Cindy Ranii, superintendent of Los Gatos­Saratoga Joint Union High School District, will hold a budget summit meeting on Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., at the district office, 17421 Farley Road West, Los Gatos. The meeting will review goals for the year, and there will be a full report on the current year's budget and multiyear projections from Ranii and district Chief Business Officer Bob Peterson. The district is examining options for a reliable local stream of revenue that cannot be taken by the state, such as a parcel tax.

"It's an educational evening regarding the budget to hear from leaders on campus and the community," Ranii said.

Parents and residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to voice questions and concerns. Email Pat Salsman at psalsman@lgsuhsd.org if you plan to attend.


Packages for the troops from home

Blue Hills School, 12300 De Sanka Ave. in Saratoga, in alliance with the American Red Cross, is looking for help in a community service project. The school is putting together care packages for American troops overseas that will be received in time for Thanksgiving.

The children are writing letters and drawing pictures that will be included in the packages. Items needed by Oct. 24 for the packages include: hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizers, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, lip balm, sunscreen, combs, brushes, mouthwash, lotion, washcloths, dental floss, socks and other related small-sized personal and hygiene-type items.

For more information or to provide a donation, contact Manju Bhatia via email at manjudpf@aol.com or by calling 408.446.2622, or call Julie DeMaria with the American Red Cross at 408.373.8635.


Exchange student seeking a home

Seventeen-year-old Titis Andari, an exchange student from Indonesia who is attending Prospect High School in Saratoga, is looking for a host family with which to share the academic year. For more information, call Karen Hagewood at 415.595.6063 or email her at hagewood@pacbell.net.