As of Jan. 30, 56 cities, including 13 cities in California, have passed resolutions declaring opposition to a war with Iraq. The decision to bring such a resolution to Saratoga came from Councilman Stan Bogosian, with Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith joining him in his efforts.

"The implications [of war] are very serious for our country," said Bogosian, who stated his desire to see unanimous approval for the resolution.

Many cities that oppose the war have cited such reasons as the number of lives that are bound to be lost on both sides of the war, environmental destruction, returning veterans who will have to deal with posttraumatic stress and health issues, and the financial burden on all levels of the U.S. government.

Because one of Bogosian's closest friends served as a Marine in the Vietnam War, he has seen the effects of war on a returning veteran.

"He's had one hell of a life. It was a profound experience for him," the councilman said.

"Until a case has been proven that there's a problem" in Iraq, Bogosian said, he cannot support going to war. In the event that the Bush administration does decide to go to war, Bogosian said, he would want to see it be sanctioned by the United Nations and to have the cost of war shared by U.N. members. Furthermore, Bogosian said he is not prepared to support a war unless the Bush administration demonstrates that it has a specific plan to deal with the aftermath of war.

One citizen who wants to see the resolution passed is Cordelia Clancy, director of training at Concrete Jungle Self-Defense, who has trained law enforcement and military personnel on safety issues.

"An act of unprovoked war would increase the potential for retaliatory terrorist strikes on our soil. We would be wise to not open this Pandora's box but give the diplomatic process the patience and respect it deserves," she said in a statement.

The next Saratoga City Council meeting will be held Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at the civic center, located at 13777 Fruitvale Ave.