Five Things to Know About Los Altos' 60th Anniversary

Let the 2012 celebrations continue: Los Altos is counting down the days to its 60th anniversary on Dec. 1 with a photo contest, community events and even a grand gala.

Here are five things Patch thinks you should know about the festivities:

1) A 60th Anniversary Committee is hard at work planning all the activities for the coming year, co-chaired by Mayor Val Carpenter and Mayor Pro Tem Jarrett Fishpaw. The committee is open to more helpers. The next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the , Room 2.

2) Happening now until Feb. 17, the Los Altos libraries and the Los Altos Youth Commission are accepting entries in a special "Life in Los Altos" photo contest. The free contest is open to kindergarteners through adults; there are three age divisions (grades K-6, grades 7-12, and adults age 18 and up). Entry forms are available at the and libraries. Photos will be on display for public voting the month of March. Winners will be announced May 1.

3) The is creating a special exhibit, "Faces of Los Altos", open May through October. It will feature loads of changing information about the people who lived, worked and built the community over many years.

4) Save Dec. 1 on your calendar for a "glittering" gala dinner celebration happening on the actual date of the city's incorporation on Hillview Field, 97 Hillview Avenue.

5) The year-long celebration has it's own 60th anniversary website. Check it out for updated information all year long.