HomeMy WebLinkAbout0432.093July 29, 1993
BO/IORABLE CITY COIlNCIL
Palo Alto, california
"'",lnAQ DI'IBD pl' HOVSI
Heabe.l.'. of the council:
.aport 18 'ri.(
8
Thill report presents to Council the results of a reque&t for
proposal (Rl"P) for alternative U8es of the a.:..in house on the
ArNltracSero Preserve" Staff recQBBendis cioolition of both the ... in
house and. the small houa., due to safety concerna, neighborhood
oppoSition and the withdrawal of the only re.spondent to the RFP ..
l:n CIIR:16li:92 dated March 19, 1992, staff requested couneil
direction as to the future use ot the improvements wi thin the
Araatradero Preserve, specifically +-.he main bouse, the barn and the
emall hO\lBe.. Staff had recOBBetlded the. demolition ot the small
houae as ws.ll a8 the :aain house, and retention of the baz:n for use
by Parks Division personnel. Council instead. directed. staff to
proceed uith a ReqUest tor Proposal (RFPJ to solicit alternatives
for use of the structures on the Arastradero Preserve, cons istl2nt
with the requireaents of the park dedi cation ordinance.
'MM't for Propo •• l
Statf prepared a flyer, an RFP and a dratt lease option and lease.
Public notices were placed in the Palo Alto Weekly, Times Tribune
and. the San Jose .ercury News.. Several people expressed. interest
in the property .. but were discouraged by the restricted access and
liaited __ allowed under the park dedication Drdinance. On March
30, 1993, one appliC'ant, the Challenge Learning center (CLC),
..w.itted its proposal. CLC is a nonprofit educational corporation
CIIR:432:93
.. -: .
,
i
" apecialiainq in outdoor experiential qroup learning. This proqrO'.lII
1. desiqnac! to I!evelop self-worth through qroup learning in ctn
outdoor setting.
CLC'. proposal provided for three different typ~s of acee55. For
the caretaker and family in each ot the tvo hoaes, access along
John Karthens Lane woul~ be consistent with that required for a
single family dwelling. Ordinary access for CLC program partici
pants ~lO to 2S people per day) would be on foot up a trail from
Arastra4ero Road, totally bypassing John Marthens Laner Finally,
subjQct to the ~pproval of the City of Palo Alto, participants not
physically suited. for the trail hike would be brought to the CLC in
is van with one morninq driving trip in and an afternCXrn driving
trip out along John Marthens Lane.
Prior to SubMitting their application CLC contacted the neiqhborinq
property owners alonq John Marthena Lane4 CLC reported that the
neiqhbors it contacted were neither for nor aqainst the CLC's
proposed l"s-e. After CLC submitted. its proposal, it invited. John
~ens Lane residents to a roraal presentation, on May 19, 1993,
of their proposal. At that meeting CLC representatives explained
their progra.a and their need tor access up John Marthena Lane.
Three residents were in attendance. After the presentation, all
three residents stated they w .. re concerned about any increased use
ot John llarthens .r..ne~ As of July 1st, staff received 16 letters
and " petition with 14 signature... Each respondent opposed the
lease to CLC (cop!es of the responses are attacbedJ. The
respondents' aain reasons for opposing the proposed ~ea.se were as
follows,
o OVerburdening of the already substandard road (John
Karthens Lane)
o Great dimlnishJaent of the experience of the park for visitors
o SUbstantial evidence of significant environmental impa~ts
o CLe's proposed use would require a full Environman:t4l Impact
Report
o Substantial alteration of the nonexclusive open space
desiqnation
o Use of the main house and the little bouse are inconsistent
with the open space desiqnation
o Insufficient septic tank and leaching fields
o xncreaaed fire ri"k and inadequate fire protection
o contusinq F~lice jurisdiction
QIR,432'93 2
.. '/
.. -.
; .-
o safety conc~rn for CLC participants due to rattlesnakes in
the oak qrove
a Noise
o Removal of ground cover
o Ibadequacy ot Araatradero Road
In q~neral~ statf felt CLC's proposal was a unique and creative
solution to the s.verely restricted use of the Arastradero Preserve
property.. However, havinq heard the neiqhbora concerns, sta.ff
could not recommend. the ~ lease propoaa.l ~ CLC withdrew its
proposal on June 28, 1993 (EXhibit AI. CLC stated their decision
to withdraw was baaed on the -unwarranted, larq. time and expense
anticipated in dealing with the opposition raised by Arastra
neighbor.,· and the fact that .it-aff Would not be able to recouer.d
the proposal to Council in liq~t of nel~hborbood concerns~
bt.v. pf. of tu l&rp .... o1:.
Stafr bas concluded any use ot the aain house and the small house
would require BOQe use of Jobn Marthena Lane or access by an
alternate road. In CMR:426:6 and CMR:17:2:7, council was also
presented with BUggested alternative. to access by John Marthena
Larie.. '!'be two alternatives consisted or 1.) reconatructinq the
Carte _era Pump Station road and trail at an asti_ted 1986 ,-"at
ot $350,000; or 2) improvements to an existing fire trail at a 1986
aati..-atad coat or $305JOOO~ Both alternatives bi.act the Preserve
and were conaidered by staff to be too e>q>enaive and inconsistent
with the oriqinal intent af the park to be retained a. a natural
preserve. Tbe liability issues of the unsecured pool and difficul
ty of .aintaininq security for both houses, along with the other
is.~es dis~~ssed above, led staff to reco~en~ that the main house,
the pool and the BlILIlll housa should be deJIolished.
The barn haa been used by ~rks staff for storaqe of park-related
equipil8nt and ... terial. Staff has requested that the barn and it ..
current use continue.
start has also received a request from the International Equine
Huaane Association (lEBA] for an additional use of the barn a.nd the
area adjacent to the barn rsee EXhibit B) ~ Its proposal would not
include use of either the aain house or the small house. It al&o
stated that it has no interest in accessinq the property by usinq
John Martens Lane. I'EHA's propoalal has not been reviewed by staff
.00 is bei!\9 included in this report only so staff can recaive
direction fro. Council, illS to the city's position on this proposed
use or any f\iture proposed uses of tbe barn or the former stable
and pasture areas. If council is of the opinion that this use or
CIIR.432.93 3
•
another use af the barn 'Would have merit, then staff could prepare
an RFP for lease of the barn and related areas.
at "O'1;loD
Staff believes li.ited access and the public park requireaents have
.ada the -.ain house and. the small house functionally unusable.
Civen the restrictions, the costa and. the past Council direction to
create a low intensity and low cost park, staff is compelled to
reco.aend both the main house and the sm~ll house be deaolished.
'l'be.refore, it is re.cOllmlended that Council direct staff to solicit
bids for the removal of the .ain house, pool, small house and
asaociated. aite restoration. Staff would. return with a Budqet
Aalen4-.nt Ordinance at the time of 'contract a.ward later thi. fiscal
year I to fund the ruaoval and to reimburse the Public Works
Pacilities Main1:enance budget tor up-front asbestos abatement
investiqation costs. staff further recolZllllends the current occupant
be allowed to provide security to the main house until the
deaolition commences.
Staff also recommends that the barn be retained for continued use
by city statf tor park related equiplOent. Staff seeks Council
direction as to wbether to initiate an RTF process tor additional
use of the barn.
Respectfully submitted,
~~
Han&g8r. Rea 1 Property Manager
CMR:432:93 4
.. "-' , ;>-;
I •
Ralatad statt report.: CMR:35S:.
