about taxes, retirement income, investments, risk management and estate planning.

The seminars are free. Each consists of three sessions from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; the first is Sept. 12, 19 and 26, and the second is Nov. 7, 14 and 21. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 800.338.1273. The seminars are not sponsored by the city or the senior center.