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City Manager Weekly Update
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Community Survey and Hillview Community Center Project Task Force Update
On Wednesday, October 18, 2017 the Hillview Community Center Project Task Force held a public meeting with City staff and Noll & Tam architects to learn about and review architectural and landscape elements and characteristics for the design of the new community center. Noll & Tam provided a series of photos representing different architecture and landscape styles in various categories and provided the Task Force and members of the public with colored dots used to rank the photos by preference. Photos included various roof lines, windows and walls, gathering spaces and landscape elements. Using the highest ranked photos, an online survey will be designed to gather additional feedback from community members on their design preferences. The community survey will be available on
Open City Hall. The community is invited to participate in selecting their preference of designs from the photos. To be notified of project updates, please subscribe to the Hillview Community Center email list at
losaltosca.gov/enotify.
Home Energy Upgrade Workshop
Nearly 40 homeowners attended a FREE workshop on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Hillview Community Center to learn about Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade in the Bay Area, sponsored by the County of Santa Clara! Mayor Pro Tem Jean Mordo and Environmental Commission Vice Chair Don Weiden welcomed the group and encouraged the participants to learn more about the clean energy provided to Los Altos by Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and opportunities to engage with City Council and the Environmental Commission.
For a limited time, the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade program offers up to $5,500 in rebates and incentives for making local homes more energy efficient. Workshop attendees learned about Santa Clara free Home Upgrade Advisor services, participating contractors, and how their houses can be more energy-efficient and comfortable. Residents can contact a Home Upgrade Advisor at (866) 878-6008 or visit
www.BayAreaEnergyUpgrade.org to learn how to maximize available rebates and transform their homes into an energy efficient oasis.
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Emergency Operations Center and Los Altos PREPARES Drill
To help prepare our community to respond to emergencies, Los Altos PREPARES conducted a neighborhood drill on October 18 in coordination with the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training for staff. The combined drills provide a more realistic simulation of a real-life disaster scenario that can occur in the Los Altos community. Los Altos PREPARES, which includes Block Action Teams (BATs), Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), and Los Altos Amateur Radio Emergency Service (LAARES, HAMs), came together to set up an Emergency Information Reporting Site (EIRS), while City staff gathered at the City’s EOC. In an emergency, trained volunteers from Los Altos PREPARES will be deployed to designated sites around the City and will serve as a bridge between the community and first responders until professional emergency personnel are able to respond.
Los Altos Police Chief Andy Galea said of the drill, “Recent disasters in Texas, Florida, and now Northern California have been the focus of national news and illustrate that disasters can happen anywhere, including here. An Emergency Operations Center is a critical part of disaster response. The successful response and mitigation of disasters is influenced by the EOC team and the many community partners supporting first responders. Wednesday’s EOC drill is just one of many exercises throughout the community to help keep Los Altos prepared and safe.”
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Customer Program Advisory Group
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) invites members of the public to apply for the agency’s newly formed residential Customer Program Advisory Group (CPAG). The CPAG will provide SVCE’s Board of Directors and staff with input on customer program goal-setting and design processes. SVCE is seeking applicants with a wide range of experiences, including local business or community involvement, energy or environmental field experience, or service in trade organizations related to SVCE’s carbon-free energy mission; however, such experience is not required. If you believe you’d provide a valuable perspective to the CPAG, SVCE urges you to apply. CPAG members must reside in the SVCE service area: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and unincorporated Santa Clara County.
If you’re interested in guiding clean energy program creation in your community,
apply here! The deadline to apply to is November 17, 2017. CPAG appointment recommendations will be presented by SVCE Board members and staff at the December 13, 2017 Board of Directors meeting. Any questions can be directed to SVCE Community Outreach Manager Pamela Leonard, at
[email protected].
Understanding Your New Energy Bill
Los Altos achieved a major milestone towards curbing climate change when Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) became the official electricity supplier for residents and businesses of Los Altos earlier this year. SVCE also serves the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County.
SVCE delivers carbon free energy at 1% less than PG&E prices. PG&E continues to distribute electricity through their existing infrastructure, to perform maintenance, and to provide billing and customer service, so there will be no difference in your utility service or reliability. SVCE was formed by the communities it serves and is governed by a board of directors comprised of one elected representative from each of its participating communities.