Attachment&.:
CHR: 614: 4
CMR:1n:6
CIIR,363,S
CMR:122:6
CIIR:426,6
CMR:525:(
C:ni\.S~O!6
CIIR,172:7
CIIR'246: 8
CMR:165:92
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Letters fro. citizens opposinq CLC proposed lease
cc: Arastre Citizens Advisory C01IIItittee
Mr. , Mrs. Robert Davis (22 A"!"ast!,~!:3!~,::~ ~oad, Portola
Valley 94028)
Mr. John Dohn~ (~t Arastradero Road, Portola Valley 94026)
Art .... C~rizton (28014 Natoma Road$ Los A1tos Hills ~.022)
Hr. ~ ~. Paul Reia~ (6 Arastradero Road, Portola valley
940<8)
Mr •• Mrs. John Younq (26 Arastradero Road, Portola valley
94028)
HB. LoiS Vanderbeek (736 Barron Avenue, PA 94306)
Mr. Jia Relle.ntan (1529 E. Arastrac:lero Road., )
Mr. Robert sa .. (201 ""in Str ... t, Ft. Worth, TeKaB 7U02)
Hr. Jagadish Chandra (PO box 60856, PA 94306)
Ka. Karma Jones (271 San Bruno Ave., Brisbane 94005)
Hr. Albert ~!ck (21 Thomas Ave .. #3, Brisbane 94005)
Kr. J ...... SJlith (3;90 El CUlino Real 1195, PA 94306)
Mr. Dwight Brigbt (3.0 COwper #12, PA 94301)
KB. Virginia Harris (163S Portola Ave., PA 94306)
Mr. bery IIasc:hger (870 La Para A~"., PA 94306)
Mr. Avetu S1»& •• o (PO Bo~ 280J, stanford 94305)
Mr. COUrt Taftt (3224 Morris Dr., PA 94303)
MS. Audrey Irv!~ (Hiller starr , Regalia, 1331 H.C6lif.
Blvd., suite 700, Walnut creek 94596)
MS. Geraldine B. Waite (4139 Frandcn ct., PA 94306)
Ms. Jeannie Buscaglia (193 Del Medic Ave., Mt.View 94043)
Ma. Sandra MCFarlin (20 Bi.h~ Lane, Menlo Park 94025)
Mrs. Hildred Scranton (747 JOBina Ave., PA 94306)
Mr. William Radcliffe (2930 Alexi. Dr., PA 94304)
MB. Pa.ela Russell (PO Box 4212, Mt~View 94040)
... Lori Dillow (251 &a.Qna street, PA 94301)
lis. Josette Alexander (806 Los Robles Rd, PA 94306)
Mr. , Mrs. Frank C. Skelley Jr. (1057 Sonoma Ave., PA 94025)
lis. JUdy Willi ... (852 Fite Way, Sunnyvale 94087)
CIIR,432,93 5
MS. Libby Koper.an (.40 Linderbrook Rd., Woodsi~e 94062)
Ms. Marion Redl~r (783 Helena Dr., Sunnyvale 94087 J
Mr. Gary Br~.n (235 Mld~lefi.ld Rd., PA 94301)
H8. Lisa Bernstein {4634 Paloma Ave., San Jose 95111j
Me. Michele Dall .. (416 Chaucer, PA 94301)
Ms. Nicole Dalla. (416 Chaucer, PA 94101)
Mr. Jon Barkhurst (13581 Wildereat Dr., Lea Altos 94022)
Mr. J. G. Wood (63 Los Trancos Dr., Portola Valley 94028)
Kr.1I: Mr:!'J .. RJ Finllto (65 Los TrlalCOS Dr., Portola Valley
94028)
Mr. ~ Mrs. WL Linfoot (77 Loe Tran~os Dr., Portola Valley
94028)
Dr. , Mrs. JohZl SChulte (7.1 Los Trancos Dr. Portola Valley
94028)
Ms. ~~ Ann Aqosti (470 La Mesa' 85 Los Trancoa Dr.,
Portola Valley 94028)
Ms. Laverne Di Gino (16 Arastradero Rd., Portola Valley
94028)
Mr. Ramsay waterman (417 Alpine R~., portola Valley 94028)
.Ms. Katherine Bazak (2" Arstradero Rei., Portola valley
94028)
Mrs. Skipwith Athey (445 Golden Oak Dr., portola Valley
94028)
Mr. Drew Lanza (4121 Alpine Rd., portola Valley 94025)
MS. Dorothy Low (20 Arastradero Rd., Portola valley 94028)
Ms. Linda Brown (434 Fulton, PA 94301)
Dr. W. BiCkey (395 E. O'Xeefe St. #30, E.P.A. 94303)
0IR:432:93 ,
William Fellman, Real Property Manager
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Mr. Fellman,
1 une 28, 1993
After working will> you for four rem:s a."KI gening over many hurdles along the way
rowan! =ting • challenge learmng facility at the Arastra HQW'e .. ea, I deeply regret
baving ro leU yoo that OlD" Boa:d of Directors has decided to remove our p:"OposaI from
consideration for • lease !hue.
The Boa:d's deeision was based 00 the unwammred,large time and expense anticipated
in dealing with the opposition raised by Aras".. neigh bars, and the subsequem change
from "recommend" 10 'dan~ r=mmend" by the Cit)' of Palo Alto staff reg.roing our
prnposaI to lease.
We baw begun • search 10 find • mid-peninsula site 00 which to provide challenge
learning programs to our client gro<>ps, particularly those who are disabled and may find
if: difficult 10 n¥c1 to uisti.ng sites. I have included and annoonc::mcnt here in case you
may be able to give D, some suggestions.
Please pass our gratitude aJo:mg 10 aU the staff and council member.; who have been
involved with our efforts over the years. We bave oppreciatod the thoroogbness and
professionalism with which staff and council members bave conducred the proposal
process.
Yours sincereJy.
~~~ ~.~ Boa:d ofDirector1;)
End: Sire search announcement
Challenge Learning Center
Seeks a Partner/Patron
The Chellenge Learning Center Is a non-profit educational
corporatlo" with strong, proven programs serving young people at
risk, end those ~avlng physical and I.,arnlng disabilities.
We are seeking to lease or purchase land, possibly with buildings,
on which to build a state-ol·the-art outdoor experiential learning
lecflily.
Open and wooded areas are required for creating a challenge
course facility. Redwoods, easy access to water and power, an
existing building with potential for meeting area(s), and adjacent
access to hiking tra1ls are preferred. Road access is not required.
We offer; a partnership with an exceplionel group of outdoor
educators, caretaking for the property, developing and maintaInIng
the property wtth Income from course fees and third party grants,
tax deductions for donallons, and excellent references from the
many local organlzallons we serve.
Please contact: Challenge learning Center
Board of Directors
201 San Anton10 Circle, Suite 212
Mountain View, CA 94040
415·949·~Ol 0
and request a proposal packet.
Equine Humane Association
P.O. Box 2031 , I.osAltos, CA 94023 (415) 941· 5.'le7
To:
July e, 1953
June Fleming
City Manager
City of Palo Alto
P.O. BOI 10250
Palo Alto l CA 94303
From; IE'HA
OHlcr OF IH< GiH _\Gel<
~e: ~astra Park Equestrian Facility
Dear June;
The International Equine Humane Ass~iation ( IEHA ) has a
pressing new challenge of locating a new stable site to
bous~ its horses.
