It's not done deal quite yet, but the college has offered up use of its parking lot that faces Redwood Middle School on Fruitvale Avenue as a new venue for the popular farmers market.

As recently as a couple of years ago, such a solution likely wouldn't have been possible and probably wouldn't have even been considered. But during Ann Waltonsmith's watch as mayor Saratoga, an accord was reached between the city, the college and the college neighbors, and a spirit of cooperation was born.

There are still many details to iron out before a partnership will be forged between the market and the college, says Dr. Phil Hartley, West Valley College president.

Hartley is still waiting for responses to 130 letters the school has sent to college neighbors asking for their views on the matter. "We're trying very hard to be responsive to our neighbors," he said.

He added that there were also issues involving the level of support of the Saratoga community for keeping the market in the city, and the costs and logistics relating to operation of the market at the college. And, of course, there would be to be ultimate approval from the West Valley­Mission Community College Board of Trustees.

But the mere fact that negotiations are under way and that such a merger may even be possible is a credit to Waltonsmith and Saratoga City Councilman Nick Streit, along with Jack Lucas and Bob Owens of the West Valley board and area residents Evan Baker and Cynthia Barry. Last September they agreed to put aside the controversial issue of the stadium on the college campus, a bone of contention for more than 30 years in the community. And while the Saratoga News was a proponent of the proposed stadium plans, we are nonetheless pleased to see the conflict resolved to allow all parties to come together and cultivate a cooperative spirit to allow community events like the farmers market to bloom.