INFORMATION BY AND FOR THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS

April 22-26

WEEK #17

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City Manager’s Note

Hello Neighbors,


Welcome to the Weekly, your source for news in the Town of Los Altos Hills.


To date, we have had just under 680 subscribers to the Weekly since our last publication. Thank you for spreading the word by having your neighbors, LAH friends, and affiliates sign up. We share important news that your neighbors need to know.


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May 2, 2024: Planning Commission to consider Housing Element Related updates to Muni-Code (See Agenda Here):


Staff will be presenting a series of amendments to the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to address additional tasks within the Housing Element Implementation Program. These will include: 1. Amendments to the Town’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance to ensure compliance with the most recent regulatory updates issued by Sacramento. 2. Amendments to the Town’s Grading Ordinance to reduce impediments to development. 3. Amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to allow for Low-Barrier Navigation Centers as permitted use. 4. Amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to update regulations pertaining to Emergency Shelters in accordance with updated requirements issued by Sacramento. These items will be presented to the Planning Commission on May 2, so that the Planning Commission can make a recommendation on the amendments to the City Council for consideration at their upcoming meetings.


Did you attend the State of the Cities Event today? We have a recap below.


More events coming your way. Keep reading.


The Sheriff's Department has a number of updates on residential burglaries, a recent press release on an investigation that uncovered a pattern of financial elder abuse by a caregiver, and two reminders for upcoming safety events.


We have a few Fire District Updates for you, see below.


That's it for now


See you around Town!


Warm Regards,


Peter



1. 2024 Los Altos & Los Altos Hills State of the Cities

We're thrilled to share the highlights from today's annual State of the Cities event, where key stakeholders, community leaders, and residents gathered to gain valuable insights into the current state and future direction from Mayor Jonathan Weinberg of Los Altos and Mayor Stanley Mok of Los Altos Hills.


🌟 Special Speaker Spotlight: California State Controller Malia M. Cohen 🌟

This year, we had the honor of welcoming State Controller Malia M. Cohen as our distinguished opening speaker. As the chief fiscal officer of the world's fifth-largest economy, Controller Cohen shared invaluable perspectives on financial stewardship, governance, and community empowerment. Her insights into safeguarding state resources and fostering sustainable development left a lasting impact on all attendees.


The room was filled with esteemed dignitaries and representatives. They included:

California State Controller Malia Cohen, California State Senator Josh Becker (13th Senate District), California State Assembly Member Marc Berman (24th Assembly District), Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian (District 5), and Nicholas Hargis, representing U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (16th District).


There were also representatives from our municipalities, educational institutions, and public safety agencies: the entire City Council from the Town and the City of Los Altos, including Mayor Jonathan Weinberg, Vice Mayor Pete Daily, and Councilmembers Lynette Lee Eng, Neysa Fligor, and Sally Meadows, alongside City Manager Gabe Engeland. The City of East Palo Alto was represented by Councilmember Lisa Gauthier; the City of Mountain View was represented by Councilmember Margaret Abe-Koga, and the City of Saratoga was represented by Mayor Yan Zhao.


Additionally, we recognized the invaluable contributions of our educational leaders:

Los Altos School District Board of Trustees and Superintendent Sandra McGonagle,

Mountain View Los Altos High School District Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Nellie Meyer, Foothill-De Anza Community College District, including Chancellor Lee Lambert, the Board of Trustees, and Foothill College President Kristina Whalen.


And finally, we express our gratitude to representatives from our healthcare and public safety sectors: El Camino Healthcare District Board of Directors, including Vice Chair Dr. Carol Somersille and Board Member Julia Miller. Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, represented by Sheriff Robert Jonsen. Santa Clara County Fire Department, represented by Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew. Los Altos Hills County Fire District, represented by President Roger Spreen and Commissioners George Tyson, Kavita Tankha, and Jim Basiji.



🏆 Singer Award Celebration 🏆

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Walter and Marie Singer Award to Tracie Murray. This esteemed recognition celebrates individuals or businesses that have made significant contributions to our community. The recipients were lauded for their outstanding leadership, innovation, and philanthropic efforts, which have enriched the lives of residents and strengthened the fabric of our region.

2. Town headed to GovTech Startup Challenge and Pitchfest!


🌟 Exciting Opportunity Ahead: CivStart Startup Challenge & Pitchfest! 🌟


I am thrilled to announce the Town's participation in the upcoming CivStart Startup Challenge & Pitchfest, set to take place on April 30th, 2024, at the prestigious Kauffman Foundation Building in Kansas City, MO. This innovative event, organized by CivStart in collaboration with five municipalities, including Miami-Dade County, Los Altos Hills, CA; Richmond, VA; Arlington, VA; and Houston, TX; promises to be a catalyst for transformative ideas and groundbreaking solutions.


As representatives of our community, Councilmember Linda Swan and I are eagerly anticipating this opportunity to engage with visionary entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and industry experts. The Pitchfest will showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by local entrepreneurs and residents alike.


Our participation underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and community empowerment. We're excited to learn from the diverse perspectives and experiences shared at the event, gaining valuable insights that we can bring back to our Town. By connecting with like-minded individuals and exploring emerging trends in civic entrepreneurship, we aim to inspire positive change and drive sustainable development in our community.



Upon our return from this enriching experience, we look forward to sharing our learnings and insights with our fellow council members, local businesses, and residents. Together, we can leverage this newfound knowledge and networks to propel our Town towards a future of innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey and bring back invaluable lessons to fuel the progress of our Town!