For the past several months I have had dialoque with
both Bill Fellman and Jerry Lawrence concerning the
vacant stable at the Arastra park and the tremendous
dif~iculty that surrounds use of this site.
lEBA is· sensitive to these issues and would like to be very
forward and clear that within our intere~t in use of the
stable and grounds immediate surrounding the structure,
there is no interest in acceseinq the property by way of
John Martens Lane l or any interest in usinq the housing on
the property. F~-~her.more IEHA does not pastu~e its horses,
the horses are fed twice daily and kept in exercise so there
is no need for large pasture. The IEHA staff 1s limited to
five persons.
Please ,consider thls"brief introductory proposal ~ a
creative option for a use of the stable structure in the
Arastra parka
Also, I have enclosed some information about IEHA
and its activities .. we are well 'based in this area and have
a thrivinq membership in Palo Alto.
•
It 1s vital that we establish site feasibility at the very
earliest opportunity. I look forward to discuss,nq this with
you in the very near. future. If you have any que.stions
please do not hesitate to telephone our office.
7i~ L~J ;. Christian
lEHA
Chief Executive Officer
International Equine
P.O. II<»c 2031. too AIIDI. CA t;4023
,---
Humane Association
(415) 941 -5867
IEHA EQUESTRIAN FACILITY
1) Land Usage
The actual size of the proposed equine facility
has not been determined because we bave not yet
received any recommendation on proposed sites for
this type of facility. Thus, we can only provide
you with a minimum estimate of 5 to -10 acres that
would be utilized. This acreage should be level
in areas and suitable for horses. Access to the
stable would be qained only by use of the alternate
existing fire road, not by John Martens Lane~ The
lEBA staff is limited to five persons, ~ho rotate
on a wEekly basis.
2) Stable
The proposed stable structure would house 10 to 20
horses. This structure would be the existing stable
with safety modification both internally and externally
at the ~=Pense of lEBA. Also, possibly with paddocks
attached to the outside of each stall door~
4) Bedding Storage
Bedding consisting of loose pine and fir shavinqs would
be stored in a three sided bin, the bin would be a
square constructed of wood posts and siding, 12 x 16 ft
in width CL~d length and 5 to 6 ft in height.
5) Manure Disposal
To be located SO yards from ~e stable. Manure would
be removed from the stalls daily and taken to the
a bin that would prcvide for sanitary, organic
decomposition.-After decomposition the new soil
could be placed into sacks or reintroduced to
the land for fertilization. The disposal bin would be a
square three sided bin to be constructed out of wood
",-ith a cement ba'se~ The siz."e of the bin is 12 x 14 f't
in width and lenqth and 4 ft in height.
•
6) Dressage Arena
This Arena is to be located in a suitable area~ The
arena is to be Olympic Btandar~ size 65.5 ft x 164 ttl
---~~--~-~--~~-.. -............ l:I ... ~ ..... "' .. ...,.. ... c.
7) Paddock.
Suggested paddocks for the horses would be a total of
the sase number of stalls, ideally the paddoc~s would
be attached to tbe back of the barn, correspondinq
with each stall, the size of each paddock is to be no
less than 12 ft wide and 20 ft 10nq. Optional
additional paddocks would consist of two large paddocks
100 x 300 ft and five small paddocks 50 x 100 ft, this
option is depecd~~t on the land con£iguration.
8) Large All Weather arena ( optional )
This arena would be the last area to be developed.
It would be a multi-purpose area approximately 100 ft
& 300 ft, leveled, fenced, with appropriate footing,
possibly covered.
B
• ODe l'ldDrJ sbort~_
-tlIle, the Redwood
City Junlcralktarsare bock
h<Ime. Sports,~
.',--
I
Peniosula
group saves
horses'lives
LooAllm_JIOOiIes
adacIticD IS_as re5llIi5 _L_ ---
ribuhe
CMR:432:93
ARASI'RADERO PRESERVE
COMMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
MILLER
SThRR
REGAllA&
.0. ,aerlll;D""l
I ..... ~D.t.r; •• "t.o.
U31 ""0."" CUIJOIIOOI" BUll.,
S"ITI. '1'00,
1V.u"!l1" Cau,,_
UI.HO .. ' • .o. 9.SIlIS
r .. ul •• ~1: (510) 933-4126
TuU' .. o,,1; (~IOJ \lJs,·~OO
VIA BAND DELIVERY
Kenneth R~ Schreiber,
, , .
..
\
M,ay 24, 1993
Director of Planning & CommuMity Environment
Members of the Planninq Co~ission
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94301
·:-
0 ........ " 0"" .. : .. ,
.,.f~:!,"ju (Sl01465·I~OZ
THlrllDlu (S HI) .. 6S -3800
Re: objections To Adoption Of Negative Declaration
For Propv3ed Challenge Learning Center Project
At Arastradero Preserve
Dear Mr. Schreiber and Planning Commission Members:
1 am writing on behalf of Robert and Betty Jo Davis and
Rosemary and John Young, property owners and residents along John
Marthens Lane, adjacent to the Arastr~dero Preserve. This office
has ~en retained to represent the Davises and youngs in opposing
the City of Palo Alto's (-ci~yn) proposea adoption of a neqative
declaration tor-the proposed Challenge Learning Center project.
The city has not proceeded in the manner required by law in fail
ing to provide our clients with proper notice of this project, and
cannot properly proceed on the basis of a negative declaration
because the record amply demonstrates that the project may have
significant adverse environmental effects.
1. The Public Review Period Far The Proposed Negative Dec
laration Must Be Ext.ended And Renot.i.~ed To Comply With
.!:EllA.
First, the Davises and the Youngs object on the grounds
that they did not receive notice of the neqative declaration as
required by the California Environ.mental Quality Act C"'CEQA-) ..
Public Resources Code section 21092 states that notice shall be
given to individuals who previ ously have requ~sted .. notice. Our
clients have requested that they b@ notified of All changes or pro
posea changes in connection ~ith the Arastradero Preserve. Our
clients" names have been on a notice list with the City of Palo
Alto for several years, dating baCK to the lawsuit involving the
City'S inadequate environmental review for a youth hostel to be
placed at the Preserv~. Two to three months ago, the Davises again
-_.------.-,--,-.
Kenneth R. schreiber
Members of the Planning Commission
Hay 24~ 1993
Pa.ge :2
.'
~ ..
spoke with Bill Fellman of the City Real Estate Department and
reminQed him that they wished to be notified of any proposals or
chanqes regarding the Preserve.
Because CEQA notice provisions have not been complied
with, the public review period for the negative declaration must
be extended ana proper notice given. All residents adjacent to
John ~thens Lane and the preserve, who previously have requested
notice, must be notified by mail, in addition to notice by publica
tion. (Pub. Re~ources Code, S 21092.) A properly noticed review
period will enable these riqhtfully concerned residents to
thoroughly review th~ project and submit evidence of the Signif
icant adverse impacts resultinq from tne project4
2. substantial Eyidence ot' Significant tnyironmental.Impacts
Precludes Adoption Of A Negative Declaration.
