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Home My WebLink AboutStaff Report 2410-3590CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, December 02, 2024 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM Agenda Item 19.Colleague's Memo: Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space Public Comment CITY COUNCIL Colleague’s Memo Sponsor(s): Council Member Lydia Kou, Council Member Greer Stone Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 Report #: 2410-3590 TITLE Colleague's Memo: Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space RECOMMENDATION The City of Palo Alto has treasured our own open spaces; Enid Pearson Arastradero Preserve, Foothills Nature Preserve, and Baylands Open Space Preserve, for their beauty and biodiversity. Palo Alto has had Climate Change & Natural Environment – Protection and Adaptation as a Council Priority for 4 years, signaling that the natural environment and biodiversity is just as important as tech solutions when it comes to addressing climate change. Protecting biodiversity in our region is directly connected to the health and wellbeing of our own community as the cumulative impacts of the destruction of these sensitive habitats impacts us all. Our recommendation is to sign and send a Resolution to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to support and stand with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, environmental groups, and concerned citizens to protect the ecologically sensitive ancient ceremonial site, called Juristac, located in south Santa Clara County, and to reject the proposed Sargent Quarry Project http://protectjuristac.org GOAL To stand in support with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, environmental groups, and concerned citizens to protect the ecologically sensitive ancient ceremonial site called Juristac, located in south Santa Clara County, and to oppose granting a permit to an investor group based in San Diego who is currently seeking to develop a 403-acre open pit sand and gravel mining operation at the proposed Sargent Quarry. The plan includes a 14-acre processing plant, three 200-foot- deep open pit quarry sites, a 1.6-mile-long conveyor belt, and a 20-foot wide access road.1 Additionally, an estimated 35 million cubic yards of excavated material (sand and gravel aggregate), with 25.3 million cubic yards of salable material (equal to 38 million tons of salable product) would be produced over the 30-year life of the mine, primarily for use in local road building and general construction. 1 https://plandev.sccgov.org/policies-programs/smara/sargent BACKGROUND The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band represents descendants of indigenous people who survived relocation to Mission San Juan Bautista and Mission Santa Cruz. At the time, Mutsun ancestors were taken into the missions from many villages at Juristac and surrounding Mutsun territory. After the missions closed in the 1830’s, some Mutsun people returned to their Juristac homelands but another tragedy, the smallpox epidemic, combined with violence and pressures from the Mexican and early American settlers led to the Mutsun people’s dislocation from their Juristac homelands. To the Mutsun people, the entire area now known as Sargent Ranch and previously named Rancho Juristac is contained within the Juristac Tribal Cultural Landscape. The area contains several cultural sites who the Mutsun people believe is home to a powerful spiritual being; and healing and renewal ceremonies have taken place in the area for centuries. It is an area of cultural and spiritual significance. The Santa Cruz Sentinel published an op-ed by Amah Mutsun Chairman Lopez and the Center of Biological Diversity’s Tiffany Yap, Senior Scientist and Wildlife Corridor Advocate, that highlights Juristac in relation to the habitat needs of California Condors. “Extinction was imminent for the California condor in 1980, when just 22 majestic birds existed. A captive breeding and reintroduction program rescued them from the edge. This rare sighting of six condors more than 100 miles from their nesting site shows what’s possible if there’s a willingness to combat the extinction crisis. Extinction, after all, is a choice, not an inevitability. But confronting biodiversity loss and the extinction crisis is hard work. Once condors born in captivity are successfully introduced, their fight for survival has just begun. They face myriad threats including lead poisoning, collision with power lines and encroaching development. Condors have an incredibly wide range, traveling hundreds of miles in a single day in search of prey. They need foraging habitats to find food and rocky areas to nest but their home turf is constantly under threat. Outside Gilroy, about 80 miles south of Mount Diablo, officials are considering a proposal to develop a sand and gravel mining operation that would destroy more than 400 acres of essential condor foraging habitat as well as prime habitat for California red-legged frogs, golden eagles, American badgers and mountain lions.”2 2 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX- 1vRVnG2ZULjZAMbCIXrdaDCvbyzDr4UsO5mYGZ2BkjP1hrKgp0b46LwDHx- vXHwHT1ZZqknyOv3vzl4Q/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000&slide=id.p Santa Clara County is expected to release a final report later this year that will outline the environmental harms of this project. It is our hope that the real dangers are revealed, and county leaders deny this destructive operation. Digging up these lands would also decimate a landscape with invaluable cultural and spiritual significance. The property lies within Juristac, the most sacred ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. The tribe is very invested in the condor’s comeback, leading ceremonies to release the condors and working with the National Park Service on their recovery. Condors are a culturally significant species, serving as constant messengers between tribal members and their deceased relatives who have passed to the other side. It is shortsighted to try to recover a species only to turn around to destroy their habitat. Juristac is not only a biodiversity hotspot but an important wildlife connectivity area that links the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Diablo and Gabilan mountain ranges. Developing a quarry, a processing plant and all the associated roads and infrastructure here would severely degrade one of the last remaining wildlife connectivity areas in the region. This area is crucial for the survival of not just condors but the isolated puma population, which is reaching dangerous levels of inbreeding. Other threats to Amah Mutsun ancestral lands and this critical connectivity area abound in nearby San Benito County, where the county is pushing to build commercial development projects like Strada Verde, Betabel, and the San Benito Ag Center. The cumulative impacts of these projects would be devastating to the tribe and local wildlife. Overdevelopment has led to habitat fragmentation and an extinction crisis that goes far beyond condors. We have to avoid the mistakes that brought us to this extinction crisis in the first place. Otherwise, poorly planned development will lead to a world where the sight of condors soaring overhead is a mere fantasy.”3 FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT The property at issue is located in south Santa Clara County and under review by the Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development. As such, staff has not conducted an independent review of the proposed development or other facts. Should the Council wish to proceed with adoption of the recommended Resolution as presented, staff does not anticipate any additional resource impact. However, should Council desire further review and analysis of issues, staff would need to evaluate the resources required and any impact to ongoing priorities. