Books and beyond

On average, 1,700 people a day pass through Los Altos’ main library, a sprawling, sunlit ranch-style building tucked just off San Antonio road in the civic center.

While the main library buzzes with activity as Los Altos’ informational hub, the Woodland Branch library provides a stuck-in-time, quiet, cozy feel, and the Bookmobile serves the Bridgepoint and Pilgrim Haven senior communities and reaches as far north as Stanford University’s Escondido Village, populated by graduate student families.

Westwind suit settled for $600K

Friends of Westwind Inc., the non-profit organization that has overseen Westwind Barn operations for 30 years, agreed last week to a $600,000 settlement with former ranch hands Ignacio Carranza and Gregorio Rodriguez.

LA council members fund webcast, table schools angle

Los Altos City Council meetings should be available to watch on the city’s Web site by the end of summer, both streaming live during meetings and stored in online archives.

The council last week voted 4-1 – with Megan Satterlee dissenting – to allocate nearly $42,000 to set up webcasting for city council meetings and fund the first year of service. The city contracted with Granicus Inc. for $28,000 worth of hardware, software and training to establish the service and earmarked $14,430 to pay for the first year’s maintenance, according to the staff report.

Downtown parking-structure design under way

The Los Altos City Council moved a step forward last week with plans to build a downtown parking structure, intended to alleviate the near-capacity crush of cars that fill the parking plazas midday during the week.

At its June 24 meeting, the council appropriated $140,000 from the capital projects fund for a downtown parking structure plan, developed by urban design firm Moore Iacofano Goltsma Inc. The firm is expected to work with a consultant to design and estimate the cost of a range of downtown parking solutions.

Outside agencies help fund LAH pathways

For those Los Altos Hills residents who view the town’s pathways as merely a recreational luxury, Councilman Breene Kerr encourages them to take the road less traveled.

Whether a bicyclist, pedestrian, equestrian, runner, hiker or driver, everyone profits from this town jewel, he said.

Use eyes and nose to gauge smoke risk

Due to the smoky conditions in Los Altos and around the Bay Area recently, public health workers are advising residents to evaluate air conditions before venturing outside for exercise or play.

“If you can see or smell (smoke) in the air, you want to refrain from any strenuous activities,” said Joy Alexiou, public information officer for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. “The smoke can irritate your lungs. If you’re not breathing well and you’re strenuously exercising, then you’re (at risk of) not getting enough oxygen.”

‘Glorious Fourth’ provides musical backdrop for picnic

The Los Altos Community Foundation has scheduled the annual Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Independence Day Celebration 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Shoup Park, 400 University Ave., Los Altos.

The eighth “Glorious Fourth: A Musical Tribute to the 4th of July” is free and welcomes families to the festivities.