Redwood Grove supporters plan for future

The tall redwood trees still tower above the oak and madrone. Lush and laden blackberry bushes still fill the space below them. The creek bed still winds its way along the dusty trails filled with footprints. And the sounds of happy campers still ring through the forest floor of Redwood Grove, Los Altos’ secluded 5.9-acre nature preserve tucked off the beaten path of University Avenue.

Deer and squirrels still visit each morning and butterflies still light on blossoms. The songbirds sing, the stellar jays screech, all oblivious to the preserve’s program changes instituted earlier this year with the departure of Keith Gutierrez, the park’s longtime naturalist and program coordinator of 15 years.

Local candidates begin to file

The nomination period to file for the Nov. 4 election opened July 14, and most prospective candidates have until Aug. 8 to commit to a race.

Three seats on the Los Altos Hills City Council are on the November ballot. Incumbent Jean Mordo has indicated his intent to run for re-election, while incumbent Craig Jones said he does not plan to run for a second term. Newcomers Rich Larsen, Pathways Committee Chairwoman Ginger Summit and former Los Altos Hills Mayor Toni Casey, president of the town’s Civic Association, have taken out nomination papers but had not filed as of the Town Crier’s Monday press deadline, Jost said.

Sewer motions stir up funding-related debate

Two sewer problems, both related to how the city funds its sewer system, have prompted the Los Altos City Council and residents to pay particular attention to wastewater management this week.

The council was scheduled to consider two agenda items, after press deadline Tuesday, regarding an almost twofold sewer rate increase and the disbursement of the millions of dollars the city scored from the sale of a former wastewater treatment facility last winter.

Water costs to increase this month

California Water Service Co., Los Altos’ water provider, raised rates 21.7 percent effective this month after winning approval from the California Public Utilities Commission.

“That’s going to allow us to implement several capital improvement projects, improve water quality, build new water mains and improve the security of water facilities, as well as cover increased costs of centralized services such as payroll, benefits, health care, pension costs, taxes, fuel and facility maintenance,” Cal Water District Manager Ron Richardson said.

LA money remains unclaimed in state coffers

Although Los Altos’ city administrators often hit the news because they are embroiled in rate increases or permit protests, they do sponsor the occasional project aimed at putting money back in residents’ wallets.

Paul Epley, a Los Altos Police Department sergeant on special assignment to city hall, wants to build citizen awareness about the tens, maybe hundreds, of thousands of dollars sitting in a special account at the California State Controller’s Office, awaiting reclamation.

Police Blotter

Cell-phone citations scanty in Los Altos

Los Altos Police Sgt. Matt Hartley reported that the department issued 13 citations to drivers during the first 12 days the cell-phone ban was in effect. As of July 1, drivers using cell phones without hands-free devices such as Bluetooth or a headset face fines of $75 or more.

Marion Grimm remembered as instrumental in creation of museum

Los Altos enjoys one of the best historical community museums in the Bay Area, thanks to Marion Grimm. Perhaps more than anyone else, it was Mrs. Grimm who led the charge for the current state-of-the-art museum that has become one of the city’s central attractions.