This is a result of the Saratoga City Council's decision to extend a 45-day ordinance that was adopted at a Sept. 17 meeting that prohibits potential owners of personal-service businesses from operating in the Village. The ordinance is set to expire on Nov. 29, but the new one that was voted on and approved by a 4-1 vote was immediately put into effect at a Nov. 19 city council meeting and will follow through until October 2004.

This freeze will allow the council to observe subsequent trends in the downtown area and to reflect on past failures.

"This is the first step in getting our act together," said Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith. "There's been a history of benign neglect in the city in terms of not keeping track of the incoming businesses."

Waltonsmith was referring to a similar pattern that happened in the city several years back regarding real estate establishments. When Cupertino and Los Gatos put restrictions on commercial real estate businesses, Saratoga started seeing an influx of such businesses.

"We should have done something then," Waltonsmith said. "But with this ordinance, we can protect the Village and encourage a vibrant mix." According to a recent survey, the establishment of personal-service businesses, which includes but is not limited to day spas and any type of beauty salon, have become more prevalent within the past three years. Currently, there are 16 personal-service businesses in the Village out of 112 establishments, nine of which are hair salons, three nail shops, two day spas and one psychic. Though this ratio may seem relatively insignificant, this number has increased by three in 2002 and by six in 2001.

"It's time to shut this part of the industry down and move forward," said Mayor Nick Streit.

Councilman Stan Bogosian voted against the ordinance in defense of those who are trying to find stability in such economic hard times.

"Everybody should have a fair chance in starting up their own business as long as it does not affect the public's health or safety," Bogosian said. "After all, this is the land of opportunity."

Councilman Norman Kline said he agreed with Bogosian in staying out of the market, but also understood his other fellow council members' concerns.

"It's time to rethink our business strategy," Kline said. "We need to support a good mixture of businesses in the Village."

Patricia Bottero, owner of Harmonie European Day Spa on Big Basin Way, said this decision to place a temporary ban on personal-service businesses in downtown Saratoga proves that the city council is truly making an effort in creating a positive change, but is not sure if this is the correct way to attract more retail businesses. She said that from a day spa owner's perspective, this would limit the chances of having additional competition. However, it is personal-service businesses that attract foot traffic in the Village, she added.