The city undoubtedly is familiar 'Wi th the potential envi
ronmental impacts that will result from the increase of il".habitants
and visitors to the Preserve. Although the instant project is
somewhat different from the Youth Rostel Project~ which was the
subject of a prior lawsuit between City and the John Marthens Lane
residents, the resulting environmental impacts are similar. Tha
judgment in the prior lawsuit (Reimer V 4 city of Palo Alto. et al.,
Case No. PS0211J deterained that significant environmental impacts
could potentially result froD the Youth Hostel project and ordered
that an EIR be prepared to examine those impacts~ My clients are
surprised that City a9ain intends to approve a project which will
have almost identical traffic, fire, sewage, and noise impacts as
the Youth Hostel project, under a negative declar~tion. Because
the proposed Challenge Learning Center Project 'Would result in
unmitiqated environmental i~pacts in all these areas, ~ AliA,
full and complete environmental review as required ~y CEQA must be
conducted~
If -it can be argued on the basis of substantial evidence
that the project tiY have,. significant environmental ilIpact,· the.n
an EIR must be prepared. (Pub. Resources Code SS 21002.1, 21061;
Guidelines, 14 Ca14Code Req. 55 15064, 15070; No oil. lnc. v' City
of Los Ang@les (1974J 12 Cal.3d 68, 75; friends of -B-streat v,
City or Hayward (1980J 106 Cal,App. 3d 180, 187.) In this instance,
an EIR may be avoided only if a ~itiqated negative declaration is
properly adopted, which t.poses conditions on or revisions to the
project to ensure that all significant impacts are eliminated or
reduced to a level of insiqnificance~ (Pub~ Rasources Code S
2l0S0(c). )
Kenneth Ra Schreiber
M~rs of the Planning Commission
May '24, 1.993
Page 3
(a} Traffic Hazards.
City is well aware that John Marthena Lane is hazardous
to pedestrian and. vehicular tra.ffic and to cyclists. Th.e Lane,
which WC!.S COhstructed as a one-way private driveway, consists of
paved and unpaved sections Qf roadway that meet neither City nor
county roadway standards. A 1.98j) City staff" report recogni'ted that
the dangers associated with tha road, amonq others, include: (1)
it has steep drop-off turn areas; (2) drivers leaving the lane do
not have E\dequate view of the traffic on Arastra Hill Road; (3)
there are curves a~ong the road where the driver's visibility is
rest.ricted; and (4' the lane does not l!I.eet City or country rural
roadway standards. The report concluded that $350,000 in improve
ments would be requi~ed for maximum safety. (See August 21, 1986
City staff RQport attached hereto as Exbihit -A·~)
The Environmental Assessment states that only 20 addi
tionel daily vebicle trips will result from the operation of the
Challenge Learning Center. First, tnere is no guarantee that the
additional trips will be limited to tlolenty. As stated in the
Davises' May 22, 1993 letter to you, the Challenge Learning Center
proposal is likely to qenerate ILc'~e than 20 add.itional trips, qiven
that staff and their families m,,: ~ occupy the hous~s and 15 to 20
persons say occupy each house. FUrthermore, the proj ect ma.y grow
as indicated in the applicant's May 19 presentation, which w~uld
necessitate additional trips.
Second, A traffic study must be conducted to determine
the current numller of vehicular. pedestr:lan, cyclist and eques
trian trips in order to evaluate hQ~ the proposed additional trips
will impect the safety of the road.
A recent CEQA case has held that -if there is a dis
aqreeme.nt among experts over the significance of an effect, the
Aqency is to treat the effect as siqnificant and prepare an EIR.
(~rra club Va County of Sonopa (1992) 6 cal.App.4th 1307, 1311.)
The City's own 1986 staff Report is substantial evidence of the
inadequacy of the road and of the ~dverse i~pact on traffic that
will result from its increased use.
No conditions have been imposed on the project applicant
to ensure that significant adverse environmental effect& viII not
OC<"'"'\U", or will be mitiqated to a level of insignificance. For
example, City bas not required that the gate to the Preserve be
kept locked, or required installation of a new access road, or
"r-----
Kenne th R. Schre iber
Members ot the Planning Commission
May 24, 1993
page 4
'-
restricted the number of vehicle trips to mitigate adverse traffic
.impacts~
CD) Sewage ProblemS.
The Environment~l Assessment states that repl~ce.ent of
the existing se.ptic system u:t be requirad. The existinq system
has experienced repeated instances of septic tank overflow in wet
years due to the expansive so11 located at the project site. The
staff o~ the proposed project and their families likely will over
load the septic system. Also$ use of the toilets and showers by
the staff arid 2S students during the same day is likely to cause
septic tank overflow. It the system is not replaced, the potential
exists for sewaqe effluent to contaminate groundwat$r and surface
water in the vicinity, if capacity is exceeded. Even it the system
is replacad, the expansive soil conditions which i.pede normal per
colation still may adversely affect the qround and surface waters.
The comment that the septic system ~ be replac~d does
not ensure that this potential effect vill be analyzed and miti
gated as required by CEQA. (Pub. Resources Code 5 21081 (mitiga
tion aaasures must be made conditions of approval of the project
and lln.1St be the subject of a reporting or monitoring prggral!! to
ensure compliance).)
(cJ Fire Hazards.
The. Initial Study does not address the inadequacy of fire
proteCT.ion for users ana residents of the Arastradero Preserve~
The pire Chief has determined that John Marthens Lane would be ade
quate for tire access it there was a secondary paved, graded or
qraveled aCcess road. (See portion of transcript of August 25,
1986 city council meeting attached hereto as Exhibit -B-.) No SU~
road exists or has been made a condition tlf the project. The 1985
tire highliqhted the inadequacy of John Marthens Lane as a fire
access road.
(d) Noise Levels.
The increase in human activity 'Will increase. noise levels
within the park and to properties bordering the park as stated in
the Enviroruaental Assessment. Although the proposed challenq~
Learning center courses are scheduled for dayttme use, a .ember ot
the Planning Department has stated that 15 to 20 people say be
staying in ~ house. The addition of up to 40 people in this
area will clearly Significantly impact the nor.ally still and quiet
park environment in the preserve~
Kenneth R4 Schreiber
Members of the Planning Commission
May 2.4, 199)
paqe 5
o
3. ~enti'11v Significant Myerae Environmental
Require Further Environmental Review Prior To
Approval.
Impacts
Pro;e.pt
The above described illIpacts, ~~, necessitate fur
ther environmental review. CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G provides
that -[a] project will no~al1y have a siqnificant effect on the
environment if it will: (1) Cause an increase in traffic
which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and
capacity of the street system; {f) Substantially degrade
~~ter qualitYi '" '" • (p} increase substantially the ambient noise
levels for adjoining areas; • • • and (2) Interfere with emergency
response plans or emergency evacuation plans.-
C1early, the identified traffic, sewer$ fir£ safetY$ and
noise impacts are substantial evidence supporting a fair arquaent
that significant$ adverse environmental t.pacts may result from the
project. These impacts satisfy the relatively low threShold -fair
argument-test $ which pursuant to CEQA$s mandate of fullest pos
sible protection to the environment, resolves all doubts in ~~vor
of full environmental review. (Sierra Club v. County of Sgnoma,
§..Y.NA. 6 caLApp.4th at 1322.)
If no EIR is prepared, the City ~ impose conditions
or revisions on the proposed project which Would mitiqate the iden
tified iapacts so that the effects are avoided or mitiqated to a
point where ~clearly no significant effects would occur.-(PUb.
Resources Code$ S 210BOrC) (2).)
The instant Negative Declaration cannot be adopted
because there is substantial evidence that the propose~ project 85
proposed will cause significant environmental impacts which will
not be miti9ated~ Full environmental review or the imposition of
Ker~eth R. Schreiber
Members of the Planning Commission
May 24, 1.993
Paqe 6
mitigating conditione is necessary be.fore project approval can
occur.
CC: Mayor Jean McCowan
city Council Members
since.re.ly,
MILLER, STARR , REGALIA
(L?~~710~-
Audrey fuin
Attorneys for Robert and Betty Jo
Davis and Rosemary and John Yo~ng
Ariel Calonne, City Attorney
SCMI.E11E • L TI ........ "
1
I ,
f
I
t
HONOAA!lE clrr COOlICll
P.lo Alt., C.llfornl.
