Asher Kohn
- Associate Planner, M-GROUP
Houston
Land use planning for people. Probably eating chickpeas right now.
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Articles by Asher Kohn
Homesick by Peter Apps: Book Review
Peter Apps’ first book was an award-winning investigation into the causes and consequences of the 2017 Grenfell Tower high-rise fire in London. His second book, Homesick, begins with the basic unit of the housing crisis: a bedsit (a studio apartment, maybe with a shared kitchen or toilet) in a cramped building, with “whitewashed walls, numbered doors with individual locks, fire-exit signs and emergency lighting.” There is mold.
Housing Density for Whom? (SSIR)
Yes to the City: Millennials and the Fight for Affordable Housing Max Holleran 216 pages, Princeton University Press, 2022 Buy the book » Earlier this summer, New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered a speech about the transformation he envisions for the city. “Going forward,” Adams said, “we are going to turn New York into a city of yes. Yes in my backyard. Yes on my block.
How we can learn about race relations from Cuban baseball
Cuba integrated America’s pastime way before Jackie Robinson Illustration by Christopher Dang/Timeline.com By Asher Kohn Before he met Jackie Robinson, Dodgers exec Branch Rickey was looking for a black player to integrate baseball in America. The story goes that when Rickey’s scouts introduced him to the sweet-swinging shortstop Silvio Garcia, the Afro-Cuban athlete was asked what he’d do if a white man slapped him in the face.
The French Quarter’s not-so-secret slaving history
The built backdrop of Mardis Gras was made by the enslaved and escapees By Asher Kohn The French Quarter means wrought-iron balconies, brazen music, and giddy debauchery for the million or so tourists who will come to New Orleans today. It’s probably a lot of fun if you’re a booze hound and/or into really good music. And even if you’re not, hey, there’s pretty architecture and people-watching galore.
All Vantablack Everything: When a blingy artist trademarks the darkest black
Artists had to be dark, but imperfect, before this new discovery Cloudgate, revisited? Source: Chiataglance.com, Timeline.com By Asher Kohn World-famous creator of shiny things Sir Anish Kapoor has signed an exclusive deal to use the blackest black ever created. Vantablack absorbs 99.96 % of all light and is the darkest thing a human has created. It is made out of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes that trap light in a dense array; a hyper-real color that fits Kapoor’s dreamscape works.
Heroes of the Neighborhood
Heroes of the Neighborhood: Can an uneven second-division club save Hamburg’s leftist St. Pauli district? Klaus Störtebeker was not his real name. Any self-respecting pirate of the late 14th century picked his own nom de guerre, and Klaus of Wismar gave himself a moniker that means “empties the mug in a single gulp.” According to the legend, the mug in question would be about equal to four liters today.
Coffee Power to the People
“A barista can only fuck it up.” A bold statement surely, from someone who by the way pays his rent and buys his food with the money he makes pressing shots at an espresso bar. But as befitting the Dutchman who said it (Olivier Vos: buzzcut, with thick glasses, and a determined enthusiasm that would take apart a floor in order to fix loose grout), there is a tremendous amount of logic to what sounds initially like a blustery provocation.
Start-up with big dreams launches localized, secure messaging app
Approximately 150 guests, including the mayor and other Los Altos officials, convened at Los Altos Golf & Country Club to witness the launch of a new business three years in the making. Los Altos Research Center (LARC) and its garrulous founder, Marty Kacin, hosted the event. The project was shrouded in secrecy despite being discussed at a city council meeting two days before the Sept. 15 kick-off party.
Berkeley firm to head community center design
The Hillview Community Center task force selected an architect intent on making Los Altos’ new civic center a “great place to hang out,” according to a presentation last week. James Gwise, project manager for Noll & Tam Architects and Planners, offered a brief overview of the firm’s plans at a public meeting July 25. “I am really, really, excited to do things with you and for you,” Gwise told attendees. The meeting, held at the Los Altos Youth Center, drew approximately 15 local residents.
Los Altos' density bonuses on deck at PTC meeting
Los Altos could go a long way toward expanding housing opportunities in the city when the Planning and Transportation Commission addresses density bonus regulations at its meeting Thursday. Los Altos residents and the state housing authority found earlier drafts of the density bonus regulation law lacking, but the latest iteration could receive the commission’s recommendation, advancing it to the city council for review and adoption later this month.
A taste of the Tour
For the students in Allison Ramadge’s studio cycling class, the closest they likely will get to the Tour de France is a bike vacation in the Loire Valley. Yet that doesn’t stop them from filing in to an exercise room at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center on summer mornings to race across France, all without leaving Silicon Valley. “It gets very competitive,” Ramadge said.
Can you help keep people like me in Los Altos?
