A Home In The Hills
Filed under Sold Properties · Tagged: Employee Relocation, Home Prices, Inventory, Los Altos Hills, Quality of Life
12460 HILLTOP DR, Los Altos Hills, CA 94024
Listed at $1,499,000 / Sold at $1,450,000
4 Beds / 2 Baths / Home: 1,966 sqft / Lot Size: 18,693 sqft
Single Family Detached
Represented: Buyer
Another Listing Sold In North Los Altos
Filed under Blog, Sold Properties · Tagged: Employee Relocation, Housing Choices, Inventory, Los Altos, Quality of Life
Check out our new listing we just sold at 560 Los Altos Avenue. For the past seven years, it has been home to a wonderful family that fully enjoyed living in Los Altos. Being located in North Los Altos allowed them the ability to stroll to Town, enjoy the Hetch-Hetchy pathway, and dine at many of the nearby restaurants. All of these community amenities are just minutes away.
This 4 bedroom 2.5 full bath home had been updated and was move in ready. The added benefit of a back yard pool and patio made this home perfect for entertaining.
560 Los Altos is within the Santa Rita Elementary School boundary, which teaches children from Kindergarten through 6th grade. Santa Rita is one of the two schools, mentioned above, that had been selected as national Blue Ribbon school.
To ensure your real estate needs are successfully met, make sure you have the Casas Team on your side of the negotiation table. Contact us today for a private consultation (650-823-1434).
Downtown Family Fun
How would you like to have some fun this coming weekend? Do you like strolling along a pedestrian promenade, while looking for that new painting, or high quality photograph, for your home? Do your kids, or grandchildren, enjoy fun rides and face painting?
Well then, downtown Los Altos is the place to be over the July 9th & 10th weekend. Over those two days, 125,000 people are expected to participate in the 32nd Annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival. It is one of the largest festivals in the bay area and has something for everyone.
The outstanding works of artists and craftspeople from over a dozen states will be showcased. The festival will also features varietals, by the glass, from local wineries. More importantly, at least for our two teenagers, there will be a wide variety of foods including Thai, Chinese, Mexican, hot links and roasted corn, and plenty of soft freeze ice cream. Be sure and come hungry to the Festival.
The “Family Fun Zone” will have a stage, just for kids, with entertainment all day long. Actually, there is an entire weekend of great music lined up with performances from Black Pearl, The Cocktail Monkeys, Soul Intention, Groove Kings, The House Rockers, Blue House, along with many others.
Clearly, if last year was any indication, everyone will have a good time. So, come on down and see yet another great part of what makes Los Altos such a wonderful community! Carol & I hope to see you there.
Los Altos Property Values Up Yr/Yr
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Current Market, Daily News, Home Prices, Housing Choices, Inventory, Los Altos
Once again, just like the last economic recovery, Los Altos leads the County in real estate assessed values going up year over year. The latest data, complied by the County Assessor office, highlights the strength of the local market. While other nearby communities have seen a continued loss in property values. Los Altos was up 3.6%.
The modest increase in value for the Los Altos community, continues the upward trained we wrote about in a earlier post. The good news, is that we have strong demand for homes that come to market for sale. The bad news, is that the current inventory of available homes for sale, in Los Altos, is 50% below last year.
Basically, well priced homes are being snapped up within days after the traditional broker tour. While homes priced just above market are seeing good foot traffic of interested buyer, just not a similarly quick sale. Buyers are still looking for value.
A variety of papers have been highlighting the recent uptick in both real estate activity, as well as sale prices. One reporter, Diana Samuels (Daily Post) wrote an recent article about local property values rebounding. Below, is an slightly edited version. Enjoy …
Santa Clara County’s assessor says property values are starting to rebound, and it’s mostly thanks to Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
Assessor Larry Stone announced Thursday that the county’s 2011-12 assessment roll, which provides a snapshot of the value of all properties in the county as of Jan. 1, 2011, grew from $296 billion last year to $299 billion, or an increase of 0.88 percent.