ARASTRADEAO PRESE~iE OPERATIONS
_or> of til. Counell:
Introduction
o
Thfs report. discusses prablt'l1tS staff has enCD\lntered tlhfle illplemtnt1ng
'..,raveme~t1i It tne h.astrad!ro 'rrser\,!' and presents recOMTlf:rn::ld: fDn~ for
COUl1Cl1 re;itr":::1ng cor-rec:th.f ICttons~ Due to the 1r.hre<)1'\""ted nltu~ (If
tPltse prob1ecns .. stiff has prepared one cORPrel'let!'siwe rep()rt to CoUl'"lcU.
Bat. ,round
On JulJ' 2'3, 19M, t~ ctty Co1Jnc:tI "j:troY!~ I I"'fPOf't from the Arlstrl Cit hens
,-, Advl,or, ,-,Itt .. _ding oper.tlon.l policies for tM ArlStrldero
PreseNf~ The Connft tee's report recQllDend!ed John Marttut,,' I line .as the !ICC-toSs
roed to the fJostel. steble and rlnger'S residence. ,..,. CoIItIfttM .SI~ Utd
trlff'c would nci rn~lse substlnt1111y; t~erefore. the'r re90~ dfd not
address, f"", rovlll:ents to John Harttt!!'ru Lute.
Since the 111'<0109 of the Pre~ .... to the public, prcbl __ • deY.loped In
four _rotlonal .,. .. s: 1) ufot,. .., Jolln M.,.t"""' Lone. 2) estolll1.hlnq the
resIdent ringer position Ind re.ldenc •• 3) negotiatIng the J'OUth ho.t.l 1 ....
Ind .') negotl.tlng the Ar.stroder" Stab I. leo, ••
1. ol!/f!! IlARTlI[IIS LAII£.
JaM ".,.then, lin. Is the ",,1_,. lOCH. to the ArI.trlOdero P .......... tabl.,
the r-fnt.l .hewsl .. the r..,ger restder.ce Ind the :nt'tfhbcr'ftg pdVlte properUu.
The rood h •• t ... different _tlon •• one Plved l1l<I OM grlvwl. The povtd
sKUon. whIch rW"'lS ,,,. the JU"ttton U Mutr..:fero lt~ .. to the Hrvite
.otrlnce of the Arutradero Pre ....... I. bot~ billy .. d .Indlng, l1l<I .. rle, In
.Idtll f_ 12 to IB feet.
Althoug~ lDel'ted 1t1 0lil ..... .,"COT'p,:lrated p.rt of Sinh tllr. Ccunty. tne P4ivtd
.ectlon of role! Is " •• "," by the Cltl of '.1. Alto. The flft nelgt,borlng
property OMlerJ ., cUrTentl,J using the City-o.ned rold to Keess thefr
PI"09!rty. however, it IiPpe.r-s th.t seyertl of tflM hive so. rights to fts US!'.
Sfnce tcqutrtng Wttrs ... fp. tilt' Cfty "as Pl!'r'~ utnten.ce on the re,d an I
~llInt bnh.
The unpaved MCtl.., of JOhn "arthen, LIM lS.wlthln the Cttl of P.lo Alto',
Ar.st"«iI!!f'D 9reHT"l'e. It fs apr::rod •• tel.114 feet .~de _ t.. one bl1nd turPl
0'R:4U:6
--------"
1114 several steep drDp-of' .. en. The narrownen af the entlrt! '\""Old _" ~
difficult for wetJlcl!'s t?'Jvel1ng in opposite dt"ecUOfiS to p"51i urel, II"
Apr1' 1986. stiff tonducte~ trlffiC COIJ"tl far tlch roadWloY sect,CHI •• \Q ert
'''''''arlled be 1 ow:
TOTAl VEHICUlAR llHPS PER DAY
S!9Tent5 of John M~then, line
Pned Por-t'iont
IJnpaw!d POf'tlons
Thursd4Y
90
53
103
69
Satu'!"d&,
6Ii
55
Within In,)' Dnt hour of the day. no lIIOr'e thu 10 V!~tClf:5 used tht rold~
Stiff •• tlo"t .. tUI the optTltlon of the youtll host.l und •• Council ;.11101""
would Odd 20 t. 30 vohl<1. tdp. dolly. &'ld =tln.ed .... of the .tobl • .., ...
<"""lotion of the flve-,eu plan to I4d oOOre plddocks wo.ld ,"u1t In .......
10 trtps dally.· Tht'se projectlbns rep ..... sent t 40 to -50 lltrcent Intrtlse Drtr
the tr.ffl~ cauntrd ;n staftls stwy .. Add1tfanal1y .... unknown n~ of
.. hitors to the Al"lstradero Prfterve re e:lll~ted to use John Moirthen, i..w.
Thts tnffic hC:N.1e 1nt.nstftes el.ht1ng (Meent5 reg4n:11ng nfety If'IIS
potontl,1 [Ity liabIlity.
St'" has < .. eluded that the •• I,tlng paved .d .. ,aved ~Ion. 0' JoIHI
~.rthOn. lIno Pre. .. t1, do IIOt toefl Clt, o. Co •• ty rur,l .... _.,. stlllderf1 fw
two-way public 1M. The st.~erd fo. & 10w-Y01_ rold I • ., 18-foot pa~
ro_'1 with. 2·foot gr_ s~oulcfeo "" olC~ sIde. In hilly ore .. with .... ,
.. rtll""r'. the poulder wlctt~ .. , be redueed by 5ll percent. The 'alo ~It.
Z""i"9 O...,ln." .. req"l ... rurol t .... w.,. dri ..... ,. to be ... ,"'_ 0' 30 rift
wid.? aod the ~ptrd City of P,10 Alto ' .... l1c Iiorks ,tandard' ,ho I'OQOI", •
3O-foot wIdth for 10CiI .t .... t.. ,,10 Alto Illnlclp,l Cod. Section IO.04.ta
defines. troffle hlle IS & portion of ., road.ay tIlat I. not I ... th ... I fett
6 In<~ .. I. "ldU.. _lIIItlng tlI & _Inl_ .., • l1·foot ... lde rooclw.,. fIJI" t_
troff'<.
Si"l'u:e K('ess tCl the Arastradero Preserve -oc;(U" thP"Ougft fr'!I Wlfncorporated ,.-t
of Sinta Claro CoIInty. the Co<mt1 ,t,ff h .... quuted thllt It be given on
opportunity to _t ... ,. road IlIIProv_nts durlog tilt .Ite ... dOli",
re'l'few stage.. In pre) falnul dhcuts1ons .. County stiff tin indicated that It
cIoes not ilPPl)" _rle,l TOIIdw.,. .t""',rd. to the footlll1ls. blrt _Id 1St
CMR:4Z6:6 -2 -
Q00938
I. "'iC" .., \ ~,;:'':. .
i '.l
\
\
...
,
gtlfdtl'~1!1
,tl!' ~ ..
I lrIotftt
'as! OW"
.,. Of
slone.
WI
:>/In
iards fr.;:r
paved
til lie", Alto a f.t
!Wire.
)4.18
'" 8 , .. I . t_'1
ocI port
an
190
,.t It ...
!
f
I ,
I
i ,
· • I
i :
• t , t ;
i
f
1
!
1 •
i
t:\ Q
tnlt the ~ ... 0' tile ""Adw.,. within W C.unt~ ~Iye the .Inl ..... povtd width
of 18 , .. t ~I<h I, ""qulrod for • prl,ote road.
