By Elayne Dauber

Other Voices

As I conclude my second term on the Los Altos Hills City Council, it is only natural to want to look back over the years and think about some of the accomplishments during that time. There are several for which I feel great personal pride. These are my top five.

1.) Unquestionably first was the selection of Jeff Peterson as city manager in 1995. The four years following his appointment were ones of excellence in town achievement and administration, and of remarkable staff development. In those years, Jeff brought in Keirsa, our beloved receptionist; Curtis, a head planner of awesome ability; Carol, who revamped our finance department; Beth, her assistant; and Jim, who continued Jeff’s quality structuring of public works programs. The town continues to coast on the solid foundation established by Jeff Peterson and his team.

2.) The Design Guidelines Booklet developed in 1993-1994. The booklet demonstrates, in simple language and diagrams, the planning process, goals of our planning and site development ordinances and desirable development characteristics. Every guideline refers back to the ordinances to clarify what the law actually says. A glossary defines town terminology. The book was planned as a “living document” and has been updated regularly. Several cities (Monte Sereno and Belmont, to name a couple) have requested copies of our book, and have adopted or used portions of it as a model for their own city.

3.) The town’s renegotiated contract with Los Altos Garbage Company. During the first few years of the period, our relationship with LAGCo, under a 1992 contract, was somewhat rocky. Council and residents alike were dissatisfied. In 1997, staff and council worked with the new manager of LAGCo to rewrite the document. The result is a win-win for everyone. Residents have greatly expanded service with no increase in rates (in fact, many residents’ rates were lowered), the town continues to cover its expenses and LAGCo’s income increases with inflation. I believe we are one of the few cities that has not increased residential garbage rates in the past three years.

4.) A state-approved House Element of the General Plan that details how Los Altos Hills will provide low-income housing. That this is an accomplishment needs no explanation!

5.) Finally, the new holding lane for people making a left turn off northbound 280 onto Page Mill Road. This recent accomplishment is probably the one that is the most beloved by residents, and they have no idea that the town had a role in it. Thanks to some alert bicyclists, the town was urged to review Caltrans’ plans for the restriping under Page Mill Road. As one of the attendees, I encouraged Caltrans to improve the situation for those exiting 280. Caltrans, while unable to adopt the recommendations of the bicycle lobby, was happy to be able to respond positively to one of our requests. This is one of those traffic improvements that was instantly appreciated and adored.

That’s my top five list. Some of those accomplishments are already disappearing, some will hopefully live on. I’m sure other councilmembers would have a different list. Nevertheless, these are the actions in which I take great pride and am proud to list as achievements.

Dauber, a longtime resident of Los Altos Hills, presented these accomplishments at her last council meeting, Dec. 7.