“We’re seeing some movement in a positive direction,” Stone said. “Even though it’s a modest increase in property assessments, the trend is encouraging. I think I can say without hesitation that we’ve finally hit bottom.”
Los Altos and Los Altos Hills were the two cities in the county that saw the highest growth. Los Altos’ property values grew by 3.59 percent, and Los Altos Hills’ by 3.81 percent.
Stone said the northern part of the county tends to recover first in a bad economy.
“The higher-end areas … were not hit as hard by the collapse of the residential market,” Stone said. “The bloodbath was in South County — Gilroy, Morgan Hill, East San Jose and Milpitas for the most part.”
In addition to a more stable residential market, the northern part of the county continues to attract major technology companies and new startups, which are expanding as the economy recovers, Stone said.
Los Altos remains a desirable community to both buy a home, and raise a family.
To Be, Or Not To Be …
Filed under Blog · Tagged: City Council, Daily News, Family Fun, Library, Los Altos, Quality of Life
One of the defining social characteristics of any community, is the quality of its local library. Generally, the library is the center of a community seeking, and sharing, knowledge.
In Los Altos, our libraries are a an example of excellence. The circulation of materials is one of the highest in the State. The local library system also has a strong support network in the “Friends of the Library.” More importantly, whenever there is an election to strengthen the local libraries (financially, operationally, etc.), the measure passes with 80% of the vote.
Unfortunately, the local library system is anchored together with other communities who must also vote on the same county library measures. Those communities have a much lower desire on improving the overall county library system, with less than 55% voting in favor of ballot measures in some communities … when 66.7% is needed to pass.
Recently, Diana Samuels (Daily News) wrote an article about a recent vote by the Los Altos City Council, regarding evaluating alternatives to the existing structure. Below, is an slightly edited version. Enjoy …
Los Altos and Los Altos Hills may split with the county to form their own library system in an effort to save money and gain more control over their book-lending institutions.
City councils in both cities recently voted to begin studying the ramifications of withdrawing from the Santa Clara County library system, which currently operates both the Los Altos Library and Woodland branch in Los Altos.
The North County Library Authority, the agency that manages a parcel tax that provides extra money for libraries in Los Altos, will fund and conduct the $120,000 study, Los Altos Hills Council Member Jean Mordo said.
Taxpayers in both cities provide about 22 percent of the property tax revenues that go into the county library system. But because of a complicated funding formula that takes into account population, property tax revenue and other factors, Mordo said, Los Altos libraries only get about 17 percent of those property taxes back. He calculates the shortfall at about $1.5 million, which goes to county libraries in South County cities such as Morgan Hill and Milpitas.
“I think it’s reasonable to let the county know that we’re concerned,” Los Altos Council Member David Casas said at a meeting Tuesday where the council voted 3-2 to support the study. “We’re subsidizing other communities, for services that our residents do not have access to.”
In addition, Mayor Ron Packard wrote in a report, Los Altos’ libraries are staffed by county employees who have “far more generous,” county-negotiated salaries and benefits, compared with city employees. The libraries could also save money with help from volunteers or part-time employees, but union contracts frequently prohibit them from working at the libraries, Packard said.
Mordo said he also disagrees with the county’s decision to begin charging an $80 annual library card fee today to patrons who live in cities outside the system. He called the fee “unneighborly”.
Whether Los Altos separates from the County Library system, is yet to be determined. Having a clear articulated set options available to the decision makers is critical on determining the right course of action. One thing is certain, if Los Altos does create its own system, it will be the envy of Silicon Valley.
Relay For Life – A Community Of One
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Community, Los Altos, Relay For Life
Over the past eight years, the residents of Los Altos have come together as a community of one. One Purpose. One Goal. One Weekend.
Once again, we will be gathering for 24 hours. We will be honoring cancer survivors, and remembering those who have passed. Relay for Life is a community event that brings us together. Recently, the Town Crier wrote a article about this year’s event. Enjoy …
The eighth annual Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Relay For Life, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday at Egan Junior High School, 100 W. Portola Ave.
