November 12
On April 18, 2024, the City received a Notice of Violation of the California Voting Rights Act. The letter asserted that the City was in violation of the CVRA because council member elections were at-large and there was racial polarization and vote dilution within the jurisdiction. On May 28, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution declaring its intent to transition to a district-based electoral system commencing in November of 2026.
The City Council finalized the division of the city into five districts. The districts are numbered 1-5 south to north, and a residency requirement to seek a council seat from each district was established. The Council established the election order of each district. Starting with the 2026 midterm election the city will elect city council members by district.
The City Council continued until the December 10 meeting actions concerning takeout food, paper instead of plastic bags in markets and restaurants, and tableware use in eating places. Bioplastics are not recyclable and can contaminate both compost and recycling streams, causing challenges in collection and confusing residents and restaurant staff. Paper, wood, bamboo, and other fiber-based compostable food ware items are accepted in the City’s compost program.
City Council members agreed to have staff look into the hiring of a capital campaign manager consultant for a proposed new theater downtown at a cost of $300,000 spread over 3 years. Members of the Los Altos Stage Company (LASC), leaders in the effort to build a multi-use theater, asked council members for $5 million in pledges over time for the $25 million theater.
The proposal involves a 160-seat, 23,400-square-foot theater covering a portion of Parking Plaza 2, bordered by Second, Third and Main streets and San Antonio Road. The presenters reminded the council that such a theater project can provide year-round community hub and is versatile in use of the facility.
Of six public and written comments, questions were raised about parking, maintenance, and expenses that the city will bear. There were concerns about the amount of money for the consultant and alternative uses of the money for this project.
December 10
The City Council adopted the certification of the election results of November 2024. The city council reorganized.
Lynnette Lee Eng received congratulations on eight years of service. Larry Lang was sworn in to take the open seat. Sally Meadows and Jonathan Weinberg were sworn in for a second term on the council. Pete Daily was sworn in as mayor for 2025 session. Neysa Fligor was sworn in as vice-mayor for 2025 session.
By consensus the new City council adopted the four changes to take the place of single-use plastic containers in Los Altos markets and restaurants. The changes include paper bags to carry out food, recyclable or compostable takeout containers, compostable food ware, and reusable tableware in dining facilities.
Claire Noonan, Observer