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.
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.”
Centrally Located Los Altos Gem
Filed under Sold Properties · Tagged: Employee Relocation, Housing Choices, Inventory, Los Altos, Quality of Life
For the past 13 years, 476 Benvenue has been home to a wonderful family that fully enjoys living in Los Altos. Being centrally located has allowed them the ability to stroll to Downtown, or to Rancho, to enjoy many of the shops and restaurants. All of these community amenities are just minutes away.
If entertaining at home is what you enjoy, the open floor plan and newly landscaped garden will provide a wonderful experience for your guests. If staying in is more your style, the large great room and both formal and informal dining allows for relaxing with friends or family.
For those of you unfamiliar with central Los Altos, it allows for easy access to everything the city has to offer. If entertaining at home is what you enjoy, this home offers both formal and informal dining and a beautiful living room with fireplace. This is a very nice 3 Bedroom, 2 bath home with the added bonus of a fantastic detached cottage with kitchenette, living room, office, and full bath.
Don’t miss this wonderful home, in a truly great neighborhood. Contact us today for a private tour (650-823-1434).
Year-over-year Home Sale Trends
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Home Prices, Los Altos, Market Trends
Los Altos is consistently ranked among the most desirable communities in the State. Great schools, awesome weather, quaint downtown, and of course those wonderful homes on 1/4 acres (or more) lots.
The Bay Area is a big place, both in area and population. Communities are as varied here as as any major metropolitan area. For background, there are over 1.8M people living in Santa Clara County, and almost 7M in the Bay Area.
However, per the 2010 census, there are only 29K people who actually live in Los Altos. The City covers just 6 square miles, has two zip codes (94022 & 94024), and is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. As a community, it’s in high demand.
So, it should come as no surprise that Los Altos has made yet another list. This time, it is listed among those communities that saw the greatest increase of year/year home sales over $1M. Below, is a slightly edited article written for the Silicon Valley Community Newspaper group. Enjoy …
The number of California homes that sold for $1 million or more in 2010 rose for the first time in five years, a sign that certain segments of the economy improved and high-end home shoppers went bargain hunting, a real estate information service reported.
Los Altos was among 25 communities that saw the highest gain of million-dollar homes sold last year.
Statewide, 22,529 homes sold for $1 million or more last year, up 21 percent from 2009 and the highest level since 2008, when 24,436 homes sold for $1 million-plus, according to the DataQuick report. Million-dollar sales peaked in 2005 at 54,773, after which they declined each year through 2009. The median-sized million-dollar home was 2,840 square feet, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Additionally, the median statewide price paid per square foot for all million-dollar homes in 2010 was $601, down from $605 in 2009.
For South Los Altos (94024), 243 homes sold in 2010, up from 211 homes, with the most expensive home sold at $4.75 million. For North Los Altos (94022), 218 homes sold in 2010, up from 174, with the most expensive home $6.15 million.
“It’s not surprising that the high-end market has remained strong in our Silicon Valley neighborhoods. People buying in these areas will typically have higher income and are willing to pay more for a prime location. Our excellent schools and higher education institutions, highly educated workforce, and a great mix of shopping and services make the region ideal,” said Gene Lentz, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
The Living Classroom Program
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Education, Los Altos, Los Altos Town Cirer, Quality of Life
The school districts in Los Altos have always been open to piloting new and innovative ways to teach their students. Essentially, the districts have established a multi-directional education experience for the students, their parents, and the broader community. As we’ve mentioned previously, the local schools are consistently mentioned as one of the primary reasons families want to live in Los Altos.
Recently, the Town Crier wrote about this program. Below you will find an edited version of the Crier’s story. Enjoy …
The Living Classroom Program, which provides garden-based science lessons in the Los Altos School District, is thriving.
The program has sustained growth rates of 50 percent per year over the past two years, providing more than 400 lessons to students in grades K-7 this school year alone.
“The teacher and student feedback from the lessons have been extremely positive, and we are thrilled that more and more students are getting this important exposure to the natural world,” said Nadia Jankovic, Living Classroom docent. “The lessons are science based and tie very well to the children’s school curriculum, helping reinforce what is being taught in the classroom with a hands-on, nature-based focus that the kids really enjoy.”
Founded in 2008, the Living Classroom operates in all seven district elementary schools and is piloting seventh-grade science lessons at Blach Junior High School this spring.
