Passed with 77.57 percent approval (9,936 yes votes; 2,873 no votes). Required two-thirds majority.
What it is: The North County Library Authority-backed measure extends and increases a parcel tax that supports Los Altos’ two libraries scheduled to expire in 2012. It increases the tax from $52 to $76 over 20 years for property owners in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, allowing Los Altos’ main and Woodland libraries to maintain current operating hours, purchase books and materials, support library programs and pay rising staff salaries, according to smartvoter.org. Low-income seniors are exempt from paying the tax increase.
Now what? Because of inflation, the cost to purchase books and underwriting election costs, the additional $24 allows the Los Altos libraries to maintain current hours. The main library is open seven days, 66 hours per week; Woodland operates six days, 39 hours a week. Without the tax, Woodland would have cut its hours nearly 50 percent, according to supporters.
Campaign quote: “We always thought we were going to win, but until it actually happened you always have a little queasiness in your stomach,” said Jean Mordo, representative for the town of Los Altos Hills in the North County Library Authority. “We’re good for the next 20 years. We’re very happy about that.”
– Elliott Burr
Measure A
Passed with 77.68 percent approval (18,617 yes votes; 5,347 no votes). Needed at least 55 percent of votes to pass.
What it is: The Local High School Improvement Measure authorizes a $41.3 million bond to alleviate projected overcrowding and enhance educational programs at Los Altos and Mountain View high schools. New classrooms are needed by 2012, when enrollment is projected to exceed current capacities. Over the next 10 years, a 25 percent increase in enrollment is predicted.
Now what? The district board of trustees is scheduled to discuss moving forward with the bond projects at its Monday meeting. Superintendent Barry Groves said the district has not yet defined the individual projects, so the board will engage an architect and project manager soon. Groves said one of the first steps is to approve a contractor for the solar projects so the district can begin receiving valuable rebate money as soon as possible. The district hopes to begin construction next summer, utilizing the months the campuses are usually empty.
Campaign quote: “We are all very excited, but humbled by the 77 percent approval for public high schools in our area,” Groves said. “Its great that the voters have shown that they support and trust us to do a good job. We want to fulfill on that and provide the best facilities we can.”
–Traci Newell