Historically, when you received your energy statement from PG&E, it included bundled charges, which combined the cost of electric generation and delivery. Now, as you look at your Energy Statement, you will see electric delivery and generation charges separately. The Silicon Valley Clean Energy electric generation charge is NOT a duplicated charge as it replaces what PG&E would have charged you for electric generation.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy has a lot of resources available to assist you with understanding your bill:
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New Building Inspector
Salvador (Sal) Mendoza began serving as the Building Division’s newest inspector this week. Sal has an extensive background in construction and in his spare time has been studying to become a building inspector. His experience and education made him the top candidate during the interview process and his willingness to continue learning and help make him an asset for the Building Division, which now has a full complement of inspectors.
Planner Interviews Held
Interviews for the Associate Planner position were held this week and a qualified candidate was identified to move on to the next round in the candidate evaluation process.
Evaluating Density
In response to recent questions and discussion, staff has reached out to a consultant to evaluate residential densities and how changing these, and other site development standards, in a zone district manifest themselves in building forms. Residential densities are typically expressed in the number of dwelling units per acre. For example, an area with a low density may have four dwelling units per acre while a high-density area may have up to 38 dwelling units per acre. Cities establish the densities within their boundaries and then apply site development standards such as setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements, to achieve the desired level of development in each area. There is a lot of interplay between densities and site development standards and this effort will provide useful information that can be used to help evaluate the appropriate densities and site development standards for Los Altos.
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Public Meetings: Downtown Green
The Los Altos City Council will consider the 2018 Downtown Green Project on November 28, 2017. There will be two public meetings in advance for residents, business and property owners to view the Downtown Green’s design and details, consider the project and provide feedback. Please join us at the Los Altos Youth Center on Thursday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. or Wednesday, November 8 at 12:00 p.m.
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Request for Proposals for School Route Improvement Projects
Staff is planning to release a Request for Proposals for five Capital Improvement Program projects that are identified as school route improvements today, Friday, October 20. These projects include improvements such as adding ADA compliant ramps, high visibility crosswalks and filling sidewalk gaps.
University Avenue Crosswalk Improvements
The University Avenue Crosswalk Improvement project is now complete and all project improvements are in place. This project included replacement/installation of curb ramps, a raised crosswalk, flashing beacon system, new crosswalks and removal of ADA barriers.
City-wide Street Improvement Projects
Phase two of the city-wide street improvement project is currently underway. This week the contractor completed approximately 50% of the streets scheduled to receive micro surfacing treatment including El Monte Avenue and is on track to finish all surfacing work by the end of this month. Street striping work will follow, which may require lane closures. Crews will maintain through access and minimize traffic impacts as much as possible, however, residents are encouraged to be mindful of the work schedule and route to avoid the area and unnecessary delays. Various neighborhood streets are scheduled for next week. If you have any questions about the project or would like to view a schedule of work, please contact the City of Los Altos Engineering Division at (650) 947-2780, or check the
project webpage.
Redwood Grove Tree Maintenance Project
The tree maintenance project in Redwood Grove is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 23, 2017. Work hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Twenty-four trees identified as dead or dying will be removed or top pruned. Wood that is felled will be milled onsite; this process may be noisy. The project is anticipated to be complete in mid-November. Notices of the work have been posted in Redwood Grove. The project area will be clearly marked and closed to the public. The public is asked to observe signs indicating areas inaccessible during the scheduled work and exercise extreme caution in the area, as work will take place overhead.
PG&E Gas Line Upgrades
PG&E will be upgrading natural gas distribution lines on Templebar Way, Thames Lane, Kingswood Way, Ashby Lane and Pine Lane up to and including some gas meters on private properties. PG&E plans to start the construction on Monday, October 23, 2017 and complete work by the end of the year. During construction, streets scheduled for work will be reduced to one lane between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with adequate traffic measures in place. It is anticipated to have minor traffic delay during the construction period. For additional information or to share concerns, please contact PG&E local representative, Crystal Jewel at (408) 725-2240 or email
[email protected].
CalWater Water Main Upgrades
CalWater has completed all service connections on La Prenda Road and will begin working on service connections along Arboleda Drive on the western side of Campbell Avenue. This task will take roughly 1 week to complete with about 4 services connections installed per day.
