February 11
The City Council unanimously authorized an expenditure from Park In-Lieu Fee funds. The funds will be used for planning a downtown park on Parking Plazas #1 and #2 with associated parking. A decision for underground or surface parking added in another downtown area is part of the planning proposal to be designed by Watry Design, Inc. Three members of the public commented about the options for parking. One resident suggested establishing check points to make sure that the project is successful as the process moves along. Council members were concerned about the number of current projects being developed for the downtown area and agreed to establish check points to determine actions. The Watry proposal, including not only a design but community engagement activities, was authorized by 4/1 vote.
Los Altos staff presented a plan to subsidize childcare in Los Altos City in support of the Santa Clara County initiative for affordable childcare. Staff surveyed seven Santa Clara County cities to help make decisions on the subsidies. The program will
- utilize Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income limits to set program eligibility.
- be open to residents and all city of Los Altos employees as a program requirement.
- subsidize as much as 50% of the program fee up to $10,000 per family.
- focus on preschool-age children, 2 - 5 years.
Children’s Corner, the vendor selected to offer the preschool-age enrichment program on behalf of the city of Los Altos, will use the Acorn Room at the Los Altos Community Center. The project will be reviewed in a year. Council approved the program with a unanimous vote.
February 25
The City Council voted to adopt upgraded parking restrictions around Los Altos High School and implement no later than the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Staff took photos of jammed up student parking on the streets entering Jardin Avenue that borders the north side of the high school since additional restrictions were made in December 2024. Currently, only students who live .75 miles from campus can get an on-campus parking permit. Even so, the on-campus parking is not enough for more than 2000 students, faculty, and staff. There is no parking allowed on Jardin Avenue and Almond Avenue that border the school.
More than 12 residents and students commented on the parking problem. We heard of the danger for student bicyclists using the streets at the same time when too many students look for spaces to park. Residents are angry about parking that blocks driveways, mailboxes, and trash bin pick-up. They are concerned with reckless drivers not following the student drop-off rules on Jardin. Both groups complain about excessive speed. Some suggested painting red where cars can’t park on cul de sacs. Others suggested resident permits to reduce parking allowed.
There are three changes to current parking restrictions:
- Almond Avenue, the south boundary of the school, and Jardin Avenue, the north boundary, will remain no parking at all times.
- No-parking restrictions from 8:00 am-noon will remain on side streets north and south of the high school.
- Where needed, two-hour parking from 8:00 am-noon, will start on residential side streets near the school site.
The city manager informed the council that the Santa Clara County fire department is going to assess the safety issues on the many cul-de-sacs in Los Altos which would assuage the concerns of residents about too many cars getting in the way of emergency vehicles on dead end streets. At another designated council meeting, the issue of resident permits will be discussed.
Claire Noonan, Observer