City sUff Is perfol"'ftlfng s'9flin9 .,d safety ... rrhfed lIIaintl!'nal"tce oa John
"'arthens l~ at the pr'"~~~ent tlee. In addlCfOl'l to tIM! l"OadWJY tridt",. stiff 1s
a1$o r.oncernlfd oibout • '!I~r of DtMI"" tuues I.S SUllurtztd bfolow.
Deter-for aUOt'I JI"Id Potetltia I Maintenance Costs: TM: ex ht 'ng bas.! rc>ck surf act!
of th 1$ r.:.a1 if expa~a to ineN!ued fr.n It ~ 'IID\JlcS be S!U~jKt to los s of fi"eo
SDil lI.t~d. 5 "Mctt would e'Ventu.11,. C.U'5e • separation of 'GGI""t9Ite.
#II.fntenlftCf costs would' 1nc.nl$t"~
!)rep-ofh: There tre senT.l $&tfons of tho, !""Oad with unsafe. steep
drop-Offs. 6u.rdrJtls ~ to be instilled along t~se seetrons.
Orlv~ Yis1btlltz.t Ar.stra~era R~1d lnt~rsectlon: Orfyers Irav1ng John
Mar-thens Lane aa nQt t\.iIIve an idl!'quate Y1ew of lSi tr'tfffc: on Arastrlder"O ROleL
Llr"ge trus alhlcJt nst,.fct sight cHstlftet' s.ho~1d be reraoved to .110. for PP"Cptr
,Islbll it)'.
arty,,. Visibility Dn John Mlrthens lane: Thert' Il'"e 'Sewerl' CIlr"'VU I1O'n9 t~e
f'014 lIftlere Uie Crher's ,,{s\Sll1ty ts restricted, cr-etttng safety hilurds for
vehicles trav e11ng In apposite dfrections.
=-;Fcii't',rorThe , .... c;f street light, '"' Jcm Mlrthen. Lane poS .. I sofet)'
C' pedestrlons It night.
Addition.l Conce'r"s: Additlon.l l11nor c.onet'NlS '~WQ"'t' the need to tr-t ..
overtul'tgfng tree Plllbs." Install cvrve .ll"fting n spe.ed lic1t ,fg"s, paint
.. rtf"gs alfnutlni tile plYocI dr.'noge dltcll It the bon .. ond both 'las of
the ro&d, ond 1oIIro ... drlln. fecilftles.
Concerns of PlIo Alto 'ICICle AdYI.o~o.oltt .. : On July 1. 1986. staf' .. I
WIth the '110 Xlto 11Cyci~ Adw\sory toiii££ee. fht eo..ittee discussed three
con<e .... "'gardln, the Sllot)' of ~lcY"llsts rldl", on Jell. !forth ... L_: 1)
the laow 9" .... 1 sorfoct Is !lilt .. ,. f.,.. I>lcj'Cle rldl",! """ -.d. to 1M!
c_atled; 2) ........ .,.hnglo9 tree 11l1li>' _ t(I be trl_ to i1Iprov •• Ight
distill'.; J) tile ,n"" s",lIon Of JofoAI Morthe1l. lllW hIS Irregul .. N!/es that _ to be "'pIlre<l.
Additionsl1;,. t"l' toIIIIIfttH tgl"m th.t. based an the prl!'Sent low trifflc v.l_. the .... 1<1 .. Idtll Is sufficient for blc1<"SlS.
ConC!1'ftS of Au'dents: Persons Wio ltye .10ft9 Joh.n Marthens l.e hive: •• ~,.ssea conc:erns iliout the condition of the roAdway. their HabOlt,)' ancI the
effects of ftl(relied trlfftc ~
000939
,--:
•
<.
~ •
'-,.'
'Alter".tive'5 for JoM Mlrthens l4l1e
St.1f n!!s conc.luded that t",e,.e are f1n alter-II at fwn .'or ~ohn H~tl'll!lls L.,
A~ ~ec:on5-truct John Martnl!nS !.11W to abh~" 1t1X1_ Stfety end IIINt Crty.
Count, rDoid '$t.lnd..,.dS~ COlt: 5.17'5.000.
This II <o.nltf •• In .... .,., •• tion of the "",th ho.t.l tJId ,ttblo. It <Ill".
c""",lot .... ""strucHon of John Narthons L..... The .... TOa<! _1, ... -.11
f •• t .I~ ••• Ith Z·foot .fde should.r, (s ... ttac~" m4p).
Prior to rec:ol'lst!"'uction • ., env'rornentll asS!s.ent doc.UItM!!nt wou1d rJer(I tt II
pr"e'9ared. The-ntfllllttd cost for reton:structfon does not 1ncloUdt costs ~
mlt!;.t • .,y .. ,fr.......,t.l 1q!act .... t. purth, •• rlgl!t.of ••• y. Stlff~ ..
deteM!ltned that road' r,c..or.struct Ion would re~u fre removil of apprtn:11tIte-l, l',
Ir ... on, ,ub,untl.l f111 grading. Stiff .. Petts thlt the .... rood wo.l~
utllf, the resfdl"MU' safety concern'S .. However, the residtnts .tgnt conti ..
to be concerned ibout fl"lcrused traffic on Jcm" Marthe"s LPe .,d fl'!vlro",-.u·
fqlHcltlons of the roc rtcOrtstruc:tlon.
S. R.con,t"'"t tho Cort. Mod ... ,_ St.tlon Rold .,d tho Troll. C,,,t:
5350.000
TtI'Is ., ttr"nltht' requ1r"'e1 Improl'Ment cf' the Corte Mldtri PUIftP StatfOtl Rold ..
roton.tructlom of • trail wMeII conn.cts thIs rold IIId the ,tlbl. to IIH\ ell,
lAd CoUllty ,t"dards. Th. "". road" povl!d 18 f .. t .,de with 2-'oot """lWrs.
would" follow. dlfferoPlt TO.te to rol<il the .ttbl. n hostel 1IId_14 IlOl
Inoo1<. John "artII ... L_ (s .. attached _). The lItll1tl rotll .. t • ., .. a
Ar.str*l.ro Rold would requf" loproy_to to Incre ... ,fslbllity f<li" .....,
U!e1'"l~ Pr1ol'" to recOf'Istruc:ttng the utility read ... d tTln, • eny1rOMleftU'
.... ,.-..t doc_t "..,uld _ to be prepared.
Th ..... rood would IIthfy tho ... Ighbor.· cone."", .... ut ""tenthl f.cro_
u .. of John "Ir~'" l ...... 11 would dl.ert lOuth hostel IN Itlbl. troW,
to the .fc1dl. of ~e Pre.e .. e. It also would .lnf.'tt tilt rold use ... • .. fet,
.1.k, ItI<I t~ Cit," upo,vre t. Iltbll1ty. A rood ___ .tructlon .It,,,,It''.
s'oll .. to this ... ~.lo .. 1, con,fdered by the Arastra CUllen. C-ftt ...
PlannIng C_lssfon IIIId Council. but not pursued bee •• so of Its pros.-I""EI
on o!,<!n spac •• stn.tlc,. The Plyl!d ro.dw., .. ul~ bf_t tho p.rklilld. "'1(k
_as Intended as I pu'She, "'hIre-oriented preierve wftnout s1gnfflc:an1.
tmprovecDents ..
The .stl.ated ""t to reton,truct the utfl1ty roed .,d trail one! to iorp ....
,lslblftll1 the cvrve ... ArlStrldoro Rold "-not 'nc1ude the cort to
CMR:4Z~ :5 -4 •
000940
I S l ....
