Los Altos in 2003: More changes and controversy

While the nation as a whole followed the developments of the war in Iraq during the bulk of 2003, the Los Altos area carried on relatively minuscule, but nonetheless important, struggles of its own. The still-dormant economy prompted more than a few vacant storefronts downtown, triggering new debate about the future of small retail businesses in this community. The Los Altos-based David and Lucile Packard Foundation worked to overcome the resignation of its CEO and the layoff of half its staff. And the economy-influenced closure of Bullis-Purissima School triggered the formation of a charter school by Los Altos Hills residents who would not accept the idea of their town without a public school. Some changes this year were not as hard to accept, and even welcomed, such as three newcomers to the five-member Los Altos City Council.

Holiday sales were not what merchants anticipated

The holiday shopping season was not the slam-dunk success for which Los Altos retailers were looking. Downtown merchants selling luxury products enjoyed a year-to-year sales gain while others saw traffic and purchases fall behind last year’s numbers.

“Our holiday sales were better than last year because people like us and trust us,” said Lynda Newlon, owner of Acacia C clothing store. “There is a misconception about Los Altos pricing, and people perceive we are higher priced than mall stores, but often we have a better price, offer premium gift wrapping and a better variety.”

Westwind slated to remain open to public for at least 10 years

Local horse lovers and open-space enthusiasts breathed a sigh of relief last week when the Los Altos Hills City Council approved a proposal to keep Westwind Community Barn off the open market for another decade.

Westwind Barn is owned by the town of Los Altos Hills but operated by the Friends of Westwind Barn, who have been leasing the property for nearly 30 years.

Los Altos reports lowest crime rate in Santa Clara County

Los Altos reported the lowest crime rate in Santa Clara County and ranked better than the national average in every crime category reported in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report recently released for 2002. The report compiles national crime statistics for specific categories from more than 17,000 police agencies throughout the country. All crime numbers are calculated per 100,000 people in order to make equal comparisons. Only Category I crimes - rape, assault, murder, robbery - are included in the report.

With just under 29,000 residents, Los Altos was the only city in Santa Clara County to report fewer than 1,000 crimes during 2002. Police reported 930 crimes per 100,000 people during the 12-month period. That number dropped by 226 from the previous year.

Neighbors call proposed pathway a ‘gateway to crime’

A group of Los Altos residents is asking the city to risk losing nearly a half million dollar grant from the county rather than potentially opening a floodgate of crime into their neighborhood with a one-third mile stretch of pathway that would connect to what they consider to be the city’s worst hot spot for illegal activity.

The controversial project would connect an existing Palo Alto bike trail to a paved, Class I bike path along an undeveloped portion of the San Francisco Water Department’s Hetch Hetchy easement that runs from Los Altos Avenue through Via Del Poso and Mercedes Court to El Camino Real near the former El Torito building - something that neighbors said will increase traffic and crime while decreasing privacy and property values, according to a petition with 57 signatures. A $434,000 grant from the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority would fund the improvements.

The not-so-obvious benefits of living here

On Dec. 14, my friend in New York woke me up with a phone call: “They captured Saddam, turn on the TV.” After listening to the reporters and the president I went about my Sunday as usual. I walked to downtown Los Altos for coffee, something to eat and the paper. On my way a woman said “Good morning.” It surprised me. I had not noticed her, and around here people do not say anything when they pass by unless they know you or are talking into a cell phone. “Yes, good morning.”

Inside Le Boulanger with the paper and my breakfast in front of me, my first cup of coffee half downed, it hits me: Saddam has been captured in Iraq, and while that fact in itself will not fix the world I feel joy and peace. The Christmas lights are in friendly competition with the bright sunshine outside, and the restaurant is full of relaxed and smiling people. Have they heard the news? It has not made it into the papers yet.

Measuring the Australian earthworm - by the foot

Rubber got its name from the English chemist, Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen when he found that in its raw latex state, India gum could rub out lead pencil marks.

• A typical bed usually houses over six billion dust mites.

LETTERS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003

I totally agree that downtown Los Altos needs an anchor store to boost sales.

OBITUARIES FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 31, 2003

1915-2003. Born to Sidney and Hattie Wynia on March 22, 1915 in Sioux, Township; Plymounth County, Iowa.

Survived by two sisters, Clair Hall and Dolly Bonnema, several nephews and nieces and many grand nephews and nieces survive her. Marie has lived in Los Altos since marrying Orie Meredith in 1940. She enjoyed playing golf with her husband and their friends for many years; also their many vacations to the Islands of Hawaii.

Wedding announcements

Send your wedding, engagement or anniversary announcements to Richard Billings at the Los Altos Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022.

Photos are welcome. If you want your photo returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For more information, call 948-9000, ext. 335, or e-mail bruceb@latc.com.

LA cemetery helps the living, too

The Gospel According to Matthew says, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Comforting mourners is one of the ministries of the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos.

In April, the cemetery began offering free grief counseling to those who have suffered the death of a loved one. Bereavement minister Maureen Hilliard, a sister of Notre Dame, spends one to two hours a week helping small groups - 10 or fewer individuals - to mourn.

Los Altos History Museum starts new exhibit year in harmony

The sounds of music will be heard when the Los Altos History Museum presents its first exhibit of 2004, “The Melody Lingers On: Musical Arts in Los Altos.” On display Jan. 11 through April 25, this exhibit presents a combination of historical artifacts and concert performances.

A special musical performance featuring Schola Cantorum, a large choral ensemble based in Mountain View and celebrating its 40th anniversary, will kick off the concert series at the opening reception Jan. 11.

Are there toxins hidden in your home?

Over the last 50 years, man-made chemicals, medications and street drugs have spread at almost inconceivable rates. We’re exposed to pesticides, fertilizers and toxic chemicals daily. Some of us do our best to avoid exposure to these toxins, taking normal safety measures around chemicals. Yet what if there are toxic dangers lurking in our own homes - that we bring into where we live or routinely use in household chores?

According to Environmental Scientist Michael Wisner, there are toxins that we may bring into our own homes unwittingly that can be absorbed into the body.

Springer Road neighbors looking for solutions to their traffic problems

Within a week after a Springer Elementary School student was hit by a car on his way to school, a Springer parent came up with a plan to make getting to and from the school safer for children who walk or bike there.

Zack Schmidt presented his Springer Road Safe Routes to Schools plan Dec. 18 in the school’s multipurpose room to several dozen concerned neighbors whose comments echoed those heard by the Los Altos School/Traffic Committee in early 2000.

FHDA board OKs five-year construction plan

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District unanimously approved its latest five-year construction plan at its Dec. 15 board meeting.

Executive Director of Facilities and Construction Management John Schulze presented the plan to the board. The plan determines the district’s eligibility for capital outlay funding and qualifies new space for state support.

TC’s top 10

Choosing the top 10 local sports stories of the year is always a challenge in an area where so many teams and athletes are deserving of such recognition.

So, with apologies to those who were worthy but just missed the cut, here’s the Town Crier’s list for 2003:

SILVAR presents 58 achievement awards to local realtors

Although no Christmas tree was visible at the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors 2003 achievement awards and holiday breakfast last Friday, 58 realtors went home happy and smiling with their certificates of accomplishment in their hands.

SILVAR is unique in that it consists of five local districts. This allows members to work closely with the local community as well as being associated with the larger association.