Shop Los Altos: Not Just Another Pretty Face

As many other Los Altans, I am eagerly following the construction efforts of our downtown.

And of course, also as many have, I’ve been inconvenienced at times trying to get in and out of a store quickly.  Especially since I’m a big fan of high heels, I often need to tread lightly as I maneuver around uneven pavement, temporary ramps, and a maze of cones and construction tape.

On a recent errand to pick up clothes from my dry cleaner, which normally would have taken 10 minutes yet took more than double the time,  I stopped for a moment to consider the reality of how  little I was inconvenienced, as compared to those who are truly inconvenienced—the store owners.  On the spot, I made a vow to dedicate the next year to shopping locally as much as I can, because I don’t want to lose any more downtown merchants.

Now that the rain has finally stopped (I’m right on this, right? Please?), I’m vowing to walk to Baskin-Robbins in the evening with my husband at least twice a week.  And the gifts I have to buy for upcoming graduations and weddings will come from Cover Story and Davino Florist and Los Altos Card and Party. I vow to eat dinner out one night a week as well, and I can’t wait to try Opa! in addition to my favorites like Los Altos Grill, Aldo’s and Maltby’s. And with the help of Peninsula Beauty Supply, For Your Nails, and Alberto’s on “Mane” Street, I hope to put my best foot and face forward. 

The downtown revitalization has its detractors, yet I’ve learned that there is much more at stake than putting a pretty face on downtown Los Altos. Much of what is needed has nothing to do with cosmetics—it goes deep down to worn out pipes, inadequate irrigation, an outdated sewer main and other structural hazards. And there is nothing pretty about pedestrians or bicyclists or drivers getting hurt because of poor traffic line of sight. The infrastructure needed to be improved, and the city is taking advantage of that necessity by also making downtown prettier and more inviting.

Despite the inconvenience of construction, I’m already seeing the signs of a more lovely downtown, and applaud the widening of some of our most popular corners. 

Please join me in making things a little easier on our downtown merchants by committing to Shop Los Altos as much as possible during this difficult time —you will be rewarded with their gratitude and a smile, and there is really nothing prettier than a smile.