Mike Sanderson, program director, said “one of the most satisfying experiences you can have as a volunteer docent is to see the genuine excitement on children’s faces when they are really engaged, with all their senses, in learning. Seeing that sense of wonder and connection that children make, sometimes for the first time, with something living in the garden, is truly magical.”
Since its inception, private donations have funded the Living Classroom. Local foundations such as the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Los Altos Educational Foundation, the Morgan Family Foundation and the Los Altos Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Program and other businesses and individuals have kept the program afloat for the past three years.
For more information, e-mail Mike Sanderson at msanderson@lasdschools.org, call 947-1103 or simply click here.
Community Briefs for Los Altos
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Family Fun, Los Altos, Los Altos Town Cirer, Volunteering
From time to time, I will highlight the events to help encourage attendance and participation. Enjoy …
ZIMBABWE RUN RETURNS TO MOUNTAIN VIEW
The 12th Annual Run for Zimbabwe Orphans and Community Fair is scheduled March 27 at St. Joseph School, 1120 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. The annual event benefits the Makumbi Children’s Home in Zimbabwe.
For more information or to register, visit www.ZimbabweParaguay.org.
GREENTOWN OFFERS ALTERNATIVES TO DRIVING
GreenTown Los Altos has scheduled a public meeting to kick off city of Los Altos participation in a Drive Less Challenge, 7-9 p.m. March 29 at Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave. The event includes tips on bicycle/pedestrian safety and information on the latest bikes, gear and accessories for safe commuting.
A Los Altos police officer will provide safety tips for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists who share the roads. A bicycle expert will demonstrate useful gear and accessories.
For more information, visit greentownlosaltos.org or call 383-7540.
LOS ALTOS LIVE!
The third annual Los Altos Live! talent show is scheduled 7 p.m. April 2 at Los Altos High School’s Eagle Theater, 210 Almond Ave. The event, co-sponsored by the Los Altos Cultural Association and the Los Altos Town Crier, features more than 20 acts over approximately 90 minutes.
For more information, e-mail Abby Althoff at abbyalthoff@yahoo.com or Mike Abrams at michael@abrams4.com.
FRENCH FAIR BENEFITS NON-PROFIT PARTNERS
The sixth Peninsula French Fair, “A Day in France,” is scheduled 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 2 at the Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Visitors will have an opportunity to browse booths featuring vendors and artists offering a wide range of services and products, including handmade jewelry, antiques and original art.
Highlights of the fair include a fashion show with the latest creations from French designers, a dance performance by Harmony Dance Center and crepes and pastries from French bakeries.
Partners for New Generations, a Los Altos non-profit organization and co-organizer of the fair, will receive a portion of the proceeds. Partners for New Generations provides mentors and tutors to aid students with challenges in school.
For more information, visit www.frenchfair.org.
ROADRUNNERS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The volunteer RoadRunners Transportation Service, sponsored by El Camino Hospital, seeks volunteers to provide door-to-door service for people who can’t drive and don’t have other ways to get to their medical appointments.
The volunteering schedule is flexible: drive one day a week, 1/2 day a week or remain on call. Requirements include a California driver’s license, patience and dependability. Volunteers drive hospital vehicles, and service requires no lifting or physical demands.
Orientation and training are provided, and volunteers benefit from free access to hospital resources, including classes offered through the education department. To sign up, e-mail recruit_aux@elcaminohospital.org or call 988-8213.
For more information, call Bonnie Adamson, RoadRunner coordinator, at 988-7651.
PNG SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO MENTOR LOCAL YOUTH
Partners for New Generations, a non-profit organization, provides tutors for local elementary, middle and high schools students; mentors at Los Altos, Mountain View and Alta Vista High Schools; and child advocates for wards of the Santa Clara County Child Dependency Court.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Linda Waud at Linda.waud@mvla.net or 691-2434, or visit www.partnersfornewgenerations.org.
What Defines Village Character?
Filed under Featured Story · Tagged: Downtown, Los Altos, Los Altos Town Cirer, Quality of Life
There are as many descriptions of Los Altos, as there are resident. Carol & I enjoy hearing about the characteristics residents use to define this community they love so much. The most common title used is that Los Altos is a Village.
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. Read more
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.
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