Hillview Community Center Project Task Force Meeting

The Hillview Community Center Project Task Force (Task Force) will meet on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Grant Park Community Center, Multipurpose Room at 1575 Holt Avenue. Noll & Tam Architects will provide conceptual architectural and landscape images and discuss their elements and characteristics. Following this discussion, Task Force members will be asked to rank a series of images based on their preferences and the public will be invited to do the same. We encourage those interested in the building aesthetics to join the Task Force for this exciting exercise. The information gathered during this exercise will inform a community survey that will be developed by the Task Force to gather additional feedback from community members on their architectural and landscape preferences. That survey is expected to be posted on Open City Hall ( losaltosca.gov/OpenCityHall) the week of October 23. Please sign up for project updates to be notified of its posting by subscribing to the Hillview Community Center email list available at losaltosca.gov/enotify.

Communities Affected by California Fires

On October 9, 2017 Governor Brown declared a state of emergency for Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Nevada and Orange counties due to the effects of multiple fires. On October 10, a Federal Major Disaster Declaration was issued to support the state and local response to the Northern California fires. These wildfires have prompted mass evacuations throughout Northern California and thousands of acres have burned and threatened infrastructure as strong winds fueled the fast-moving fires. As many as 14 fires are burning in the above counties with an estimated 20,000 people evacuated.

A Health Advisory has been issued for the Bay Area a Spare the Air alert is in effect, as smoke from these fires has created extremely poor air quality for Bay Area residents. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District advises residents to stay indoors and keep indoor air as clean as possible by keeping doors and windows shut. Run your home or car air conditioner on recycle or recirculate to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

As the fires up north continue to burn, many people in Santa Clara County want to help by donating funds, goods and by volunteering. CaliforniaVolunteers has created a web page with links to local nonprofit organizations and foundations that serve affected communities. These organizations are well-positioned to distribute donations to those who need them the most. If you are interested in helping, visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org.

Community Development

CT Zone District Amendments Approved

On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, the City Council adopted a set of amendments to the CT District regulations. The intent of these regulations was to enhance the compatibility of future projects along El Camino Real with the residential properties that border these sites. Amongst the amendments are requirements for on-site loading and delivery space, standards for rooftop decks and open space requirements. The regulations reflect the input of the community and the careful consideration of the City Council and Planning and Transportation Commission, each of which spent several meetings fine tuning the language in the new rules so they appropriately address the circumstances unique to the El Camino Real corridor.

First Street Green Office and Public Plaza Project Withdrawn

The Community Development Department received word from the applicants of the First Street Green project that they are withdrawing their entitlement applications. For those who received or have started reviewing the environmental review and proposed mitigated negative declaration on the project, please note that the withdrawal of the applications suspends the need to continue moving forward with this environmental analysis.

Loyola Corners Specific Plan Update Approved

The update to the Loyola Corners Specific Plan was considered and approved by City Council on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. The approved update includes minor amendments to the types of commercial uses that are allowed on the first level of a building, clarification on height limit, a total additional unit cap on residential development and amendments to the circulation policies. Staff will begin updating the Specific Plan Document itself and include these newest amendments along with others that have been approved for the document over the years. Staff has also started the development of some design guideline diagrams that can be relied on to guide future projects in the Loyola Corners area.

Density Bonus Regulations Customized for Los Altos

The City Council approved a customized set of Density Bonus regulations for the City at its meeting on Tuesday. Based largely on the State’s Density Bonus regulations, which all cities must comply with, the new density bonus rules provide guidance to applicants, decision makers, the public, and staff on the extent of exceptions to site development standards. The density bonus concept, which has been part of the State’s legislation since the 1970’s, incentivizes the production of affordable housing by providing for additional market rate units – density bonus units – in a project. These additional market rate units are intended to help off-set the cost of the affordable units.

Public Works

City-wide Street Improvement Projects

Phase two of the city-wide street improvement project is currently underway. This week the contractor completed approximately 30% of the streets scheduled to receive micro surfacing treatment including a large segment of Grant Road 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.

The segment of El Monte Avenue between Foothill Expressway and Springer Road is scheduled to receive street treatments on October 19 and 20, 2017. Traffic will be reduced to 1-direction while work is performed. Drivers should expect traffic delays and are encouraged to avoid the area between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 19 and 20. Detour signs will be in place to direct traffic flow accordingly.

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.

New Transportation Services Manager

We are pleased to announce that Aruna Bodduna has joined the City as our Transportation Services Manager and began with us this week.  Aruna comes to us from County of Santa Clara where she worked as a Transportation Planner. She has experience in both the private and public sectors, and has worked on short and long-range planning and development studies. While at the County, Aruna worked on the County’s Comprehensive Expressway Plan 2040. The Tier 1 Expressway Projects list that has been recently approved for the 2016 Measure B sales tax has been a product of this study. One of the projects on this list includes Foothill Expressway improvements between El Monte Avenue and San Antonio Road with in the City of Los Altos. Aruna holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer. She is also a certified Project Management Professional.

Redwood Grove Tree Maintenance Project

The tree maintenance project in Redwood Grove has been re-scheduled and is set 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.

Orchard Soil Amendment Work

The City is planning to begin soil amendment work in the Civic Center orchard in late October or early November. 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].  

Reminders

Free Workshop: Energy Efficiency Rebates & Incentives

Every home has room for improvement when it comes to saving energy and money. Now, through Energy Upgrade California™ Home Upgrade, homeowners can improve their home’s energy efficiency, increase comfort, and add value to their homes! Join the City and County of Santa Clara for a FREE homeowner workshop to learn how homeowners can receive up to $5,500 in incentives and rebates.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

6:30 p.m. (Doors open for light refreshments at 6:00 p.m.)

Hillview Community Center, Multipurpose Room

97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94022

RSVP online at www.LosAltosEnergyUpgrades.eventbrite.com. If you are not able to attend this workshop, you may call a Home Upgrade Advisor at (866) 878-6008 or visit www.BayAreaEnergyUpgrade.org to learn more and get started on making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

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:

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:

Friday, October 20, 2017

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Grant Park (Multi-purpose Room)

1575 Holt Avenue, Los Altos

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.