Design guidelines for the Gateway District have left the hands of planning commissioners and are on their way to the city council.

After discussing for more than two hours last week and poring over reviews of the guidelines the past several months, the planning commission decided it was time to push the guidelines through to the council.

Residents and commissioners voiced concerns over measurements for buffers and setbacks in the mixed-use zone. Another issue raised was in regard to whether the commission could grant a variance now to property owners with unique situations.


On the hunt for local artists

Plans are in the works for an art display to be featured during the opening of the new library. The art exhibit will include work from local artists, and most media will be accepted, said library commission chair Marcia Manzo. The next step for the arts commission will be placing calls to local artists.

"We're hoping a lot of artists will step up to the plate. We're hoping to make it a dynamite display," Manzo said.

Contact information for either commission can be found on the city's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.


City street map now available

The 2003-04 Saratoga city street map, available at the Chamber of Commerce office, will be distributed throughout the community. This is the first time the map, which identifies shopping centers, school boundaries, parks, recreation and educational facilities and other points of interest, has been produced in a four-color process. Members may receive a complimentary copy at the Chamber office. For information, call the Chamber at 408.867.0753.


Tips to ensure mail delivery

As the U.S. Postal Service handles nearly 20 billion pieces of mail during the holiday season, the post office has issued tips to ensure that packages are delivered properly.

Information can be obtained at www.usps.com.