Agenda packet — Los Altos City Council, March 8, 2022 (part 2 of 3)

P1. Other Identifier:
*P2. Location:  Not for Publication  Unrestricted *a. County: Santa Clara and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.) *b. USGS 7.5' Quad: Mountain View Date: 1997 T 6S; R 2W; Mountain Diablo. B.M. c. Address: 347 1st Street City: Los Altos Zip: 94022
d. UTM: Zone: 10 ; mE/ mN (G.P.S.)
e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate) Elevation:

Assessor Parcel No. 167-40-047
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries) The 3,920 sq. ft. building at 347 First Street (APN #167-40-048) is a single-story community recreational building, known as the American Legion Hall, Post 558, occupies a 6,970 sq. ft. lot adjacent in Los Altos.

The building’s architectural style can be classifiedas Minimal Traditional style, with a one-story rectangular structure with a concrete foundation, two gabled roof forms build end-to-end, horizontal wood siding, double-hung windows, chimney, and lack of ornamentation.The building alterations to the original design have not significantly reduced the overall features typical of this style of architecture and the changes that were made can be reversed. Replacing the double-hung window sashes and covering the V-groove wood siding with stucco have altered the primary facade. The stucco can be removed and horizontal V-groove wood siding could be restored. All of the remaining facades have the original siding intact. Double-hung window sashes can replace the existing window sashes as well. All of the original double hung window sashes have been replaced with sliding or fixed sashes, and a few original window openings at the rear are covered with plywood. The window fenestrations, window wood frames and wood sills have been left intact. The rear gable-roof addition occurred over 50 years ago in 1948 and during the period of significance. The exterior doors are not original but have maintained the original door opening locations. The building retains the same horizontal massing, footprint, shape and roof form, with the original window fenestrations and horizontal siding (on three facades). The alterations to the doors and windows occurred sometime between 1945 and 1966. Subsequently, some of the present day exterior aluminum-clad glass doors may have been changed recently in the 1990’s due to their contemporary style. (See continuation sheet DPR523L) *P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP13. Community Center *P4. Resources Present: Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other (Isolates, etc.) P5b. Description of Photo: Primary Front Elevation, August 2021 *P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources: Historic
Prehistoric Both
*P7. Owner and Address:

American Legion, Post 558, 347 1st Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 *P8. Recorded by: Garvaglia Architecture, Inc., 582 Market Street #1800, San Francisco, CA 94104
*P9. Date Recorded: 11/23/21
*P10. Survey Type:

Intensive
*P11. Report Citation: Garavaglia Architecture, Inc: The American Legion 558, 347 1st Street, Los Altos, CA Historic Resource Evaluation *Attachments: NONE Location Map Sketch Map Continuation Sheet Building, Structure, and Object Record Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record Rock Art Record Artifact Record Photograph Record  Other (List):

DPR 523A (1/95) *Required information
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CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page _____ of _____
Resource Name or # American Legion Hall Post 558 *NRHP Status Code California Register 3CS and National Register 3S

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(Continued from DPR523A, P3A Description)
The landscaping and setting at 347 First Street has been altered considerably since 1940 when the building was constructed.

Originally this part of Los Altos was primarily an agricultural town and has now developed into a dense suburban city, as is evident by comparing the aerial photographs. The City of Los Altos was incorporated in 1952 and thus the major transformation of Los Altos began. Much of the surrounding area consisted of orchards and farmlands in 1940’s. The lot has remained its original size but the neighborhood has changed as well as the lot itself. The property’s former landscaping is no longer extant and the front yard has been in filled with concrete. Concrete also surrounds the building on the sides and rear portion of the building; therefore, 347 First Street does not retain integrity of setting.

The building retains some elements of its original materials, including the wood V-groove siding (on the north, east and west facades), window fenestrations, wood window frames, wood windowsills and wood roof framing. Most of the wood elements were made of redwood. The front and rear gables with vents are original. The rear addition alters the original scale and proportion of the original structure but this addition occurred over 50 years ago in 1948 during the period of significance (1940-1959). The V-groove wood siding on the front facade has been covered over with plaster, but this occurred sometime between 1960-66, after the period of significance. All of the original window sashes on the building, except for the one on the east facade have been replaced or covered over with plywood. The original window fenestrations, wood frames and wood sills have been left intact.

The rear entry porch may be original but is unknown but appears similar to what was originally there. 347 First Street retains the integrity of some of its building materials; therefore, 347 First Street does not retain integrity of materials.

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DPR 523B (1/95) *Required information
State of California  The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#

BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
*Resource Name or # American Legion Hall Post 558 *NRHP Status Code California Register 3CS and National Register 3S

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B1. Historic Name: None
B2. Common Name: None
B3. Original Use: Community Hall B4. Present Use: Community Hall *B5. Architectural Style: Minimal Traditional style
*B6. Construction History: Construction began on April 1940, with use beginning in January 1941. *B7. Moved? No Yes Unknown Date: N/a Original Location: N/a *B8. Related Features:

None.

B9a. Architect: Unknown b. Builder: Unknown War Veterans *B10. Significance: Theme: Event Area: Los Altos
Period of Significance: 1935 - 1950 Property Type: Commercial Applicable Criteria: California/National Register Criterion 3 (Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.) The building sits on a rectangular shaped landlocked on the sides and rear, with frontage along 1st Street. Prior to the hall’s construction, the site was originally part of Sarah L. Winchester’s ranch land and then owned by Paul Shoup and the Altos Land Company. The property was purchased in 1940 and construction began immediately by the legionnaires themselves.

The building was occupied by 1941 with the rear addition constructed in 1948. At that time, the surrounding neighborhood was rural and even the lot had mature landscaping, pine trees and other shrubbery, plants within the front setback and along the west side of the building. By 1956, the immediate context depicts a significant increase in development of the neighborhood with new houses and increased density in the urban core.

The process to building the hall began in 1938, when army veterans headed by Jack Welch submitted their application to form a Legion post in March and it was approved by December of that year. By January 1939, the post was hosting community functions and had formed committees. In April of 1939, the Post 558 received its official charter. The property was purchased by the American Legion Post 558 in 1940. The building construction began on April 18, 1940 by World War I amry veterans, and it was occupied in January 1941.

Integrity:

The property maintains most of its historic integrity per the National Register seven aspects of integrity and the five aspects of historical integrity under the Los Altos Preservation Code. The building maintains its original location within the parcel.

The property’s former landscaping is no longer extant and the front yard has been in filled with concrete. Concrete also surrounds the building on the sides and rear portion of the building.Originally, the site was located in a more rural setting, (Continued on next page, DPR523L)
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) *B12. References:

B13. Remarks:
*B14. Evaluator: Garvaglia Architecture, Inc., 582 Market Street #1800, San Francisco, CA 94104

*Date of Evaluation: November 23, 2021
(This space reserved for official comments.)
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(Continued from previous page, DPR523B, Integrity)
but the original setting has become more urbanized due to the incorporation of the City in 1952. Therefore, the site has not preserved the integrity of setting. Although the Minimal Tradition style of design has been altered due to replacing the original materials, including doors with commercial aluminum glass doors, replacing some of the original double hung window sashes with sliding or fixed sashes, and covering other window openings with plywood. A rear addition alters the original scale and proportion of the original structure. The building retains the same horizontal massing, rectangular shape and roof form. The window fenestrations, window wood frames and wood sills have been left intact, and three facades have kept the original V-groove wood siding. Overall, the form, interior layout, structure, design and materials are intact and features of Minimal Traditional design of architecture; therefore, 347 First Street does retain integrity of the original workmanship, design and materials. The hall continues to embody the feeling of a Minimal Traditional architectural style, a representative style from 1935 to 1955. The minimal alterations over time have not diminished its origins of that architectural style, and it continues to embody the property’s association or feeling with early 20th century development in Los Altos. The hall served as a space for community meetings that led to the incorporation of the City of Los Altos. The subject property has continuously served and continues to serve the citizens of Los Altos and has housed meetings for local youth programs, school PTAs, the Red Cross, social clubs, military groups, political leaders and many other organizations. The structure continues to serve the community and is associated with the history of Los Altos. 347 1st Street retains six (6) out of seven (7) aspects of integrity under the National Register aspects of integrity and four out of five criteria for historical significance under the Los Altos Historic Preservation Ordinance.

As such, the building retains sufficient integrity to remain eligible under the National Register’s seven aspects of integrity and the five local historical significance criteria discussed above.

EVALUATION:

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) / California Register of Historical Resources:

To be potentially eligible for individual listing on the NRHP/CRHR, a structure must usually be more than 50 years old, must have historic significance, and must retain its physical integrity.The subject building at 347 First Street was constructed in 1940 and is more than 50 years old, therefore meets the age requirement. In terms of historic significance, the NRHP/CRHR evaluates a resource based on the following four criteria:

A. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or B. That are associated with the lives of significant persons in or past; or C. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
D. That have yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.

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Criterion A/1: Event
As stated by the National Park Service (NPS), this criterion “recognizes properties associated with single events, such as the founding of a town, or with a pattern of events, repeated activities, or historic trends, such as the gradual rise of a port city's prominence in trade and commerce.” When considering a property for significance under this criterion, the associated event or trends“must clearly be important within the associated context: settlement, in the case of the town, or development of a maritime economy, in the case of the port city…Moreover, the property must have an important association with the event or historic trends”
The building at 347 First Street began construction in 1940 and was dedicated in 1941 during a period when Los Altos was not yet an incorporated city. The application to the American Legion Headquarters for a charter for a Los Altos post occurred on March 11, 1938, by organizer Howard “Jack” Welch. The legion purchased the subject property in 1940 and construction began immediately. In fact, Post 558 obtained the permit prior to completing the purchase of the land from Altos Land Company. At this time, the town was an unincorporatedarea with the central business district located near today’s intersection of Foothill Expressway and Main Street, close to the subject property. With nowhere for the townspeople to meet, the Legion Hall, Post 558 at 347 First Street became the central meeting area for all of the towns’ political, civic, and social events.

