Issues surrounding the proposed new Saratoga Fire Station on the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Los Gatos­Saratoga Road will be discussed at the next community Good Government Group meeting, 7:15 p.m. on May 1 in the community center's Patio Room.

Ernest Kraule, former fire chief and chief capital project liaison, will be speaking about the building's impact on the adjacent sheriff's department and the post office. The actual construction of the new building is scheduled to begin in August.

According to Fire Chief Gordon Duncan, the front of the building will be pushed back approximately 20 feet from the intersection, while the entire building will be angled 15 feet to the east to allow space for a right turn lane. In addition, a second floor will be added to accommodate nine bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area and a day room where staff members would be able to watch television or have meetings.

For more information about the meeting, contact GGG Vice President Ellen Cousins at 408.867.4237.


Workshop to help boost businesses

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and Maryam Webster from Quintessence Coaching will be hosting a free BizWhiz workshop on May 13. The workshop is open to all Chamber members and is designed to help business owners sharpen their strategies and to offer business tips on how to market a business during tough economic times.

The workshop will be held at LMGW-CPAs Inc., located at 20520 Prospect Road, Suite 200, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Chamber at 408.867.0753.


Planning names a new chairwoman

The Saratoga Planning Commission appointed a new chairwoman and vice chairwoman at the April 23 meeting. Taking former Chairwoman Erna Jackman's place is Jill Hunter. The motion was made by Commissioner Susie Nagpal and seconded by Commissioner Mike Garakani. Also stepping up is Rutshi Zutchi, who is now the vice chairwoman.