Update!

Testing 123

Test. Test. Test. Testing 123. Test. Test. Test. 1 2 3 4 5 Testing. 20120212abc123test. Test.

... an exercise to see how long it takes Google to update the web page cache. Any guesses? Hours? Days? Weeks? Months? Reminder: Don't change the blog title (URL) ... Check back for updates in the comments...

Google Cache

What to do if you accidentally post a draft, which is stored in the Google cache?

Lessons Learned

If you update the page, Google may not visit the page again for awhile (days or weeks) and even if the page content changes, the Google cache is not always updated.

See comments below for some details of this story...

One of the biggest issues with downtown Los Altos has been the lack of large chain stores. Many of the property owners have wanted to keep the "village" feel and only have small, local shops present - especially on Main Street. Of course, time and countless lessons learned by other towns has shown that that trend is prone to failure. Look at the number of vacancies downtown and you'll see what happens when small businesses with little economic backing do. A recent article in the Los Altos Town Crier talked about this issue, which is what prompted this blog.

What chains could we possible want downtown that would augment the retail experience? Interestingly enough, Apple was mentioned as was Niketown. However, I think we could use a few others that would appeal. We have one major sumbling block before they show up - small properties!

There are 3 major owners downtown who still hold narrow lots, some adjoining. If those owners would sell those lots, and merge them, we'd have more wide lots with 3000+ sf of store space to accomodate these chains. The town is is desparate need of more, better stores - c'mon owners, get with the program! Is keeping the Los Altos "village" feel so important that you'll sink the town's economy to do it? I think we can have a successful mix of chains and small businesses, very much like Los Gatos. If they can do it, so can we!

My suggestions for appealing chains include:

• Children's Place (clothes)
• Coldwater Creek (clothes)
• Ed Hardy (clothes)
• Gap (clothes)
• Justice (clothes)
• Pottery Barn (housewares)
• Morton's, Ruth's Chris, or any other steakhouse chain
• Lego (toys)

There are several others but these, in my opinion, fill a gap in what we already have downtown without seriously impacting existing merchants. In particular, we don't have a serious steakhouse in town and that's popular with many folks. We have one toy store and the Lego products would probably augment their business instead of taking away from it by bringing more "toy focused buyers" downtown. The clothes are a no-brainer and these stores are very popular right now.

I'd like to get some more exciting restaurants downtown too. A theme restaurant that's family oriented would be interesting but I'm not sure where to put it. Something like "Rainforest Cafe", you know what I mean? Something with a little flash. A little "sizzle" downtown would really attract consumers. Sleepy little villages don't tend to make much money.

Yes, that's right, you heard it -- the new Safeway has finally been approved by the Los Altos City Council! It's a huge improvement over the existing store with more than 45,000 s.f. in a 2-story configuration on the existing site. The downside is that the store will go away for a while but the good news is that downtown will have a modern store that encourages visitors and potential downtown residential growth.

The Los Altos Town Crier has a great story about the new Safeway store. I'm glad the city was finally able to work out a deal that didn't hold the store to the required number of parking spots. The city also stands to get a short term infusion of cash - $500,000 - and assurances the store will be built. Now it's just a matter of setting a timeline for construction.

The whole downtown area is really starting to come together. It's taking a while but it seems well worth it as the town continues transforming into a more vibrant destination. Having a major new grocery store is especially important to anyone thinking of building more residential units downtown. When zoning for Main Street was changed, part of that was driven by the idea of creating a "European-style" village with residential units above retail. That will be more appealing once this new store is completed.

The Bus Barn Stage Company is a small theater company that has been operating in near downtown Los Altos for amost 17 years (founded in 1995). It offers professional-quality actors and products in a small theater right near town. The company itself offers a wide range of productions. The current product is Doubt, A Parable with a compelling story line and experienced cast. I had an old classmate actually act in one of their productions years ago. You just never know who you'll get as they do try-outs twice a year. Lots of good actors and actresses.

They're located at 97 Hillview just off San Antonio Road and within easy walking distance of downtown. So, in a way, Bus Barn Stage Company is it's own little Los Altos theater district. You go downtown for dinner and then head over for a show. Very few communities offer a similar experience, without driving to San Francisco or San Jose.

If you are a theater enthusiast, they offer various subscriptions that get you access to several shows through the season and a range of prices. All the prices are quite reasonable and enjoy a variety of benefits. Being a subscriber means you lock in your seat and you know you can always see the latest production. It also supports community theater by guaranteeing you'll be there. Part of what makes Los Altos such a great town is it offers fun and interesting entertainments such as theater.

Visit their website and take a look.

Stop by my Open House at 50 W Edith Ave #5 in Los Altos, CA 94022 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm today

See why the Village of Los Altos is one of my favorite lifestyle neighborhoods.

This 2 bedroom 2 bath home is a great place to entertain friends and enjoy the downtown Los Altos lifestyle. 50 W. Edith boasts a WalkScore of 86 and includes two parking spaces in the garage for your cars to vacation.

Sit on the balcony and watch the world go by.

50 W Edith Ave is just minutes from all the wonderful shops and restaurants in Village of Los Altos.

New to Los Altos?

Let me make some suggestions of a few of my favorite places;

For pampering yourself visit Le Petit Salon on Plaza Central. Owner Nancy Tran has been treating Los Altos to the best manicures and pedicures for about 20 years. Schedule a facial for your next visit, your face will love you for it.

Want to show off that new pedicure? Head to Main Street and go to Crismon Mim for a great new pair of shoes. Check out the great selections of clothes while you are there.

Getting hungry? Draegers is a great place to pick up a custom gourmet sandwich & something special for dinner tonight. Don't miss their amazing wine selection.

Want to go out to dinner? I love the old school experience of eating at Beasejour on State Street. Their coq au vin is outstanding, save room for the chocolate souffle.

AND??

Well some local secrets are meant to be kept, but if you visit my Open House I may be willing to share...

Come see why the Village of Los Altos is one of my favorite lifestyle neighborhoods.