The American Legion Hall was instrumental in the formation of the City of Los Altos. The Hall functioned as the town’s de facto town hall building and held town forum meetings. Future Senator Alan Cranston and other prominent members of Los Altos met there regularly. Legion Hall was the meeting place for all the city functions prior to Los Altos becoming an official city of Santa ClaraCounty. By 1949, many Los Altos residents were dissatisfied with the zoning policy of Santa Clara County, and there was a constant threat of annexation by neighboring Palo Alto and Mountain View, so the citizens of Los Altos decided to incorporate. On December 1, 1952, Los Altos became the eleventh city of Santa Clara County. 347 First Street is most closely associated with the area’s transition from an unincorporated town to become the incorporated city “Los Altos” and to the broad pattern of development of Los Altos and of Santa Clara County. The building functioned as the town hall building from 1940 up until the time that the Civic Center was occupied in 1959. The Legion Hall was instrumental in the formation of the City of Los Altos as it functioned as its town hall building and held town forum meetings and Senator Alan Cranston and other prominent members of Los Altos met there regularly. The subject property is associated with events, repeated activitiesand to the development trends of Los Altos to qualify it as significant under criterion A/1. The subject property has been found to have a particular or important association with all of the towns’ activities and events until the late 1950’s, when other gathering places and the Civic Center are built.

Construction of the Civic Center began in 1958 and occupation began in 1959.

The subject property is associated with the development trends and activities of the town of LosAltos, and it does appear to be eligible for consideration for the NRHP/CRHR under criterion A/1 at any level for association.

Criterion B/2: Individuals
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This criterion applies to properties associated with individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and documented. Based on the research conducted on the area’s history a reasonable likelihood does not exist that additional information will identify any other historically significant person associated with the subject property. Therefore, it does not appear that 347 1st Street is eligible for consideration for the NRHP or CRHR under criterion B/1 and any level associated with individuals Criterion C/3: Design and Construction
Under this criterion, properties may be eligible if they “embody the distinctive characteristics ofa type, period, or method of construction, …represent the work of a master, …possess high artistic values, or…represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.” According to the National Park Service, “Type, period, or method of construction’ refers to the way certain properties are related to one another by cultural tradition or function, by dates of construction or style, or by choice or availability of materials and technology. A structure is eligible as a specimen of its type or period of construction if it is an important example (within its context) ofbuilding practices of a particular time in history.”
The design of the 347 First Street most closely resembles the Minimal Traditional architectural style. A one-story rectangular plan, front-gabled roof, horizontal wood siding and lack of ornamentation characterize Minimal Traditional architecture. While the subject property has features associated with this architectural style, it does not embody sufficient distinctive characteristics of the style due to alterations over time, as required to be eligible under criterion C/3. Replacing the windows, replacing the front entry door, and covering the horizontal siding with stucco altered the primary façade’s integrity. The property, as it appears now, is not fully representative as a prominent example of Minimal Traditional style of architecture.

The roof hasconnecting double gable roof structures. The second gable roof at the rear of the structure defines the later addition (referred to as the Club) and built in 1948. The side and rear walls are made of wood V-groove siding and it is known the front elevation originally had the same siding due to historic photo from Los Altos News. Alterations to the front facade occurred in the early-to-mid 1950’s with the present day stucco sheathing covering the historic V-groove siding, replacement of the front entry door with a commercial style door and replacing the historic double-hung windows with fixed windows. The subject building contains only one original window on the east facade. The original window openings on the side elevations areintact with original wood frames and windowsills and only sashes replaced.

The subject property does not appear to be a significant example of a Minimal Traditional,the architectural style it most closely represents. Therefore, it does not appear eligible for consideration for the NRHP/CRHR as an individual resource under criterion C/3 at any level.

Criterion D/4: Information Potential
The building is of common methods of construction and does not appear likely to yield important information about historic construction, methods, materials or technologies. Therefore, it does not appear the property is eligible for consideration for the National Register under Criterion D/4 at any level. Archival research and physical investigation of the site focused on the above ground resource only. Therefore, no informed determination could be made regarding the property’s potential for archaeological resources that would be eligible for the NRHP or CRHR under Criterion D/4.

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City of Los Altos Historic Preservation Ordinance:

As a part of this investigation and evaluation, the building and its parcel were evaluated according to the City of Los Altos Historic Preservation Ordinance, and the property meets the criteria for designation as an Historic Resource according the Municipal Code Section 12.44.040:

A. Age: The building was built after the turn of the twentieth century and prior to 1948, making it at least 80 years old, meeting the 50-year age criteria;
B. Integrity: As noted above, the building is substantially unchanged, retaining its historical integrity although exhibiting physical deterioration from its age and alterations over time. The majority of the character-defining features remain, and the building and its immediate setting reflect the original design, setting, materials, workmanship, and feeling from the early twentieth century;
C. Significance: The American Legion Hall building was associated with a single significant event or a pattern of events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of local or regional history, or cultural heritage of California or the United States (as noted earlier under NRHP/CRHR criteria). The building at 347 First Street began construction in 1940 and was dedicated in 1941, during a period when Los Altos was not yet an incorporated city. The application to charter American Legion (Post 558) occurred on March 11, 1938. The Legion purchased the subject property in 1940 and construction began immediately. At this time the town was an unincorporated area with the central business district located near today’s intersection of Foothill Expressway and Main Street, close to the subject property. With nowhere for the townspeople to meet, the Legion Post 558 at 347 First Street became the central meeting area for all of the towns’ political, civic and social events. Los Altos became the eleventh city of Santa Clara County in December of 1952. Having outgrown Legion Hall, the City began construction of the modernist Civic Center in 1958. The American Legion building at 347 First Street is most closely associated with the area’s transition from an unincorporated town to become an incorporated city and to the broad pattern of development of Los Altos and of Santa Clara County. The subject property is associated with events, repeated activities and to the development trends, to qualify it as significant under criterion “Event.” The subject property has been found to have a particular or important association with all of the towns’ activities and events until other gathering places and the Civic Center is built in 1959, and it is found to be a significant resource under events associated with its significant contribution to broad patterns of local or regional history.

Local Landmark Designation
To be potentially eligible for individual listing as a local landmark in the City of Los Altos, a structure must usually be more than 50 years old, must have historic significance, and must retain its physical integrity. The subject building at 347 First Street was constructed in 1940 and is more than 50 years old, therefore meets the age requirement. In terms of integrity and historic significance as outlined in Section 12.44.040 of the City of Los Altos Municipal Code, the subject resource meets the criteria as noted above.

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Under Chapter 12.44.070 of the City of Los Altos Municipal Code, a proposed landmark must not only satisfy the three criteria outlined in section 12.44.040. The Veteran’s Hall at 347 First Street must have special historical, cultural, archeological, scientific, architectural or aesthetic interest or value as part of the heritage or history of the city, the county, the state or the nation. 347 First Street has special historical value as part of the history of the City of Los Altos. The subject building constructed in 1941, originally functioned as the Legion Hall Post 558. Soon after, the building became the meeting area for all of the town’s political, civic and social events and was instrumental in the establishment of the City of Los Altos. The Hall became the town’s de facto town hall. 347 First Street is associated with the area’s transition from being an unincorporated town to become Los Altos City on Dec. 1,1952. It was not until 1959 that Los Altos had a Civic Center to conduct official city business. The building is found to be associated with its significant contribution to the heritage and history of the city.

B12 References
“Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records.” Accessed September 9,2021. https://www.ancestry.com/.

Bassett, W., and American Legion, Post 558. “347 1st Street Los Altos: Application for Los AltosHistoric Designation,” 2019.
“California Digital Newspaper Collection.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://cdnc.ucr.edu/. Calisphere. “Calisphere: The Deeper You Look, the More You Discover.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://calisphere.org/.

Chapman, Robin. “Santa Clara Valley Lives: Historical Los Altos American Legion Works on Landmark Building Status.” Los Altos Town Crier, March 25, 2020. https://www.losaltosonline.com/community/santa-clara-valley-liveshistorical-los-altos- american-legion-works-on-landmark-building-status/article_62137833-4354-5512-a392- a4fadcf74a82.html.
“Chapter 12.44 - HISTORIC PRESERVATION | Code of Ordinances | Los Altos, CA | Municode Library.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://library.municode.com/ca/los_altos/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12BU CO_CH12.44HIPR_ART2DEHIRE_12.44.040CRDE.

City of Los Altos. “City of Los Altos Historic Resources Inventory Report.” Santa Clara County,Calif., 1997. ———. “City of Los Altos Historic Resources Inventory Report.” Santa Clara County, Calif.,2008. ———. “City of Los Altos Historic Resources Inventory Report.” Santa Clara County, Calif.,2012. “Downtown Vision | City of Los Altos California.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.losaltosca.gov/communitydevelopment/page/downtown-vision. “Early History (U.S. National Park Service).” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.nps.gov/articles/early-history.htm.
“FrameFinder - UCSB Library.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://mil.library.ucsb.edu/ap_indexes/FrameFinder/. “Historic Inventory | City of Los Altos California.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.losaltosca.gov/historicalcommission/page/historic-inventory. “History | The American Legion.” Accessed September 9, 2021.https://www.legion.org/history. “History of Two Cities - Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, CA.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.losaltoschamber.org/history-of-two-cities.

