By Bruce Barton
Los Altos
County Supervisor Liz Kniss’ invitation to a June 27 Town Hall meeting in Los Altos drew local residents from unincorporated areas with concerns that ranged from traffic and road repair woes to line-of-sight issues with the former Kaiser cement plant.
The meeting, held at Loyola School, drew more than 50 residents, most of whom had road complaints. In addition to her own staff, Kniss was flanked by the heads of most key county departments, including Sheriff Laurie Smith and Fire Chief Doug Sporleder, who were on hand to answer questions.
“I hope the county portion of Moody Road will get paved in my lifetime,” said 16-year resident Amy Margolis. She said vehicles drive down the center of the road because its edges are so badly frayed from a lack of repair.
Other concerns voiced included parking and traffic along Country Club Drive, paving problems on Creston Drive and traffic safety issues in the Loyola School area, where a sizable number of students must cross Foothill Expressway.
Kniss said she planned to take down information and schedule a day she and Michael Murdter, head of the county’s roads department, could meet with residents over their specific problems.
Among the non-traffic concerns, Don Lathrop, a county resident since 1963, said Hanson Permanente Concrete, formerly Kaiser Permanente, is beginning to “crest the hill” in its search for limestone deposits, adversely affecting resident views. He said Kaiser had a verbal agreement with residents for years that it would not work on “this side of the valley.”
John Brazil of Kniss’ staff said Hanson officials appear receptive to working with the county and its residents. Kniss said she planned on talking with Hanson officials this month.
Los Altos Councilman John Moss, the only Los Altos official in attendance, said the longstanding quarry has the richest supply of limestone west of the Mississippi River.
The close proximity to the valley, Moss said, keeps the construction costs low since materials are not being shipped long distances.
Besides, Moss noted the limestone supply at the quarry will be gone in approximately 15 years.
“So will we,” chimed in one resident to a wave of chuckles.
Another resident, Garth Wilson, who lives between the borders of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, noted the county does not have any guidelines for helping residents set up assessment districts. Kniss directed him to the county executive’s office.
Kay Mazola of the Woodland Acres area wanted to know if the county had an ordinance governing tree preservation and removal for neighborhoods.
County planner Don Weden replied that preservation rules applied to some “designated areas” but not private property.
Tony Winnicker, Kniss communications manager, said Kniss found the meeting productive and helpful in determining resident needs.
“Our biggest problem (in getting things done) is that Liz is one of five supervisors, and there’s a perception that in the fifth district (including Los Altos and Los Altos Hills), we’re all rich and we don’t need anything,” Winnicker said.
