The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce has a longstanding tradition of helping out Santa Claus each year by responding to more than 300 letters that children write to old St. Nick. Children have until Dec. 20 to drop off their letters to Santa at Mail Boxes Etc. on Big Basin Way, the Village Post Office or the Saratoga Main Post Office. So it's not too late to become an honorary elf and to make sure the kids get a response.

In addition to arranging for Santa's elves, the Chamber has published a book titled All I Want for Christmas: A Collection of Memorable Children's Quotes and Special Holiday Recipes. Illustrated with artwork accompanying the children's letters to Santa, the book includes a sample of some of these letters and recipes from Chamber members. The book, hailed as a "great stocking stuffer" by Chamber accounts manager Carmel Scott, is available for purchase for $5 at the Chamber office at 20460 Saratoga­Los Gatos Road. For information about the book or responding to letters to Santa, call 408.867.0753.


Commissioners take the oath

On Dec. 4 the city council appointed Anne Cross and Pragati Grover to fill two of the three vacant seats on the library commission. The third seat was filled by Monte Sereno resident Kathy Foscato, who was appointed by that city's government.

For Cross and Foscato, whose first term expired in October, their second term will last until October 2005. Grover's term will expire in 2006.


Foothill Club brings holiday cheer

The Saratoga Foothill Club will once again be delivering holiday boxes to 150 seniors and low-income families, a project the organization has been involved with for nearly 50 years. Other groups participating in the effort include students from three elementary schools, who collect the canned goods, and Saratoga Fire District personnel. The Saratoga Rotary Club also provided financial support.