By Open Space initiative planned

A group of Los Altos Hills residents, Los Altos Hills Open Space, plans to have an initiative petition out to the public by the end of next month. It would require city officials to seek residents’ approval before selling public lands, a spokeswoman said.

Council inquiry about the potential sale of two public lands, Westwind Barn and Byrne Preserve, sparked concern earlier this year.

The Los Altos Hills City Council last Thursday assured residents that no town land would be sold without the public’s support and instructed the city attorney to “come up with some definitive options” regarding the sale of public property.

The council unanimously accepted the Planning Commission’s recommendation to make its intent clear and seek public approval.

Councilman Steve Finn was absent.

Members of the open space groups said that city council action alone is not enough to protect the city’s open space, according to their attorney in San Francisco.

Members began drafting the formal initiative last week.

Mountain View

Car crash kills mother, child

Los Altos Hills

A mother and her 4-year-old daughter died Saturday night in Mountain View when the driver of their vehicle lost control and hit a cement bench with such force that the impact split the car into two, police said. Both died at the scene.

The driver, two children and a woman passenger were taken to the hospital and treated for injuries.

Police charged the driver with vehicular manslaughter and felony drunken driving.

No other cars were involved in the accident, police said.

- Town Crier Staff Report