Los Altos News Staff. “Boundaries to Be Fixed.” The Los Altos News, September 21, 1950.

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———. “Citizens’ Group Officers Nominated.” The Los Altos News, February 3, 1949. ———. “Forming Planning District Discussed.” The Los Altos News, June 23, 1949. ———. “Legion Hall Dedication on Feb. 7.” The Los Altos News, January 23, 1941. ———. “Legion Hall Setting for P.T.A. Play Day.” The Los Altos News, October 16, 1941. ———. “Legion Post To Send Local Youth To ‘Boy’s State’ - Arrange For Financing Building AtTuesdays Meeting.” The Los Altos News, April 4, 1940.
———. “Legion Post Will Build “Own Home“ on First St.” The Los Altos News, March 21, 1940. ———. “Legion to Sponsor Card Party Jan. 22.” The Los Altos News, January 8, 1942. ———. “Local Legion Post Formally Installed Here, Tuesday.” The Los Altos News, January 12,1939. ———. “Local Legion Post Receives Charter.” The Los Altos News, April 20, 1939. ———. “Los Altos Welcomes New Legion Post.” The Los Altos News, March 11, 1938. ———. “Peek into the Past- The First Meeting of the Los Altos Citizens Association.” The LosAltos News, March 1949. ———. “Report on New Local American Legion Post Is Made.” The Los Altos News, December15, 1938. ———. “Special Meeting of L.A. Red Cross Tonight.” The Los Altos News, December 11, 1941. ———. “Work on New Legion Home, Starts Today.” The Los Altos News, April 18, 1940.

Glendale, City of. “Minimal Traditional Style”, Glendale Design Guidelines for Residential Buildingsin Adopted Historic District. https://www.glendaleca.gov/home/showdocument?id=12904 McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses: The Definitive Guide to Identifyingand Understanding America's Domestic Architecture. Random House Inc, 2015. 586-595.

McDonald, Don. “Los Altos Viewed Flaming Sky on Night of 1906 Earthquake: Early Los Altos.” Los Altos Town Crier, April 27, 2005. https://www.losaltosonline.com/archives/los-altos-viewed-flaming-sky-on-night-of- 1906- earthquake-early-los-altos/article_644e17dd-4f53-5996-9771-a2e97cb2d428.html.

National Parks Service. “World War II Temporary Construction”. Golden Gate NationalRecreational Area https://www.nps.gov/articles/ww2-tempconstruction.htm
National Register of Historic Places. How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. Washington, D.C.? U.S.

Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resources,1998. “Newspapers.Com - Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s.” Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.newspapers.com/.

Report, Los Altos Town Crier Staff-Town Crier Staff. “Los Altos Veterans Look to Preserve Hallwith Historical Designation.” Los Altos Town Crier, February 5, 2020. https://www.losaltosonline.com/community/los-altosveterans-look-to-preserve-hall- with-historical-designation/article_a8c68b39-1dba-50ca-824caab18a5d1606.html.

Salameda, Joe. Memories of Los Altos. Los Altos, 1982.
“US$3300 (1940 US Dollars) - Wolfram|Alpha.” Accessed September 9, 2021.https://www.wolframalpha.com.

Woodworth, Edwin B and Los Altos History House Museum. The Birth of a Town: A HistoricResource Manuscript. Los Altos, Calif
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AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY

Reviewed By:

City Manager City Attorney
GE
Finance Director
JH JF
Meeting Date: March 8, 2022
Subject: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Prepared by: Ben Fordham, Ecoshift environmental consultant Reviewed by: Laura Simpson, Interim Planning Director
Approved by: Gabriel Engeland, City Manager
Attachment:

1. Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

2. Appendices

3. CEQA Initial Study
Initiated by:

Environmental Commission Subcommittee and Staff
Previous Council Consideration:

December 2013- CAP Adoption
Fiscal Impact:

See Appendix D
Environmental Review:

The adoption of the Climate Action and Adaptability Plan (the “CAAP”) is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment), in that the CAAP is a proposed series of policies and actions intended to address global warming, and it can be seen with certainty that those policies and actions will not have a significant environmental effect. On the contrary, the purpose of the CAAP is to protect the environment. Additionally, based upon an Initial Study prepared in connection with the CAAP, none of the circumstances in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 applies.

Policy Question(s) for Council Consideration:
• Does the City Council wish to approve the draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan? Summary:
• The City of Los Altos’ first Climate Action Plan was adopted in 2013 and set targets for GHG emission reductions by 2020
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Subject: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
February 8, 2022 Page 2
• Update to the 2013 CAP is a priority for City Council and the Environmental Commission • In January 2021, Staff and the Environmental Commission Subcommittee began work to update the 2013 CAP, now the 2022 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) with the consultant • City Council provided feedback on the targets and actions proposed in the CAAP during the Study Session on November 4, 2021
• The CAAP 2022 proposes an overall target of Carbon Neutrality by 2035 254
Agenda Item # 9.

Subject: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
February 8, 2022 Page 3
Purpose
To have City Council approve the draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Initial Study.

Background
It is unquestionable that CO2 levels are rising, and our earth is heating up. This is causing major changes in our weather patterns, leading to more extreme conditions and causing destruction that is becoming more frequent and intense. Los Altos is facing extreme drought, more frequent heatwaves, poor air quality and effects of wildfires. Los Altos is not insulated but part of a larger region and, if it is to maintain a healthy quality of life, urgent action is needed.

According to the most recent report from the IPCC, Earth has warmed 1.09℃ since 1850 and we’re on track to exceed 1.5℃ as early as 2025. Global surface temperature has increased faster since 1970 than any other 50-year period in the last 2,000 years. Today, CO2 concentrations are higher than at any time in the last 2 million years. Many changes such as glacier and artic sea ice melt leading to sea-level rise are now virtually irreversible. On a global level, solutions and action are crucial but local action is even more important in the face of global uncertainties. Los Altos must pursue the most effective solutions in order to reduce the negative impact. Los Altos has done a good job taking action to mitigate emissions produced locally but can and should do more. Because we are already facing the impact of climate change, this new plan includes a section on climate adaptation in order to prepare the City for the future impacts of climate change.

Rapid, aggressive action can make a difference. According to the IPCC “Strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases could quickly make air quality better, and in 20 to 30 years global temperatures could stabilize.” Los Altos can meet this challenge and achieve carbon neutrality within the next 15 years. The actions developed for the CAAP will allow the City to significantly reduce GHG emissions by 2030 and will propel Los Altos toward carbon neutrality in the years that follow.

CAP 2013
In 2013 the City of Los Altos adopted the Climate Action Plan in accordance with State Assembly Bill 32 that required public agencies in California to implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to year 1990 levels by 2020. Cities were required to adopt a plan to address carbon emissions and establish an implementation plan for programs and facilities. A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is the policy document that provides the framework to achieve those goals. After the adoption of the 2013 CAP, two annual report updates were completed in 2015 and 2016.

The 2013 CAP set a target of reducing the community’s GHG by at least 15% by 2020. The GHG emission reduction measures were grouped into five focus areas:
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Focus Area Potential Emissions
Reductionsby 2020
(MTCO2e)
Focus Area Percentage
ofTotal Reductions

1. Transportation -7,760 50%

2. Energy -5,740 37%

3. Resource Conservation -1,310 8%

4. Green Community -20 <1%

5. Municipal Operations -810 5%
Total -
15,640
100
%
The City was successful in achieving and exceeding the target set by the 2013 CAP and reduced emissions by 35% between 2005 and 2018. A large percentage of emission reductions came from joining Silicon Valley Clean Energy, but many other actions were also taken that combined to create a 35% reduction in emissions. Approximately 2,500 metric tons of CO2 were reduced through construction of new bike and pedestrian lanes, and approximately 2,400 metric tons were reduced through energy efficiencies. This shows the City is capable of reducing its emissions in a meaningful way.

CAAP 2022
The City Council and Environmental Commission prioritized the Climate Crisis and agreed that this is a priority for both the Council and the Commission. The City set aside a budget of $75,000 to contract with a consultant to update the 2013 CAP. After release of the RFP in Fall of 2020, the City contracted with EcoShift Consulting in December 2020 and in January 2021 key stakeholders were identified to develop the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and lead staff began working on the project.

Lead Team
The Environmental Commission CAAP sub-committee members include Bruno Delagneau, Raashina Humayun and Don Weiden. The City Staff Leads and stakeholder groups are key to the development of the CAAP and will be instrumental to implement the future adopted plan.

