By Sara Ballenger

The Los Altos Cultural Association’s fund-raising campaign to outfit the theaters at Mountain View and Los Altos High schools is just getting started, but hopes are high.”The theaters are scheduled to be completed in October,” said association chairman John Moss. “We need to get the money together as quickly as possible.”

The association is working to raise $300,000 to cover costs not covered by a 1995 bond measure.

“We are fund-raising to buy things to have a useful theater,” Moss said.

“We need stage lights, curtains, sound equipment, a projector and acoustics,” he said.

The 350-seat theaters will house performing arts activities at both high schools and be available for community use.

“I am really pleased and grateful to the (association) for leading the campaign to outfit our theaters,” said Rich Fischer, superintendent of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District.

The association is appealing to residents, foundations and corporations to help in the fund-raising. It also hopes to receive a matching grant.

“The idea that the community is coming forward to help us make them truly state-of-the art theaters is incredibly gratifying,” said Pat Hyland, Mountain View High School principal. “Our community values and has shown commitment to the arts.”

Donors will be recognized on a wall at each theater.

Send tax deductible donations to: High School Performing Arts Facilities Fund, 171 Main St., No. 242, Los Altos 94022.