September 11, 2020
City Manager Weekly Update
Remembering 9/11
Today we remember the horrific acts that took 2,977 lives 19 years ago. We stand in unity to honor the lives lost and their families. To the first responders and others who ran towards danger, we commend your selflessness and courage; we will never forget your sacrifice. 
Open Streets Los Altos
You can enjoy restaurants and retailers during Open Streets Los Altos, every Thursday to Sunday through September. Face masks are required while enjoying public spaces.

While the streets are still open for residents, we recommend watching the air quality for any changes. You can check the current air quality at www.airnow.gov. If the air quality is still very unhealthy, we suggest getting food to-go and shopping online to help support local businesses while staying safe from the smoke.

Take a peek inside Open Streets Los Altos.
Congratulations to our New Commissioners 
Last Tuesday, our City Council voted in several new commissioners for the year. These 11 new commissioners serve in a variety of different commissions, ranging from the Library commission to the Historical commission. These commissions advise the City Council on their specific topic and allow for additional resident input before the topic is on the City Council agenda.
Summary of Council Actions 
Did you miss the City Council meeting last Tuesday? The City Council discussed the Police Town Hall, rezoning the Civic Center, and much more! Read about what you missed.
No-Cost COVID-19 Testing - Tuesday, September 24
This testing, funded by the El Camino Healthcare District, is now available for those who live, work or go to school within the District.

Tests are required to be scheduled in advance and will be conducted on Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 8:30am to 4:20pm at the Assistance League (Los Altos, 169 State Street, Los Altos, CA, 94022/).

To schedule your appointment online through El Camino Health, visit elcaminohealth.org/COVIDtestLADowntown. You may also call 650-940-7022 and select option 4 to schedule your free test. Please mention downtown Los Altos as the testing location when calling.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Reach Code Questions
Building Electrification and enhanced EV Infrastructure ordinance often referred to as the Reach Codes will be on the Council agenda on September 22.

How will the Reach Codes affect me?
The proposed Reach Code Ordinance currently under consideration in Los Altos will apply to newly constructed buildings for residential, commercial and mixed-use purposes. If you are planning a remodel, tenant improvement or appliance/equipment replacement, the Reach Codes will not affect your project.

The City has a webpage for the Reach Codes and to find more frequently asked questions and answers, as well as more information about the Reach Codes, please visit the Reach Codes Webpage
Elected Women Speak Up Webinar - Saturday, September 12 (5 - 6pm)
Los Altos is the only California City that has an all-female City Council, and all five councilwomen will be featured on a Zoom webinar co-hosted by the Los Altos History Museum, with support from the Los Altos Library and Los Altos Women’s Caucus. The council women will discuss their early experiences with speaking up for themselves in educational, work and family settings, and respond to questions from the audience. They will offer advice for those considering seeking local elected office. Tune in to discover the motivations, expectations and occasional frustrations of serving in elected office! Here is the info and Zoom link.
Fremont Ave Pavement Rehabilitation Project 
The City of Los Altos is hosting an online community meeting for residents to share their preferences for proposed Complete Streets elements for bicyclists and pedestrians along Fremont Avenue. The City plans to repave Fremont Avenue between Grant Road and Stevens Creek in 2021. As part of the project, the City plans to install buffered bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks facilities, the City is seeking resident input on these improvements as part of the community meeting. The City is also planning for future treatments such expanded bicycle-pedestrian pathways off the roadway. 

Residents may either participate in the online meeting or provide input via an online survey being made available at: www.losaltosca.gov/FremontAveSurvey 

Fremont Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project Community Meeting (Online Meeting) - Wednesday, September 23, 2020 (5:30pm) 

Ring Central Meeting ID No.: 148 949 8319 
Ring Central Call In Only: 1(623) 404-9000 

