Karen is Chair of the Senior Commission which serves the needs of residents 55 and up in both Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.  This is a follow-up to the article in the May 2011 LANN Newsletter.

As reported in the May 2011 article, “A Senior Original,” the Senior Committee hit the ground running.  A survey targeting residents in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills who are 55+ was launched.  Five areas emerged and the committee went to work developing recommendations for addressing the needs.  Since May three things have taken place:

1. The Senior Committee is now designated as the Senior Commission; as such the Commission reports its findings directly to both City Councils.


2. A Senior Resource book has been developed.  It gives basic information and support to guide seniors, family members and/or caregivers. Local information on education, food and meal services, housing, social participation and transportation is listed. Copies of the book can be found at both City Halls, both libraries and in the Senior Center. They are also online on the city’s website (www.losaltos.ca.gov) under Senior Commission. Check it out!


3. A Study Session was held with Los Altos City Council on August 23 to discuss ways to help fill each of the five emergent needs.

What follows is a list of recommendations that were presented at the study session.

Need 1: Transportation

1. Work with the successful “Say Hi” group in the unincorporated Country Club area of Los Altos/Los Altos Hills to help organize neighborhood transportation programs.

1. Add benches at all bus stops as funds become available.
2. Work to get a low-cost taxi contract.
3. Continue to increase lighting for pedestrian and driver safety.
4. Set traffic signals to allow a few more seconds to cross the street.
5. Include sidewalk repairs in long-term planning.

Need 2: Aging in Place/Community

1. Continue to allow building of condos near downtown.
2. Urge builders to design Senior-ready condos; following the principles of Living Design by Eskaton.
3. Senior Commission can arrange education sessions in Financial Counseling regarding financing option for purchasing home/condo, including reverse mortgages.
4. Senior Commission could arrange education sessions to assist Seniors in finding safe, reliable house maintenance and caregiver services.

Need 3: Improved Senior Center

1. Have aging experts as advisors as City develops master Plan.
2. Have Senior hours for swimming in new pool.

Note: The Senior Commission fully supports the plans for the future intergenerational Community Center

Need 4: Keeping Active—physically, mentally and socially

1. Have pool and work-out area in Master Plan.
2. Encourage volunteer artists to teach at the Senior Center in return for specific space to work in or display their creations.
3. Continue to support and build on programs we have as time, space and funds are available.

Need 5: Emergency Preparedness

1. Work with county to set up emergency preparedness program;  publicize classes.
   (Classes are being scheduled through the Recreation Department now)
2. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills could be supportive of each other in case of a major emergency.

What’s next??  The Los Altos City Council and the City Manager have asked the Commission to prioritize and categorize the recommendations between those that have costs and cost implications and those that don’t.  Staff will then initiate a cost analysis and prepare a CIP package so Council can consider these proposals along with other municipal CIP projects at mid-year.