City Manager Weekly Update - September 2, 2016
City Manager
Administrative Services Director
The City continues to seek an Administrative Services Director. We have been fortunate to have Susan Stark step in as our interim director, but her term here will expire in the coming weeks. Executive recruiting firm Ralph Anderson and Associates is conducting the search on behalf of the City and more information about the position can be found online. The deadline for submitting the application materials is September 13, 2016.
City Clerk
City Council Open Office Hours
The Los Altos City Council has scheduled two Open Office Hours events in September:
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Veterans Community Plaza, Corner of Main and State Street, Downtown Los Altos
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Woodland Library, 1975 Grant Road, Los Altos
At each event, one City Council member will be available to the public for a two-hour period to answer questions, receive input and discuss topics of interest to community members. All are welcome.
Commission Openings
Have you been looking for a way to give-back to your community? Do you have an interest in bicycle/pedestrian safety, local history, finance, reading or art? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for a Los Altos Commission! The City is currently recruiting for openings on the following Commissions: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory, Financial, Historical, Library, and Public Arts. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2016. Applications are due on Friday, September 9, 2016 and may be submitted online here or in person to the City Clerk’s Office. For more information, click here.
Community Development
Design Review Commission
The Design Review Commission’s review of projects that have received design approvals in the past next was held on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Commissioners had an opportunity to review firsthand how projects that have been approved are built in the field. All learned something and came away with things to be mindful of as they review future design review applications. This has proven a valuable training experience and one that will be repeated next year.
Restaurant Fire
Building Division staff was notified of a fire at Armadillo Willy’s restaurant in Los Altos that occurred this past Sunday morning, August 28, 2016. Santa Clara County Fire and Mountain View Fire Departments units responded to and extinguished the small structure fire, which was contained to a wall directly behind the hood and duct system/cook top. A large amount of grease buildup was noted across and behind the cooking area. Building inspectors went to the site, conducted an inspection, and identified necessary repairs. The restaurant will remain closed until those repairs can be made.
PG&E Pipeline Safety Initiative and Trees
As part of PG&E’s Community Pipeline Safety Initiative, trees in the public right-of-way and on private property that have been identified as posing a safety or emergency access concern to an existing pipeline, are in the process of being managed or removed. Public Works has been working with PG&E for all tree removal in the public right-of-way and Planning has been working with PG&E for all tree removal on private property. Planning has also taken the lead on communicating with concerned property owners about what steps they can take and provided some consultation about how to work through the evaluation process with PG&E. To date, 15 trees on private property that are considered protected and/or significant per City regulations have been reviewed and approved for removal. Due to limited opportunities to plant replacement trees on these properties, PG&E will be providing 17 trees (24-inch box) to Los Altos, which will be planted elsewhere in the City at locations where they will have ample room to grow and mature.
Economic Development
Conclusion of Third Street Green
We hope you were able to enjoy the Third Street Green! Located on a portion of Third Street between State Street and West Edith Avenue, the Third Street Green was removed on August 29, 2016. During the month of August, residents and visitors were able to enjoy daily activities and special events on this pop-up public park. There is still time to provide feedback about the Third Street Green via our Open City Hall survey.
Downtown Employee Parking Permits
Be a part of the “White Dot” Employee Parking Permit Program by purchasing your permits through iParq – the new way to get your permits quickly and conveniently anytime and anywhere online! Employee Parking Permits will go on sale on September 6, 2016 and permits will be active on October 1, 2016. Permit fees remain the same; Annual Permits are $36.00 and Quarterly Permits are $12.00. Please have your business license or designated non-profit number ready when you go online to register. Please visit https://losaltos.thepermitstore.com to purchase your permits beginning September 6, 2016.
Cycle Saturday
On the Second Saturday of every month, the City will host “Cycle Saturday”, where residents and visitors are encouraged to come downtown utilizing alternative modes of transportation. The City will provide free bike valet stations at the following locations: Peet’s Coffee, Voyageur de Temps, Red Berry Coffee and Manresa Bread. Cyclists of all ability levels are encouraged to head down to enjoy perks at participating locations and use the bike valet stations while enjoying all of the amenities downtown has to offer. Watch the video to learn more about Cycle Saturday. Remaining dates for 2016 are September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10.
Police
Community Emergency Response Team Training
In the event of a disaster or large-scale emergency, public safety agencies will initially be overwhelmed by the demands placed upon personnel and resources. You can help your neighborhood and greater community by joining the Los Altos Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
CERT Training educates participants about emergency preparedness and provides basic disaster response training to assist others when first responders might not be immediately available to help. Some of the training topics include medical operations and triage fundamentals, basic search and rescue, how to use a fire extinguisher and organizing resources.
CERT training is $35.00 and includes basic personal protective equipment. Participants must be age 16 or over and must attend each CERT training date in the series to become certified. Upcoming training series dates are: September 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and October 1, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The CERT training series will be held at Hillview Community Center and will be taught by Santa Clara County Fire Department personnel. To register, contact Santa Clara County Fire Department at (408) 378-4010 or communityoutreach@sccfd.org and provide your full name, email address, phone number and address.