Please join the meeting with the above link and use desktop application if you wish to speak on this item during the Commission meeting. Participants joined in the browser version or the phone call-in will not have an option to speak. 
City Hall Council Chambers Project 
The City Hall Council Chambers AV Upgrade project began on Wednesday, September 9th. This project will provide needed technological and accessibility updates to the City’s Council Chambers. These changes will also provide greater opportunities for members of the public to access and participate in City Council and Planning Commission meetings. The first steps of the project will include removal of AV equipment. The project is anticipated to be completed in November 2020. During the upgrade, City Council and Planning Commission meetings will not be live-streamed on Comcast or the City’s website. To view the meetings live, community members may either log into the virtual meeting using the link provided in the meeting agenda or watch on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofLosAltos. You do not need a Facebook account to watch the meetings. 
COMING TOGETHER
Hallow-Window Family Painting 
Everyone get your halloween spirit and your paint brushes! Our annual Halloween Window painting event will continue this year. Join us with your family on Oct. 15-16 (3 - 5pm) and Oct 17 (9am – 5pm) to paint positive messages to boost community morale downtown! This event is free to register and limited to one per family. Make sure to register! 
Have You Filled Out the Census?
You only have a few weeks to complete the Census. 1 in 6 Los Altos residents haven’t filled out the Census, and we know we can do better! Ensure that you are counted and complete the census by visiting www.2020census.gov/en.html. 
Civil Grand Jury Openings Have Been Relaunched 
The Grand Jury serves as citizen overwatch group for the Judicial branch of the government. If you are a resident in the county, have 25 hours a week, and want to serve as an impartial, fair juror then you should apply. The Count will be accepting applications until September 25, 2020. If you want to learn more or apply, click here: Civil Grand Jury Webpage
Registration for Recreation Classes are Opening Soon 
Registration For Classes will begin on Monday, September 14, 2020 for all classes and programs. The fall session will begin on September 21, 2020 through December 12, 2020. Holiday programming will also take place during the following weeks: 

  • December 21 – December 23 
  • December 28 – December 31 
  • January 4 - January 8 

We hope to see you at our new outdoor classes!
Adult 50+ Program 
TAX Q & A 
The adult 50+ program, in conjunction with AARP tax preparation is sponsoring a tax q & a session to assist with questions about 2020 taxes. 

This 30-minute session is provided by our local AARP Tax Volunteer Representative, Robert Ward. This FREE event allows space for 20 participants via Zoom. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM 

Register for this event by calling the Adult 50+ Program, (formerly Senior Program), at (650) 947-2797. A Zoom link will be sent by email to all participants who call before the event.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
City Hosts Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19 Educational Events 
The Los Altos PREPARES Program hosts a series of emergency preparedness-related webinars. Please visit www.losaltosca.gov/prepares to register for upcoming webinars and access recordings and presentations for past events:
 
  • September 11, Friday, 7:30 pm, “COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Yu:” get updates on the latest data and medical science on COVID-19, and get your questions answered 
  • September 13, Sunday, 3:00 pm, “Tracy's Tour of Emergency Kits and Preparedness:” Milpitas Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member Tracy Newby will tour us through his emergency preparedness kit and home emergency supplies.” 

Access the presentation from the May 7, 2020 webinar, “Emergency Preparedness Check-up,” reviewing some basics. 
September is National Preparedness Month! How will you celebrate?
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our community continues to respond to COVID-19 and the recent wildfires, National Preparedness Month can help motivate us to take steps now to improve our household’s preparedness! 
  
Week 2 is “Build a Kit:” 

  • Store an emergency water supply to last your household for 5 to 7 days (1 gallon per person per day plus extra for pets) 
  • Stock shelf-stable foods to feed your household for 5 to 7 days (including pets) 
  • Gather supplies for everyone living in your home, considering sources of light, warmth and communications. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have and stock accordingly (e.g. prescription medication, baby food and supplies, tampons and catamenial products, medical equipment). 
  • If you already have an emergency preparedness kit, well done! Take the time to rotate food/water stores and update your kit to meet changing household needs. 
  • Sign up or update your contact info with the county emergency notification system at www.AlertSCC.org 
  
Join us on Sept 13th, Sunday, 3:00 pm for a webinar with Milpitas Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer Tracy Newby as he takes us on a tour through his emergency preparedness kits, and discusses the items in the kits. This will be a great way to wrap up Week 2, “Build a Kit!”.
  
To register and to get information on other upcoming and recorded webinars, visit www.losaltosca.gov/prepares.
City of Los Altos | (650) 947-2700 | www.losaltosca.gov