I haven’t been in Los Altos very long, but I’ve been here long enough to love it. When I came here, I was reminded of Savannah in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” a village full of peculiar characters, long-standing feuds and understated bombast (but without the tragic murder). I was not in Los Altos long before I realized that I would have to leave. Of all the cities up and down Silicon Valley, Los Altos seemed the most homey and tight-knit. But that doesn’t mean it’s the most welcoming.
Elevator holdup keeps condo project in suspense
An outsized elevator in a proposed condominium complex on El Camino Real rose to the top of the Los Altos Planning and Transportation Commission’s agenda last week. The Los Altos City Council approved the five-story housing project last summer, after an intense, months-long negotiation led the developer to knock 4 feet off the building’s height.
Wheels are in motion for downtown development
In a flurry of decisions made before the summer recess, the Los Altos City Council approved studies of both downtown development and parking restriping. The work came in a 2.5-hour session, with Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins calling in from Copenhagen, where she was attending a Valley Transportation Authority-related conference.
LA council repeals volunteer restriction
The Los Altos City Council last week repealed a controversial 2009 ordinance that prevented residents from volunteering with the city due to a perceived conflict of interest. The council voted 3-1 July 11 to repeal Resolution 2009-33. Councilwoman Lynette Lee Eng was the lone dissenter, and Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins was absent.
Local resident finds opportunity in housing crisis
Sumant Pendharkar has seen house values skyrocket since he moved to Los Altos in 1997, and he wants Los Altos residents to view the market increases as an opportunity, not a challenge. Pendharkar, a financial adviser, recommends that people with high-value homes purchase a second home in the area – not as a vacation home, but as a home for their children. “I’ve been noticing this trend in real estate,” he said.
Landscape architect outlines plans for downtown plaza
Landscape architect Joni Janecki presented her plans for the First Street Green to the Los Altos City Council last month, but that does not mean she wants local residents to sit back and wait for the next steps. According to Janecki, the plans – part of the Los Altos Community Investments (LACI) First Street redevelopment project – can be modified to incorporate residents’ feedback. “Are there any activities that are really desired?” she asked.
LA council addresses accessory units, community center plans
After the Los Altos City Council offered its support for a First Street park proposal at a study session June 27, the council addressed other matters at hand during its regularly scheduled meeting that followed. On the agenda were reaffirming setbacks for accessory dwelling structures, receiving an update on Hillview Community Center plans and approving new city commissioners..
Council, public support LACI's First Street Green
For the second time this year, a large crowd of green-clad supporters packed the Los Altos City Council meeting to promote a proposal that includes a park and underground parking on Plaza 7 along First Street. Developer Los Altos Community Investments is backing the First Street Green as part of its plan to revitalize First Street. Of the dozens of speakers offering public comment at the June 27 study session, Los Altos resident Angie Schmidt perhaps best summed up the mood of the crowd.
Lawyer claims LA can't curb developers' profits
Some Los Altos residents do not want housing developers to increase their profit margins as a result of the new State Density Bonus Law – but they may not have a choice. According to Fred Haubensak, a Los Altos resident who has collected more than 200 signatures on a petition supporting lower building heights on El Camino Real, developers see density increases as a cash-grab.
Dog and skate park gaining momentum
Multiple petitions and an unofficial newspaper poll reveal that Los Altos residents are warming to the idea of a combination dog and skate park in Lincoln Park. Reviving a proposal from 2012, Skateworks owner Jason Strubing is advocating construction of a skate park at the southern end of Lincoln Park, the 1.3-acre, city-owned slice of land that runs parallel to Foothill Expressway. Strubing has two new allies in his push, along with hundreds of signatures on a petition.
LA councilwoman echoes former campaign manager's concerns
Councilwoman Lynette Lee Eng devoted extra attention to two items on the June 13 Los Altos City Council meeting agenda – the same issues her former campaign manager Roberta Phillips raised as a member of the public earlier in the meeting. During the public comment portion of the council meeting, Phillips emphasized two issues: the Los Altos General Plan and street resurfacing. “I think it would be a really good idea if all the commissioners read the general plan,” Phillips said.
'Lots' of potential Parking areas present opportunity for growth without height
Several Los Altos residents, activists and developers have set their sights on bringing more feet to downtown streets, pinpointing city-owned parking lots as potential sites for amenities such as affordable housing or a theater. Few people who frequent downtown, however, would sacrifice any currently available parking. The city of Morgan Hill, 40 miles south of Los Altos, may have found a way to balance parking and amenities.
State Density Bonus Law incentivizes more affordable housing
As the Los Altos Planning and Transportation Commission reviewed California’s new Density Bonus Law last week, members agreed that additional housing is needed because of what Commissioner Ronit Bodner referred to as the “crisis” of affordable housing. “The reason these density bonus regulations have gone into effect,” Bodner said, “is because we as a community are failing to provide enough affordable housing.
