Saratoga's second annual Mustard Walk will take place at the Warner Hutton House and Heritage Orchard on Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can go on a guided walk through the orchard, enjoy mustard-inspired recipes and cooking demonstrations and view historical photos of the orchard and paintings by local artists. Kids can also take part in a donkey cart ride. Light refreshments and wine samples will be provided. All activities are free, and parking is available at the civic center parking lot, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. For more information, call 408.868.1294.


City to fill vacant seats

The city is accepting applications for the planning commission. The commission advises the city council on land use issues, including the city's General Plan and specific plans, zoning and subdivisions. Four of the seven present commissioners will see their terms expire this April. The commission meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month starting at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Civic Center Theater. Commissioners conduct site visits on Tuesday afternoons.

To be eligible, applicants must reside in Saratoga, be a registered voter of the city and have attended at least one of the commission's meetings prior to being interviewed. The applicant must not hold an elected public office anywhere nor be employed with the city of Saratoga. Applications, due by 5 p.m. Feb. 28, are available at the city clerk's office at 13777 Fruitvale Ave. For more information, call 408.868.1269.

The city council also recently appointed Ajay Narain to the finance commission. Narain, a Saratoga resident since 1999, once worked at a "Big Six" auditing firm and has held executive titles at other companies the past seven years. Narain is scheduled to take the oath of office at the Feb. 5 council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.


Chamber offers free 'BizWhiz' workshop

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with business and personal coach Maryam Webster to offer a free workshop to its members, taking place Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Call 408.867.0753.