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A - Resolution in Support of the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Bank to Preserve Juristac Sargent Ranch as Open Space 3 https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/04/10/guest-commentary-condors-were-rescued-from-extinction-but- hard-work-has-just-begun/ Resolution No. xxxx A RESOLUTION OF THE CHARTER CITY OF PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA IN SUPPORT OF THE EFFORTS OF THE AMAH MUTSUN TRIBAL BAND TO PRESERVE JURISTAC/SARGENT RANCH AS OPEN SPACE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHARTER CITY OF PALO ALTO AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, the Charter City of Palo Alto is located within the ancestral lands of Ramaytush-speaking Ohlone peoples, represented today by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, and other tribal nations; WHEREAS, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is comprised of descendants of Mutsun-speaking Ohlone peoples, whose ancestral territory includes southern portions of Santa Clara County; WHEREAS, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, and other Ohlone tribal nations and families survived two centuries of violent persecution and displacement during the Spanish, Mexican and American periods and today are working diligently to restore their Indigenous practices, regain stewardship of their lands and heal from historical trauma; WHEREAS, the area known as Juristac to the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is the location of numerous historic ceremonial and sacred sites, comprising a landscape of paramount cultural and spiritual importance to the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band; WHEREAS, the Debt Acquisition Company of America, doing business as Sargent Ranch Management Company, has applied to the County of Santa Clara for a conditional use permit for a proposed sand and gravel mining operation with aggregate processing facilities on 403 acres within the landscape of Juristac, called Sargent Ranch by the Debt Acquisition Company of America; WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) prepared by Santa Clara County found that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would cause 14 separate significant and unavoidable impacts, including “permanent and irreversible alterations” to the Juristac Tribal Cultural Landscape that no reclamation activities could ever restore, and could also result in potential disturbance of archeological sites and human burials; WHEREAS, the DEIR further found that the Sargent Ranch Quarry, due to its location directly across a major wildlife corridor in and out of the Santa Cruz Mountains, would interfere substantially with wildlife movement, which could reduce genetic variability and make populations of animals such as mountain lions more vulnerable to local extinction; WHEREAS, the Tribal Council of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band has taken a unanimous stand in opposition to the Sargent Ranch Quarry Project and is requesting the support of surrounding communities in efforts to protect their sacred grounds; WHEREAS, every major environmental organization in Santa Clara County, as well as several statewide and national environmental organizations, has announced public opposition to the Sargent Ranch Quarry; WHEREAS, resolutions supporting the efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to preserve the entirety of Juristac as open space have been unanimously adopted by the city councils of the City of Gilroy, City of Mountain View, City of Morgan Hill, City of Santa Cruz, City of Santa Clara, and City of Sunnyvale, as well as the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the California Democratic Party, and the Santa Clara County Democratic Party; WHEREAS, the Santa Clara County Human Rights Commission has voted unanimously to recognize the desecration of the Amah Mutsun sacred site of Juristac as a significant human rights issue and to recommend that the County of Santa Clara deny approval of permits for the proposed mine; WHEREAS, Juristac/Sargent Ranch is an open space area of exceptional regional significance and habitat value as recognized by the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, and regional conservation organizations; WHEREAS, the Sargent Ranch area is identified in the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Plan and other regional habitat connectivity studies as a critically important wildlife corridor linking the Santa Cruz Mountains, Gabilan Mountains, and Diablo Range; WHEREAS, the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan includes a Natural Environment Element that clearly demonstrates the City’s commitment to protection of the natural environment, including policies calling for the protection of special-status species and plant communities (Policy N-1.4), preservation of the foothills and hillside areas for their unique value as natural ecosystems and interconnected wildlife corridors (N-1.6), minimizing impacts of any new development on the natural ecology of the hillsides (Policy N-1.8), and supporting regional and sub-regional efforts for a seamless open space system, including habitat linkages and trail connections (Policy N-1.10); WHEREAS, the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan calls for the protection of archeological resources, including natural land formations, sacred sites, the historical landscape, historic habitats and remains of settlements here before the founding of Palo Alto in the 19th century (Policy L-7.15); WHEREAS, the Amah Mutsun Tribe is very invested in the condor’s comeback, leading ceremonies to release the condors and working with the National Park Service on their recovery. Condors are a culturally significant species, serving as constant messengers between tribal members and their deceased relatives who have passed to the other side. It is shortsighted to try to recover a species only to turn around to destroy their habitat; WHEREAS, Juristac is not only an important wildlife connectivity area, it is also a prime habitat for California red-legged frogs, golden eagles, American badgers and mountain lions and is an area crucial for the survival of not just condors but many other species; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CHARTER CITY OF PALO ALTO AS FOLLOWS: 1) That the City Council of the Charter City of Palo Alto supports the efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as open space in perpetuity and to regain access to their cultural and spiritual sites at Juristac. 2) That the City Council of the Charter City of Palo Alto supports the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s preference to retain the name of the open space as Juristac. 3) That the Charter City of Palo Alto urges the County of Santa Clara to deny approval of permits for the proposed Sargent Ranch Quarry Project. 4) Effective date. This resolution shall become effective immediately. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the Charter City of Palo Alto at its meeting held on this xxth day of xxxx month by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: From:Maria Daehler To:Council, City Cc:Marty Dreher; Karen Lemes; Kathy Hoekenga; Lauren; Tim Biglow; Nancy Mayo; Anne Campbell; Alice Kaufman Subject:Bay Area Native Allies Project signatures in support of resolution to protect Juristac and oppose gravel mining. Date:Monday, December 2, 2024 11:27:36 AM Attachments:JuristacPetition.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council Members. We the undersigned concerned citizens ask you to be the seventh city to support the following resolution listed on your agenda for December 2, 2024 Council meeting at 5:30pm: NOW THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CHARTER CITY OF PALO ALTO AS FOLLOWS: 1.That the City Council of the Charter City of Palo Alto supports the efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as open space in perpetuity and to regain access to their cultural and spiritual sites at Juristac. 2.That the City Council of the Charter City of Palo Alto supports the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s preference to retain the name of the open space as Juristac. 3.That the Charter City of Palo Alto urges the County of Santa Clara to deny approval of permits for the proposed Sargent Ranch Quarry Project. We the undersigned stand in support with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, environmental groups, and other concerned citizens (including 7500 letters written to Santa Clara County and over 20,000 signatures) to protect the ecologically sensitive ancient ceremonial site called Juristac, located in south Santa Clara County, and to oppose granting a permit to an investor group based in San Diego who is currently seeking to develop a 403-acre open pit sand and gravel mining operation at the proposed Sargent Quarry. The plan includes a 14- acre processing plant, three 200-foot- deep open pit quarry sites, a 1.6-mile-long conveyor belt, and a 20-foot wide access road.1 Additionally, an estimated 35 million cubic yards of excavated material (sand and gravel aggregate), with 25.3 million cubic yards of salable material (equal to 38 million tons of salable product) would be produced over the 30-year life of the mine, primarily for use in local road building and general construction. We believe this proposed project severely impacts 1.Ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band used for sacred ceremony. 2.Wildlife Corridors used by many impacted species in our area: puma, condor…. 