Ctl, ...
! CIH, fa, , ""W I
,,",,to.'
"to
'" "el, )'
i 'auld
COIII~
r .... :,.
t:
"III .," oot tl"
IVI.,.
. !lOt ...
"'01 ~tll
uset -."It ,riot,
.,..lth,
:tH, I _ .. ~
"'I"
,,.
":.'>~
'.'.«. .
/.
~ .----.
• tUtlle ., ..,1:nown envlro..-ental prDtlTeJM thlt .fgtlt ~ """oyered during tne
stu ItId dulgn ~,I ... process.
C. ..... •• 1.1_ ro44 1"" ......... 1$ t<J l"c ...... IIf.t,. of Jolin "lrthen, lone.
Cost: S8S,ooo.
n.f~ .1u,,""atiy, lIIOuld .llow cpl!'rat~on of t1!~ stltlh and )101ft" holt!l. Thr
illlPrO'lanents would consist of cape suling the Vl'ltel section. fnstilling luard
"flS. trf .. lng the trees and vegetatfon, 1nst.111ng trlfffc signs Ind rold
fdgeo refle;;to..-t. painting wtl1te edge lines and constr~Hng t1,jrno~ts for
P ... t"9. AI 0' this tille, stiff hi' not been iDle t<J .. certlln f_ t •• Counly
-"ether they bell ... thl'. they hlV. the leg.1 ."t/lor1ty t<J I""ose th.lr
5tlfl".rdl an ttle (fty~ If tPtey we!"!!! to Issert .suet! authority N the City -.ere
to agree, ttten 1t 's still unclell" wf'Il'ttler 01'" not such improwe.e-nts ~ould ~
sufficient for the County to waive its runl roadw.y standard~
D. C.ipt Sell ~ sf 9'1 tPle road with ... minf:s and trf. trtes on John "'oIrtnens
lllW!. Cost: S28,ooo. "
Tf'Ifs Iltffnltlve lIIOuld Illow for the-operation of & JllDJJth host~l. bill P"!'qufres
thlt tJte stable be c.losed.. The il!!pr"Cvements would inc.rease "fet,. ¥tCI' provide • ~m rwd s.rt"". for blcycl1.t ••
E. SI9" the .... d with •• f.ty _nlng. and perf,,", other .. I"t .. ."c.. Cost:
S6.,000.
Ibts .1t ... ""II •• _Id .11 •• ~,..tI ... 0' tne bloUng st..,l. with no
""'it!on.1 plddocts. b~ ,",.ld not provide sufficIent roaf • .,.tl for operitl."
of • J'Outlt hostol. A s"9'le.tion to .11ow •• It-fn .fslt<J1"S onll t<J the hostel
hIS _ c .... ld....., by .tlff Ind rejected .. lnf ... lbl. ond __ orcOIbI •.
, • US III£NT RAIIG£II POSlTIOII AlII) RAIIG£II RES III£IICE
Addltion.l .. , ... sts
ringer c_ r .... neIghbors of the ArastrlCJero ot tho "'11984 Planning
eo..lsslon public hearln9. The n.lghb ..... olced COIIC~s ... .rt on Incr .. se In
visitors to the ',....s",.., • .,d possible intrusion onto their prfute property
(CMR:355:4 June 28. 1984).
Coonct! directed tttff to lUlce the fo .... r .t..,l-..t ... house rudy for
occoplnCr bl Ajlrll U8S ond to o.t..,l1s11 on appropriate I .. se 19r_ with •
~t""t ron,... (CIIt:121:5 olMI.ary 10,19115). The house ... reCondltl..,ed and
DCCIIPI.~ by tile ronger .. "arch IS, 1985. The Cltl lnltlolly hid an lnt.rl.
-5-
CMR:4Z6:6
000941
.. ~. '.
I , , , ' , .
; i
t i
L
f
I
.
!
!
i
I
J
! ,
r()
IOTIOI 'tIlED ... ftl .... Iy. eob~ Ib.ont.
IS. 'K~sra.ntKO '.£S£'VE OP£~~TION5 (PAl 2-21) (C~RI(26,"
Cit' ~.n.g.r ai11 'aner .. id council instructed the citizln. cc~·
aittett to ·er •• t. a low intensity and Ilin.iu.l COlt 'pllrk Witt!
.~~.i. on nttural and open Ipac •• ~.nit& •• 0' tbe land. and •• n
aitlyity to t...". t:reg,l1. foot.hill. e-c.olo9Y_ U.'. ph.n.n.d. for the
plrt should not duplicate tho •• provided in ur~.n n.lghborhoo~ or
reoioNl plrkl.-The COa.itt •• '. rlc-oHiand.tiona, which wlra
.dopt.d by the Co~n~jl. included rltern!ng the land to it. natural
Itate II .uch •• po •• ibl. with protectivl pl.Dtin~., iapl ... nting
\ne tt'U sys.t •• wt\ich include!! • .;.:.... t.o 1:-.;10nl1. t-rIU.,
udwcing .,...t."re land to • .jni.~. OYll' • fivI-Yllt" pt:t'iod,
uint.J.n1ng the barn ••••• If-aupporting .tabl. faCility throu;h
t .... u •• of • 1.,. •• or • ~one".1onI1r. arrange •• nt. conv.rhn~ the
hrOI tloulinc to a youth hOlt.l, cr.,.ting tha priNr.r ecca., to
ttl.. propetty fro. the propc ... d Itr ... trldero ROl4 parking lot while
IIIling John ,.eethan. une ., acea •• f!:!c th. _tAble .end! hOUll,
prot.ctfng and! aa1nt&ining the park with the u •• of twu full-ti"
renglt •• dedJcating •• ~rkl.nd the 71 acr •• on lhe north aid .. 0:
Inatr.aero Road, ."d d.c-r.e.iftC the c()at of eon.t.rucUon of
trtil, thrcu9h the u •• of ~ol~nt.ar labor. The ataff repott d4alt
yUh protlle ... ncounterad ,,!'I.11' i.pl ... nting :llllprove •• nt. at tne
Ir'ltreclera Pra.erye, Ut Joh:w ~Itb.n. "'-n., (21 tha r&ng.rll
(3) t~o ho.tol. and U) tho .tabl.. II« urg.d eouneil .dopt tho
r.eo ... ndationa If it .i.bed to ~ntlnue with •• i.t1ng poliei •••
COuncil""'r Becbt.l co .... nd.d auff for An ezcellent report.
S~e referred to the ra.id.nt ranger .nc! a.A.d for ~1.rifje.t1aft of
the pt'o9!.ion, of th.: C'el'i •• d 'liE' Labor St-ar.derd. Act whlch
_Ueet..d tbe po.ition •• ".11 .a the .public hplorae. ReUr ... nt.
Syate. and inco .. ta. ~a.ific.tioft ••
.Direct-ot' 01 ,.rlonnel Jay .Round ••• id in pr-e,polrJ.ng to i_ph_nc
Council d:iraeU,.. for-_ T •• ident TID;_£, on the property, luff
:int.."u:s.d to .nt..r into I rental .gr .... nt with the ranger. .10"'"
ant', under the ,..ir Labor lund_rda Act, it "II not po •• itll. to
enter into & rental .Qr .... nt when an .~play.e lived ,n a.plaYlr
pra.i.e. by requlr ... nt of the joD. Th. v.lUII of t.b.e [an.Ul,
there fare, auat ~ Itlted 1n teru of b,.se pi)' and u •• d in .lScU
tjon to ~Iary for cr •• ting II bl.i. upoft which o.erti .. WI' caleu'"
I&ted.. The 'Ilr .tebor StandiarCS. Ace. had rigoroul rule. tor
•• lllin; what the r.ntal WOUld' be. It. cou;ld ".late to the flit
.arket ",.al"., but only tbe re.l coata incurred by tbe •• plQy.r: ..
for tltt City of Palo Alto. it woo U_aod to thin;. liko utility
COlta, repelra, dep~e~lation and would not reflect the tru_ .. rket
,.lul ot the Tent_l. An iniquity would '.ilt o.CIU •• tha City VI.
unable to fylly v.l~a ~he property in ter •• 01 ~ha •• ploy.e'. ec~
penaaticn and y.t it. wa. teqlolirld to do aa b)' the r.it" Labor
Stoncludl let.
