City Manager Weekly Update - August 19, 2016
Assistant City Manager
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCEA)
The SVCEA Executive Board will meet on Thursday, August 24, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the City of Sunnyvale West Conference Room, 456 W Olive Avenue. The meeting agenda is posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
In February 2016, the City became a member of Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCE) with the goal of establishing a Community Choice Energy (CCE) partnership to provide cleaner energy to residential and commercial users in Los Altos. At its meeting on July 13, 2016, the SVCE Board of Directors unanimously voted to authorize procurement of an energy mix that will supply users with 100% carbon free electricity. The purchase of 100% carbon free energy is currently underway by SVCE staff. The first phase of the roll-out to customers is scheduled in April 2017. All residential and commercial customers will be automatically receiving the newly purchased 100% carbon free electricity, below PG&E rates, once the roll-out phases are completed. The clean energy will be delivered by PG&E distribution lines and service. SVCE will contract for the purchase and supply of clean energy which will be distributed through the PG&E system.
To stay up-to-date on SVCEA events, activities, special announcements and Board of Director agendas, sign up for automatic email updates.
Aircraft Noise Update
The Select Committee on South Bay Arrivals is now in working-group mode and is meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss options and to formulate recommendations to local members of Congress. The Select Committee’s next meeting is on September 1, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the City of Palo Alto Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public but because it is a working meeting of the Select Committee, the public will not be invited to speak.
Save the Date: Bike Day & Bike Rodeo Saturday, August 27
Bicycles on the Third Street Green will be part of the festivities on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in two locations, the Green and the Hillview Community Center parking lot. GreenTown Los Altos, Calfee Designs and Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition will conduct ABC bike safety checks and provide information for school age kids about bikes and safe bike riding. The event will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Third Street Green with the Bike Rodeo scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hillview parking lot.
City Clerk
2016 City Council Election
The Nomination Period for the 2016 City Council Election closed on Friday, August 12, 2016. The following individuals qualified as candidates and will appear on the November ballot: Jeannie Bruins, Neysa Fligor, Alex Glew, Lynette Lee Eng, Jan Pepper and Steve Smiley.
Commission Openings
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
Reviewing Past Approvals
Over the past several years, the Design Review Commission (DRC) has toured homes that have gone through the City’s Design Review process. This provides an opportunity to examine what has been reviewed and approved in plan and compare to what has actually been built in the field. Commissioners and staff members learn a great deal from these tours and evaluating these projects in the field enhances their design review skills. Staff coordinates the sites to visit with members of the DRC and this year’s tour is slated for August 31, 2016. This is a specially noticed meeting and the DRC will be conducting the tour prior to holding its regular meeting.
Staff Reviews Mountain View Project
The City of Mountain View has referred a project being proposed at the intersection of Del Medio and El Camino Real to Los Altos for review and comment. The City of Mountain View adopted an area precise plan for the location a number of years ago and indications are that the five story apartment project with over 100 apartment units complies with that plan. Given that El Camino Real is within Los Altos city limits, staff is carefully evaluating the project to see if improvements are being proposed in the street, which would require review and approval of an encroachment permit by the City of Los Altos as well as the California Department of Transportation.
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.
Reminder: Coffee with a Cop is Next Wednesday, August 24
We hope you will join us at Peet’s Coffee in downtown Los Altos on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for our third Coffee with a Cop event. Coffee with a Cop provides an opportunity for community members and Police personnel to come together and get to know one another in a casual setting. Everyone is invited and should feel free to ask questions, voice concerns and discuss other matters of interest or concern with our Officers.
Officer Tannock and K-9 Lord Go Viral
Earlier this week, we shared a short clip of our beloved K-9 Lord performing an impressive trick for his handler, Officer Julie Tannock and a young visitor to our Department. Lord shows off his skill and demonstrates how he can open his own car door in a quick 10 second clip. The video has quickly amassed over 4,800 views on Facebook alone! We are so pleased to share this small snapshot into the soft, playful side of our very capable Police K-9. To view the video, visit our Facebook page.
Public Works
Sewer Project - Repair Maintenance Problem Areas
The Repair Maintenance Problem Areas Project consists of replacing nine existing 6-inch and 8-inch sewer mains with 8-inch sewer mains using the open cut construction method. This week, the contractor, Cratus Inc., completed replacement of the final segment and began pavement restoration. The project is expected to be complete in the next 2 weeks.
Downtown Capital Improvement Projects
Parking Plaza Driveway Approach Improvement Project
This project is scheduled to begin construction on Monday, August 22, 2016. The project 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. “No Parking” signs will be posted in the adjacent work area with saw cutting and demolition to begin next week. Construction is anticipated to be complete by mid-September 2016.
Parking Plaza 3 Driveway & Drive Aisle Improvement Project
New curb and gutter along the drive aisle was placed this week. A new storm drainage inlet and piping will be installed next week as well as preparation for paving. Access and parking will be temporarily impacted as a result of the required work. Alternative access routes and caution driving through the construction zone is recommended.
How to Be Seen - Safety Tip from the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Commission
As the seasons change from Summer to Fall and daylight savings time kicks in, it is important that both pedestrians and cyclists adapt so that they can be visible to motorists. The use of reflectorized clothing isn't just for highway workers and cycling enthusiasts; it's a precaution that all Los Altans should consider taking when going out during dusk and darkness. With bright, reflectorized clothing, you are much more visible than you are with a flashlight alone. It's easy to find reflectorized clothing in most sporting goods and outdoor stores. While the color (bright orange, for example) might not be your favorite, it's highly preferable to not being seen at all. Help make Los Altos safer for all by dressing to be seen when out walking or biking.
Recreation & Community Services
Fall Activity Registration
The 2016 fall Activity Guides are in the process of being delivered to local mailboxes. Copies can also be found at both branches of the Los Altos library, all city facilities and several parks. Los Altos Resident Courtesy Registration Days are Monday, August 22 through Wednesday, August 24. Registration opens to all on Thursday, August 25. Classes begin the week of September 12. Residents can go online for a sneak peek at LosAltosRecreation.org to see what exciting classes and activities are coming up this fall!
Senior Program Temporarily Closed for Upgrades
The Grant Park Community Center will be closed from August 22 to September 5, 2016 for facility exterior painting. The Grant Park Senior Program will resume on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 when the painting is completed. The Hillview Senior Program will be closed from August 29 to September 5, 2016. Regular programming will resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.
Senior Safari Walkabout
Join us for Santa Clara County’s Senior Safari Walkabout! Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is open on select mornings to seniors who are interested in getting some exercise while taking in the sights and sounds of the park. After a morning stroll, we’ll lunch in downtown San Jose at Original Joe’s restaurant. This trip will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The fee is $35 for Senior Program Members and $40 for all others. We will depart and return from Hillview Community Center. Please call (650) 947-2797 for more information.
Final Summer BBQ
ALOHA! The Senior Program will host a Luau for the last barbecue of the summer season! Listen to the sounds of the beautiful Kapalakiko Hawaiian band while enjoying pulled pork, macaroni salad, fruit and dessert. The fee is $6 for Senior Program Members and $8 for all others. The Luau will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hillview Senior Program Patio. Please call (650) 947-2797 to make reservations.
Preschool Registration Now Open
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 preschool 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.
Volunteers Needed
Our Interim Volunteer Coordinator is actively recruiting for the following volunteer opportunities:
- Senior Center Front Desk Receptionist
- Senior Center Friday Luncheons
Call the Volunteer desk at (650) 947-2848 for more information.