3.Biologic Resources 4. Water Quality 5. Air Quality 6. Climate Change Thank you for listing Climate Change and Natural Environment Protection and CommunityHealth and Belonging as some of your top 2024 council priorities. Sincerely, See attached pdf with 93 signatures collected by BANAP, Bay Area Native Allies Project. Maria Daehler, Marty Dreher et al Dear Palo Alto City Council Members. We the undersigned concerned citizens ask you to be the seventh city to support the following resolution listed on your agenda for December 2, 2024 Council meeting at 5:30pm: NOW THEREFORE, B`E IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CHARTER CITY OF PAL0 ALTO AS FOLLOWS: 1. Thatthe city council of the charter city of palo Alto supportsthe effortsofthe Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as open space in perpetuity and to regain access to their cultural and spiritual sites at Juristac. 2. That the City Council of the Charter City of Palo Alto supports the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band's preference to retain the name of the open space as Juristac. 3. That the C`harter City of Palo Alto urges the County of Santa Clara to deny approval of permits for the proposed Sargent Ranch Quarry Project. We the undersigned stand in support with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, environmental groups, and other concerned citizens (including 7500 letters written to Santa Clara County and over 20,000 signatures) to protect the ecologically sensitive ancient ceremonial site called Juristac, located in south Santa Clara County, and to oppose granting a permit to an investor group based in San Diego who is currently seeking to develop a 403-acre open pit sand and gravel mining operation at the proposed Sargent Quarry. The plan includes a 14- acre processing plant, three 200-foot-deep open pit quarry sites, a 1.6-mile-long conveyor belt, and a 20-foot wide access road.1 Additionally, an estimated 35 million cubic yards of excavated material (sand and gravel aggregate), with 25.3 million cubic yards of salable material (equal to 38 million tons of salable product) would be produced over the 30~year life of the mine, primarily for use in local road building and general construction. We believe this proposed project severely impacts 1. Ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band used for sacred ceremony. 2. Wildlife Corridors used by many impacted species in our area: puma, condor .... 3. Biologic Resources 4. Water Quality 5.. Air Quality 6. Climate change Thank you for listing Climate Change and Natural Environment Protection and Community Health and Belonging as some of your top 2024 council priorities. Sincerely, See_ Qnda a,bie_dz s iT8,^flctft4-f t4 v` €s5_ Protect Juristac Petition Signatures for Palo Alto City Council Proposed Resolution: Name:~Ctnc NFxrme.. M4JJ± Na,me.. ct(JI B Name: Mill®l Name: Nane: Name: Name: Signature: Signature: Name:rdacthslgnature. /",fotr,/„,, Protect Juristac Petition Signatures for Palo Alto Name:Signature: Name:non^eissoQmowhtr_signature: Signature: Signature: Signature: Signature: City Council Proposed Resolution:ate'Lez¥ Name: Name: Name: £YYH~l| Name: a \\ (c~{ G, 8 1= Tt T Name: 15Z Name: Name: gT v- cl A i. Tu`,,:r,`Tj rttprv! Name: M.'[/`h Signature: Signature: _ Signature: Name: pr.„ {l,ci.f`,\ Hf` Nane: Name: v, / .2`* --£Ll Dtlte.. / I -2 Ll -±H Date: '1,,J_`-``.. -i`fL Date: Date: , \ -i-6i -),11 DateJ2flJEL Date: / 2 -f ~Zcf signaturrfe `Of3twfr. IZ-' ( -#4 Protect Juristac Petition Signatures for Palo Alto City Council Proposed Resolution: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: a Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: min EN Name: HQle.C= + a i i o I SArl i2.A.T `Tr` AP A Signature: fe-#- /.¢/,/, I` I -an a- Date: 12./I/2o24 '1.z,I,,I-co2,lt,. Protect Juristac Petition Signatures for Palo Alto City Council \Proposed Resolution: Nane: Name: Name:- Name: \\ \~\ C~|`c`c' ( k.acs Name: rf Name: Name: Name: Name: Name: Nane: Name: Name: u/ft cd,I s;ygratJyle..__RJth _ Signature: Name: E=Name: r Signature: Sigiiature: Signature: Signature: _ Signature: Nf mif I. MA AA I r:ul/ ¢3 CcwR:j}/pf a:grrmfrurf :. Darrfe( u rf Z/ul Date: ,' , ;` /- ,,` ,, Ji -`. i; C,litL Darfyg. /(/2r/Z Date.. III!qu|a4 iJE.il`E-i,i- iiii - E Date: From:Joy Sleizer To:Council, City Subject:Juristac Resolution Date:Monday, December 2, 2024 8:40:00 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please consider a resolution to support and stand with the Amah Mutsun TribalBand to protect the ecologically sensitive ancient ceremonial site, Juristac and rejectthe proposed Sargent Quarry Projectl Passing this resolution would protect 10,000 acres of essentially virgin open space from being destroyed by strip mining. Juristac has historical and religious significance to the Amah Mutsun indigenous people. I hope you will join other local communities who have passed such a resolution. Thank you! Joy Sleizer Joy Sleizer From:Julie Pineida To:Council, City Subject:Re: Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch a Open Space (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Monday, December 2, 2024 8:32:06 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Julie Pineida and I am a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writing to request that the council approves the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah MutsunTribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac should be protected because this land is sacred and deeply meaningful to our people. I ask that you please recognize its value and significance to us, as it represents the connection to our ancestors, our heritage, andour family. Thank you for your time and consideration, Julie Pineida Tribal Member- From:Clerk, City To:Alice Kaufman; Clerk, City Cc:Council, City; Velasquez, Ingrid; Val Lopez; Valentin Lopez; Victorina Arvelo; Colleen Cabot; m.narasimhan@amahmutsun.org; Jenny Green; Lizabeth Morell Subject:RE: Process to cede time during public comment Date:Monday, December 2, 2024 8:05:21 AM Attachments:image001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage006.pngimage007.png Good morning Alice, We have received this request to speak, and added your group to the queue for Item 19. Thank you! Best, Nicole Bissell Administrative Associate III Office of the City Clerk P: 650.329.2630 E: Nicole.Bissell@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Alice Kaufman <alice@greenfoothills.org> Sent: Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:22 PM To: Clerk, City <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Velasquez, Ingrid <Ingrid.Velasquez@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Val Lopez <vlopez@amahmutsun.org>; Valentin Lopez <vjltestingcenter@aol.com>; Victorina Arvelo <varvelo@greenbelt.org>; Colleen Cabot <colleencabot@earthlink.net>; m.narasimhan@amahmutsun.org; Jenny Green <jenny@greenfoothills.org>; Lizabeth Morell <lizabethmorell@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Process to cede time during public comment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Hi Nicole, Thanks for your response. Here's the information you specified: The spokesperson's name is Valentin Lopez, Chair of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. He will be speaking on item 19 (the resolution regarding Juristac), in person. The people he will be representing are: Victorina Arvelo Colleen Cabot (via Zoom) Jenny Green Lizabeth Morell Mohini Narasimhan Please let me know if you need additional information. Thanks for your help! photo Alice Kaufman (she/her) Policy and Advocacy Director Green Foothills | (650) 968-7243 x313 | mobile (650) 269-2248 | greenfoothills.org Donate to Green Foothills by 12/31 and your gift will be doubled thanks to a 2X matching grant! Donate today. On Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 9:04 AM Clerk, City <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Good morning Ms. Kaufman, Thank you for reaching out. A spokesperson for a group will be allowed additional time if they are representing at least 5 other people (not including themselves). The typical time allotment is 10 minutes, and to the extent practical, the spokesperson will be called upon ahead of individual speakers. If the Mayor reduces the speaking time for individual speakers, the total speaking time for a spokesperson will also be reduced as determined by the Mayor. If you would like to participate in group public comment, the Clerk’s Office asks that you notify us by email (city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. In your email, please include the name of the spokesperson as well as the names of those that the spokesperson will be representing and the agenda item on which you’d like to speak. (If you’d like to speak on the Juristac item, this will be item #19). This allows us to prepare for the meeting by verifying the speakers and adding you to the public comment queue. Please note, group public comment is allowed for both general public comment (which is for items not on the agenda) and public comment for agenda items. However, our overall policy for general public comment is that participation must be in person only. This policy carries over to group public comment as well – the spokesperson and those being represented must be present at the meeting in person. However, virtual participation (for either the spokesperson and/or those being represented) is permitted