Bicycle Safety
The California Vehicle Code regulates the operation of bicycles on public roadways (CVC 21200). With the 2016 school year getting underway, the Los Altos Police Department would like to share the following safety tips as reminder for both bicyclists and motorists to be careful while sharing the road.
Where can Bicyclists ride?
In the Bike Lane: On a roadway with a bike lane, bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use the bike lane except when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazardous conditions, or approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. If no bike lane is present, and you are traveling the same speed as traffic, you may utilize the traffic lanes. You must, however, ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except: when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, if the lane is too narrow to share, or if approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
On Sidewalks: Individual cities and counties control whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks. The City of Los Altos does not restrict bicycles on sidewalks, but we always recommend sharing the sidewalks out of courtesy.
Ride with Traffic: Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the roadway in the same direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction.
Bicycle Equipment
Brakes: Bicycles must be equipped with brakes that allows an operator to execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Handlebars: Handlebars must not be higher than the rider's shoulders.
Bicycle size: Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and start safely.
Lights: At night a white headlight visible from the front must be attached to the bicycle or the bicyclist.
Reflectors: At night bicycles must have the following reflectors:
- Visible from the back: red reflector. You may attach a solid or flashing red rear light in addition to the reflector.
- Visible from the front & back: white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist's shoes or ankles
- Visible from the side: 1) white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle and 2) a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bike. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflectorized front and back tires.
Seats: All riders must have a permanent, regular seat, unless the bicycle is designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. Bicycle passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts.
Bicycle Operation
Helmets: Bicyclists and bicycle passengers under age 18 must wear an approved helmet when riding on a bicycle.
Headphones: Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears. Hearing aids are allowed.
Cell phones: Unlike motorists, cyclists are permitted to use a handheld cell phone while riding, but we would caution against this practice, as distracted riding is a reality.
Alcohol and drugs: Bicyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Hitching rides: Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles.
Carrying articles: Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars.
Pedestrians: Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Bicyclists must also yield the right-of-way to totally or partially blind pedestrians carrying a predominantly white cane or using a guide dog.
Parking: Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians.
Public Works
Rosita Avenue and Springer Road (Broken water main)
A 6” water main near the intersection of Rosita Avenue and Springer Road broke on Sunday night at around 7:00 p.m. After a site inspection, it was discovered the asphalt concrete (AC) pavement at Rosita Avenue between Springer Road and roughly 6-feet past the Hale Creek bridge was severely damaged and needed to be removed and replaced. A contractor for CalWater is making the necessary repairs, however, it will take 7 days for the Control Density Fill (CDF) to cure before a solid base is ready for paving. The tentative schedule to repave the AC is next Thursday, September 8, 2016.
Green Gardener Training
The Watershed Watch Campaign is a public education initiative of the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP), an association of fifteen government agencies in Santa Clara Valley. The Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about protecting watersheds and preventing storm water pollution in your neighborhood, our local creeks and the San Francisco Bay.
The Green Gardener classes provide education and training to prevent storm water pollution. Please click here to download the flyer for the Fall 2016 class schedule and registration information.
Some of the topics covered in the Green Gardener training are:
- Design and fix sprinklers and drip irrigation systems
- Select the right plants to save water and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers
- Solve pest problems without using toxic pesticides
- Prune correctly
- Mulch and compost
Grant Park Community Center Exterior Painting
The contractor completed the Grant Park Community Center Exterior Painting Project this week. Work included repairing damage to the exterior surface, scraping and power washing loose paint, and finishing up with new paint on both the Multipurpose and classroom buildings. This is the second project (a roof replacement occurred earlier this year) of several to come seeking to improve the facilities at the Grant Park Community Center.
Vehicle Registration Fee Grant (VRF)
Senate Bill 83 (Hancock) was signed into law in 2009, authorizing county-wide transportation agencies such as Valley Transportation Authority to implement a vehicle registration fee of up to $10 on motor vehicles registered within the County for transportation programs and projects. Los Altos was recently awarded $415,000 to install adaptive signal timing software and upgrade traffic signal controllers to improve signal operations in the downtown area. Additionally, fiber optic communication equipment and devices will be designed and installed on El Monte Avenue to connect with the County’s Intelligent Transportation System on Foothill Expressway in an effort to improve signal operations through El Monte Avenue.
Downtown Capital Improvement Projects
Parking Plaza Driveway Approach Improvement Project
Construction continued this week on the Parking Plaza Driveway Approach Improvement Project, which will upgrade driveway approaches in Parking Plaza 1 (along First Street) and Plaza 10 (along West Edith Avenue) to create Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks across the driveway approaches. Construction is anticipated to be complete by mid-September.
In Plaza 1, the contractor finished curb and gutter placement on Tuesday, August 30 and plans to finish up the concrete sidewalk and ADA ramps by the end of the week. Next week, the contractor will conform the asphalt behind the sidewalk. With the completion of the asphalt, the contractor can open up driveway approaches in the first set of approaches and begin work on the remaining driveways.
