The latest Official LAH News for you

INFORMATION BY AND FOR THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS

December 4 -8

WEEK #49

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City Manager’s Note

Hello Neighbors,

Welcome to the 49th edition of the Weekly for 2023.

We have 560 subscribers of the Weekly and growing. 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.

Send this link to every one of your fellow committee/commission members and be sure they are getting the news along with you.

Let's get started...

The Final Report for the Countywide Fire Service Review has been published and posted on the LAFCO website, linked here. The redlines from the revised version were incorporated into the final version.

The National Weather Service wanted to share that there will be cold overnight lows this weekend. They want to share that there will be frost/freeze conditions for tonight and Saturday night. Otherwise, there will be no major changes to the forecast. Frost and freezing temperatures remain likely for the North Bay valleys and within interior areas of the Central Coast during the overnight and morning hours.

Another reminder if you want to sit on the Civil Grand Jury. The 2024-25 Civil Grand Jury is underway. More information is available here. The Court will be accepting applications until Friday, March 29, 2024.

Look out for our new City Clerk Arika Miller, starting on Dec 13 as Deborah prepares to retire the week of December 18th.

So many events last week. Keep reading to get pictures, videos, and recaps of the native garden planting, barn lighting, youth commission event, and today's joint volunteer awards luncheon.

More events are on the horizon including New Year's Day Hike, tech for seniors, and game night. Keep reading to learn more.

Be sure to safeguard your homes this holiday. We have ten tips for you to consider.

Don't forget the Council Re-Org is next Thursday, December 14th with special guest Honorable Supervisor Joe Simitian as well as our incoming Mayor and Vice Mayor. Catering will be offered by Chef Chu.

Are you the chair of one of our esteemed committees? If so, look out for a meeting invitation to discuss next year's committee and council goals in advance of the January 23 Goal-setting session.

Finally, we have some great news to share about our latest FireWise Community and some award winners announced by the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. Keep reading.

See you around Town!

1. Introducing our new City Clerk

Please help me welcome Arika Miller, our new City Clerk. As Deborah Padovan retires to join Steve Padovan, in her long-awaited retirement, we bid her farewell and welcome Arika Miller to the team. Arika comes to the Town with seven years of experience in municipal government, her expertise lies in the areas of records management and council support. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Strayer University. She is eager to meet with citizens and undertake her new responsibilities with dedication and diligence. In her own words, "I am deeply honored and enthusiastic about assuming the position of City Clerk for the Town of Los Altos Hills. I am eager to facilitate meaningful connections between residents and their local government through the implementation of transparency measures, streamline access to records, active engagement in public meetings, and the democratic facilitation of elections."

2. Event Recaps

Native Garden Planting Event

The Environmental Design and Protection Committee met on Dec 3 to plant a mixed California native plant hedge at the north side of the town hall orchard area and some native grasses next to the historic farm equipment. We were joined by Mayor Swan, Councilmembers Tyson, and Schmidt.

Special thanks to Peter Brown, Grace, Elizabeth, and Jean for organizing the event. Looking forward to the next event.

Barn Lighting

SlideShow

Video Reel

The annual barn lighting event was a success, drawing a crowd of over 1,000 attendees! Children and families lined up for a chance to meet Santa, go on a pony ride, and get their faces painted. The petting zoo offered an extra layer of excitement as children had hands-on interactions with animals such as goats, bunnies, chickens, baby pigs, and ducks. The Santa Clara Model A Ford Club was generous enough to come by and showcase their cars, which attendees enjoyed. Neighbors and friends gathered to share in the joy of the season by indulging in wine, warm refreshments, and ice cream. The barn lighting event not only celebrated the season but also created lasting memories for everyone involved. We hope to see you next year!

Special thanks Emina Steta for organizing such a wonderful event

Native Garden Planting Event Youth Commission - Gingerbread Village

The Youth Commission brought their festive spirit to their meeting as they gathered to build a gingerbread house village. Laughter could be heard throughout Town Hall as they shared stories, talked about their vacation plans, and enjoyed snacks.