for other items on the agenda. Best, Nicole Bissell Administrative Associate III Office of the City Clerk P: 650.329.2630 E: Nicole.Bissell@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Alice Kaufman <alice@greenfoothills.org> Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:06 PM To: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Process to cede time during public comment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. Dear City Clerk: What is the process for speakers to cede their time during public comment to allow another speaker (someone speaking on behalf of a group) to exceed the allotted time? Thanks for your help! photo Alice Kaufman (she/her) Policy and Advocacy Director Green Foothills | (650) 968-7243 x313 | mobile (650) 269-2248 | greenfoothills.org Donate to Green Foothills by 12/31 and your gift will be doubled thanks to a 2X matching grant! Donate today. From:Alice Smith To:Council, City Subject:Item 19: Palo Alto City Council Agenda December 2, 2024 -Juristac Date:Monday, December 2, 2024 7:39:04 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I would like to commend the Palo Alto City Council for considering a resolution to support and stand with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, environmental groups, and concerned citizens to protect the ecologically sensitive ancient ceremonial site, called Juristac, located in south Santa Clara County, and to reject the proposed Sargent Quarry Project. Please pass this resolution to protect these 10,000 acres of essentially virgin openspace from being destroyed by strip mining an environmentally sensitive area, with historical and religious significance to the Amah Mutsun indigenous people. Once begun, the Sargent Quarry Project will destroy forever the Juristac. As a bird-watcher, I would like my grandchildren and their children to enjoy seeing Loggerhead Shrikes, California Condors, Burrowing Owls and other endangered animals who depend on these undeveloped open spaces to survive. Our own Foothills Park is the result of our City's vision to protect open space for future generations. Speaking up now in support of protecting Juristac is the right action for our City. Thank you, Alice Schaffer Smith Alice Your vote is your voice: use it or lose it. From:Sonya Pineida To:Council, City Subject:Re: resent Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 9:26:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Sonya Pineida and I am a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writing to request that the council approvesthe Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac should be protected because this is the sacredplace that our community has held ceremonies since time immemorial. We must protect these lands for future generations so that we may conduct ceremonies here once again. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sonya Pineida Sonya Pineida On Sun, Dec 1, 2024 at 8:46 PM Sonya Pineida > wrote: Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Sonya Pineida and I am a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writing to request that the council approves the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of theAmah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac should be protected because... Thank you for your time and consideration, Sonya Pineida Sonya Pineida From:Cybele LoVuolo-Bhushan To:Council, City Subject:Protecting the Amah Mutsun ancestral land Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 9:11:16 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, I an writing to encourage you all to vote against the request for Santa Clara County to allow a quarry on the ancestral land of the Amah Mutsun tribe. Thisland is sacred to the Amah Mutsun, and it should be conserved as such. The Amah Mutsun will protect and teach future generations about their culture and provide stewardship of theland. A quarry would only bring more air pollution in our environment. Please vote against the quarry and for turning this land over to its rightful owners. Thank you, Cybele LoVuolo-Bhushan From:susan chamberlain To:Council, City Subject:in favor of Resolution protecting Amah Mutsun Tribal Bands Sacred Lands at Juristac. Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 9:10:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, I am writing encouraging you to vote in support of the resolution protecting the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band's sacred lands at Juristac. We owe this to the indigenous people in that area to not desecrate their land by mining there. thank you Susan Chamberlain From:Pat Kinney To:Council, City Subject:Please support the Colleagues Memo, #19 on Dec 2 Agenda Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:49:02 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Esteemed Council Members, I urge you to support the Colleague's Memo: Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space which in Item #19 on the Dec. 2 Agenda. When this passes, Palo Alto will join six other cities in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties who have passed similar resolutions. The reasons outlined in the Memo itself make it clear why we should should support our indigenous brothers and sisters in the Bay Area. Sincerely, From:Sonya Pineida To:Council, City Subject:Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:47:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Sonya Pineida and I am a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writingto request that the council approves the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac should be protectedbecause... Thank you for your time and consideration, Sonya Pineida Sonya Pineida From:Eric Zapata To:Council, City Subject:Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:27:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Eric Zapata and I am a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writing to request that the council approves the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac should be protected because... Thank you for your time and consideration, Eric Zapata From:Alice Kaufman To:Clerk, City Cc:Council, City; Velasquez, Ingrid; Val Lopez; Valentin Lopez; Victorina Arvelo; Colleen Cabot; m.narasimhan@amahmutsun.org; Jenny Green; Lizabeth Morell Subject:Re: Process to cede time during public comment Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:23:27 PM Attachments:image001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage006.pngimage007.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Hi Nicole, Thanks for your response. Here's the information you specified: The spokesperson's name is Valentin Lopez, Chair of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. He will be speaking on item 19 (theresolution regarding Juristac), in person. The people he will be representing are: Victorina ArveloColleen Cabot (via Zoom)Jenny GreenLizabeth MorellMohini Narasimhan Please let me know if you need additional information. Thanks for your help! photo Alice Kaufman (she/her) Policy and Advocacy Director Green Foothills | (650) 968-7243 x313 | mobile (650) 269-2248 | greenfoothills.org Donate to Green Foothills by 12/31 and your gift will be doubled thanks to a 2X matching grant! Donate today. On Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 9:04 AM Clerk, City <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Good morning Ms. Kaufman, Thank you for reaching out. A spokesperson for a group will be allowed additional time if they are representing at least 5 other people (not including themselves). The typical time allotment is 10 minutes, and to the extent practical, the spokesperson will be called upon ahead of individual speakers. If the Mayor reduces the speaking time for individual speakers, the total speaking time for a spokesperson will also be reduced as determined by the Mayor. If you would like to participate in group public comment, the Clerk’s Office asks that you notify us by email (city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. In your email, please include the name of the spokesperson as well as the names of those that the spokesperson will be representing and the agenda item on which you’d like to speak. (If you’d like to speak on the Juristac item, this will be item #19). This allows us to prepare for the meeting by verifying the speakers and adding you to the public comment queue. Please note, group public comment is allowed for both general public comment (which is for items not on the agenda) and public comment for agenda items. However, our overall policy for general public comment is that participation must be in person only. This policy carries over to group public comment as well – the spokesperson and those being represented must be present at the meeting in person. However, virtual participation (for either the spokesperson and/or those being represented) is permitted for other items on the agenda. Best, Nicole Bissell Administrative Associate