Saratoga High School is making an effort to avoid making noise before 7 a.m. or after 11 p.m. But with the opening of the Performing Arts and Lecture Center by the fall of next year and some potential improvements to the school's lower fields, activities on the campus are expected to increase. A community conversation to address ways to minimize the impact on the school's neighbors will take place Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga.

Jack Lucas named president of board

Jack Lucas was elected president of the West Valley­Mission Community College District board of trustees at a Dec. 11 board meeting, with Frank Jewett elected vice president. West Valley College President Dr. Marchelle Fox, who is retiring this month, received a plaque of appreciation from the board members.

Lucas, the former Monte Sereno mayor who most recently served as vice president for the district, said he was flattered, surprised and honored to be elected president in a unanimous vote, after being on the board for only a year.

"I just want to be responsive to the staff and the taxpayers I represent," Lucas said, adding that he hopes to run short, efficient meetings with a more united board of trustees.

Saratoga district appointments

Cindy Ruby was elected president of the Saratoga Union School District at the board's Dec. 9 meeting, with Cathie Thermond elected clerk and Michael Gipe elected secretary. The district office will be closed as of Dec. 22 and will reopen, after winter recess, on Jan. 5.

Academic honor for local resident

Steven Chen, a student at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., was initiated Nov. 19 into the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, which recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership and exemplary character.

Student membership candidates must rank in the upper 35 percent in scholarship of their school and must show leadership in at least one of five areas: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service, social and religious activities and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; or creative and performing arts.

Chen, the son of Sen Chen, attended Saratoga High School and is majoring in biology. He is expected to graduate in May 2004.