City Manager Weekly Update
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COVID-19 Resource Page
Our goal is to connect the Los Altos community with the best resources and support throughout this crisis. To do that, the City has combined its previous COVID-19 pages into one resource page. The
COVID-19 Resource page
will be updated regularly with the latest information from the County and State. This page includes sections on:
- City Manager Overview On The City’s COVID-19 actions
- Ways Residents Can Help
- Resources For Those In Need
- Resources For Business Owners
- Businesses That Are Open
- SCC Temporary Ban on Evictions
- Community Morale Campaigns/Activities
- Updated Tax and Census Information
We want to encourage residents to check back occasionally because we will continue to update this page when we receive updated information. If you have any questions, please contact Sonia Lee at
slee@losaltosca.gov
.
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COVID-19 Reported Cases
As of March 27, 2020, Santa Clara County announced 32 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the County's total number of cases to 574. On March 27, 2020, the County Public Health Department announced the County’s 20th person to pass from COVID-19.
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Business Resource Page
Are you a business owner that has been affected by COVID-19? The City of Los Altos created a page with the different resources available to you. There are various Federal, State, and County resources that can assist with rent, payroll, and other crucial payments. Follow the link for the
business resource page
. If you have a more specific questions, please reach out to our Economic Development staff at (650)947-2620 or email Anthony Carnesecca at
acarnesecca@losaltosca.gov
.
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Staying Healthy
There are a variety of ways that you and your family can stay healthy. We strongly urge the community to listen to public health officials and shelter-in-place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition to staying home, these 5 tips can keep you and your family healthy.
TIP #1:
Maintain a 6ft away from another individual.
TIP #2:
Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
TIP #3:
Wash your hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
TIP #4:
Disinfect frequently touched areas (doorknobs, handles, light switches).
TIP #5:
Refrain from touching your face.
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Staff Training on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
On Thursday, March 26, several staff members from Engineering and Maintenance Services participated in a webinar for
COVID-19 Exposure Control Plans,
which included training on OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. This employee training intends to help staff prevent the spread of COVID-19 during ongoing essential business and to plan logistically such that essential programs are better prepared for possible situations in which a portion of staff members may become sick or quarantined. The Engineering Services Department is continuing to operate, primarily online from remote home workstations, to issue permits for essential work and to continue planning and management for City Capital Improvement Projects.
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Community Services Agency
The Community Services Agency (CSA) of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills is here to help. CSA offers assistance with rent, utilities, and food for individuals on low incomes, seniors, and those affected by homelessness. Whether you are looking to volunteer or need support, we strongly encourage you to reach out:
Need Help?
Call (650) 968-0836 and please leave a message.
Volunteer:
If you are not in a high-risk category (age 65+ and/or having an underlying health condition) and wish to help with food distribution, please call (650) 964-4630.
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Summary of Council Actions
Last Tuesday, we held our first online City Council meeting. While there weren’t many items, there were still items passed. To see a full list of Council Actions,
follow this link
.
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Prevent A Clogged Sewer
As residents spend more time in their homes, we may see an increase in sewer backups caused by non-toilet paper products, fats, oils, and grease entering the sanitary sewer system. Here are 4 tips to help prevent a sewer emergency:
TIP #1:
Never pour cooking oils or grease into a sink, toilet, or drain.
TIP #2:
Collect fats, oils, and grease in a container to cool and harden. When the container is full, cover it tightly and place it in a bag to prevent leakage, then dispose of it in the garbage.
TIP #3:
Wipe food scraps or grease from pots, pans, and plates into the garbage before washing.
TIP #4:
Place a wastebasket in the bathroom for items that cannot be flushed.
What items cannot be flushed down the toilet?
- Disposable Diapers
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Cotton Swabs
- Paper Towels
- Tissues
- Wipes (even those that claim to be flushable)
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Fire Safety at Home
Fire safety at home has never been more of a priority than during the State and County mandatory Shelter-in-Place orders. While we are all at home with our families working, homeschooling, and cooking, now is the time to evaluate the safety features of our homes and examine our portable fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Here are some FAQs and general guidelines to consider.
Smoke alarms are required to be installed outside every sleeping area and must be replaced if they're older than ten (10) years,
see the City's handout for more information
. It's a good habit to put a reminder in your calendar to change the batteries in all your smoke alarms concurrently annually.
What are the different classes of fire extinguishers and how do they differ?
The four different classes of fire extinguishers are classified as A, B, C, and D. Class A fire extinguisher is ideal for putting out fires that start from ordinary combustibles, including wood and paper. Class B fire extinguisher is suitable for flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, and grease. Class C fire extinguisher is ideal for electronics, and Class D is best for flammable metals.
Why do fire extinguishers work?
The powder/foam that comes out of the fire extinguisher is formulated to smother a fire and cut off its oxygen supply. The fire will go out once there is no more oxygen left to fuel it since it needs three things to thrive: heat, fuel, and oxygen.
How long do fire extinguishers last?
Most fire extinguishers need to be refilled or refurbished every 5-6 years. It’s best to check your fire extinguishers every month in case you need to use it unexpectedly. Check the date of manufacture before use to make sure the fire extinguisher is still functional.
How do I use a Fire Extinguisher?
P -
PULL the pin between the extinguishers handles.
A –
AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire. You should stand 6-10 feet away from the fire.
S -
SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher.
S -
SWEEP the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire.
Visit the Santa Clara County Fire Department
website
for more information about fire extinguishers.
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Over the last couple of weeks, the Los Altos community has banded together to bring light to a time of darkness. Mayor Jan Pepper concluded her recent letter to the community, "Los Altos, we are strong, and we will get this through together." We wholeheartedly believe that. The City is encouraging participation in various campaigns that we hope will bring comfort, happiness, and smiles. So, our neighbors know you are not alone, and we will get through this together.
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Lights for Life
Holiday lights bring with them comfort, cheeriness, and a sense of community. During our Lights for Life campaign, we want to encourage our residents to rehang their winter decorations, especially house lights! If you hang your lights, make sure to post a picture on social media with the #LightUpLosAltos and the City will repost your pictures!
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Kindness Rocks
Kindness rocks are small rocks that are sprinkled in public areas with uplifting messages written on them. These fun, colorful rocks can be a fun activity for kids and spread positivity throughout the community. They are also a good way to get out and get some fresh air. Please share your rocks that you create (or find) through social media with #LosAltosKindness and the City will repost your picture on our social media sites!
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Things To Do
Stuck at home with your family? The City of Los Altos is here to provide a list of fun activities that you can do by yourself or with your family. From live streams of museums and zoos to educational games for children, we include a variety of options.
View a full list here
.
Activity Of The Day
We will be having an Activity of the Day promoted on our social media sites, so check in daily for a new fun activity!
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We advise community members to monitor updates from the
County Public Health Department
and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for the latest information on COVID-19 guidance, and everyday actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 within our community. Additionally, the City releases regular updates on our social media channels, website, emails lists, and through physical signs.
City of Los Altos:
County Public Health Department:
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City of Los Altos | (650) 947-2700 | www.losaltosca.gov
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