III Office of the City Clerk P: 650.329.2630 E: Nicole.Bissell@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Alice Kaufman <alice@greenfoothills.org> Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:06 PM To: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Process to cede time during public comment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. Dear City Clerk: What is the process for speakers to cede their time during public comment to allow another speaker (someone speaking onbehalf of a group) to exceed the allotted time? Thanks for your help! photo Alice Kaufman (she/her) Policy and Advocacy Director Green Foothills | (650) 968-7243 x313 | mobile (650) 269-2248 | greenfoothills.org Donate to Green Foothills by 12/31 and your gift will be doubled thanks to a 2X matching grant! Donate today. From:Juan Perez To:Council, City Subject:Re: Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:20:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Juan Perez and my wife is a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writing to request that the council approves the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac is very important to the Amah Mutsun and many of their ceremonies were conducted on those lands since time immemorial. As a community, we must do what's right and passing the resolution will help make sure the right thing is done. Thank you for your time and consideration, Juan Perez From:Julisa Lopez To:Council, City Subject:Re: Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Sunday, December 1, 2024 8:04:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, My name is Julisa Lopez and I am a member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I am writing to request that the council approves the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Juristac holds a lot of spiritual significance to my community and the Sargent Ranch Quarry would permanently destroy over 400 acres of our sacred site. Juristac is home to our medicine plants, our four legged and winged relatives and holds generations of stories and ceremonies. Our youth group was given the opportunity to visit Juristac, for the first time in 100 years, we shared stories under the elderberry trees and talked about how much this land meant to us. We hope to bring our children here for future generations. Please approve this resolution to help ensure that Juristac is protected. Thank you for your time and consideration, Julisa Lopez From:linaswisher@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Lina Swisher To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Saturday, November 30, 2024 4:14:08 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Lina Swisher From:cedric.dlb@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Cedric de La Beaujardiere To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Friday, November 29, 2024 1:17:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Cedric de La Beaujardiere From:gerrygras@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Gerald Gras To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Thursday, November 28, 2024 12:05:19 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Gerald Gras From:Humphrey, Sonia Cc:LAFCO Subject:LAFCO Agenda Packet Now Available - 12/4/24 Meeting Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 3:22:50 PM Attachments:December 2024 Meeting Agenda Packet.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. The agenda packet for the December 4, 2024 LAFCO Meeting is now available on the LAFCO website: https://santaclaralafco.org/meetings/commission-meeting-2024-12-04-211500. Best regards, Sonia Humphrey, LAFCO Clerk LAFCO of Santa Clara County 777 North First Street, Suite 410 San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 993-4709 From:Rice, Danille To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Cc:Executive Leadership Team; Clerk, City; City Mgr Subject:City Council Bundle - November 27 Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 2:30:17 PM Attachments:image002.pngFW Bathrooms at Eleanor Pardee park.msgRE Bike Parking for Apartments..msgFW downtown library used as a homeless shelter.msgPark and Page Mill.msgRE Comment on Nov 4 meeting.msgimage001.pngRe_ email.msgRE_ This wall may soon fall into Oregon Expressway underpass.msg Dear Mayor and Council Members, On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see the attached staff responses to emails received in the City.Council inbox through November 27th. Thank you, Danille Danille RiceAdministrative AssistantCity Manager’s Office|Human Resources|Transportation(650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@cityofpaloalto.orgwww.cityofpaloalto.org From:Abdi Soltani To:Council, City Cc:Alice Kaufman; vjltestingcenter@aol.com Subject:ACLUNC Support Juristac Resolution - Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 12:18:04 PM Attachments:2024.11.27 ACLUNC Letter to Palo Alto City Council re Juristac Resolution.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Attached please find a letter from the ACLU Foundation of Northern California to express support of Council Member Lydia Kou and Mayor Stone’s Colleague’s Memo, and to ask you to approve the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space. Many thanks, Abdi Soltani Executive Director ACLU Foundation of Northern California Transmitted via Electronic Mail November 27, 2024 Palo Alto City Council 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Via email: city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org Mayor Stone and Council Members, Re: Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council Meeting Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California (“ACLU NorCal”) submits this letter to express support of Council Member Lydia Kou and Mayor Stone’s Colleague’s Memo, and ask you to approve the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space.1 The ACLU supports and defends the rights of all Native American peoples to retain their specific and unique cultural and religious traditions and practices. The future existence of Tribes across our country depends ultimately upon secure and permanent land bases, and the rights of self- determination necessary to preserve traditional customs and ways of life.2 Self-determination, religious freedom, and cultural survival are intimately tied to protection of sacred sites. There can be no religious freedom if the foundation for the practice of the religion in question has been destroyed. The future survival and vitality of the ancestral people of these lands, represented by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, is largely tied to preservation of the sanctity of Juristac. To destroy this site would be to continue the long and ugly history of the nation and the state of California, which was founded on the forced removal, enslavement, and genocide of Indigenous peoples.3 As our state’s 1 Hereinafter referred to as “Juristac Resolution” 2 ACLU Bd. Pol’y 313; ACLU Found. N. Cal. Bd. Res. No. 2021-06-24A, “In Support of Nationwide ACLU Indigenous Justice Initiatives,” available at: https://www.aclunc.org/sites/default/files/FOUNDATION%20RESOLUTION%20supporting%2 0indigenous%20justice%20FINAL%2006.24.21.pdf. 3 See ACLU N. Cal., “Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California,” available at https://www.aclunc.org/sites/goldchains/index.html (last accessed Oct. 15, 2021); see also Santa Clara City Council October 15, 2021 Page 2 first Governor, Peter Burnett, put it bluntly in his 1851 address to the Legislature: “[t]hat a war of extermination will continue to be waged between the two races until the Indian race becomes extinct must be expected.” California’s treatment of its original inhabitants was shockingly violent. After the brutal Mission system enslaved and took the lives of thousands of Indigenous peoples, the state sanctioned and funded massacres against Indigenous peoples—authorizing $1.29 million in 1850’s dollars to pay for the militia campaigns that amounted to genocide.4 In addition to this brutality, California Indians were subjected to repugnant laws and policies. For example, the 1850 “Act for the Governance and Protection of Indians” made the enslavement of California Indians legal and fueled the kidnapping and trafficking of Native American children into indentured servitude. Furthermore, the State of California and the U.S. federal government destroyed sacred places and prohibited traditional and cultural practices by law. Native peoples—who stood in the way of the rich bounty that California’s diverse natural beauty signified for newcomers—were forcefully removed from and dispossessed of their ancestral lands. Through treaties and other agreements, the United States federal government acknowledged Indian Tribes’ existence as sovereign nations predating the existence of the US as a nation, and entered into government-to-government relationships with Tribes. In exchange for vast swaths of ancestral