Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 04/20/1998 All articles from this issue

News Briefs

printer friendly version

911 officer retires after 29 years

Ted Hoppenrath Jr. will retire Friday after 29 years as a 911 officer with the Los Altos Police Department.

Hoppenrath, 58, joined the communications department in 1969 after an honorable military discharge.

"He is the only one who ever retired from that position" of communications dispatcher, said Los Altos Police Capt. Jerry Little.

For several of his years with Los Altos, Hoppenrath served as the primary communications training officer. Many times he was the "first on the scene," via his 911 link, in numerous high profile incidents, including hostage situations, homicides and shootings.

Hoppenrath will leave his collection of police shoulder patches that he has personally collected with the department.

The patches are displayed on the walls of the police department lobby.

Sherwood task force receives feedback

The Los Altos City Council, the planning commission and the Sherwood Gateway task force shared ideas at a study session regarding revitalizing the north end of town.

This entry to Los Altos is located at the intersection of San Antonio Road and El Camino Real.

"It was a really good meeting, very positive," said chairman Dennis Young of the April 20 session.

Los Altos Planning Director Larry Tong agreed.

"There was lots of good discussion," Tong said.

Conversation centered around a conceptual plan that included elements like central parking behind Chef Chu's restaurant; areas of "buffer" housing between Sherwood Lane and Chester Circle; and a "neighborhood commercial" type of development.

For the next step the staff will work with the consultant to put together a document that will be further reviewed by the task force.

Then the document will go to the planning commission, "maybe in May," Young said.

"But let's not rush it."

- Joanne Griffith Domingue