City officials are preparing for action on two fronts after receiving verbal confirmation July 14 that Caltrans will relinquish responsibility of the sidewalks on Big Basin Way to the city of Saratoga and provide $741,000 in state funding for sidewalk improvements. City officials also learned that Starbucks Coffee is making an attempt to open an outlet in the Village at Corinthian Corners. The business permit will go before the planning commission July 27.

"Even though I'm a Blue Rock Shoot coffee loyalist, there are many citizens in Saratoga that would like to see a Starbucks in the Village," Mayor Kathleen King said. "I feel it's really going to help our foot traffic. I hope it helps attract an Aqui restaurant, a bookstore and a PF Changs."

Vice Mayor Norman Kline said it's nice that Saratoga is attracting first-rate establishments. He hopes to attract other businesses and said news of state funding for sidewalk improvements would help in that regard. "People have been complaining about the sidewalks for over 20 years," Kline said. "If you invest properly in your infrastructure—sidewalks, streets, public right-of-way and landscaping—that will attract private investment. Once you fix it, it's good for 20 to 40 years."

Public Works Director John Cherbone said that state funds would be enough for basic improvements and should take care of a majority of the safety issues. Priorities include tripping hazards, accessibility for the disabled and bringing the sidewalks, curbs and gutters up to current standards.

Caltrans has owned the right-of-way to the sidewalks in the Village since the 1960s, but for a large entity like Caltrans, it's difficult to provide the attention to maintenance that people at the local level would prefer, Cherbone said. "As Caltrans has changed, so has the city," he said. "It's in the best interest of the public for the city to be in control of the sidewalks."

King said she thinks the relinquishment of the sidewalks from Caltrans to the city and state funding for improvements is great for the Village. "We won't have enough money to do it the way we want, but we'll have a good portion to do what we want," she said.

Cherbone said any action on the sidewalks is at least a year out. In the meantime, the city will decide what enhancements will be made and whether more money should be spent to improve things aesthetically.

"First and foremost, I think they need a plan to work toward," said Bill Cooper, owner of Bella Saratoga, after learning that the city would receive funding for sidewalk repairs. "And secondly, as quickly as possible fix some of the spots that are in worse shape. It's not going to be an easy project. There are definitely areas that need to be started."

Cooper opposes a Starbucks opening in the Village. He said the location at the head of the Village will do little to bring in new business as Starbucks patrons will buy their coffee and leave. "I don't agree that it's going to be a good addition to the Village," he said. "We have a couple nice flavored coffee shops already."

Josiah Slone, chef and owner of Sent Sovi, said that although his restaurant is not dependent on foot traffic, better sidewalks will improve the quality of the Village. He said that, as in years past, there might be local opposition to Starbucks coming to town but that anything that brings business to Saratoga is good for everyone. "I wish them the best of luck," Slone said, concerning Starbucks.

Slone described Saratoga as a charming, quaint, upscale community. "I wouldn't mind having nicer sidewalks," he said. "I'm very optimistic about the future of the Village."