There are a number of projects underway around the community.  During each planning phase, the community has had the opportunity to participate in framing what they would like to see improved, and/or retain.

So, what exactly defines Village character?  Well, the Town Crier recently dove into this subject.  Below, is an slightly edited version of their article.  Enjoy …

As construction moves toward completion on streetscape improvements in downtown Los Altos, the disruption to traffic – autos and otherwise – will become a distant memory when newly planted flowers are blooming and pedestrians replace detour placards.

After all, the impetus for infrastructure improvements was to boost business, draw developers and create a lively and vibrant village for visitors. But before the streetscape construction began, city officials adopted Downtown Design Guidelines in December 2009, outlining architectural and design elements for the residential and commercial areas within the triangle bordered by Foothill Expressway, San Antonio Road and West Edith Avenue.

The guidelines apply to all new construction, additions, exterior-facade changes, landscaping and signage. Particularly applied to the downtown core – Main and State streets, and Second and Third streets between parking plazas – the goal is to preserve, maintain and improve the village character that merchants and property owners have cultivated through the years. But ask a business owner what village character is, and there are as many responses as there are definitions in a dictionary.

Even the design guidelines acknowledge the term’s ambiguity – “Village Character is often hard to define, and harder to preserve.”

Of the first two of 24 features outlined for downtown’s core district, maintaining the traditional village and Main Street architectural styles while encouraging a wide diversity of building forms can seem a little nebulous for a town that was built over several decades and influenced by different construction styles, especially post-World War II.

But one thing is certain – “In the 1920s and 1930s, downtown was the place to be,” according to Laura Bajuk, executive director of the Los Altos History Museum.

“To me, when I think of a village, it’s quaint,” said Dawn Mauel, sales assistant at Main Street’s Cover Story. “And you want it to be a (unique) place where you can go and meet friends, with a community feel.”

Perhaps in its earliest years, Los Altos truly exuded a village atmosphere. “In 1910, small settlements like Saratoga and Los Altos were called villages,” Bajuk said. “Los Altos was called ‘village in the foothills.’”

But what semi-small town can be described as a village today? “Carmel – it’s quaint, interesting and near the water,” Mauel said.

Interestingly, the Downtown Design Guidelines use several Carmel landmarks as examples of what Los Altos’ downtown core district could look like. Courtyards, paseos, arbors, trellises, outdoor dining, integrated art and landscaping and attractive parking areas with interesting paths to shopping areas are just some of the features Carmel possesses that the Los Altos City Council adopted as design guidelines.

It was the shopping-mall mania of the 1960s that motivated three downtown Los Altos merchants to form the Los Altos Village Association in 1963 – there’s that village again – according to Nancy Dunaway, the organization’s current executive director.

Dunaway said village charm isn’t any one thing. “It’s the quaint buildings, the stores, people meeting and events that draw people downtown,” she said. “Los Altos is a very unique community. We have the Holiday Stroll, the Festival of Lights Parade and the Homecoming Parade. All of those things are part of the village charm. It’s like a recipe – there are so many ingredients.”

For a small village that enticed people to the area in a 1909 publication with “Even the mud is better in Los Altos,” most merchants would agree advertising dirt is not the way to go. And they may not agree on what a village comprises, but people most definitely comprise a village.

Annual Community Picnic

The city of Los Altos has scheduled the eighth annual community picnic on the second September Sunday, over at the Los Altos Community Center.  Clubs and organizations such as the senior center, the library, the history museum and the community house will host booths to inform residents of the many services in Los Altos. There will also be a Public Safety area featuring the Los Altos fire and police departments.

Organizers anticipate that 2,000 guests will enjoy the activities and live entertainment, which will showcase music from local bands.  There will be a Kid Zone complete with petting zoo and a Battle of the Bands for Teens. Don’t miss the vintage cars, county fair games, and blue-ribbon competitions for jams and pies.

This is another great event for the family to enjoy, as a splendid summer capstone for the  community. We hope to see you there.Los

We have two great family movies remaining for August:

Friday, August 7, 14

Downtown Friday Nights Movies

For another wonderful summer event the whole family will enjoy, make sure you venture downtown for the annual Friday Night Movies. Movies are shown on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets.  The street is closed from 6:00 pm, so you can set out your chairs, sleeping bags, and blankets. Many families bring snacks for the movie, and usually dine at one of the local restaurants for dinner beforehand.  The movies usually begin at 8:30 pm.

This year, we have four great family movies:

August 7 – Back to the Future

It is 1985 and mad scientist Doc Brown has invented time travel. His teenage friend, Marty McFly, is sent back in time to 1955. During this hysterical and amazing trip, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love, then get back to the future.

This Oscar winning movie stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson.

August 14 – Kung Fu Panda

Set in ancient China, the Valley of Peace is threatened. Po, a bumbling, slacker panda, surprisingly is chosen as the Dragon Warrior despite the fact he is a complete novice at martial arts. But Po puts his heart — and his girth — into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds if he just believes in himself, he can do anything.

An animated comedy featuring the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan.

North Los Altos Home

3 Bedrooms, 1.5 baths, great bonus room, 12,000+/-sf lot in North Los Altos!

What an amazing neighborhood this is. North Los Altos has always been a highly desirable place to live. Whether you want fantastic schools, a walk to town location, or a quiet tree lined street, this home offers it all. As we started to meet the neighbors, it became clear that the buyer that purchases this home will make new friends quickly and will enjoy even more amenities than the home offers. Friends gather for the annual pumpkin carving in October and you may think this is just for kids but the word on the street is “kids” of ALL ages enjoy this event. 4th of July brings a block party to Sylvian Way.  The street is closed down so families can gather and the kids can play.  For those politically astute minds, you can always look forward to an election year forum where neighbors gather to gain knowledge on candidates and measures appearing on the ballot. This is another great gathering of neighbors that is both entertaining and informative.

From the front steps of this 1939 Spanish home, you will be so pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the street and the wonderful architectural detail of the home. The backyard patio is definitely a place one could spend hours relaxing. The property is private and quiet. Once inside, the vaulted ceilings, built in book shelves, rounded archways, and fabulous corner windows will make you want to move right in. This was the home of the architect that designed this and many other homes in the area. The builder lived right next door so it appears they loved their own work!

For questions on the status of the home, please contact David and Carol Casas at 650-823-8920 or  650-823-1434.

Sold in 24 Days!  March 2009

Sold:  $1,425,000

190 Hillview Sold within 24 days of going on the market.  If you are ready to successfully sell your home, contact David & Carol today and let’s get started.

This wonderful home is in the heart of Los Altos. Conveniently located within a 5 minute walk to downtown shops, the local library, the community center and more! Situated within the award winning Los Altos School district, this 3+br/2.5ba home is ready for you to move right in.

Visit the website to see more about this great Los Altos property.