The Los Altos Relay has generated $2.3 million for the American Cancer Society since its 2004 inception, including last year’s contribution of approximately $200,000, Skitt said. Administrative costs are estimated at 8-9 percent, and there’s only one paid employee for every 600 volunteers, he added.
Although it’s been difficult to get sponsors, tough economic times have not quelled the philanthropic spirit of the Los Altos and Los Altos Hills community, according to Alan Russell and Jan Masters, Relay’s sponsorship co-chairpersons.
Focusing more on youth outreach this year, the organizers approached area community colleges and schools, Russell said. Foothill College and several elementary schools have registered teams.
The event is free, and community members can attend of whether or not they want to fundraise. Participants may sign up in advance and solicit pledges or register on Saturday at the start of the Relay. Russell said there would be opportunities to contribute at the event, such as purchasing food or lap beads.
The 24-hour event is likely to draw nearly 400 participants, including more than 200 survivors.
With an overarching “Follow the Purple Brick Road to Life” theme, attendees can enjoy a mix of entertainment, including music from keyboardist Dirk Damonte and Jenn Grinels and selections from the “Wizard of Oz”; games and activities for children of all ages.
For more information, click here.
North Los Altos Ranch
Filed under Sold Properties · Tagged: Employee Relocation, Housing Choices, Inventory, New Construction, Quality of Life
510 PANCHITA WAY, Los Altos, CA 94024
Sold at $1,480,000
3 Beds / 2 Baths / 2,032 sqft
Single Family Detached
Represented: Buyer
Mission Trail Improves Diversion Rate
Filed under Blog · Tagged: environment, Los Altos, Mission Trail, Waste Management
This past Fall, the City of Los Altos signed a new contract for solid waste management. When the City made that decision, they didn’t just begin a new chapter, they began a whole new book.
Since that time, residents have applauded the switch from the previous company. A new era in environmental sustainability was underway, and the results have been better than expected. Recently, the Town Crier wrote a article about this year’s event at Egan Jr High. Enjoy …
Mission Trail Waste Systems’ garbage collection service has steadily improved the city’s recycling and landfill diversion rates since the company began servicing Los Altos last September, according to members of the Environmental Commission.
Mission Trail signed a 10-year contract with Los Altos, replacing Recology (formerly Los Altos Garbage Company) as the city’s provider of garbage and recycling services.
“Los Altos is a pleasure to service,” said Teresa Montgomery, Mission Trail’s public relations manager. “(The residents) want to make the most of our services.”
In establishing the new garbage service, Los Altos’ stipulations included a target diversion rate of 75 percent, which Mission Trail is obligated to meet, according to Don Bray, commission vice chairman.
Diversion rate is the percentage of waste materials redirected from traditional disposal in landfills that can be recycled, composted or reused.
Los Altos’ diversion rate increased from 67 percent last September to approximately 73 percent last December, according to a Montgomery supplied table.
“Clearly, Mission Trail’s service is making great progress toward (the city’s) goal,” Bray said. “Use of new color-coded rolling bins, single-stream processing of all recyclable materials and the ability to mix food wastes with yard wastes in a single organics bin, have been popular with citizens and are major contributors to these gains.”
Diversion offers economic and environmental benefits, according to Bray. Recycling saves money and reduces environmental impacts, diversion of food wastes and soiled paper products reduces landfill costs and significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills, he said.
New Fire Chief Representing Los Altos
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Emergency Services, Los Altos, Los Altos Patch, Public Service, Quality of Life
Emergency service (Police & Fire), within Los Altos, are routinely held up as a successful model of professionalism. The men and women who serve the community have created a indelible bond with the residents.
Hopefully the last thing you will ever have to do is dial 911. However, if you do, rest assured that an organization designed for efficiency will respond in short order. I am fortunate to know many of the individuals who provide these invaluable services to Los Altos, and I could not be happier that they stand watch over the community.
Recently, Los Altos Patch wrote about a recent County decision that implicitly impacts every resident of Los Altos: the appointment of a new Fire Chief. Below you will find an edited version of Sheila Sanchez’s story. Enjoy …
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors announced Wednesday the appointment of Kenneth R. Kehmna to serve as the new fire chief for the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Both Los Altos and Los Altos Hills receives its fire services from the county fire department.
