News Worth Knowing: The BOE Wants to See Your Stinkin' Badges and Have You Seen Your Tdap Records?

Sidle up with a cup of coffee or tea as Los Altos Patch tries to catch you up with recent events in and about Los Altos.

We've widened our net to include news from other publications, because Patch can't be everywhere each day. And we think you'll want to know.

1. Businesses in Los Altos and Vallejo Getting Licenses Checked By BOE

San Francisco Business Journal reported Aug. 5 how the state Board of Equalization has zeroed in on Los Altos and Vallejo businesses recently.

The agency we may think of as the sales tax people sent out letters to ZIP codes 94022, 94024, 94590 and 94591, and others in Southern California, letting the know that agents would be coming to check.

This is part of the agency's Statewide Compliance and Outreach Program, aka, SCOP, started in late 2008. The SF Business Journal said so far, the board has found that 3.5 percent of 238,000 businesses it has checked don’t have the required permits and licenses.

If you're running a business and want to know more, here's a handy SCOP FAQ.

2.

Former Principal Nancy Davis, who took a leave of absence in 2009, has returned as the new principal of .

Davis was hired Aug. 4 to replace principal Terri Stromfeld, who resigned to take a job at Union School District in San Jose as a coordinator for staff development and special projects.

Davis steps in just 13 days before the start of school on Aug. 17.

3.

Los Altos was one of thousands of communities across the country holding neighborhood get-togethers Aug. 2. The intent of National Night Out was to strengthen safety in communities by encouraging neighbors to know each other and to meet local law enforcement.

was the site of one of ten neighborhood gatherings. Several police officers attended that gathering of 200 residents, and the others. Chief organizer Andy Wong said the level of involvement at the potluck event, where police mingled with neighbors and even clocked a few pitches on the baseball diamond, made it easy to look forward to the event.

4.

Expect several opportunities throughout the South Bay and Peninsula to observe and learn about the Islamic holidays of Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr.

The Islamic Association open house will be held on August 13, with an additional open house August 21 at the Muslim Community Association Islamic Center on 3003 Scott Blvd. in Santa Clara, which is geared towards youth. The events with come complete with a tour, a Q and A session, and a complimentary dinner with other guests. Milpitas mosque  is having an open house on August 20 (RSVP only) from7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

5. State Law Mandates Student Verification of Tdap Booster Shots

has sent out 600 letters to students reminding them they cannot start school unless they have cleared verification that they have received their Tdap booster shot, the Talon reported Saturday.

The online site of The Talon, Los Altos High School's student newspaper, quoted Mountain View Los Altos High School District Superintendent Barry Groves that students will not be able to pick up their schedules, get books or attend classes until they are cleared.