territory - nearly the entire country - and often upon forced removal to distant, barren lands, the federal government assumed a trust relationship with the Tribes, legally binding itself to provide for the education, health, and well-being of Native American peoples; to hold tribal land in trust and to respect self-determination; and to provide federal protections for sacred and burial sites and rights to hunt, fish and gather. But many tribes were either never recognized by the United States or had their federal relationship terminated. In California, this has often been a direct result of California elites fighting to disposes Native peoples of their land and heritage and, in effect, erase Native peoples from our state. Without federal recognition, tribes still exist, but without the rights and protections afforded under federal law. Many tribes are today fighting to gain or regain federal recognition—including the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. That the Amah Mutsun do not have federal recognition—and the tribal sovereignty, government- to-government relationship, and protection of important and hard-won federal laws—is not an accident. We must not use legacy of stolen land and broken treaties as a reason to deny the principles of freedom, equality and justice enumerated in our Constitution to all people today. A mine at Juristac would be only another shameful stain on our state’s history. Benjamin Madley, An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe 1846–1873 (Yale University Press, 2016). 4 See Brendan C. Lindsay, Murder State: California’s Native American Genocide, 1846–1873 346 (University of Nebraska Press 2015); see also Madley, supra n.2. For a non-comprehensive list of genocide incidents in the San Joaquin Valley, see STATE OF CAL. NATIVE AM. HERITAGE COMM’N, Timeline of Genocide Incidents in the San Joaquin Valley Region, available at: http://nahc.ca.gov/cp/timelines/san-joaquin/ (last accessed Apr. 9, 2021). Santa Clara City Council October 15, 2021 Page 3 ACLU NorCal stands with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in their efforts to protect their traditional lands and urges the City of Palo Alto City Council to approve the Juristac Resolution at its December 2 meeting. Sincerely, Abdi Soltani Executive Director ACLU Foundation of Northern California asoltani@aclunc.org CC: Alice Kaufman alice@greenfoothills.org Chairman Valentin Lopez vjltestingcenter@aol.com From:enidpearson1@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Emid Prarson To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 11:16:51 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Emid Prarson From:matt@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Matt Schlegel To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 10:49:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Matt Schlegel From:alt.caseyc@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Casey Cameron To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 10:43:45 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Casey Cameron From:lljwinslow@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Laurie Winslow To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Wednesday, November 27, 2024 12:00:37 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Laurie Winslow From:shannonrmcentee@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Shannon McEntee To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:58:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Shannon McEntee From:barbara@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Barbara Bowden To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:50:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. Open pit mining woulld be an insult to the indigenous peoples, and a visual insult to all who enjoy green, open spaces. Do your part i preserving and protecting it. Sincerely, Barbara Bowden From:sk.serena.chen@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Serena Chen To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:17:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Serena Chen From:virgviolin@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Virginia Smedberg To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:32:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. First, we don't have that much groundwater to spare (to waste) on such a project). Second, we humans have to stop stealing land from the other denizens of this planet - animal and plant kingdoms. Third, we need to respect the sacredness of the area. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Virginia Smedberg From:Michelle MacKenzie To:Council, City Subject:Sargent Ranch Quarry Project Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:58:18 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council I write in support of Item 19 on the agenda for December 2nd. This is a resolution in support of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, which seeks to do the following: 1) to preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as open space in perpetuity and to regain access to their cultural and spiritual sites at Juristac; 2) retain the name of the open space as Juristac; and 3) urge the County of Santa Clara to deny approval of permits for the proposed Sargent Ranch Quarry Project. Thank you for your consideration. Michelle MacKenzie From:Alice Kaufman To:Council, City Subject:Please substitute for previous letter re Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 5:43:54 PM Attachments:Joint letter re Juristac.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. To the City Clerk: Attached please find an updated version of our previous joint letter signed by multiple nonprofits and community groups.This updated version contains the names of additional groups that have signed on to the letter; the letter is otherwiseunchanged. The following organizations have now signed on to this letter: Friends of JuristacBay Area Native Allies Project (BANAP)South Bay Indigenous Solidarity Please substitute the attached letter in place of the previous version. If you have any questions, please feel free to contactme. Thank you for your assistance. photo Alice Kaufman (she/her) Policy and Advocacy Director Green Foothills | (650) 968-7243 x313 | mobile (650) 269-2248 | greenfoothills.org Donate to Green Foothills by 12/31 and your gift will be doubled thanks to a 2X matching grant! Donate today. November 26,2024 Palo Alto City Council 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto,CA 94301 Via email:city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org Re:Agenda Item 19,12/2/24 City Council meeting Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, The undersigned organizations respectfully submit these comments in support of Council Member Lydia Kou and Mayor Stone’s Colleague’s Memo,and ask you to approve the Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space.We are nonprofit and community groups joining together to support the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in this effort,and we represent thousands of members in the region,including in the City of Palo Alto. Similar resolutions have already been approved by the City Councils of Gilroy,Morgan Hill, Mountain View,Santa Clara,Santa Cruz,and Sunnyvale,and by the County of Santa Cruz.In addition,more than 25,000 people have signed a petition in support of protecting Juristac,and over 100 current and former elected officials,community leaders,and nonprofit organizations have signed on to the Statement of Opposition to Sargent Ranch Quarry.We respectfully request that the City Council take action to pass this resolution to support the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in the protection of this culturally important landscape,and to protect the critical wildlife linkage and habitat at Juristac. Juristac:Sacred to the Indigenous Community,Critical for Wildlife Movement Juristac lies at the heart of the ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.The portion of Juristac known today as “Sargent Ranch”encompasses 5,200 acres located at the very southern border of Santa Clara County,southwest of Gilroy (see image below).For thousands of years,the Amah Mutsun people held sacred ceremonies at this location --the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui.Juristac translates to “Place of the Big Head,”and the Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place here over the centuries.Juristac was a gathering place for many tribes in the area,and its spiritual and cultural significance to the Indigenous community is unique in our region.