October 8
The City Council held a public hearing (No. 5) to discuss revised district maps for electing members to the City Council beginning November 2026. The City's consulting demographer, Redistricting Partners, presented five additional new drafts and one additional public draft district map. Council discussion considered the 2020 census blocs that determined placement of some dividing lines to divide districts. Also discussed were landmarks that helped identify areas. Public comments included concerns about maps with long thin districts that appeared to be gerrymandered, maps that had districts that were wealthier in property value, and dividing neighborhoods such as Highlands and Grant Park.
The council will decide on the city's final district elections map on October 22 along with the order of elections of the five new districts and how long a candidate for City Council must be a resident and registered voter of the district in which they seek election. The ordinance to adopt district-based elections and approve the final district map will be voted on November 12.
October 22
The City Council held a Public Hearing (No. 7) to receive a presentation from the consulting demographer, Redistricting Partners. The council discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the final 12 maps, some drawn by city residents. The final decision met the requirements for a map, including shared interest neighborhoods, contiguous boundaries, and similar populations (around 6,000 voting residents). The vote was 3-2. The Council voted unanimously that candidates for City Council must be residents and registered voters of the district for 30 days prior to filing their nomination papers and declaring their intent to run in an election.
By unanimous vote, the districts were numbered from south to north; Highlands District 1, Grant Park District 2, Covington/Almond District 3; Los Altos High School/Downtown District 4; and North Los Altos District 5. Council seats for Districts 2 and 4 will be elected in 2026. The ordinance to adopt district-based elections and approve the final district map will be voted on November 12.
Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1053 in September 2024 that changes laws and prohibits the use of carryout bags from markets and redefines recyclable paper bags to be made from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled materials. As many cities in Santa Clara County are doing, the City Council voted by amendment to eliminate plastic single-use bags and disposable food containers, including polystyrene foam disposable containers and single-use plastic forks/spoons/knives and condiments packaging. There are exemptions for ADA and plastic containers of food sold in stores that are packaged elsewhere. However, any food prepared in stores must use paper bags or fiber-based containers for take-out. Reusable tableware must be used to dine in restaurants. The Council decided that, as incentive to bring your own bags, customers will be charged 25 cents for each single-use plastic carry bag asked for.
To replace all plastic and bioplastic non-compostable bags and packaging the Environmental Commission recommends a phase-in approach: businesses that prepare food will have six months to be compliant with rules to use compostable paper bags, wood, bamboo or other fiber-based products for food. Businesses will have one year to be compliant with use of reusable table ware to serve meals. The Environmental Commission also suggests a extensive outreach and community engagement program to make businesses and individuals aware of the changes.
Claire Noonan, Observer