City Manager Weekly Update
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Earlier this week on March 16, Mayor Jan Pepper addressed the community concerning the coronavirus outbreak and the County’s latest Order.
Dear Los Altos Community,
Over the past week, critical decisions have been implemented in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and spread. These changes are not easy, and some will cause inconveniences in our daily lives. It is how we respond to these changes that will shift the course of this crisis and slow the spread of COVID-19. As community members, we must stay informed and be proactive in protecting ourselves and our fellow community members. As our Mayor, it is my duty to enforce guidance, support City staff, and, most importantly, offer aid to you.
Yesterday, March 15, 2020, the State of California advised all people aged 65 and over and those under the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, to self-isolate. Earlier today, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department in conjunction with five Bay Area counties and the City of Berkeley issued a region-wide order for individuals to shelter at their place of residence. Essential City services such as Police, Water, Sewer, Solid Waste, and Fire will remain operational. We understand that this order comes with hardships regarding how to purchase food and other necessary goods. The City is working closely with our community-based Block Actions Teams (BATs) to help those affected and will be providing more information shortly.
The City is taking all the necessary steps to protect the Los Altos community; your safety is our number one priority. City staff is in close communication with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and is distributing all updates through the City’s social media channels, website, email lists, and physical signs. On March 12, 2020, City Manager Chris Jordan proclaimed a local emergency, and starting today, Los Altos has partially activated our Emergency Operations Center. Every decision made was with the safety and health of our community and City staff in mind. I, along with my colleagues on the City Council and the staff, will continue to follow County, State, and Federal guidance, enforcing further preventive measures that will ensure the community’s safety.
As this situation is evolving every day, I urge the community to practice good hygiene and stay home. It is important to remember, even if you are not a part of the vulnerable population severely affected by this respiratory virus, your role still matters in protecting those who are. We can slow the spread of COVID-19 when we work together. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently provide a plethora of resources and guidance that I advise the community to follow. The City has compiled resources from both organizations on the City’s website, which is updated regularly by City staff.
To our health care professionals, public health officials, and first responders who are working tirelessly during this time of crisis, I thank you. Your work is saving countless lives, and my gratitude is boundless. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scared by everything going on. But if we look at this crisis as an opportunity, what do we see? Over the last few days, I have witnessed beautiful acts of compassion from those volunteering to cook meals and grocery shop for the elderly, and others offering to watch children of parents who cannot work from home.
As many of us hunker down at home, let’s take time to get to know our neighbors better as we take walks around the block. If we have a Block Action Team on our street, let’s use that to check up on our neighbors. And if we haven’t formed one yet, let’s talk to each other and consider forming a Block Action Team. In fact, the City is providing grants to neighborhoods that want to form their own BATs.
Having lived in Los Altos for 35 years, I know the power this community holds. I encourage all of us to be kind and thoughtful to each other. We are made stronger through kindness and love. Call loved ones, check on neighbors, extend a hand to those in our community who need help. The actions we take today will set precedence throughout the County, State, and the world. Los Altos, we are strong, and we will all get through this together.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jan Pepper
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COVID-19 Reported Cases
As of March 19, 2020, Santa Clara County announced 14 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the County's total number of cases to 189. On March 18, 2020, the County Public Health Department announced the County’s 6th person to pass from COVID-19.
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The City’s Actions
The City of Los Altos is continuing to closely monitor and follow direction from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Following the County’s latest order, and for the safety of the Los Altos community and City staff, the City has implemented preventive measures, which will continue to grow as the situation evolves. The City has dedicated a
website page
to list each preventive action in place and modifications to City facility services.
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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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Things to Do While at Home
We understand that the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak are causing changes to our everyday lives. The City wants to alleviate the stress that being alone at home brings. We have compiled a
list of activities, games, tours, and videos
that you can do alone or with your family. View live feed of otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, take an online exercise class, or even learn to code. The possibilities are endless! We will be updating
this page
throughout the shelter-in-place order, so check back often for new and unique activities.
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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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Local Businesses
Under the County's latest order, many of our local businesses were advised to close except for ‘
Essential Businesses
’ such as grocery stores, banks, hardware stores, and other crucial stores. The Town Crier, Los Altos Village Association, Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, and Los Altos Property Owners Downtown compiled a
list of businesses
that are currently open. We strongly encourage residents to support local businesses whether it’s ordering food to-go or purchasing a gift card; there are many ways to show your support during this challenging crisis.
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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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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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