A yearlong ordinance to this effect was passed at a city council meeting on Sept. 1. The ordinance prohibits personal service businesses on any ground floor fronting a street in the Village.

The original ordinance was adopted on Oct. 15, 2003. The city adopted the ordinance because the Saratoga downtown, like many other cities in California, has experienced a loss in the number of retail shops. In fact, the most common personal businesses in downtown Saratoga, when it comes to personal businesses are nail parlors, hair salons and day spas.

"I feel good that we extended the ordinance. I feel like the Village is vulnerable. We need this in place," said Mayor Ann Waltonsmith. She said that it was getting a bit lopsided and businesses could suffer in the absence of a healthy mix. "It bothers me that there is so much turnover at the village," she said.

However, the ordinance cannot be extended again after the 12-month period expires. In the meantime, city staff will research and make recommendations for the planning commission to consider adoption of regulations for personal service businesses after next year.

Waltonsmith said the high rents in the Village were a cause of concern, too.

In other business, the council accepted an agreement between the city and West Valley College ending an acrimonious relationship that goes back more than 30 years. With this agreement, West Valley College gives up the right to build a stadium on the campus.

The agreement also specifies that the district will comply with the city's code and use permit requirements for the use of the football and track facility. The college district cannot challenge the legality of the city's code.

Neighbors who live in the area will create a formal organization so that they can be a party to the agreement. Any amendment to the 30-year agreement can only be made when all three parties agree—the city, the college district and the neighborhood association.

Waltonsmith said that she was very excited about the agreement and had even done a little dance around her room when she heard that the agreement was about to be accepted. "There is a sense of joy, but there is also a sense of relief that the city can support West Valley," she said.

Vice Mayor Kathleen King and Councilman Nick Streit said making peace with West Valley College was on their agenda when they campaigned for city council seats two years ago.

"There was some intense negotiations but it was always cordial and cooperative," Councilman Norman Kline said.

And with that, a history of animosity seemed headed for a solution amicable to all.