(For more details on the history and the cultural and spiritual significance of Juristac,please visit ProtectJuristac.org.) Image created by GreenInfo Network. In addition,Juristac is a critical wildlife corridor that links the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Gabilan Range to the south and the Diablo Range to the east.This area has been identified as an important migration route in all habitat connectivity assessments for the region since the year 2000.1 The Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency recognizes several landscape linkages running 1 See,e.g.,Diamond,TD,A Sandoval,NP Sharma,ME Vernon,PD Cowan,AP Clevenger,and SC Lockwood.2022.Enhancing ecological connectivity and safe passage for wildlife on highways between the southern Santa Cruz Mountains,Gabilan Range,and Diablo Range in California.Pathways for Wildlife and Peninsula Open Space Trust;Penrod K,Hunter R, Merrifield M (2001)Missing Linkages:Restoring Connectivity to the California Landscape.South Coast Wildlands Project,Los Angeles;Spencer,W.D.,Beier,P.,Penrod,K.,Parisi,M.,Pettler, A.,Winters,K.,Strittholt,J.,Paulman,C.and Rustigian-Romsos,H.,2010,California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project:A strategy for conserving a connected California.Report prepared through the Sargent Ranch property (linkages 12,18,19 and 20 on this map).The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority considers the “Sargent Hills”area to be one of its top 10 conservation focus areas (number 8 on this map). The Threat to Juristac:An Open-Pit Sand and Gravel Mine The current owner of the property,the San Diego-based Debt Acquisition Company of America, has submitted an application to the County of Santa Clara for a sand and gravel open-pit mining operation on 400 acres of pristine hillside grassland at Juristac.According to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR),the Sargent Ranch Quarry would operate for 30 years, include three pits hundreds of feet deep,and pump about 86,000 gallons of groundwater per day for quarry operations.The quarry would permanently alter the Juristac landscape,turning hillsides into deep pits and scarring the landscape with truck haul roads,conveyor belts,and a 14-acre processing plant.Further information about the quarry proposal can be found on Santa Clara County’s webpage about the Sargent Ranch Quarry project. Over 10,000 public comments were submitted to the County in response to the DEIR.Of these, the vast majority (99.9%)strongly opposed the mine and urged the County to deny the project. The County is currently in the process of reviewing those 10,000+comments in preparation for releasing the final EIR.According to the County’s best estimate,the Sargent Ranch Quarry project may come to a vote before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors by mid to late 2025. The Sargent Ranch Mine Would Destroy the Sacred Indigenous Landscape of Juristac As part of the DEIR process,the County commissioned an ethnographic study of the Sargent Ranch project area.That study documented known historic resources,including human burials dating from thousands of years ago,and determined that there is a high likelihood of currently-unknown buried prehistoric cultural sites very near to the processing plant and other active areas of the quarry.In addition,the DEIR identified the entire Juristac landscape, including the entire quarry area,as a cultural resource to be protected.The DEIR found that construction and operation of the Sargent Ranch Quarry project would result in “permanent and irreversible alterations to the physical landscape of the JTCL [Juristac Tribal Cultural Landscape].These alterations would significantly diminish the emotional and spiritual associations held by the Tribe to this cultural landscape through the destruction of the sacred and spiritual qualities that qualify the JTCL as a TCR [Tribal Cultural Resource].”DEIR,p. for California Department of Transportation and California Department of Fish and Game;Bay Area Open Space Council 2011,The Conservation Lands Network:San Francisco Bay Area Upland Habitat Goals Project Report,Berkeley,CA;Penrod,K.,Garding,P.E.,Paulman,C., Beier,P.,Weiss,S.,Schaefer,N.,Branciforte,R.and Gaffney,K.,2013,Critical Linkages:Bay Area &Beyond.Produced by Science &Collaboration for Connected Wildlands,Fair Oaks,CA [www.scwildlands.org],in collaboration with the Bay Area Open Space Council’s Conservation Lands Network [www.BayAreaLands.org]. 3.5-42.There is no way to mitigate these permanent and irreversible impacts to the Juristac landscape as a whole,as well as to known cultural,historic and paleontological sites. The Sargent Ranch Mine Would Destroy Juristac’s Biodiversity,Wildlife Corridors,and Watershed As highlighted in Mayor Stone’s and Council Member Kou’s Colleague’s Memo,Juristac contains essential foraging habitat for the endangered California Condor,as well as prime habitat for other at-risk species.Threatened California red-legged frogs live and breed in Sargent Creek,which flows directly adjacent to two of the mining pits.The streams and ponds of Juristac are habitat for threatened California tiger salamanders and western pond turtles,and steelhead trout have been observed in Tar Creek on the Juristac site.Golden eagles have been observed foraging on the hillsides,and burrowing owls have been observed in the grasslands.Thus,Juristac is rich in biodiversity and critical habitat for a wide variety of species, including threatened and endangered species. The ecological impact of the proposed Sargent Ranch sand and gravel mine on Juristac would be especially severe for species such as mountain lions,which depend on the ability to migrate through this site for healthy population dynamics.Heavy industry such as mining causes disruption to animal movement due not only to the disturbed footprint of the project but also due to the daily noise and heavy vehicle activity,which can drive away sensitive wildlife species and prevent them from utilizing their usual migration routes.In this case,the proposed footprint of the mining operation lies directly across the main migration route for animals out of the Santa Cruz Mountains.Highway 101 is a significant barrier for wildlife movement,and there are only a few undercrossings beneath the highway where animals can travel.The DEIR found that the quarry would have a significant and unavoidable impact on wildlife movement. The Sargent Ranch Quarry could also severely impact the local watershed.According to the DEIR,the quarry pits would excavate the hillsides on both sides of Sargent Creek.This creek is a tributary to the Pajaro River,which is already heavily impacted from runoff and illegal dumping.The Sargent Creek watershed encompasses over 1200 acres and is estimated to provide hundreds of acre-feet of groundwater recharge and runoff.If the pits excavate below the water table,the integrity of the Sargent Creek watershed would be affected and its ability to recharge groundwater significantly impaired.Sargent Creek supports a rare stream-dwelling population of California red-legged frogs,a federally listed threatened species,which could be significantly impacted by the disruption,increased sediment,and other impacts to the creek and the watershed. Please Join Us To Support Protecting Juristac By approving the resolution,the City of Palo Alto will join the cities of Gilroy,Morgan Hill, Mountain View,Santa Clara,Santa Cruz,and Sunnyvale,and by the County of Santa Cruz,in showing public support for protecting Juristac.More than 25,000 people have already signed a petition in support of protecting Juristac,and over 100 current and former elected officials, community leaders,and nonprofit organizations have signed on to the Statement of Opposition to Sargent Ranch Quarry.We urge the Council to join with us to demonstrate to the County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors that the leaders and communities of Santa Clara County are standing with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in opposition to the Sargent Ranch Quarry and in support of protecting Juristac. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Sincerely, Alice Kaufman Policy and Advocacy Director Green Foothills Athena Hernandez General Counsel Amah Mutsun Land Trust Shani Kleinhaus Environmental Advocate Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance Mike Ferreira Chapter Chair Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter Victorina Arvelo South Bay Resilience Manager Greenbelt Alliance Greg Cotten Founding Member Friends of Juristac Maria Daehler Bay Area Native Allies Project (BANAP) Karah Fisher Conservation Advocacy &Outreach Senior Coordinator California Native Plant Society Judy Fenerty Conservation Chair California Native Plant Society,Santa Clara Valley Chapter Emma Hartung along with SURJ Coordinating Committee Facilitator,SURJ SCC's campaign to Protect Juristac Showing Up for Racial Justice Santa Clara County Kristi Iverson Steering Committee,Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice Action Council Chair,Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Colleen Cabot South Bay Indigenous Solidarity From:priag@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Pria Graves To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 5:23:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. Finally, during the County hearings on this proposal, the "experts" claimed that despite the beauty of the area, no one really looks at it. They claimed that everyone is just busy driving past. Well, not all cars are just one solo driver and there are also passenger trains that run by. Thousands of riders on these trains have the opportunity of enjoying the wonderful scenery as I have. The claim that this has no scenic impact is simply a lie and I resent it enormously. