Community Development

Downtown Visioning
Staff reviewed the concepts this week for the three future scenarios for the Downtown Visioning effort. The outline for the future scenarios will be presented to the City Council at its meeting in August for confirmation that they reflect what should be shared with the community. The purpose of the scenarios is to serve as a tool that will help the community evaluate and identify a preferred vision for the Downtown. The scenarios were developed following a robust community outreach effort, including the recent Downtown Vision Questionnaire. To view more information about the project, as well as the results of the Questionnaire, visit the Downtown Vision project webpage.

Density Bonus Regulations Review
At its meeting last night, the Planning and Transportation Commission continued its consideration of the draft Density Bonus regulations to allow the City Attorney an opportunity to review a letter received by the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The letter raised some issue with the findings for denial recommended in the draft regulations. Consideration of these regulations was continued to the next meeting of the Planning and Transportation Commission, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 17, 2017.

Economic Development

Downtown Green
The Downtown Green’s summer festivities are in full swing! Mark your calendars with these events that are coming soon:

August 7: Vinyl on the Green - 6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 8: The Underground - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Come rock out to local bands, play ping pong and enjoy a place to hang out in Downtown Los Altos.

August 9: Pop-Up Mini Camp - 6-8:00 p.m.
Space is limited to first 15 drop-ins. Cost is $20 per child.

August 10: Farmer’s Market Cooking Demonstration (5:00-7:00 p.m.)

August 11: Club 55 and Up! - 6:00-9:00 p.m.
A Pop Up Nightclub for folks 55 and up with music, food and friends!

August 12: Cinema: Moana (PG) - 6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 13:
Pilates - 10:00 a.m.
Skin Cancer Screenings, El Camino Hospital - 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Barre 3 - 12:00 p.m. 

For more information, visit www.downtowngreen2017.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @DowntownGreen2017.  

Police

National Night Out
The Police Department was pleased to celebrate another successful National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Members of the Los Altos Police Department and Santa Clara County Fire enjoyed visiting the various neighborhood celebrations. National Night Out provides public safety personnel an opportunity to get to know community members and learn more about the issues impacting our community. Thanks to all who celebrated with us! To view more photos, visit our Police Facebook page. 

Public Works

Construction near Village Court Shopping Center
Two separate private construction projects are scheduled to begin roadwork on Monday, August 7 near the Village Court shopping center located on San Antonio Road and El Camino Real. Lane closure permits have been issued for both projects – the details of which are below.

San Antonio Road/El Camino Real Intersection Improvements
On Monday, August 7, intersection improvements are planned to begin on the Los Altos side of El Camino Real at San Antonio Road as part of the San Antonio Shopping center project located in the City of Mountain View. Planned work includes adding a new left turn lane from northbound San Antonio Road onto westbound El Camino Real. This will require relocation of the median island, installation of new traffic signal poles with underground utilities and ADA ramp improvements. The contractor will be closing a maximum of one lane per direction on San Antonio Road between Monday, August 7 to Friday September 15. Through traffic will be allowed at all times, however, drivers should expect minor delays during peak commute times.

Sherwood Avenue at San Antonio Road Mixed Unit Project
On Monday, August 7 and continuing to Friday August 25, the north side of Sherwood Avenue will be closed for construction. The remaining lane on the south side will be open for traffic from San Antonio Road to El Camino Real direction only. The public improvements include underground utilities connections (gas, water, electricity, communication and storm water), sidewalk, parking duck outs, crosswalk and curb and gutter.

New Engineering Employee
The engineering division is pleased to welcome Andrea Trese this week to the Public Works, Engineering team as an Assistant Civil Engineer. Andrea comes to us from EOA, Inc., where she worked the last four years as an environmental engineer. At EOA, Andrea worked with a team of engineers and scientists to provide services to Bay Area municipalities. Some of her tasks included interpreting environmental regulations such as National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits, advising agencies on strategies to meet pollution control standards, tracking management actions and their results, and monitoring stream water quality. Andrea’s experience will be a tremendous asset to the Engineering Division.

Almond Avenue School Project
The City is working with Los Altos High School to alleviate traffic congestion and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety during peak hours (drop off & pick up). The City updated all NO PARKING signs to indicate NO STOPPING ANYTIME. The City is also scheduled to red paint the curb in front of the ‘horseshoe’ entrance. The school will re-open the horseshoe entrance as a drop-off only access point. The school will also install a right-turn only sign at the drop off zone to help alleviate congestion and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Covington Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
The City’s contractor has nearly completed this project, which included installation of ADA compliant ramps, sidewalks, curbs/gutters, signs, and striping along Covington Road between Miramonte Avenue and Eastwood Drive. The contractor will be completing punch list correction items by the end of the day, which include fixing issues with two drainage inlet boxes, corrections to four sidewalk ramps and one curb ramp landing area.

Reminders

City Council Open Office Hours
The Los Altos City Council will host Open Office Hours on the following dates and times:

Saturday, August 5, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Green
Third Street between State and Main Streets

Sunday, August 20, 2017
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Downtown Green
Third Street between State and Main Streets

Wednesday, September 6, 2017
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hillview Community Center, Room 2
97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos

Wednesday, September 20, 2017
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Grant Park (outside picnic tables)
1575 Holt 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.