By It will take more than a nice new banner across Main Street to improve business in downtown Los Altos, but it's a commendable effort.

The message is clear, as it was on the banner head of the very first issue of the Town Crier in September 1947: “Shop at home.” It certainly makes sense that residents shop downtown to make it better, just as one must water a plant to make it grow. When the downtown improves, so does the community. More tax dollars go toward city services. Downtown becomes a source of pride, and this can’t help but have a positive effect on property values.

We are seeing some positive “signs” (beyond the banner) that a commitment to improving downtown is growing. Mayor John Moss and new councilman Ron Packard, who has a business downtown, have put improving downtown among their highest priorities. The city of Los Altos has helped pave the way for more variety in storefront retail, first by limiting hair and nail salons along State and Main streets, then by restricting restaurants from taking over old retail space along both downtown thoroughfares.

The fact that the city council has revived negotiations for a boutique hotel at First and Main also speaks to a commitment to bring additional visitors downtown.

There remain a few lingering hurdles:

One, the city should not come from a stance of what businesses can’t do, as on such issues as sidewalk seating. It would do better to offer a perspective of what can be done and done quickly with a minimum of time-consumiing red tape. Retailers need help and they need it now.

Second, downtown remains saddled with the reputation that all stores close at 5 p.m., making it impossible for those who work during the day to frequent retail shops other than on weekends. If there isn’t something brewing already, how about a task force looking into the possibility of changing this? We understand the economy is still in the doldrums, but could some businesses actually help themselves - and downtown - by extending their open times another hour or two?

Third, although there are some wonderful trees and plantings throughout the downtown area, let’s face it, the sidewalks and streets could stand a major cleaning and shrub replacement. The big question, of course, is, how much would it cost and who’s going to pay for it?

We were encouraged to see both the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce and the Los Altos Village Association listed in promoting the downtown banner. It’s going to take both of these organizations working together to improve conditions downtown.

Already, we have had dozens of meaningful responses to our questionnaire (See Page 65). More input will help the city fathers take action.

We look forward to further efforts on downtown revitalization. We hope the “Shop at Home” message continues to hit home with increasing numbers of residents who benefit both themselves and the community by shopping locally.