Kehmna, who has 23 years of fire service experience, began his career as a firefighter with the city of Campbell in 1987. In 1993, county fire assumed responsibility for providing fire services to Campbell, bringing Kehmna and his colleagues from the city into the Santa Clara County Fire Department, according to a press release on the county’s website.
Since 2007, Kehmna has held the post of deputy chief, first in charge of operations and in 2009 in charge of training. As deputy chief of operations, he managed the four department battalions and the fire investigation division. As deputy chief in charge of training, he managed all training activities to ensure firefighter readiness, the release stated.
“Chief Kehmna brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position of fire chief,” said Dave Cortese, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. “He is intimately familiar with fire service in Santa Clara County and dedicated to providing high-level quality services to our community.”
He also worked closely with recently retired fire chief Waldvogel and represented county fire at the regional and statewide levels, working closely with the California Emergency Management Association and Cal Fire, according to the release.
“I will do my very best to preserve the proud lineage of leadership that has been the hallmark of this department,” he said. “I am excited about our future and confident that the outstanding relationship we have with labor will continue as we face new challenges and opportunities together in the coming years.”
Capturing The Essence Of Los Altos
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Los Altos Patch, Quality of Life, Volunteering
Every community has individuals who lead by example. Los Altos is fortunate to have so many residents who contribute to the essence of what defines our community.
As I’ve highlighted before, even the mission statement of our village references that this is a great place to live and raise a family. From time-to-time you will find a resident being highlighted in local, regional or national news.
Recently, Los Altos Patch wrote about Los Altan Sherie Sweiss Dodsworth. She represents the essence of what Los Altos is today. Below you will find an edited version of Rebecca Duran’s story. Enjoy …
You just never know, Los Altan Sherie Sweiss Dodsworth said. You just never know where life takes you.
She’s gone from uncertain college freshman at St. Mary’s College of California to a formidable woman with a string of successes in her life: chairwoman of the Board of Borel Bank and Trust, head of the St. Mary’s Alumni Association, entrepreneur.
On Saturday she added another one—commencement speaker at her alma mater, where she addressed approximately 450 students of the Class of 2011.
“I broke through glass ceilings, like being the first female president of the alumni association of a college that had been all male up until 1970,” she said. “St. Mary’s taught me to believe in myself”
Dodsworth shared those St. Mary’s experiences and success in business at the college’s 148th commencement ceremony. After the ceremony, she said it never would have crossed her mind that she’d be a speaker at her alma mater. One can never truly predict one’s success.
From her graduation to today, one thing has lead to another.
Dodsworth received the San Francisco Most Influential Women in Business Award in 2010 and was honored by St. Mary’s as one of its 40 most influential alumnae. She has served as a trustee of St. Mary’s and was the first alumna to serve as president of the College’s Board of Regents. She was also the first woman to be elected Alumna of the Year in 1999.
She became the first female president of the Alumni Association, president of the college’s Board of Regents and a trustee of the school. Her position on the Board of Regents is something she said helped her become chairwoman of the board of Borel Private Bank and Trust Company in 2004.
In Los Altos, she said, there is a sense of working together for the future.
“People try to look out for what’s best for the city, for our youth and the community for years to come.”
When she was 50, she made a goal to run a marathon, she told the graduating seniors Saturday. After crossing the finish line, she said she had her arms up in the air with a smile on her face.
She felt like she could accomplish anything, she said. She once questioned herself if she has what it takes to be successful, but her knowledge and perseverance nullifies that.
“If you sign up to do it, you’ve got to do it really well,” she said.
About Us
Moving into Los Altos? We can help! We have lived in Los Altos for the past 35 years and love helping people buy and sell homes in this great city! We bring experience, knowledge, skills and professionalism to each of our client relationships. Our clients will agree they would not have had the same positive experience, at each step of the way, if they had not had us represent them.
David Casas Cell: 650-823-8920 or Email
(DRE#01116954)
Carol Casas Cell: 650-823-1434 or Email
(DRE#01123855)