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this fabulously beautiful area and critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Pria Graves From:lawrencegarwin@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Lawrence Garwin To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 4:46:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Lawrence Garwin From:rutledgesteve@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Julie Beer To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 3:43:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Julie Beer From:Winter Dellenbach To:Council, City Subject:RE: City Council item - Juristac Resolution Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 1:50:59 PM Dear Council members - Please approve the Juristac Resolution. The old saw, “Save it or lose it” applies here. To lose this open space to gravel mining is a waste and not good stewardship. To lose habitat supporting endangered species deserves our City’s outspoken opposition. To ignore the significance of this land to the Amah Mutsun is to erode a culture and heritage. Winter Dellenbach Palo Alto From:jameseggers@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of James Eggers To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 12:49:39 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, What makes Santa Clara County special, even unique, is not our buildings and businesses, it is our people and our nature. We must give respect and support to the first peoples who understand and continue to care for the land. We must also give respect to the people who are here now and the natural environment that is essential for their health: physical, mental, emotional, familial and social, but also vocational, academic, and economic. Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, James Eggers From:ncmartin@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Nancy Martin To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 10:25:33 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Nancy Martin From:howard@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Howard Cohen To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 10:12:17 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Howard Cohen From:a_m_mason@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Anne Mason To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:48:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Anne Mason From:mulvey@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of trish mulvey To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:36:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, trish mulvey From:carrie@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Carrie Petersen To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:22:15 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Carrie Petersen From:ari.turrentine@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Ari Turrentine To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:21:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Ari Turrentine From:emilyksharp1@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Emily Sharp To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:50:14 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Emily Sharp From:dianemccoy10@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Diane McCoy To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:45:10 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Diane McCoy From:lindaskeff@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Linda Skeff To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:42:12 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Linda Skeff From:melanie@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Melanie Cross To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:21:58 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Melanie Cross From:shalomnature@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Paul Hammes To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 8:16:00 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Paul Hammes From:graceannj@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Graceann Johnson To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 7:19:50 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Graceann Johnson From:ngkrop@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Nancy Krop To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 7:19:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Palo Alto, as an environmental leader, should join the other county cities supporting this resolution. We also pride ourselves as an inclusive community, honoring different cultural traditions as those threatened here. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Nancy Krop From:magdalenac@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Magdalena Cabrera To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 7:03:38 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Magdalena Cabrera From:flavor-hurry-0u@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Sandy Songy To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:58:02 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please pay attention to this opportunity to block a sand and gravel plant from operating in sacred indigenous space and an important wildlife corridor. Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! As a resident of Palo Alto, I appreciate your attention to this important issue. Sincerely, Sandy Songy From:virginia@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Virginia Van Kuran To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:57:57 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Virginia Van Kuran From:joanna.e.holmes@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Joanna Holmes To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:55:47 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Joanna Holmes From:jessica@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Jessica Wohlander To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:52:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Jessica Wohlander From:barbjmo123@everyactioncustom.com on behalf of Barbara Moran To:Council, City Subject:Please Approve Juristac Resolution (Agenda Item 19, 12/2/24 City Council meeting) Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 6:44:44 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone and Council Members, Please approve the “Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to Preserve Juristac/Sargent Ranch as Open Space,” from Mayor Stone and Council Member Kou. Juristac is threatened by the Sargent Ranch Quarry, an open-pit sand and gravel mine that would destroy over 400 acres of habitat, literally scooping out the hillsides to create 3 open quarry pits hundreds of feet deep. About 86,000 gallons of groundwater would be pumped each day for mining operations, and the mine would generate hundreds of truck trips per day. Juristac is the most sacred site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, who held ceremonies there for thousands of years. For Mutsun people, Juristac is the home of a powerful spiritual being known as Kuksui. Juristac translates to “place of the Big Head,” and Big Head dances associated with Kuksui and other healing and renewal ceremonies took place in the area for centuries, often attended by neighboring tribal groups. Juristac is also uniquely important for wildlife and biodiversity. These hillsides and streams are home to multiple at- risk species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Burrowing Owl, and steelhead trout. Juristac is also a critically important wildlife corridor. The biological review conducted on the proposed quarry stated that this site may be one of the most important areas for wildlife movement on the entire Central Coast. Mountain lions, American badgers, bobcats, coyotes, and other animals rely on the movement pathways through Juristac – pathways that the Sargent Ranch Quarry would block or seriously impact. The cities of Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sunnyvale, and the County of Santa Cruz, have all passed similar resolutions. This is Palo Alto’s opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their efforts to protect their most sacred landscape, as well as to show support for the protection of this critical wildlife linkage. Please approve the Juristac resolution! Sincerely, Barbara Moran