CAAP City Staff Leads
• Chief Building Official
• Community Development Director and Planning Commission Liaison • Economic Development Coordinator
• City Manager
• Human Resources Analyst
• Emergency Preparation Coordinator
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• Municipal Services Director
• Transportation Services Manager
• Public Information Officer
• Recreation & Community Svc. Director and Parks & Rec. Commission Liaison • Deputy City Manager
• Management Analyst Fellow
• Senior Commission Liaison
• Police Operations Captain
• Planning Services Manager and Planning Commission Liaison • Traffic Patterns and Complete Streets Commission Liaison • Engineering Services Director
• Human Resources Manager
• Youth Commission Liaison
CAAP Stakeholder Groups
• Los Altos Property Owners Downtown
• Los Altos Village Association (LAVA)
• Los Altos Chamber of Commerce
• GreenTown Los Altos
• Los Altos Youth Climate Action Team (LAYCAT)
• Los Altos High School Green Team
• Los Altos History Museum
• LAUSD Outdoor Educator
• Orchard Commons Committee
• BATS Block Action Team
• Grass Roots Ecology
• Los Altos Rotary Club
• Parks & Recreation Commission
• Youth Commission
• Complete Streets Commission
• Senior Commission
Outreach & Engagement
Given the modest budget, we worked with the Consultant to identify areas to conduct outreach and engagement within the budget and without increasing costs to the City. We were able to develop an outreach and engagement plan that included:
• Public Community Workshop (Business & General)
• June 28, 2021
• 63 registered
• Part A- Business, Part B- General Community
• Attendees provided feedback through live discussion, chat, and by email • Session recorded for those unable to attend (CAAP webpage) • Two Public Surveys (results of surveys: www.losaltosca.gov/caap) 257
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• Developed by Environmental Commission Subcommittee and staff • Farmer’s Market tabling: Staff, Commission, Green Team/LAYCAT Volunteers
• Business Flyers
• Various social media, City Manager’s Weekly Updates, Town Crier • Three Stakeholder Focus Groups
• CAAP Webpage and dedicated email for updates and feedback • Environmental Commission Monthly Updates
Study Session
On November 4, 2021, the City Council received a report on the targets and actions proposed in the CAAP. City Council provided feedback and inquired about the details of the CAAP. The consultant, Environmental Commission Subcommittee and staff reviewed the feedback and prepared the following responses.

Question/Comment: Proposed Resolution:
1 Need to clarify why we use 2005 instead of
1990.

Action: Explanation added in the CAAP
2 How are GHG emissions calculated? Need to
reference and explain the methodology in the
plan.

Action: Created tables describing data sources and
calculation methods
3 More details on the Carbon Emission Permit.

Need to clarify the objectives, how the funds
are going to be used and also give a couple
options or ideas how this could be
implemented. Accounting for low-income or
seniors on fixed income is key to the
acceptance of the plan.

There are a few options to this action: Yearly fee can be based on Gas consumption (if we can have easy access
to data) with no payment for tier 1, a $50 fee for tier 2, $100 for 3 and $200 for 4 for example. Or it could be
done based on house square footage: $50 for <2,000,
$100 for 2,000 to 4000, $200 for >4,000. For people
renting, fee would be paid by owner (renters can’t
make structural changes). Exemption for people
making less than the low-income average for Santa
Clara County: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grantsfunding/income-limits/state-and-federal-incomelimits/docs/income-limits-2020.pdf 258
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The idea could include an opt out if homeowner is >65
or low income but then the home must be converted to
all electric 1) upon remodeling 2) upon sale, transfer or death of owners 3) upon securing financial assistance
for conversion (city or consultant to assist in process).

Action: Updated Actions List description
4 Need to clarify the goal of 10% of population in
multi-housing. What does it mean? What is the
% today? How does it compare to the required
increase in low income and multi-family
housing for Los Altos? The state mandate will
have 18% of Los Altos residents in low income
and multi-family housing according to council.

High-density housing doesn’t necessarily lead
to GHG reductions? TOD better?
4,500 people/square mile
High density is classified as 10k+/square mile (CAPA)
Based on 2023-2031 RHNA, Los Altos needs to add
1,958 housing units (789 low income or very low
income units) which would represent about 12% (18%
at 3/unit) of the population based on a low assumption
of 2 people per unit. 429 units are currently planned or in construction:
https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021- 07/2023-2031_RHNA_Appeal_City_of_Los_Altos.pdf
There are currently about 11,057 (11,418 according to
Civicdashboard) housing units in Los Altos.
5 10 minute walk from transit is a good goal, but
a state objective of 15 minute walk was
mentioned. Need to clarify and address this in
the plan.
15-minute city legislation was vetoed by the governor.

But the concept of a 15-minute city is different from
our core action. They are not mutually exclusive. Core
of action is 10-minute walk from transit (EV shuttle,
escooter/ebike, VTA)
Action: Updated to include in walkable/bikeable city
action; actions not mutually exclusive
6 Is the goal of 100% electrical housing
reasonable considering that there are challenges
meeting demand today. Are we going to limit
the sizes of houses?
The electrical grid of tomorrow will be different from
the grid of today and will be designed to accommodate
electrification. The goal of increasing energy efficiency by 20% along with strengthening solar panels
requirements in new homes and remodels (150 per year
expected) should go a long way to alleviate increased
demand. Current % of units with electric heating is
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12% according to Census data.

Action: SVCE and Peninsula Clean Energy FAQ link
contains information and responses to many of the
questions about grid adequacy
https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/power-faq/
7 Need to explain what carbon neutral means. Action: Added definition in the CAAP 8 Can we accomplish these goals with the limited
budget and staff?
Current FTE needs = ~4-5 FTE for mitigation actions
Action: Schedule/prioritization will be key
9 Incentives were deemed to be key. Identify
areas where we can incentivize the proposed
electrification switch and where the money will
come from.

Action: Funding Sources and links are provided for
each action in the All Actions List in the CAAP
10 There were some questions about recycling
efficiency and the additional footprint of
electrification such as solar panels. Clarification
is needed specifically with regards to the 95%
diversion rate goal (as we know some diverted
materials will make their way back to the
landfill).

Including EPA info on solar panel recycling:
https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling
Per MTWS: This type of waste is Special and/or
Hazardous and not currently allowed in the landfill,
therefore waste diversion rates should not be affected
Action: Ensure the City is informed on PV/battery endof-life; industries are controlled by state 11 We need to consider the Covid impact when we
lay out a schedule and implementation timeline.
(Specific to businesses)
Action: Delay business-related actions by 1 year. To be done on a case per case basis but most key actions may
not be active before 2023
12 What can the plan do to help residents become
greener? Can we lay out specific things that can
be done? Can we offer a couple “package”
options?
Build a webpage about electrification incentives.

Education around consumer choices, waste and
recycling, using alternative mode of transportation etc.

Action: Added a “What Can I Do” section in the CAAP
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13 Need to have a priority order and specific
actions that the city can/should take to keep
things moving. Where do we need ordinances,
incentives, rethink the permit system etc.

Action: Prioritization ranking added to the CAAP
14 Monitoring will be key, and we should lay it
out in details in the plan. How often do we do
it?
Action: Addressed in the CAAP
15 Valley Water is responsible for flood control,
so what is the City’s role? How will the City
support Valley Waters actions?
Action: The City will coordinate with Valley Water
16 Concerns about the targets and wanting to be
successful in achieving them.

Action: Added a chart in CAAP
17 Recommends having a Priority Order explained
or detailed in the CAAP.

Action: Added prioritization ranking to the actions
18 Annual updates and accessing the progress is
necessary. Plan should include a timeline with
different check-in points.

Action: Implementation is addressed in the plan with
the timeline
19 What were the lessons learned from the 2013
CAP? What actions had the greatest impact?
Action: Added table with most impactful 2013 actions
added to CAAP
20 Nothing for fire risk? Action: Action List updated
Discussion/Analysis
The proposed targets in this CAAP aim to achieve an 85% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2035. These are bold but achievable objectives. The implementation of all proposed CAAP strategies and actions by each sector will allow us to meet these 261
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objectives. Note that Transportation and Energy are the two largest sectors in which the greatest reductions are needed and must be obtained.

Sectors for Action
The CAAP divides reduction strategies into the follow sectors:
• Transportation
• Energy
• Resource Conservation
• Green Community
• Municipal Operations
Transportation
Reducing GHG emissions from vehicle trips can be accomplished by providing safe and convenient alternatives to driving gas powered single-occupant vehicles and by ensuring that infrastructure is in place to support more efficient travel patterns. The strategies and actions identified in this focus area will reduce vehicle trips by increasing the number of bicycle, walking, ebike, escooter, or shared transit trips that residents and visitors make. Implementing the 2021 Complete Streets Master Plan, improving access and convenience of transit, and increasing the diversity of shared transportation options are key elements.

While some vehicle trips will remain necessary because of distance, timing, sequence, or other factors, Los Altos should support efforts by residents and visitors to use efficient means of transportation by developing an infrastructure network that supports electric vehicles (EVs).

Energy
Los Altos is comprised of mostly residential buildings, therefore community and energy use reduction and use of renewable energy is especially important to reduce GHG emissions in this sector. Joining Silicon Valley Clean Energy in 2017 greatly reduced emissions from the energy sector, GHG emissions from non-SVCE customers and from the burning of methane gas in buildings remains a major problem.

The strategies in this area address opportunities for residents and businesses to switch from nonrenewable energy sources to renewable ones, accelerate electrification of buildings, conserve energy, and maximize energy efficiency.

Resource Conservation
While waste disposal and water use, are all essential activities in the community, consuming and/or disposing of such resources generates community wide GHG emissions. The effects of these activities can be reduced by diverting more waste from the landfill, using and conserving water efficiently, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns. Implementing SB 1383 requirements to divert organic waste from landfills will assist the City with increasing diversion rates. 262
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Green Community
Many projects in Los Altos contribute to an improved quality of life by providing economic, social, and environmental benefits for the community. These projects also indirectly reduce GHG emissions. While the measures and actions in this focus area identify only minor direct emissions reductions, they support the reduced energy or fuel consumption goals underlying numerous other CAAP strategies.

Municipal Operations
While City activities represent a small part of overall emissions in the community, the Municipal Operations focus area is the City’s opportunity to lead by example. Emissions reduction measures will also reduce the cost of City operations by decreasing energy, fuel, and other material consumption at City facilities.

Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation
Senate Bill 379 requires local jurisdictions to address climate adaptation and resiliency strategies. The Vulnerability Assessment is the first step in Los Altos’ effort in planning for and adapting to climate change, outlined in Los Altos’ Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The climate vulnerability assessment identifies the risks that climate change poses and describes the changing frequency and intensity of climate hazards, and relies on resources provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) including Cal-Adapt and the California Adaptation Planning Guide. The Vulnerability Assessment is an appendix to the CAAP.

Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan The Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan is the county-wide hazard mitigation plan. The plan describes that the number and length of heat waves is expected to increase, how the timing and form of precipitation is expected to change stream flow,river flooding, and wildfire risk.

Los Altos Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex
The Los Altos Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex is an addition to the Santa Clara County Hazard Mitigation Plan, specific to Los Altos. The Los Altos Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex ranks natural hazards based on their probability and their impact. According to the Plan Annex, the hazards with the highest risk score (in order) is earthquake (48), severe weather (33), flood (18), drought (9), dam and levee failure (6), wildfire (3) and landslide (3).

Los Altos
The CAAP Task Force including Lead City staff and members of the Environmental Commission Subcommittee for the CAAP, guided the development. They understand the many aspects of Los Altos operations, planning, and environmental management.

The following climate-related events are identified as the primary hazards and frame the vulnerability assessment:
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1. Temperature, Extreme Heat & Drought

2. Precipitation & Flooding

3. Wildfires & Air pollution
The Task group identified climate hazards of most concern in the future. Concerns were ranked (high, medium, low) for primary and secondary climate hazards. Primary climate hazards are phenomena that are climate variables. Temperature and precipitation define climate. Secondary climate hazards are hazards resulting from changes in primary climate hazards and how it relates to community sectors such as the natural environment, economy, and public.

The primary climate hazards identified in order of most concern was temperature increase, precipitation changes, and sea level rise. The secondary climate hazards identified in order of most concern was drought, extreme heat, wildfires, air pollution, flooding, and landslides.

Impacts on Los Altos’ Assets/Community Sectors
The CAAP Task Force assisted with identifying the natural and built assets, facilities, and what sectors of the economy were most important to Los Altos’ quality of life.

Natural Environment
The most important Los Altos’ quality of life benefits (results receiving 40% or more) in order of importance are:

1. Managed landscapes (yards, parks, street trees)

2. Air and air quality

3. Natural habitat (soil, plants, wildlife)

4. Creeks, rivers, and other water bodies
Built Environment
The most important to Los Altos’ quality of life benefit for the built environment (results receiving 40% or more) in order of importance:

1. Housing

2. Schools

3. Transportation (roads, sidewalks, buses, trains, parking spots & bike racks)

4. Utilities (power, drinking water, stormwater & sewer, natural gas, phone, internet) Vulnerable Populations
As part of the Vulnerability Assessment, it is important to identify the vulnerable populations that are most at risks to climate hazards.
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The vulnerable populations identified (in order of importance) include:

1. Elderly

2. People with chronic or pre-existing medical conditions

3. People with disabilities

4. Children

5. Indigenous and or people of color

6. People experiencing homelessness
Vulnerable populations often do not have access to the resources needed to mitigate health and safety impacts and may lack or have limited mobility. People with limited mobility and functionality during evacuation, flooding, and other events are at risk. People with chronic or pre-existing medical conditions, elderly and children are more at risk to develop health issues which could be exacerbated by poor air quality and extreme heat days. As experienced more recently with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly important to identify the vulnerable populations in the City and ensure that adaptation measures include resources to assist them during these events.

Recommendation
Staff is requesting that the City Council approve the draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Initial prepared for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for environmental review compliance. 265
Agenda Item # 9.

CLIMATE ACTION &

ADAPTATION PLAN
2022

LOS ALTOS, CA
ATTACHMENT 1
266
Agenda Item # 9.

Mission
The mission of our Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan is to preserve the unique
character of Los Altos and enhance its natural
environment while improving the quality of
life and health of its people by supporting
transformative change in the areas of climate
action, resilience and equity.

Vision
“To place Los Altos on an accelerated,
sustainable path to carbon neutrality by
advancing bold and effective climate policies.”
2 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 ATTACHMENT 1
267
Agenda Item # 9.

Executive
Summary
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 3 ATTACHMENT 1
268
Agenda Item # 9.

Executive Summary
Executive Summary Figure 1 Global Warming trends.

Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, pg. SPM-7. (IPPC slide deck pg.6)

GLOBAL WARMING TRENDS

SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT
Working Group I – The Physical Science Basis
Changes in global surface temperature relative to 1850-1900 Human influence has warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2000 years
Call to Action
There is international consensus
on the science of climate change
and actions that must be taken
over the next few years to avoid
some of the potentially catastrophic
impacts on Earth and its ability to
sustain our current population and
civilization. The CAAP’s Introduction
section presents information on the
urgency of action and policies being
developed to address and adapt to
climate change locally, nationally and
internationally in just and equitable
ways. Executive Summary Figure 1
shows that warming of the planet is
unprecedented since the middle of
the 19th Century.

Our Impacts
An updated greenhouse gas
(GHG) inventory was conducted
to understand the current GHG
emissions of Los Altos and to
establish a baseline for the
forecasting and measuring of future
emissions. Executive Summary Figure
2 shows that approximately 96% of
Los Altos’ city-wide community GHG
emissions are from the use of fossil
fuels in the transportation and energy
sectors. To mitigate Los Altos’ impact
on climate change we must:
• Switch from fossil fuels to clean
renewable electrical energy in
our buildings and residences
• Reduce vehicle miles traveled
• Electrify transportation
• Increase walking, bicycling and
shared transportation in our
lives and work
Climate Impacts
A Vulnerability Assessment was
conducted to determine threats
Los Altos is likely to face from the
changing climate, as well as assess
the City’s preparedness and capacity
to address those threats. Los Altos
will experience increased heat
waves, floods, drought, and poor
air quality from regional events and
reverberations from the regional
impacts of climate change on the
natural environment, water supply
4 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 This Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)
assesses the impacts of Los Altos on the climate,
how Los Altos can reduce its impact on the climate
and how Los Altos can adapt to the changing climate.

Executive Summary Figure 2 2018 City-wide emissions
°C
2018 CITY-WIDE EMISSIONS

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILE SOURCES

TRANSPORTATION &

MOBILE SOURCES
63,280

SOLID WASTE
2,653

COMMERCIAL
ENERGY
7,535

RESIDENTIAL
ENERGY
35,661

MUNICIPAL

OPERATIONS
1,128 WATER &

WASTEWATER
1,063

WATER & WASTEWATER

MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS

COMMERCIAL ENERGY

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY

SOLID WASTE
ATTACHMENT 1
269
Agenda Item # 9.

Executive Summary CONTINUED
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 5 system, and the energy grid
on which we depend. Executive
Summary Figure 3 shows the
forecasted change in expected
temperatures in Los Altos. The
complete Vulnerability Assessment
is included as Appendix E.

Looking to 2050
To determine what the City’s
emissions might look like in 2050,
a series of emissions forecasts
were developed. First a BusinessAs-Usual (BAU) forecast was developed to estimate the City’s
emissions without any additional
action from Federal, State, or local
governments. The City’s Business
As-Usual emissions are expected to
increase from 111,320 metric tons
in 2018 to 116,346 metric tons in
2050. Executive Summary Figure 4
shows the results of the Cit’s BAU
forecast.

Executive Summary Figure 3
Annual average maximum temperatures in Los Altos (image from Cal-Adapt)

ANNUAL AVERAGE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
Average of all the hottest daily temperatures in a year.

Executive Summary Figure 4 Business-as-usual forecast
0 20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
MTCO2e
BAU Forecast (2018 - 2050)
Transportation & Mobile Sources Residential Energy Commercial Energy Solid Waste Water & Wastewater Employee Commute
Vehicle Fleet Solid Waste Facilities Buildings & Facilities Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities Street Lights & Traffic Signals BAU FORECAST (2018-2050)
ATTACHMENT 1
270
Agenda Item # 9.

Emissions Timeline by Scenario (MTCO2e)
Scenario 20051 20181 20302 20352
BAU 184,725 - 112,670 113,650
ABAU -- 83,025 75,700
ABAU+Existing CAP '13 - 111,320 75,885 67,160
CAAP 2022 -- 25,835 3,144 1
Historic Data (data for 2006-2017 not available; 111,320 MTCO2e used as the baseline for all scenarios) 2 Projected data based on models
Executive Summary CONTINUED
6 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 Executive Summary Figure 5 Adjusted business-as-usual forecast 0 20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
MTCO2e
Adjusted BAU Forecast (2018 - 2050)
Transportation & Mobile Sources Residential Energy Commercial Energy Solid Waste Water & Wastewater Vehicle Fleet
Employee Commute Solid Waste Facilities Buildings & Facilities Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities Street Lights & Traffic Signals To project the City’s emissions in 2050
including the expected impacts of
State and local actions, an Adjusted
Business-As-Usual (ABAU) forecast
was developed which includes
expected increases in fuel economy
and building energy efficiency in
California, increased EV adoption
in Los Altos specifically, and the
expected increase in air conditioning
use due to increased temperatures
related to climate change. This
forecast shows that, with the inclusion
of these additional factors, the City’s
emissions are expected to decline
from 111,320 metric tons in 2018 to
70,800 metric tons in 2050. Executive
Summary Figure 5 shows the results
of the City’s ABAU forecast.

