Rosita Avenue neighbors are looking to the city of Los Altos for answers after suffering from an April 11 party overrun with an estimated 200-250 guests.
In what was described as a “mob scene,” the party-goers, mostly teens, lined cars up and down the street and beyond, cranked up the music, smashed beer bottles, threw eggs, and allegedly hopped over fences into neighboring properties. Los Altos police confirmed it was the largest party in recent memory.
According to Rosita neighbors, the house was rented for an 18-year-old’s birthday party through the online service, Airbnb. The homeowner, living off site, had been regularly renting out the unfurnished house using the service. Prices for use of entire Los Altos homes go for between $295 and $800 a night.
Police reported no arrests and no injuries as the crowd scattered when officers arrived. Despite relatively minor physical damage, the incident left some residents furious and looking for ways to avoid a repeat occurrence.
One neighborhood representative brought the incident to the attention of the Los Altos City Council at its April 14 meeting.
Rosita resident Pilar Parducci thinks the city should add restrictions.
“The police presently have no tools to address the underlying circumstances (a vacant house being rented on a daily basis),” Parducci said in an email. “Imposition of legal restrictions on this activity is a matter for the city council through its administration of zoning restrictions generally and the municipal code in particular. The police can only enforce laws that exist.”
Expect more coverage on this Web site and in the April 22 Los Altos Town Crier print edition.