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Recreation & Community Services
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Los Altos Youth Theatre Opening Night Tonight
The Los Altos Youth Theatre is pleased to present
Seussical Jr. performed in the Bus Barn Theater (97 Hillview Avenue) opening tonight, Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. Additional performance dates include October 21, 27, 28, November 3 or 4 at 7:30 p.m. or attend a matinee on Sunday October 22 or 29 at 2:00 p.m. Order your
tickets online or drop by the box office Wednesday through Friday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Seussical Jr. transports audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Halloween Window Painting Contest
The 54
th Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest is currently underway. This year we are pleased to announce that there are 59 participants. We are so excited about the number of contestants and stores that have participated this year. Painting began Thursday, October 19 and will continue on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. Judging of the windows will take place on Sunday, October 22 and will be conducted by our fabulous Youth Commissioners. Good luck to all the talented artists that are participating!
Kinder Prep
Kinder Prep is just finishing up their exploration of the alphabet with letter X while Tiny Tots are tinkering with the letter E. Elephants were made with the letter “E” as part of their Zoo-Phonics learning. Both Tiny Tots and Kinder Prep will follow bright yellow and orange leaves to the pumpkin patch to pick their own pumpkin. There is still time to sign-up to volunteer at the Tiny Tots Fall Festival. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, games and clean-up of the Fall Festival on Monday and Tuesday, October 30 and 31. Please contact Brandon Council at
[email protected] or call (650) 947-2897 for more information.
Senior Program Updates
Senior Program at Hillview Community Center:
Wednesday, October 25
11:00 a.m. - Pickleball
1:00 p.m. - Tech Tutor
Thursday, October 26
11:45 a.m. - Tai Chi
Friday, October 27
10:30 a.m. - QiGong
12:00 p.m. - Luncheon
Senior Program at Grant Park Community Center:
Elli Tehrani of Clear Caption will discuss their phones created for the senior population, Friday, November 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 11 of the Grant Park Community Center, 1575 Holt Avenue.
For more information about Senior programs, please call (650) 947-2797.
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Orchard Soil Amendment Work
The City is planning to begin soil amendment work in the Civic Center orchard in late October. Organic fertilizer will be applied to keep the orchard in good health and prepare for new trees to be planted in the spring. Due to the application of fertilizer, a strong odor is anticipated. While the odor will be unpleasant, it is not harmful to humans or pets. We ask for your patience and understanding as we tend to the health of the orchard. Questions about the planned work can be directed to Parks Maintenance Supervisor Chris Costanzo at (650) 947-2895 or
[email protected].
Pumpkin Carving with a Cop
Community members are invited to bring their pumpkins for an afternoon of fun with Los Altos Police Officers! We will host our 2
nd Annual Pumpkin Carving with a Cop event on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hillview Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 97 Hillview Avenue. We will be carving pumpkins alongside fellow jack o’ lantern enthusiasts while answering questions during this fun, FREE, family-friendly event. Participants are asked to bring their own pumpkins. We’ll provide carving tools and refreshments. We hope to see you there!
Halloween Movie Night at Grant Park
The Los Altos Parks & Recreation Commission is pleased to present
Twas 3 Nights Before Halloween Movie Night. This event will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Grant Park, 1575 Holt Avenue. The following movies will be shown:
- 6:30 p.m. – Pooh’s Heffalump Movie (Perfect for all ages)
- 8:00 p.m. – Halloweentown (8 and up)
Bring a chair, blanket, or jacket and join us for this family-friendly Halloween double feature. For more information, email
[email protected].
Joint Community Volunteer Service Awards Committee Seeking Nominations
The Joint Community Volunteer Service Awards Committee is currently seeking nominations from the community for individuals or organizations that have provided volunteer service which has benefited the communities of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Nominations and supporting documents must be received by October 26, 2017. For more information or to complete a nomination form online, visit
jointvolunteerawards.com.
City Council Open Office Hours
The Los Altos City Council will host Open Office Hours on the following dates and times:
Sunday, November 12, 2017
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hillview Community Center, Room 2
97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos
Monday, November 20, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grant Park (Room 3)
1575 Holt Avenue, Los Altos
Thursday, December 7, 2017
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hillview Community Center, Room 2
97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos
One City Council member will be available to the public for these two-hour periods to answer questions, receive input and discuss topics of interest with community members. Everyone is welcome.
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City of Los Altos | (650) 947-2700 | www.losaltosca.gov
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