Los Altos homeless ordinance
I was disappointed to learn of the homeless encampment ordinance that was just passed by City Council. With consequences that could possibly result in a misdemeanor charge.
Experiencing homelessness is not a crime. Full stop.
While I recognize that attempts to provide outreach and connection to services and shelter would precede any consequences, criminal charges do not belong as one of the “consequences.” This is criminalization of homelessness and that does not belong in our city.
In the 2025 Point-in-Time count of unsheltered individuals in Santa Clara County, our city of Los Altos counted 12 unsheltered individuals. TWELVE. And yet we are the first city in the county to jump to a criminal charge for homelessness. We should be ashamed of our pearl-clutching selves.
Our immediate neighboring cities have gone above and beyond (compared to our city) in terms of providing tangible services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Shelters, safe parking, showers and laundry, to name a few. These cities are actively working together with nonprofits and the county to care for our most vulnerable neighbors within their city limits.
Los Altos, we can do better. Let’s stop criminalizing and let’s work together to better support our neighbors.
Cheryl (Ho) Thieu
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills council pay
The Los Altos Hills City Council’s decision to raise its own salary from $300 to $950 per month – while retaining taxpayer funded health benefits – is disappointing and out of step with this community’s values. Los Altos Hills has long been defined by volunteerism and civic responsibility, with many residents contributing far more hours than councilmembers without expecting compensation. Even the Planning Commission, which works more hours, receives only $100 per month and no health benefits. Comparable towns, such as Atherton and Portola Valley, provide no stipends or benefits at all.
This increase is even harder to justify given that the council had clear evidence that residents overwhelmingly oppose it. The resident survey showed a majority of respondents rejected any raise, yet the council proceeded anyway, approving the maximum amount allowed under state law. When elected officials disregard their constituents so directly, it raises serious questions about whose interests they believe they are serving.
If the council truly believes this increase is warranted, it should allow residents to decide. This issue belongs on the ballot – ideally this November, if deadlines permit – so the community can determine whether this is an appropriate use of public funds. A decision that directly benefits the decision makers should not be made unilaterally by those who stand to benefit from it.
Los Altos Hills deserves transparency, accountability, and respect for public input. This vote delivered none of those things and represents a poor use of town funds.
Steve Goldner
Los Altos Hills
Let the people vote
At a time like now when transparency appears to be lacking from so many sources, I find it strange that there is any question about letting the people vote.
In Los Altos, we currently have a very controversial issue that needs to be addressed. Trading parking for a park.
Granted that our republic elects officers to represent us in matters of governing, there is not always transparency and that is when the elected officers make questionable decisions.
Our elected Honorable Mayor and City Council have decided, unilaterally, that we need a downtown park. We already have one, Shoup Park, for example, so why do we need another one?
I believe the real issue of adding a park is where to get the land to put it on and what will that impact. Parking in downtown Los Altos is at a premium and to trade parking for a park may not be the way to go.
Since this has become so controversial we need to have the residents decide. Let the People Vote.
Myra Orta
Los Altos
STEM program
My name is Jake Hui, and I am a 10th-grade student. I am reaching out on behalf of the nonprofit organization STEMcrunch to ask for your support for a program that helps underprivileged students in California’s Central Valley. Our goal is to teach children important STEM skills using LEGO robotics kits. With these kits, students will learn basic coding, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Many of these children do not have access to technology programs at school, and teaching them these skills can open doors to future careers. We are seeking donations to fund Lego Spike kits, which will be used by students in the Central Valley over the summer. For every donation, a tax receipt will be sent as a thank-you for your contribution to our cause. We thank you for taking the time to support education and opportunities for children who need it.
For more information visit canva.link/f4n5f6jmsv1jsh1 or stemcrunch.com
Jake Hui
Sunnyvale