3. Upcoming Events

Pathways Run/Walk

Come out to celebrate the 22nd Annual Los Altos Hills Pathways Run/Walk. This annual event begins at Westwind Community Barn, travels through the Byrne Preserve, and extends into the Los Altos Hills Pathways System. The run features a hilly and challenging 5k and 10k Pathways Run/Walk and a 1-Mile Fun Run. To register, volunteer, or for more race information, contact Emina Steta at 650-947-2518, esteta@losaltoshills.ca.gov or visit the event website at lahpathwaysrun.org.

 

🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024

🕒 Time: 5k/10k: 9:00AM

1 Mile Fun Run: 10:30AM

📍 Location:  Westwind Community Barn

                   27210 Altamont Road

                   Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

💲Fee:5k/10k: $50

1 Mile Fun Run: $35

Website: lahpathwaysrun.org

Registration: Click here

Included with registration: a unique 2024 Pathways Run t-shirt, snacks, and drinks, race bib number, chip timing, and complete online timing results options.

 

Bike Month 2024 Activities

Family Bike Day

️ 🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 4

 🕒 Time: 11:00AM – 3PM

Guided by rides in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Participants will learn how to navigate their neighborhood streets, safe street crossings, secret cut-throughs, and practice bike skills. The third annual Los Altos Family Bike Day includes group bike rides, energizer stations with the ever-popular blender bike, snacks, and swag. Register here.

 

Bike to School Day

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, May 8

Bike or roll to school!

 

Downtown Los Altos Bike n’ Dine

🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 17

🕒 Time: 5:00–8:00 PM

Team up with family, friends, and neighbors to experience the joy and freedom of biking to Downtown Los Altos. Dining discounts, music, activities for children, bike valet, and more! Register here.

 

Bike to Wherever Days

🗓Date: Wednesday, May 16-18

Whether you bike every day or once every couple of months—to work, to school, to the farmer’s market, to the library—you're invited to join thousands in celebration of the humble bicycle. Pledge to ride a Bike to Wherever Days. Your pledge is free, and you can receive a free, uniquely designed Bike to Wherever Days 2024 tote bag from an Energizer Station.

 

25th Annual Town Picnic

The Town Picnic will offer a barbecue lunch, soft drinks, beer, wine, and ice cream, along with entertainment, games, and various attractions for both adults and children. This year marks the fourteenth classic car show organized by the Town, showcasing the beautiful vehicles owned by its residents! The Town Picnic is coordinated by the Town's Community Relations Committee, with assistance from numerous volunteers. If you'd like to contribute, you can volunteer for half an hour or more by calling (650) 947-2518.


Registration information will be sent to all Town residents in May. It's essential to register in advance to ensure the accurate ordering of lunches. Please note that all dogs must stay at home, as they are not allowed on the fields according to Town ordinance. The event is exclusive to Town residents, and ID is required for entry.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024

🕒 Time: 12 NOON - 4:00PM

📍 Location:   Purissima Park

                    27500 Purissima Road

                    Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Link: RSVP Here


Cyber Security Event (Technology Committee) 

Online scams and hacking are a growing problem and are expected to accelerate in this era of AI. The Technology Committee is organizing a session on identifying and avoiding scams, and how to protect yourself and stay safe online. There will also be a clinic to answer individual questions 1-on-1. 

Save the date. Sign up information will be forthcoming. 

🗓️ Date: Sunday, June 23, 2024  

🕒 Time: 2 - 4:00PM  

📍 Location:    Town Hall Council Chambers and Zoom 

                     26379 Fremont Road 

                     Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 


4. Sheriff's Update

Residential Burglaries

Between April 15 and today, we have had 0 residential burglaries.


Press Release: Caregiver fraudulently used elderly couple’s debit card 15 times


A Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office investigation uncovered a pattern of financial elder abuse by a caregiver, resulting in an elderly couple from Los Altos Hills losing more than $10,000 in less than two weeks. In early December 2023, the victims’ debit card was used for unauthorized withdrawals 15 separate times from ATMs in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View. The fraudulent transactions were not reported until late February 2024, when the victims’ daughter was preparing tax documents. The Sheriff’s Office began investigating to identify and ultimately apprehend the suspect.

See the Full Press Release Here


Community Safety Forum - THIS SUNDAY

Residents of the Summer Hill Community have assembled a Community Safety Forum on Sunday, April 28th, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church at 1040 Border Road in Los Altos. Speakers will be there from the CA Assembly, Santa Clara County Sheriff, City of Los Altos, Town of Los Altos Hills, Summerhill Neighborhood Private Patrol, and Woodside Patrol. There will be Q&A and an open Forum for residents in the County and both cities. Click here to register.


Town Hall Public Safety Forum - May 15

The Town is ALSO organizing a public safety forum based on direction from the council to educate and hear from our residents in the Town. We will have representatives from the Sheriff, Flock PalAmerican Security (FKA Genesis), and others. Mark your calendars for May 15 at 6PM and expect an official postcard in the mail.

5. LAHCFD UPDATE

-Join the Fire District on April 27th to learn how defensible space is your first line of defense against wildfire! Register at lahcfd.org/classes


-Congratulations to Dawson LAH015 on becoming a recognized Firewise USA Community. Making our community safer for all. If you would like more information on becoming a Firewise USA Community go to our website at lahcfd.org/firewise


-Los Altos Hills County Fire District is pleased to announce the Elena-Fremont Evacuation Route hardening project. Roadside vegetation management work begins April 29, 2024.


-The annual return of the goats is upon us. They will be helping us in our wildfire risk reduction efforts. The goats are used to reduce vegetation and create a fire break in Bryne Preserve Open Space.

Sheriff's Report

Planning and Building

CM Signing Authority Log

Job Opportunities

Public Works

Volunteer Opportunities

Click the Icon above for the Town calendar.

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