Based on the current and forecasted
greenhouse gas emissions,
implementation of Los Altos’ 2013
Climate Action Plan, and guidance
from City government and the
community, the CAAP is based
on pursuing a goal of Carbon
Neutrality by 2035. Reducing
EMISSIONS TIMELINE BY SCENARIO (MTCO2e)
Executive Summary Table 1 Emissions Timeline by Scenario as many GHG emissions produced
by the City and its residents as
possible and sequestering the
remaining emissions through naturebased solutions, innovative carbon sequestration solutions, communitybased sequestration projects, and local carbon offsets will be required
to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2035.

After factoring in the impacts of the
2021 Reach Codes and 2013 CAP
actions not included or modified in
this update, we will need to reduce
our net emissions by an additional
60,000 metric tons by 2030 and
a further 15,000 metric tons by
2035 to reach our carbon neutrality
goal. Executive Summary Table
1 summarizes the historical and
projected emissions for Los Altos.

Strategic roadmap
To help Los Altos be more resilient
and carbon neutral, a roadmap of
Strategies, Goals and Actions was
developed. This roadmap defines the
actions, their schedule, estimated cost
and expected benefits. The roadmap
is broken into three sections:
• Greenhouse gas mitigation
strategies
• Climate adaptation strategies
• Cross-cutting strategies
(ones that deliver both
mitigation and adaptation
outcomes)
ADJUSTED BAU FORECAST (2018-2050)
ATTACHMENT 1
271
Agenda Item # 9.
-
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 MTCO2e
Emission Reductions by Focus Area
Transportation Energy Resource Conservation Municipal Operations -
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 MTCO2e
Emission Reductions by Focus Area
Transportation Energy Resource Conservation Municipal Operations Executive Summary CONTINUED
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 7 Executive Summary Figure 6 shows
the relationship of these three types
of strategies to each other. Some
of the strategies build on existing
efforts within Los Altos like the 2013
CAP, the 2018 Green Infrastructure
Stormwater Management Plan, or the
Complete Streets Master Plan. Most
are new strategies adopted or altered
from other California CAAPs and
programs beyond California. Others
were developed in discussion with
different stakeholders.

Through quantitative and qualitative
analysis, stakeholder engagement,
and survey of best practices, 68
actions were identified and prioritized.

The Strategic Roadmap section of
this plan contains a summary of
the proposed Strategies, Goals and
Actions grouped by Focus Area, as
well as the strategy development
process and a detailed description of
each action. Executive Summary Table
2 lists CAAP strategies by Focus Area.

Executive Summary Figure 7 shows
Los Altos’ forecasted pathway to
carbon neutrality by Focus Area. Note
that approximately 3,144 MTCO2e
remain in 2035 that will need to be
eliminated through the sequestration
solutions mentioned above.

The CAAP strategies entail
transforming the urban landscape
to make it more walkable, bikeable,
and livable; supporting green
transportation options; switching
to clean, renewable energy in our
buildings; reducing consumption
and waste; promoting green
infrastructure and nature-based
solutions; understanding and
reducing climate risks; and leading
through example by addressing
municipal operations.

Executive Summary Figure 6 Relationship between mitigation and adaptation actions

MITIGATION

ADDRESS

THE CAUSE

ADAPTATION

ADDRESS

THE IMPACTS

SUSTAINABLE

TRANSPORTATION
CLEAN
ENERGY

BUILDING

ELECTRIFICATION
WASTE

REDUCTION

BUILDING

WEATHERIZATION
SMART
GROWTH

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS

RESTORATION OF

NATURE AREAS
EQUIP

COMMUNITIES FOR

EXTREME WEATHER

SEA LEVEL RISE

PROTECTION

WATER AND ENERGY

CONSERVATION
Executive Summary Table 2 Strategies by Focus Area
Strategies by Focus Area
Focus Area Strategies
Reduce City-Wide Vehicle Miles Traveled by 25% by 2035
Electrify Transportation
Electrify Off-Road Mobile Sources
Reduce Emissions from Energy Consumption
Facilitate Building Decarbonization
Increase Solar Energy Production
Resource Conservation Reduce Consumption and Waste
Operate Sustainable Municipal Buildings
Promote Green Municipal Practices
Reduce Municipal VMT
Integrate Climate Action and Adaptation into City Functions Green Community Develop Nature-Based Solutions
Climate Risk Understand and Reduce Physical Risk
Emergency Management Integrate Adaptation into Emergency Preparedness and Response Resilient Community Educate and Protect Residents
Transportation
Energy
Municipal Operations

STRATEGIES BY FOCUS AREA
Executive Summary Figure 7 Emissions reductions by Focus Area

EMISSION REDUCTIONS BY FOCUS AREA
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.
8 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 Executive Summary CONTINUED
Priority Actions
Because most of the CAAP actions
support or reinforce the objectives of
other actions, essentially all the CAAP
actions need to be implemented,
monitored, and achieved to reach
our goal of Carbon Neutrality by
2035. However, all actions cannot be
implemented at once. To assist policy
makers and staff in the allocation of
City resources:
• Each action includes a priority
rating (Priority 1 being the
highest)
• Each action includes an
assessment of the action’s CoBenefits (Cost Effectiveness, Community Benefits, Economic
Benefits, Aligns with State
and Local Policies, Promotes
Equity & Climate Justice)
• The final page of each action
Focus Area contains a timeline
for implementing the highest
priority actions within the
Focus Area.

A summary of key action items is
presented in the Priority Actions by
Focus Area section of the CAAP.

Implementing the CAAP
City policies and resources must
first be directed to Priority 1 Actions
in the Transportation and Energy
Focus Areas. The faster and larger
the GHG reductions made in these
Focus Areas, the better chance Los
Altos will have in meeting its Carbon
Neutrality goal. Progress on selected
Priority 1 Actions in the other Focus
Areas is important while maintaining
attention on Transportation and
Energy. Timelines for each action
are not specified in the CAAP for
several reasons. Available capital
investments budget, available staff,
secured outside funding, committed
community partnerships and
resident support for CAAP actions
will determine which and how many
Priority 1 Actions will be initiated and
maintained each year.

The CAAP contains detailed
information to assist Los Altos policy
makers and staff in prioritizing and
selecting actions including:
• Anticipated GHG reductions
for each action (Appendix D)
• Methods and assumptions
made in determining GHG
reductions, cost and staff
requirements (Appendix E)
• Recommended leaders,
partners, estimated cost and
potential funding sources and
programs (Appendix F)
• A general timeline, key
performance indicators and
performance monitoring
(Appendix G)
Maintaining flexibility in
implementing the CAAP will be
important. As technologies, business
models, funding and political will
evolve, Los Altos will need to
remain flexible in when and how it
implements the actions in the CAAP.

Los Altos must evaluate and adjust
course as necessary.

Monitoring & Reporting
Although actions may have different
milestones to completion and
benchmarks of success, monitoring
and reporting allow implementation
to be evaluated and tracked by
City departments, elected officials,
and the public. Monitoring the
progress towards goals and reporting
on results is a critical step in
implementing the CAAP.

As progress towards key targets is
tracked, Los Altos may need to scale
up or down its efforts depending
on the results observed. The City
should update the CAAP in 2025
and 2030, and report every two
years on greenhouse gas emissions
and progress towards goals. For
monitoring and evaluation of
adaptation actions, the City should
conduct a debrief within one year of
all hazardous events such as floods,
wildfires, and severe air pollution,
then adjust actions as necessary
based on those findings. The City’s
Environmental Commission should be
able to update the CAAP during its
life cycle.

Conclusion
The goals of this plan are to set
the City on a path towards carbon
neutrality and climate resilience.

The goals are ambitious, but
ones that we believe we can
achieve. If we achieve these
goals - carbon neutrality, equity,
sustainability, resilience - we will
create a community that is healthy,
connected, and vibrant. Please
fully participate in implementing
this CAAP, and see Appendix A
presenting personal actions, entitled
“What Can I Do Now?" to find
suggestions for simple actions each
individual can take to help.

ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

Contents
15 LETTER

FROM THE
MAYOR
The Los Altos
community has
worked together
to shape this vision
through 2035.
21 EQUITY
AND

CLIMATE

JUSTICE
It's important for
the City to reduce
its emissions so as
to not adversely
affect vulnerable
communities
03 EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY
Los Altans have
been planning for
the sustainable use
of energy, waste,
water and land
resources.

LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 9 ● LIST OF FIGURES 11
● LIST OF TABLES 12
● ACRONYMS 13
● ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 14
● INTRODUCTION 16
▶▶▶ CALL TO ACTION 17
▶▶▶ BACKGROUND 19
▶▶▶ POLICY BACKDROP 19
▶▶▶ ALIGNMENT WITH CITY 21

PLANS AND POLICIES
▶▶▶ DEVELOPING THE CAAP 21
▶▶▶ EQUITY AND CLIMATE JUSTICE 21
● OUR IMPACTS 22
● CLIMATE IMPACTS 27
● LOOKING TO 2050 30
● STRATEGIC ROADMAP 33
▶▶▶ DEVELOPMENT AND METHODOLOGY 35
▶▶▶ MITIGATION STRATEGIES 36
■ FOCUS AREA 1 37

TRANSPORTATION
■ FOCUS AREA 2 44
ENERGY
■ FOCUS AREA 3 51

RESOURCE CONSERVATION
■ FOCUS AREA 4 54

MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS
▶▶▶ CROSS-CUTTING STRATEGIES 58
■ FOCUS AREA 5 61

GREEN COMMUNITY
■ FOCUS AREA 6 64

CLIMATE RISK
▶▶▶ CLIMATE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES 68
■ FOCUS AREA 7 69

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
■ FOCUS AREA 8 73

RESILIENT COMMUNITY
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

Contents
93 CONCLUSION
The ambitious goals of this plan are to set the
City on a path towards carbon neutrality and
climate resilience.
10 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 APPENDIX A 96
“WHAT CAN I DO NOW?” GUIDE
APPENDIX B 98

CAAP FACT SHEET
APPENDIX C 103

GLOSSARY
APPENDIX D 105

ACTIONS LIST
APPENDIX E 109

TECHNICAL APPENDIX
APPENDIX F 115

IMPLEMENTATION LEADS, PARTNERS,

COSTS, AND FUNDING SOURCES
APPENDIX G 122

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
AND KPIs
APPENDIX H 127

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
● PRIORITY ACTIONS
● IMPLEMENTING THE CAAP
▶▶▶ IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW
▶▶▶ BUDGET
▶▶▶ IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
▶▶▶ MONITORING & REPORTING
■ MITIGATION MONITORING & REPORTING
■ ADAPTATION MONITORING & REPORTING
▶▶▶ ALIGNMENT WITH FUNDING RESOURCES
■ FUNDING IMPLEMENTATION
■ MITIGATION FUNDING SOURCES
■ ADAPTATION FUNDING SOURCES
▶▶▶ A NOTE ON CONSUMPTION-BASED INVENTORIES
▶▶▶ CONCLUSION
76 77
78 79
84 85
85 85
86 87
88 91
93 94

UNDER SEPARATE COVER
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

List of Figures
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 11 ▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 1 4
Global Warming trends
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 2 4
2018 City-wide emissions
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 3 5
Annual average maximum
temperatures in Los Altos
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 4 5
Business-as-usual forecast
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 5 6
Adjusted business-as-usual forecast
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 6 7
Relationship between mitigation
and adaptation actions
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FIGURE 7 7
Emissions reductions by Focus Area
▶▶▶ FIGURE 1 17
Global Warming trends
▶▶▶ FIGURE 2 18
The Five-Step Climate
Action Planning Process
▶▶▶ FIGURE 3 19
Impacts of Climate Change
▶▶▶ FIGURE 4 21
Achieving carbon neutrality
▶▶▶ FIGURE 5 26
2005 Government emissions sources
▶▶▶ FIGURE 6 26
2005 Community emissions sources
▶▶▶ FIGURE 7 26
2018 Government emissions sources
▶▶▶ FIGURE 8 26
2018 Community emissions sources
▶▶▶ FIGURE 9 28
Annual average maximum
temperatures in Los Altos
▶▶▶ FIGURE 10 28
Changes to the water cycle
due to climate change
▶▶▶ FIGURE 11 29
Changes to the water cycle due
to climate change continued
▶▶▶ FIGURE 12 31
Business-as-usual forecast
▶▶▶ FIGURE 13 31
Adjusted business-as-usual forecast
▶▶▶ FIGURE 14 32
Emissions reductions by Focus Area
▶▶▶ FIGURE 15 34
Relationship between mitigation
and adaptation actions
▶▶▶ FIGURE 16 35
CAAP Focus Areas
▶▶▶ FIGURE 17 37
Life cycle GHG emissions of passenger
car segment gasoline ICEVs, PHEVs,
BEVs, and FCEVs registered in the
United States in 2021
▶▶▶ FIGURE 18 78
Mainstreaming climate investments
▶▶▶ FIGURE 19 86
Funding options hierarchy
▶▶▶ FIGURE 20 93
Consumption-based inventories explained
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

List of Tables
12 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 ▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE 1 6
Emissions Timeline by Scenario
▶▶▶ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE 2 7
Strategies by Focus Area
▶▶▶ TABLE 1 20
Relevant State policies affecting
climate planning in California
▶▶▶ TABLE 2 23
Greenhouse gas inventory
data sources
▶▶▶ TABLE 3 24
Emissions comparison table
▶▶▶ TABLE 4 25
Most impactful GHG reducing
actions from 2013 CAP
▶▶▶ TABLE 5 32
Emissions by Scenario
(2030 & 2035)
▶▶▶ TABLE 6 80
Mitigation Budget
▶▶▶ TABLE 7 82
Cross-Cutting Budget
▶▶▶ TABLE 8 83
Adaptation Budget
▶▶▶ TABLE 9 87
Local funding mechanisms
▶▶▶ TABLE 10 88
Mitigation funding sources
▶▶▶ TABLE 11 91
Adaptation funding sources
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

ABAG
Association of Bay Area
Governments
ABAU
Adjusted Business-As-Usual
ADU
Accessory Dwelling Unit
BAAQMD
Bay Area Air Quality
Management District
BAU
Business-As-Usual
CAAP
Climate Action and Adaptation
Plan
CAP
(2013) Climate Action Plan
CARB
California Air Resources Board
CBI
Consumption-Based Inventory
CCA
Community Choice Aggregation
CSMP
Complete Streets Master Plan
DCFC
Direct Current Fast Charger
EC
Environmental Commission
EV
Electric Vehicle
EVSE
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
FEMA
Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Acronyms
FIRM
Flood Insurance Rate Map
GHG
Greenhouse Gas
GWP
Global Warming Potential
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and
Air Conditioning
ICLEI
International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives
IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change
MTC
Metropolitan Transportation
Commission
MTCO2e
Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide
Equivalent
NGO
Non-Governmental Organization
OES
California Office of
Emergency Services
OPR
California Office of Planning
and Research
PSPS
Public Safety Power Shutoff
RCP
Representative Concentration
Pathway
SB 379
California Senate Bill No. 379
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 13 SVCE
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
VA
Vulnerability Assessment
VMT
Vehicle Miles Traveled
UWMP
Utility Water Master Plan
ZNE
Zero Net Energy
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

CITY COUNCIL
Anita Enander
Mayor
Sally Meadows
Vice Mayor
Neysa Fligor
Councilmember
Lynette Lee Eng
Councilmember
Jonathan Weinberg
Councilmember

ENVIRONMENTAL

COMMISSION
Bruno Delagneau
(CAAP subcommittee)
Raashina Humayun
(CAAP subcommittee)
Don Weiden
(CAAP subcommittee)
Laura Teksler
Shiao-ping Lu
David Klein
Lei Yuan

CITY OF LOS ALTOS

COUNCIL LIAISON
Sally Meadows
Neysa Fligor

CITY OF LOS ALTOS

SUSTAINABILITY

COORDINATORS
Emiko Ancheta
Laura Simpson
CAAP

TASK FORCE
Kirk Ballard
Building Official
Jon Biggs
Community Development Director
Anthony Carnesecca
Economic Development Coordinator
Jamie Chew
Recreation Manager
Ann Hepenstal
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Manny Hernandez
Municipal Services Director
Jennifer Leal
Human Resources Manager
Donna Legge
Recreation and Community
Services Director
Scott McCrossin
Captain of Police
Guido Persicone
Design Review Commission Liaison
Jim Sandoval
Engineering Services Director

COMMUNITY

PARTNERS
GreenTown Los Altos
Los Altos Property Owners Downtown
Los Altos Village Association
Los Altos Chamber of Commerce
LAYCAT
(Los Altos Youth Climate
Action Team)
Los Altos High School
(Green Team Student Club)
Los Altos History Museum
LAUSD Outdoor Educator
Orchard Commons Committee
BATS Block Action Team
Grass Roots Ecology
Los Altos Rotary Club
Parks & Recreation
Commission Liaison
Youth Commission Liaison
Complete Streets Commission Liaison
Senior Commission Liaison

THANKS TO
Abby Young
BAAQMD
Louie Pellegrini,
Mission Trail Waste Systems
Shruti Mukhtyar,
UC Berkeley, College of Natural
Resources
Kasmira Kit
California Governor’s Office
of Emergency Services
Rebecca Lucky
City of Menlo Park

CONSULTANTS
EcoShift Consulting
Fehr & Peers
Urban Planning Partners
Baseline Environmental Consulting
Acknowledgments
14 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 ATTACHMENT 1
279
Agenda Item # 9.

Letter from Mayor Enander
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 15 California has a long history of
variable climate, drought, and
wildfires. The impact of human
activity is profound, and, together
with the continued population growth
expected in the Bay Area, compels us
to act to mitigate those impacts.

The health and safety of our
residents must be foremost in the
actions of local government. We face
several immediate needs. We must
improve water conservation and find
better ways to manage that precious
resource. Rising sea level will
impact our storm- and wastewater
treatment systems and compel us
to work cooperatively with the City
of Palo Alto on changes needed
to keep our shared wastewater
treatment plant functioning. Because
a single wildland fire can negate
the substantial positive actions
on carbon reduction, we must
encourage proper management
of adjacent wildlands and prevent
the spread of fire into our city. In
planning for significant population
growth as mandated by the State
of California, new ways to work
and to commute are key to making
continued progress on reducing
GHG emissions. Increasing our tree
canopy and enhancing our green
spaces are essential strategies for
mitigating temperature increases
and sequestering carbon.

This Climate Action and Adaptation
Plan documents the tremendous
progress Los Altos has made
since 2005, having achieved a 40
percent reduction in GHG against
a target of 15 percent reduction.

Our success is attributable in
the government sector largely
to changes in work schedule/
commute and to adoption of efficient
lighting and energy consumption
in city buildings. Notable in this
effort was the opening of our new
Community Center, built to LEED
Gold standard. The Center provides
an incredible community resource
that demonstrates the possibilities
with sustainable construction and
operation. Our community also
contributed with huge reductions
from changes in transportation
and energy, the latter resulting
substantially from the move to
sustainable energy production
through Silicon Valley Clean Energy.

