December 22, 2017
City Manager Weekly Update
City Manager
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Community Development
Parking Committee Recommendations
On January 4, 2018 staff will be providing the Planning Commission with information regarding the former Parking Committee recommendations, which will provide a starting point for discussions on ordinances that can be developed to implement the recommendations. The Commission will then need to hold a public hearing on the Ordinances and develop recommendations to the City Council.
 
New Associate learning lots about Los Altos
This past Monday, December 18, Sunny Chao started her career with the City of Los Altos as an Associate Planner. Prior to coming to Los Altos, Sunny served the City of Menlo Park as an Assistant Planner. She has been busy reviewing the land use codes and policy documents, such as the General Plan, and has started applying what she has learned in the review of a variety of projects that are working their way through the permitting process.
Police
Protect Your Home this Holiday Season
In the spirit of having a safe and happy holiday, Los Altos Police would like to remind you to be extra vigilant about protecting your home this holiday season.

  • If heading out for the night, consider leaving a light, TV or radio on to make it appear that someone is home
  • Be extra diligent about locking doors and windows when you leave for any amount of time
  • Try not to display gifts where they can be seen through a window
  • Never leave holiday gifts, cell phones, purses or other valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. It takes only seconds for a criminal to smash your window and steal your belongings.
  • If traveling for the holidays, ask a neighbor to check on your home and park in your driveway from time to time. You can also notify us of your plans to be away by completing a Vacation Contact Form online.
  • After the holidays, be sure to break down empty boxes from your new computer, stereo, flat screen TV, or other expensive items. Put them in your bin rather than on the street for potential criminals to see. 

If you see anyone looking into vehicles or acting suspicious, report it immediately to the police department by calling our 24/7 non-emergency line at (650) 947-2770.
Public Works
Transit Safety Message from VTA
During this busy and distracting time of the year, the Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), the County’s transit operator, reminds public that safety is everyone’s job. Whether you are riding the trains, catching a bus or commuting near our system, please be focused on getting to your destination safely. Here are some things to remember:
Trains are very quiet and their speed and proximity are easy to underestimate. And, like any other vehicle on the road, buses have blind spots. Stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and follow the below safety rules at all times.

  • STOP when you see a train. No matter how far the train appears to be, the true distance can be deceiving. Watch for lights and gates when you approach light rail crossings. And remember, trains may be coming from either direction at any time. Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing and gates go up. 
  • LOOK and LISTEN for approaching trains and buses. Remove distractions such as ear buds/ headphones and take a break from mobile devices when approaching tracks and curbs.
  • FOLLOW all directional signs, crosswalks and announcements from train and bus operators.   
  • DON’T CHASE after a train or bus. Arrive at your stop early. Be patient. If you miss your train or bus, another one will arrive shortly. It’s not worth risking your life. Be safe and don't chase!    
  • IF YOU FORGET personal items while traveling on our system, do not chase after a bus or light rail to retrieve them. Call Customer Service at 408-321-2300 for help in securing your items. Again, be safe and don't chase!

City-wide Street Improvement Projects
Phase two of the city-wide street improvement project is substantially complete. The paving work was completed in November and the contractor has been working on installing striping on newly resurfaced streets. As part of the restriping effort, engineering staff looked for opportunities to incorporated pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. Some of these improvements are buffered bike lane along El Monte Avenue, green-painted bike lanes at conflict points along Grant Road, and high visibility crosswalks near schools. If you have any questions about the project, please contact the City of Los Altos Engineering Division at (650) 947-2780, or check the  project webpage .
Reminders
2018 Fun Run
The annual Fun Run will be held on New Year’s Day in Downtown Los Altos. This Los Altos tradition is FUN, non-competitive and FREE and includes a 5K (3.1 mile) walk, run or roll (strollers or wheelchairs). Participate in the “run” or cheer on your family and friends - it’s a great way to welcome 2018. Registration will take place the day of. All ages are welcome. This event will start at 9:00 a.m. at the corner of State and Main Street.

Holiday Closure Information
City Hall & Recreation Office Closure
City Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, 2017 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. Offices will also be closed on Monday, January 1, 2018 in observance of New Year’s Day.

City Hall Reduced Hours
City Hall will observe reduced holiday hours and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27 to Friday, December 29, 2017. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Senior Program Holiday Hours
The Los Altos Senior Center at Hillview and Grant Park will be closed December 25, 2017 through January 1, 2018. Recreation programs for the City of Los Altos will be closed December 25 & 26, 2017. Holiday Office Hours will be observed December 27 – 29, 2017; office hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
City of Los Altos | (650) 947-2700 | www.losaltosca.gov