Need for new facilities presented to Los Altos council
City representatives charged with keeping track of Los Altos’ funds recently reached a consensus on how the city council could use its money wisely: Spend more of it. Gary Kalbach, spokesman for the Financial Commission, argued at the May 23 city council meeting that councilmembers should use the $60 million Los Altos has available to rebuild city facilities as part of a strategy to entice people to work in Los Altos and to invest taxpayer dollars in the community.
Art conference looks to tap the potential of Los Altos
Last week’s discussion about public art in Los Altos often touched on whether the city itself was willing to change with the times. Cathy Kimball, executive director of San Jose’s Institute of Contemporary Art, pointed out how few regional draws Los Altos has. She was among a group of panelists participating in a “smart Planning” conversation, held May 24 at the Los Altos Youth Center. “The last time I was in this building was for a Jazzercise class,” Kimball said.
Do you know the way? New wayfinding signs help navigate Los Altos
What if all of Los Altos spoke with one voice, from Highway 85 to Adobe Creek? Los Altos residents can begin to see that vision with a new wayfinding program the city rolled out this spring. Produced by VKK Signmakers Inc., the green signs with orange and white details will gradually replace the hodgepodge of older wood signs around the city. According to Chris Lamm, Los Altos’ engineering services manager, the new signs aim to help both visitors and longtime residents.
Too late to skate? Teen dream of downtown skate park may be scrapped soon
Jason Strubing has been advocating for a skate park in Los Altos since he opened Skateworks on State Street nearly six years ago. A poster depicting a model skate park proposed for Lincoln Park is taped to his storefront’s window. “Kids end up moving out of town, but I’m here to stay and I’ll keep beating the drum here,” he said. The drumbeat has so far failed to perk the ears of many Los Altos officials.
The home stretch
Despite the fervent wish of Mayor Mary Prochnow and a May 9 meeting that lasted more than five hours, the city of Los Altos has not adopted any new ordinances to support affordable housing. Councilmembers offered feedback on reports identifying affordable housing opportunities and a development linkage fee to create an affordable housing fund, and will vote on a “granny unit” ordinance at their next meeting, scheduled Tuesday.
Workshops will help city create public art plan
The Los Altos Public Arts Commission has dubbed next week “Workshop Week” as members gather public input for developing a Public Art Master Plan. A Public Art Vision Workshop is scheduled 5:30 p.m. Monday at Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave. A “smART Planning” conversation on art, place and innovation will follow 6 p.m. May 24 at the Los Altos Youth Center, 1 N. San Antonio Road.
Developers attract 'Green' boosters to city study session
It wasn’t St. Patrick’s Day, but last Thursday’s study session on a high-profile three-story office building and park proposal in downtown Los Altos took on a decidedly green theme. Dozens of Los Altos residents crowded the city council chambers at the May 4 Los Altos Planning and Transportation Commission meeting wearing shades of green.
Full house? Los Altos City Council looks to expand affordable options
The city of Los Altos is prioritizing affordable housing in 2017, beginning with an examination of where less-expensive homes could be constructed. The agenda for Tuesday’s Los Altos City Council meeting, scheduled after the Town Crier’s press deadline, included exploring loosening restrictions for “granny units” and a multipart discussion on affordable housing opportunities.
Council OKs $25 million for community center rebuild
The Los Altos City Council last week set in motion the building of a new community center when it approved $25 million for the project and appointed a citizens design task force to oversee development. A report by city-hired consultant StrataAP offered three options for the city: renovating the existing Hillview Community Center, constructing an entirely new community center or building a new community center in phases.
City attorney hiring drives wedge between councilmembers
The Los Altos City Council appointed a new city attorney last week, but not without some disagreement over the choice. Councilmembers voted 4-1 at their April 25 meeting to approve a contract hiring Chris Diaz of the Sacramento- and Walnut Creek-based law firm Best Best & Krieger LLC. Diaz replaces longtime city attorney Jolie Houston, whom the council elected to fire in January.
Hospital district seeks input as it weighs board structure
The El Camino Healthcare District plans to vote to change the structure of El Camino Hospital's board of directors in the coming months and seeks public input on the process. The two options, an expanded model and an alternate model, will be discussed at a special district board meeting May 15. Public comment is due by May 3. Both the expanded and alternate models call for five appointed hospital directors and one hospital CEO.
Hospital district seeks input as it weighs board structure
The El Camino Healthcare District plans to vote to change the structure of its board of directors in the coming months and seeks public input on the process. The two options, an expanded model and an alternate model, will be discussed at a special district board meeting May 15. Public comment is due by May 3. Both the expanded and alternate models call for five appointed hospital directors and one hospital CEO.
Changes at Loyola Corners scrapped
Despite an economic analysis that stated pedestrian-friendly businesses and more housing would help the neighborhood, the Loyola Corners district will not change one iota. Ceding to residents’ wishes, members of the Los Altos City Council and the Planning and Transportation Commission last week directed staff to draft a memo ending the current development moratorium while clarifying the existing specific plan.
