The fundraising deadline for Saratoga High School's Performing Arts and Lecture Center has been moved up to May 30 from June 6 in order for the high school district to evaluate the center's funding status. The school is lacking $720,000 of the $6.5 million it needs to begin construction this summer. If the amount is not raised, the school will lose its current low construction bid.

Fundraising efforts include private donors; restaurant proceeds from Bella Saratoga, Plumed Horse and The Basin; and downtown merchant Patrick James donating a portion of May 16 and 17 sales. For more information, visit Saratoga High School Foundation's website at www.shsf.org.


Festival celebrates Japanese culture

Hakone Gardens will host its fourth annual Hakone Festival on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration will feature an array of activities and live entertainment.

The park is located at 2100 Big Basin Way. Admission is free and shuttles will be running from West Valley College. For more information, contact the park at 408.741.4994.


New traffic sign to be installed

Public safety commissioners voted to add a new traffic sign near the Southwest YMCA recreation center on Quito Road. The exact wording of the sign has not yet been determined, but it will warn drivers of pedestrians ahead. According to residents who requested the sign and the city's economic development coordinator, Danielle Surdin, speeding is common in the area.