The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is inviting local business owners and community members to its open house at its new location, 14485 Big Basin Way, on March 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Attendees can meet and greet neighbors in an informal setting. The Chamber is a network of 350 local business owners and residents helping one another to become aware of the city's resources. Residents interested in joining must pick up an application at the office. Membership fees vary according to each level. For more information, call the Chamber at 408.867.0753 or visit http://www.saratogachamber.org.


Business council hosts meeting

The Saratoga Business Development Council will meet on March 25 to discuss marketing strategies for local businesses. Issues listed on the agenda include analyzing possible advertising mediums; promoting the concert season using pole-mounted banners; and addressing signage solutions. The meeting will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. in the administrative conference room on Fruitvale Avenue.


Merchants watch for shoplifters

The Saratoga Sheriff's Department is cautioning business owners in the downtown area to be on the lookout for shoplifters who have struck Patrick James twice in the last year. The suspects have been spotted recently and are thought to be travelling in groups of two or more. The suspects range in age from their late 20s to their late 50s and are considered to be reasonably well-dressed and articulate.

On the most recent team of shoplifters was a Hispanic male in his early 30s, approximately 220 pounds. Witnesses say he is somewhat flamboyant. His accomplice is a female who is 5 foot 8 inches and approximately 130 pounds with blond-streaked hair. She is usually soft-spoken. Officers urge merchants to call the department at 408.867.9715 to report any suspicious activity.