In Plaza 10, the contractor finished preparing the subgrade for sidewalk, curb and gutter of the first set of driveway approaches. Curb and gutter was scheduled to be poured today, September 2. Next week, the contractor plans to finish up the sidewalk and ADA ramps and begin on the second set of driveways.
Parking Plaza 3 Drive Aisle Improvement Project
This week the contractor completed the preparation of the sub-grade and passed the compaction test for the sub-grade. The tentative schedule to pave the AC pavement is today, September 2. Next week, contractor will paint the striping for the parking stalls and address any outstanding items. The parking plaza driveway is anticipated to open after the striping is completed on Tuesday, September 6.
First Street Utility Undergrounding Project
PG&E and its subcontractor, Accubore, continue work on the aerial to underground utility conversion project on First Street. The project will be constructed in three sections, Plaza 1 to Whitney Street; Whitney Street to Lyell Street and Lyell Street to San Antonio Road. This week construction crews installed new electrical, phone and cable conduits in Parking Plaza 1. Work was initiated on the individual property electrical panel conversions along First Street. No work will occur on the project over the Labor Day weekend. The project is expected to be completed in its entirety by the end of November 2016.
Annual Street Improvement Project
The Annual Street Improvement Project repairs and maintains pavement sections identified by the City’s Pavement Management Program. The work began on Thursday in the northern section of Los Altos and will progress south over the next week. Work is scheduled to be complete on Friday, September 9. The following streets are scheduled for the remainder of this week and next week:
- Riverside Drive between Berry Avenue and Covington Road
- Spencer Way between Covington Road and the north City Limit
- Russell Avenue between Covington Road and the north City Limit
- Castilleja Court
- Dartmouth Lane between Runnymead Drive and Buckingham Drive
- Miramonte Avenue between Fremont Avenue and Eastwood Way
- Portland Avenue between Miramonte Avenue and Grant Road
- Lisa Lane between Oakhurst Avenue and Fremont Avenue
- Colleen Drive between Hollidale Court and Newcastle Drive
- Pinecrest Drive between Arboretum Drive and Beechwood Lane
- Deodara Drive between Cedar Place and approximately 1996 Deodora Drive
- Fir Lane
- Aspen Drive/ Way between Beechwood Lane and end of Aspen Way
- Beechwood Lane between Deodara Drive and end of Beechwood Lane
- Vineyard Court
- Gordon Way between Almond Avenue and Hillview Avenue
Recreation & Community Services
Senior Programs
The Los Altos Senior Program summer break is over and regular operations will resume the week Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at both Hillview and Grant Community Center locations.
AARP will sponsor a two day Smart Driver Course that will cover the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how to manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time and much more! Participants must attend both classes to complete the course. The course will be held September 9 and 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hillview Community Center Room 12. Call (650) 947-2797 to reserve your space. The cost is $15 for AARP Members and $20 for all others. The fee is payable, via check, to the class instructor at the first class.
Usha Welaratna Ph.D. is giving us a taste of her Fall 2016 classes on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 12 at the Hillview Community Center. She’ll discuss how to keep your brain alive! Walk-ins welcome but reservations are encouraged. Please call (650) 947-2797 to reserve your space today. Her Fall offerings include Mindfulness Meditation and Memory Training.
Activity Registration
Registration continues for all of our fall 2016 classes and camps. Some classes will begin the week of September 12. If you need an additional copy of the Activity Guide, pick one up at the Hillview Community Center Front Office, either branch of the Los Altos Library, any city facility, or at several of our parks. Join us for a fabulous fall!
Volunteers
Our Interim Volunteer Coordinator is also actively recruiting for the following volunteer opportunities:
- Senior Center Front Desk Receptionist
- Senior Center Friday Luncheons
Call the Volunteer desk at (650) 947-2848 to volunteer or for more information.
Youth & Teens
There are still spaces available in the Fabulous 4s and Kinder Prep classes in the Tiny Tots Preschool Program! Please contact Jaime Chew at (650) 947-2848 or jchew@losaltosca.gov to get more information or to schedule a tour. The 2016/17 school year will begin after the Labor Day Holiday, so take advantage of this opportunity to register your little one in this fun and enriching program! Please note that the participant should be of age by September 1, 2016.
Recreation Staff
The Recreation & Community Services Department is very pleased to announce that Cheryl “Cheri” Anderson has accepted the Recreation Coordinator position overseeing Senior Programs and will begin with the City on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Cheri has over 20 years of experience in event planning, community outreach and recreation. Part of that experience came from working as the Interim Recreation Coordinator for the Los Altos Senior Program in 2014/15. Her experience in working for municipalities also includes the City of Glendale, in Southern California, as a Recreation Supervisor. Cheri is a graduate of Kentucky State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. She is a very active person with a great deal of enthusiasm for senior programming. We are excited to have Cheri on board and look forward to her bringing her skills and experience to the Department and the City.
