The countdown for Saratoga's annual Holiday Open House in the Village has begun. Come and watch the downtown area light up as the city celebrates its first living holiday tree, a blue spruce, recently purchased for approximately $5,000 from a farm in Gilroy and planted in Blaney Plaza. Funds for the tree were donated by local residents and active community members Phil and Susan Boyce. The tree will be adorned with colored lights while merchants will be opening their doors for shoppers.

The event will take place on Nov. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sing along with carolers, enjoy a 15-minute carriage ride, indulge in cookies and hot cider or simply enjoy the atmosphere—there will be a variety of things to do. For more information, contact the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce at 408.867.0753 or Donna Collins of Henrietta Hen's at 408.867.4083.

City holds meeting for proposed trail

Residents are encouraged to attend a meeting regarding the possible development of the Union Pacific Railroad Trail. The trail runs 1.6 miles along a PG&E­owned easement next to the newly renovated Congress Springs Park and connects Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga Avenue. It is part of a larger 8.7-mile trail, which has the potential to serve as a link to other significant trails such as the Stevens Creek and Los Gatos Creek trails. The issue will be discussed at the Dec. 3 city council meeting at 7 p.m. in the Civic Theater on Fruitvale Avenue.

Volunteers helping to boost businesses

Need help in improving entrepreneurial skills? Look no further—the Saratoga and Los Gatos Chambers of Commerce are giving local merchants an opportunity to hone business skills through a program called SCORE. By appointment, merchants can engage in a one-on-one session about a wide range of topics including financing, marketing and strategic planning. Sessions are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Los Gatos Chamber. Call the Chamber at 408.354.9300 to schedule an appointment. For more information about SCORE, visit http://www.svscore.org.