Downtown Vision kickoff solicits input from residents
Los Altos officials held a kickoff event for the city’s Downtown Vision project April 18 at Veterans Community Plaza, generating excitement over what the future of the downtown could hold. Los Altos City Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins delivered opening remarks that laid out the city’s hopes to reach out to people as the first step in creating a plan for future development. “This is not the end. It’s not the middle. It’s the beginning,” she said.
Plans submitted for First Street green space
In an effort to boost downtown business, a Los Altos developer has submitted plans to the city for a 77,000-square-foot office building on First Street that includes a public village square. Submitted April 11, the proposal for the three-story building is part of a First Street Green project spearheaded by Los Altos Community Investments. The 22,000-square-foot village square would feature a green space above an underground public parking garage on Parking Plaza 7 facing Safeway on First Street.
Art for our sake
The city of Los Altos has contracted with Designing Local, an Ohio-based planning firm, to develop a Public Art Master Plan for the community. The planners, led by Amanda Golden, signed a $50,000 contract to draft a document that envisions a long-term strategy to make Los Altos more beautiful and more unique. “We know that public art has the power to be transformative,” Golden said. “It can help set a city apart and be that differentiator.” The planning has already begun.
Plans submitted for First Street green space
In an effort to boost downtown business, a Los Altos developer has submitted plans to the city for a 77,000-square-foot office building on First Street that includes a public village square. Submitted April 11, the proposal for the three-story building is part of a First Street Green project spearheaded by Los Altos Community Investments. The 22,000-square-foot village square would feature a green space above an underground public parking garage on Parking Plaza 7 facing Safeway on First Street.
We did the math, and Leicester City are the greatest underdogs ever
We did the math, and Leicester City are the greatest underdogs ever The English soccer team might pull off the biggest upset in history There’s a big surprise brewing in sports right now. In fact, “big” doesn’t really capture it. By one metric, we’re about to witness the biggest upset in the history of professional sports. The team involved is called Leicester City. You’re forgiven for not having heard of them.
French school bids au revoir to Grant Park
One of the major discussion items before the March 28 Los Altos City Council was canceled before the meeting began. The French immersion preschool Petits Confettis was scheduled to lose its space at Grant Park to make way for expanded programming for seniors. The founder of the school, Helene Gsell, elected to close the school rather than fight for space.
Summer park will pop up between Main & State
The city of Los Altos this summer will place its pop-up park on Third Street between Main and State streets – just as the Los Altos Village Association suggested at a city council meeting last month. The 14,000-square-foot temporary park received approval from the police, city engineering and waste management before being placed on a future council agenda.
City puts brakes on speed limit increase
Crescendos of applause followed remarks by several local residents who spoke out against increased speed limits on collector streets at the March 28 Los Altos City Council meeting. An Engineering and Traffic survey recommended raising the speed limit from 25 to 30 mph on Cuesta Drive as a one-year test to determine whether a higher speed limit would lead to slower speeds overall.
Planning Commission outlines affordable housing plans
The Los Altos Planning and Transportation Commission refined an affordable housing program at its March 16 meeting. Commissioners considered introducing an affordable housing linkage fee that would require developers either to build affordable units in new buildings or to pay into a countywide pool that would fund construction in less expensive cities than Los Altos.
Developers warn of lawsuit as moratorium extended
Before the Los Altos City Council voted unanimously to extend the moratorium on El Camino Real development, a developer warned that such a move could put the city in legal jeopardy. A letter delivered to the council criticized the “deceitful and fainthearted policy” on behalf of the Building Industry Association (BIA) Bay Area, a regional trade group that promotes development.
County police won't enforce immigration laws
Los Altos Police Chief Andy Galea joined his colleagues throughout Santa Clara County in signing a statement declaring that they would not arrest anyone on the basis of his or her immigration status. At a press conference March 14 at San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza, more than a dozen police chiefs stood with community members as David Swing, Morgan Hill Police Chief and President of the Santa Clara County Police Chief’s Association, gave a statement.
City administrator says time to spend is now
Hired in late 2016, Los Altos’ new administrative services director told city councilmembers last month that they should seize the opportunity to rebuild the city. “The time is now,” Sharif Etman said at the Feb. 28 council meeting. “If you don’t spend this money, year over year, you are actually losing value.
Los Altos Community Coalition looks to engage diverse constituents
An upcoming Los Altos Community Coalition-sponsored panel on community benefit programs will feature officials from Redwood City discussing how they collaborate with large developers to ensure that new buildings become part of the fabric of the city. The panel, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on March 17 at the Los Altos Library, is part of a series that invites local residents and guests to share how they confront the challenges facing their cities.
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