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News From Silicon Valley's Neighborhoods Macy's Parade A pair of sisters, falsely accused of shoplifting from the cosmetics counter at Macy's, say they were targeted because they are Mexican-American. Red Light Stop Saratoga--Burlesque at the Plumed Horse? Lap dances on Big Basin Way? Saratoga thinks not, and it has the city ordinance to prohibit it. Alarmed by one entrepreneur's misguided attempt to open a local adult business (permit issues over the video screens stymied the opening), city officials got busy making sure Saratoga remains a PG-13 kinda place. Under the new rule they can run extensive background checks on prospective owners and employees--on the owner's dime--and require a permit for each activity inside. Here's to fighting red lights with red tape. Welchers Gripe Willow Glen--Tut, tut! Some of the merchants in the Business Improvement District on Lincoln Avenue haven't been coughing up their share of BID taxes, which go toward improving and promoting the entire district. As civic sins go, this one's even worse than listening to public radio and not contributing; BID merchants are required to pitch into the communal money pot. Thirty-two welchers owe a grand total of $10,655, even after a three-month amnesty period that ended in December. About half that sum is thanks to six mushy apples, among them Park Place Antiques, real estate agent Ron Giomi and H2 Enterprises. Park Place Antiques says the city's records are botched and the other two had no comment. Assisted Herbicide Los Gatos--Last year, mountain residents formed GATOS, or Group Against Toxic Spraying, to combat the county's use of the herbicide Garlon 4 along mountain roads. Much wrangling ensued over how to keep the county roads above Lexington Reservoir weed- and poison-free, and at last the two sides have reached an accord: the county will administer the spritz of death only to invasive non-native plants, and county residents may whack their own weeds if they sign a waiver and put red stakes in front of their property. [ Metro | Metroactive Central | Archives ]