Saratoga News

News Briefs

Teachers picket at Monta Vista High's first day of school

More than 250 teachers picketed at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino on the first days of school to illustrate their frustration over collapsed contract negotiations, fueling speculation of a full-blown strike.

The teachers carried signs in front of the McClellan Road school from 7 to 7:30 a.m. Aug. 28 and 29 on the first two days of the school year. Afterwards, teachers began their scheduled classes.

Many of the teachers who walked the picket line said they would walk out if the 400-member Fremont Education Association voted to do so. The FEA seeks a 12.3 percent salary hike and a one-year contract.

The union also plans to picket Cupertino, Fremont, Lynbrook and Homestead high schools, all in the Fremont Union High School District.

Citizens invited to apply for planning vacancies

The Saratoga City Council is seeking citizens to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission. The terms of commissioners Sami Asfour, Margaret Patrick and Richard Siegfried expire at the end of October.

The commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. to consider matters concerning city planning, land use and zoning ordinances.

Any resident of Saratoga 18 or over may obtain an application from City Hall, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., during business hours. Applicants are requested to attend a regular meeting of the Planning Commission before being interviewed by the City Council. Deadline for receipt of applications is Oct. 8.

For further information, contact Betsy Cory, deputy city clerk, at 867-3438.

Saratoga joins Pollution Prevention Week

The City of Saratoga joined other Santa Clara County cities in declaring the week of Sept. 16-22 Pollution Prevention Week. Members of the City Council urged all residents and businesses to participate in events celebrating the week, at its Sept. 4 meeting. County-sponsored activities are scheduled to include a teachers workshop on environmental curricula; a public education campaign and an informational hotline; a household and small-business hazardous waste drop-off event; and a Coastal Clean-Up Day. For more information about events, call 441-1195.