ABOUT US
The Los Altos Village Association was founded in the early 1960’s by merchants and property owners who were concerned the opening of several regional shopping centers would lure customers away from the downtown triangle. Then, as it is today, LAVA’s main purpose was to promote downtown businesses via advertising, promotions and special events.
LAVA members believe a vital and energized Downtown is extremely beneficial to our local community and economy. Today LAVA staff and committee members work closely with the City of Los Altos, the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills Chamber of Commerce, local service groups and the community at large to ensure Downtown Los Altos is a great place to shop, dine, explore and discover.
LAVA is also involved in other aspects of Downtown life. Our members participate in several committees working to improve the Downtown area, keep in touch with city affairs and the pulse of the community, and promote the Downtown as a place to be enjoyed by all. LAVA also acts as a link between the City of Los Altos and downtown businesses. Members can count on LAVA staff to help solve concerns or issues with code interpretation, parking and other issues.
You can show your support in several ways — join the Village Association, shop downtown on a regular basis, or even become an Event Sponsor. Send us a request for more info at info@downtownlosaltos.org.
We welcome your support!
Scott Hunter
Executive Director
Our Mission
The mission of the Los Altos Village Association is to promote and steward a vibrant Downtown Los Altos through civic engagement, local partnerships, strategic marketing, beautification, and events that support local businesses and bring the community together.
BOARD & STAFF
Officers
| Shannon Geary, President | Los Altos Community Investments
Shannon Geary is a 9-year Los Altos resident and is LAVA’s current President of the Board. Shannon oversees operations and events at State Street Market, while also volunteering with the Los Altos Stage Company and Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation. A former LAVA staff member, Shannon was instrumental in creating some of LAVA’s signature events and promotions. |
| Curtis Reitmeir, Vice President | Reitmeir’s Werkstatt
Curtis Reitmeir is the third generation of Reitmeir in Downtown Los Altos. The family’s eponymous automotive service and repair business, Reitmeir’s Werkstatt has been a fixture on First Street since 1966. |
| Valerie Cairns, Secretary | Resident / Volunteer
Valerie Cairns is a 30-year resident of Los Altos. In addition to volunteering with LAVA, Valerie — a 2018 graduate of LAMVCF’s LEAD program — offers her time to the public schools, the Los Altos Discovery Shop and the Los Altos History Museum. |
| Joe Fusco, Immediate Past President | Resident / Volunteer
Joe Fusco is the consummate LAVA volunteer and a weekly figure at the Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market. A 38-year resident of Los Altos, Joe is finishing his second tenure on the LAVA board where he has served two separate terms as board president. |
| Beth Maxwell- Lyons, Treasurer | Volunteer
Beth Maxwell-Lyons is LAVA’s longtime treasurer. A former resident and CFO for a local family office, Beth now resides in the Sierra where she continues to provide monthly guidance. |
Directors
| Belinda Chung | BK Collections
Belinda Chung has owned and operated BK Collections on State Street since 1978. She has been a member of the board since 2024, after serving from 2018 to 2021. |
| Quetzal Grimm | The Agency
Quetzal Grimm is Managing Director at The Agency, a boutique real estate agency with offices on Main Street and San Antonio Road, directly adjacent to Downtown Los Altos. |
| Erika Harrington | Needles Studio
Erika Harrigton is finishing her first tenure on the LAVA board including a year as board president. She owns and manages Needles Studio on State Street. |
| Andrew Huysmans | California Business Bank
Andrew Huysmans is a VP with California Business Bank, having previously served a similar role at Heritage Bank of Commerce (Citizens Business Bank). |
| Roxanne Mein | LuLu’s on Main Street
Roxanne Mein is Executive Director with LuLu’s Mexican Food where she currently oversees business growth and local marketing. |
| Julie Rose | Resident / Volunteer
Julie Rose spent more than 20 years as President of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, overseeing the growth of Downtown Los Altos as well as the city’s six other business districts. |
| Millie Talledo | Repeter
Millie Talledo is serving her second tenure on the LAVA board. Her shop, Repeter, has been a small but mighty fixture on State Street for more than 20 years. |
Staff
| Scott Hunter | Executive Director
With a strong background in association management, marketing, sales, promotions, and event planning, as well as community involvement, Scott leads the Los Altos Village Association’s efforts to market and promote Downtown Los Altos as a great place to shop, dine, explore, and discover. |
| Liz Williams | Marketing and Event Manager
Hailing from the Land Down Under, Liz brings to LAVA a wealth of experience in planning, marketing, and executing large-scale community events. She is tasked with making LAVA’s wonderful events and promotions a success. |