The combination of mitigation and
adaptation strategies recommended
in the CAAP show the breadth of
actions needed for the future. The
plan wisely shows that both strategies
are needed as we strive to reduce
our adverse impacts and adapt to
changes we cannot directly control.

The Los Altos community has
worked together to shape this vision
through 2035. City government
can lead some efforts, but many
depend on the actions of individual
residents. Only through the
combined actions of both can we
achieve the goals set out here.

Los Altos has demonstrated it can
achieve what we, as a community,
want to achieve. There is something
here for each of us to contribute to
creating a healthy, environmentally
sustainable community.

ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

Introduction DRAFT
16 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 ATTACHMENT 1
281
Agenda Item # 9.

Introduction
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 17

CALL TO ACTION
The citizens and government of Los
Altos have a long history of bold and
forward-looking climate action. Since
the adoption of the City’s first Green
Building Ordinance in 2007, Los Altans
have been planning for the sustainable
use of energy, waste, water and land
resources. In 2013, Los Altos’ first
Climate Action Plan was released,
calling for a 15% reduction in GHG
emissions by 2020 as compared
to 2005 levels. This update to the
City's Climate Action Plan includes
an adaptation section to prepare for
the local impacts of climate change
and represents the next step in the
journey towards a sustainable, healthy,
equitable future.

The next few years are incredibly
important in limiting global
temperature increase to 1.5°C and
avoiding the most catastrophic
impacts of climate change. As Figure
1 shows, warming of the planet is
unprecedented since the middle
of the 19th Century, and has been
accelerating since the 1950s. As of
2020, the planet has already warmed
by 1.1°C1. Figure 3 shows the impacts
this warming has already had on our
planet. By 2030 global emissions need
to be halved, and carbon neutrality
achieved before 2050. The longer
we wait to take action, change will
become increasingly expensive and will
eventually be impossible.

According to the most recent report
from the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC), the Earth
has warmed 1.09°C since 1850
and many changes such as sealevel rise and glacier and arctic ice melt are now virtually irreversible1.

Global temperatures are likely to
increase to a total of 1.5°C by the
mid-2040's which will further stress
our environmental systems and
result in Los Altos experiencing more
1 IPCC, 2021: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S.L. Connors, C. Péan, S. Berger, N. Caud, Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J.B.R. Matthews, T.K.

Maycock, T. Waterfield, O. Yelekçi, R. Yu, and B. Zhou (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press. In Press. frequent and more intense heat
waves, winter floods, drought and
wildfire air pollution events. On a
global level, we are rushing to find
solutions, but the most effective
solutions that will be developed
are at the local level. Although Los
Altos has taken action to mitigate
emissions produced locally, we can
do more and need to do more.

Here in Los Altos, we are already
Figure 1 Global Warming trends
Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, pg. SPM-7.

SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT
Working Group I – The Physical Science Basis
Changes in global surface temperature relative to 185
Human influence has warmed the climate at
unprecedented in at least the last 2000 year

GLOBAL WARMING TRENDS
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

Introduction CONTINUED
18 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 facing periods of severe drought,
heat waves, and poor air quality
more frequently. We’ve seen wildfires
in the hills and the air darkened with
smoke. We are not insulated. While
some responses will need to be
coordinated regionally, it is important
for Los Altos to take quick and
effective action locally if we want to
maintain our quality of life. The good
news is that strong and sustained
transition from combustion engines
and moving away from methane
gas for heating our buildings could
quickly make air quality better and in
20 to 30 years global temperatures
could stabilize.

A five-step Climate Action Planning
process was described in the 2013
CAP, which has been followed here and
is shown in Figure 2. By including a
Vulnerability Assessment and climate
adaptation strategies in this plan, the
City now has a comprehensive set of
actions designed to both reduce our
greenhouse gas emissions and prepare
our community for the future impacts
of climate change. This updated Climate
Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), will
help guide the City’s actions into the
coming decade and beyond.

In the end, we believe Los Altos can
achieve its climate goals within the
next 15 years if we take an aggressive
approach. Following the guidance
in this plan, we need to commit
wholeheartedly to these actions
and get them underway as soon as
possible. To guide this effort, the
City has developed these Vision and
Mission statements.

VISION
“To place Los Altos on an accelerated,
sustainable path to carbon neutrality
by advancing bold and effective
climate policies.”

MISSION
“The mission of our Climate Action
and Adaptation Plan is to preserve
the unique character of Los Altos
and enhance its natural environment
while improving the quality of life and
health of its people by supporting
transformative change in the areas of
climate action, resilience and equity.”
Figure 2 The Five-Step Climate Action Planning Process

T H E F I V E - S T E P C L I M AT E A C T I O N

PLANNING PROCESS
1 INVENTORY

EMISSIONS
2 ESTABLISH A

REDUCTION
TARGET
3 ADOPT

MEASURES

TO ACHIEVE
TARGET
4 IMPLEMENT

MEASURES
5 EVALUATE

PROGRESS
ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

Introduction CONTINUED
Figure 3 The impacts of climate change.

Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Working Group 1– The Physical Science Basis presentation, slides 9.

SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT
Working Group I – The Physical Science Basis
Highest
in at least
2 million years
CO2
concentration
Sea level
rise
Glaciers
retreat
Arctic sea ice
area
Fastest rates
in at least
3000 years
Lowest level
in at least
1000 years
Unprecedented
in at least
2000 years
LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 19

BACKGROUND
The City’s 2013 Climate Action Plan
was designed to serve as a guiding
document towards GHG reductions,
both in municipal operations and
community-wide. It was designed
as a comprehensive strategy to
reduce emissions in a manner
consistent with state guidelines and
regulations, and to identify costeffective opportunities for existing and future residents, businesses,
and development projects for a more
sustainable community. At the same
time, the CAP provided a framework
for environmental leadership and
an educational resource to the
community.

This update provides a pathway
to the City’s bolder GHG reduction
target, as well as a framework for
a climate-resilient community. The
goals of this CAAP are:
• Reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions
• Increase climate resilience
(SB 379 compliance)
• Demonstrate leadership
The Los Altos Sustainability
Coordinator and Environmental
Commission (EC) oversaw the
development of the CAAP. In
addition, a City-led climate Task
Force made up of department
heads and City employees was
assembled to provide expert input
and guidance. Together, these
groups helped ensure the CAAP is
realistic, feasible, and relevant to
the residents of Los Altos.

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

POLICY BACKDROP
There are many international,
national, State, and local policies
and regulations designed to affect
climate change and sustainability,
and this CAAP was developed with
those policies and regulations as a
guide. This way, the City ensures
it’s doing its part to help meet
larger-scale goals and support
science-based targets. By developing
the Vulnerability Assessment and
Adaptation Framework included in
this plan, the City also helps meet
its SB 379 compliance requirements.

Table 1 describes the most relevant
State policies affecting climate
action planning for cities.

ATTACHMENT 1
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Agenda Item # 9.

Table 1 Relevant State policies affecting climate planning in California.

STATE POLICIES
Introduction CONTINUED
20 LOS ALTOS ▶▶▶ CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN ▶▶▶ 2022 Legislation Year Name Description
AB 32 2006 CA Global Warming Solutions Act of
2006
Requires CARB to adopt a statewide greenhouse gas
emissions limit equivalent to the statewide greenhouse
gas emissions levels in 1990 to be achieved by 2020.

SB 32 2016 CA Global Warming Solutions Act:
emissions limit
Requires CARB to ensure that statewide greenhouse gas
emissions are reduced to 40% below the 1990 level by
2030.

EO B-55-18 2018 Executive Order to Achieve Carbon
Neutrality Calls for carbon neutrality by 2045.

EO B-16-12 2012 ZEV Mandate Requires State agencies to facilitate the rapid commercialization of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

EO B-30-15 2015 Executive Order to Achieve Carbon
Neutrality
Sets interim target of greenhouse gas emissions 40% less than 1990 levels by 2030.

AB 1493 (Pavley I) 2002 Automobile Emission Standards State law requiring the first set of greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger vehicles.

SB 379 2015 Climate Adaptation and Resiliency
Strategy
Requires all cities and counties to include climate
adaptation and resiliency strategies in the safety
elements of their general plans.

SB 350 2015 Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction
Act of 2015
Requires electricity providers, investor-owned utilities, and CCAs to increase their procurement of renewable
generated electricity to 50% by 2030.

SB 100 2018 CA Renewables Portfolio Standard Sets a target of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.

SB 1383 2016 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant
Reduction Strategy
Legislation requiring reductions in emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like methane) by 40-50% below 2013
levels by 2030.

AB 398 2017 Law extending California’s cap-and-trade program through 2030
SB 535 2012 Legislation requiring the state to direct at least 25% of state cap-and-trade revenues to go to projects that
SB 375 2008 Sustainable Communities and Climate
Protection Act
Directs CARB to set regional targets for GHG reductions from passenger vehicles
SB 743 2013 Updates the way transportation impacts are measured in California for new development projects
Executive Order Establishing 2030
Emissions Target
state cap-and-trade revenues to go to projects that
benefit disadvantaged communities
Legislation Year Name Description
AB 32 2006 CA Global Warming Solutions Act of
2006
Requires CARB to adopt a statewide greenhouse gas
emissions limit equivalent to the statewide greenhouse
gas emissions levels in 1990 to be achieved by 2020.