Joint Volunteer Award Luncheon

Today was the 40th Annual City of Los Altos/ Los Altos Hills Joint Community Volunteer Service Award celebration where we recognized a select few community members who provide extraordinary service in our community. This year they recognized City Clerk Deborah Padovan who is retiring this month after 12.5 years with the Town.

3. Upcoming Events

New Year’s Day Hike/Walk

Los Altos Hills New Year's Day Pathways Walk is an annual community hike led by the Pathways Committee. The goal is to showcase the pathways and encourage residents to explore new sections of the pathways. Well-behaved dogs welcome! Three different routes have been planned and will be guided by Pathway Committee Members. You have a choice between a Leisurely, Moderate, or Strenuous route. Hiking shoes with grip are recommended since some trails may be slippery. Each hike involves some off-road, native paths, giving you an opportunity to explore our natural environment. Not recommended for strollers because of uneven steep terrain. However, there are walks around the area suitable for young families. Rain will cancel the event.

🗓️ Date: Monday, January 1, 2024

🕒 Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

📍 Location: Purissima Park Baseball Fields

27500 Purissima Road

Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Technology for Seniors

Need a tutorial on social media, Rideshare Apps, email, or cell phones? Community volunteers are joining forces to answer your questions. Registration is required; please provide your name, contact information, device(s) and/or service at losaltoshills.ca.gov/techtutoring.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024

🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 12 PM

📍 Location: Town Hall

26379 Fremont Road

Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Family Game Night

Join Us for a Night of Fun and Games!

Looking for a fantastic way to connect with your family, friends, and neighbors? Look no further! Embrace the joy of laughter, competition, and camaraderie at our Family Game Night. Immerse yourself in an evening filled with board games, card games, and exciting challenges that guarantee non-stop entertainment for all ages. Whether you're a strategic mastermind or a laid-back player, there's something for everyone! Bring your family and friends and get ready to create unforgettable memories and forego new relationships with your neighbors.

Snacks and warm refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to esteta@losaltoshills.ca.gov or 650-947-2518

🗓️ Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024

🕒 Time: 7 – 9 PM

📍 Location: Town Hall

26379 Fremont Road

Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

4. Residential Burglary Update

There has been no reported residential burglary since the last report from the Sheriff ending 13/03/2023.

Ensure a secure holiday season by safeguarding your home. Here are ten tips to consider:

Install outdoor lights with timers.
Lock doors and windows.
Hide valuables outside your master bedroom.
Consider installing shatterproof films on easily accessible glass windows and doors.
Don't broadcast travel plans.
Keep gifts out of sight.
Install and set a home security system that is audible and notifies the Sheriff.
Communicate travel plans with neighbors and house sitters.
Notify the Sheriff of your travel plans with a patrol check request.
Consider forming a Neighborhood Watch in your area. They Work!

Captain Neil Valenzuela was kind enough to provide a few guidelines for hardening your homes this holiday season. For more information on how to safeguard your home and be safe in our community, visit our crime prevention page on The Town's website.

5. Emergency Preparedness News

Congratulations to Dru Anderson and her band of committed FireWise advocates for receiving this notice of FireWise Approval. The Firewise USA® Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire.

For more information, go to https://www.lahcfd.org/firewise-usa/

A message from the SCC FireSafe Council

We are pleased to announce the following people from LAH CERT will be recognized at the Santa Clara County Emergency Managers' Association awards lunch on December 14th.

Congratulations to Dave Stewart, Amita Sachdeva, and

Bill Lattin!

These three volunteers have been supporting not only our Los Altos Hills CERT Program, but also volunteer on town committees, specifically, the Emergency

Preparedness and Response Committee (EPRC).

Their dedication to volunteerism and leadership is to be commended. We are lucky to

have them on our team!

Please join me in congratulating them!!

- Start the year off right by taking a CPR/AED course!

AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED Course $65 -

Los Altos Hills - 2024

When: January 16, 2024 1-5PM

Where: Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379

Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aha-heartsaver-cpraed-course-65-los-altos-hills-2024-tickets-755883857967?aff=oddtdtcreator