C.~~cd r..U~
~+ ;S,I<;i'p
EXHr8tr .B
7 t 0 2
1/15/86
•
1--, J; , . , . , . j .
i t I , i!
! J . I , ! . ;
~ .
i ,
Itn.tl'l..~ it c;.uld ~ ,,_ .. l •• ent.d.. ArB 111'.' in ,. pOlition to
iapl'Mftt • l.as. and e~ulcl J:!l'oc.ed to .go out·-for bjd.. II'!
r •• pon •• to • que.tion frem t.he 'lannin; CCllllllillion on I'!a:r e,
118., ";archn; th. .d.;uIC:Y of John ."1&[ thIns. L.ln. for fl [.
protlction .n~ itl ad.quacy for fjr. v.hicl •• ce ••• , Fh'. Chut
~.11 found the .xiltinD rOld .d~;u .. t. to .~pport • fir. v.hJele in
III w •• tll.r C'cndittol'l. In4 believed tr.t rOld ... y to b. Icc.ptable
given the ~ropo •• d ira.rior fire sprinklers fcr t.he r.ljd.nc •.
Sh. ahowed picture. of the rOld t.~_.n 1n two dir.ction ••
• aul •• t .. r, , Are.trleS.rlC) Road, .apr •••• d appr.eht!on to ",n.
nin, property own.r. on Joh~ ~.rth.n. Line who w.rt pc •• ,nt and to
Plr. Zaner for .e.ting "'itl'l t.helll and expr •• aing hi. Yiewl on t.he
illu,. In l"egar" to ttle Itaff -report .. h. wal pl •••• d t.he defi
cienci •• Gn th. roadlll.Y wire d-.f1ned. Sine, t.he cQntell'.phtedi
opec.tion v •• co ... rrial in nltur., it had r ... ification. th.t con
tinued t.eyQndl the "' •• originally intenlfed for the road f~r rel1-
dential purpa.e.. £Y.n wit~ Ii_ited It able o~r.tion, trlffi~ on
the ;rav.l portion of t.h. road doubled line. 1'1-4 by the City'.
count... Tt\. prevailing County at.ancSard reI.at.d to th. &yer_g_
daily traffic weI'. ele.r and could not De Iccoamod.tld wilnin the
10-foot rieht-ot-May the City ~ontroll.~ Dver ... jar part ot t~1
roaliway. The t.co_nd.tion for the 58S,OQO -b.and-a id-solution
~ •• not in the belt inter •• tl of the City'. property own.rl or the
operatorl of til. contempllted 1, ••• .actiyitie... Th.r. WII no
d,fen .. for a aWb.tandard coed when public trlftie vaa enco~ra;.d.
If aceesa .15 Qoing to b. on John. Kerthen • .LIInl, t.h. I'e.ddents
belie .... d $37S.0DO wa'" the appropriate alt.ertaa t..1ve. 'til' int..rnal
route wa. an i8portln.t alternat'ft.. Be dic5 not believe
Alt.rnativ, C included the COlt of graveling t.he a6ditional Il~.r
nat. ace ••• road in .1r. Chie' WalP. opinion t.hlt he found Jot'ln
"arthenl Lan •• d.quate if t.here .a ..... conary paved, Qreded, or
~r.v.l,d .ce.... If Cou.nC'il con.iderld the $85,000 -blnd-aid
.pprOlch, it ahould dalay action untU apeejfjc q"e.tion. of
Cou.nty au.MIr-dlll, In.ol .... nt, and compliance wi th Ue EIR
r.qutr.Mntl •• reQu.,tld by Su.pervi.ot "eXlnnl ".re be adhet'ed
to.. .
CouncilMaber Renzll recall.d filr • .A. i_r "I' an advcC'lt. fcr the
prc;posal to put 1,"" ho .... on the Ara.tra propeorty. She I.tad
wha:t .kind of u.' of John "art.h.nl Lane ..... cont.mplated at tbl t
tiM.
Kr-.. hiMr-Hid JOM flarthana 1.&n. wa. C'ont.lllplate~ a. an
.... rg.ney acc ••• and the total i.prov ... nt wa. within the ~O-foot
right-of-woy.
:-------
•
1 , 1 5
1/25/86
OOO~60
-
Rosem8l)' Young
26 Arastradero Road
Portola Yaney, CA ~4028
~22.1993
Dear Mr. SchreIbEr,
t;:o· ;~' __ .-:::-0:: :=!..~.:::::::G
i-:. ._';" ...• ~ •• .:; ;:'7;' ~:.:. ~:.c~·: ~':''lT
I am WIiting in apposition to the NegatiVe Declaration on the
a..Oenge Learning ('.enter, dated May 3,1993. I wm keep my response brief,
as 1 agree w!th the m"", deta!le<llet\er submttte<l by Bob and B.j. Davis.
The proposal for the Challenge !.earning Center is conf.lSing. as just a
few years ago the Oty of Palo Alto dedded that a hostel planned for the same
site was an inappropriate use of the land All avallable cia ta i ndleate that the
OlaDenge Learning Center would Impose an even heavier use of the
property. Not only would It over-burden our road, but it would also greatly
diminlsh lhe experience of the park for its visitors.
I wiD not go Into every detail of OUT disagreement with the Negative
De<:laration, but J would like to spedflcally note the foDowin8'
I) Re, Transportation! circulation. (1t12r. Yes to a. b, C, and d.
2) Re, Public services Yes to a, b, d, .:1<1 e.
3) Re, Utiiities, Yes to a through f, every one;
4) Re, Aostheti"" Yes
5) k Recreaticn Yes
We were aD veri disappointed not to have been informed by the city
as to the progress of this project
Yours truly.
Rosem~~~7 f?~
. ' .
.'
.. /
Kenneth R Schreiber
Diw::tor of Planning and Conununity Envimnment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94301
Dear Sir.
o May 22, 1993
~~:= '.~:jV~O
::-~.~:-:-. ----~'.. '::-:"':\3
J~'_ '. _ " __ . __ .. :,,--:;r
Our bome located at the end of John Marthens Lane was oompleted in May,
1 m. Before cur house was in the planning stages the adjoining land on cur south
property line was owned by Sunset Oil Company which submitted several plans for
subdivision. In each proposal the Cil)' of Palo Alto insisted that the project have it's
own entrance off of Amstrndero Road leaving the gate at the end of John Marthens
Lane locked, only to he used as an emergency fire exit We felt comfonable with this
staunch position and proceeded with our home construction in 1971. Later in 1976
the Cil)' acquired the 600 acres as a settlement in the law Stlil with Sunset Oil.
Before we were granted our building pennil we mel1he Santa Clara County
requirement of widening and providing shoulder to our frontage OD John Manheos
Lan:!. At the same time that we paved our driveway we and the Arbuckles, (nol> the
Robert Bass bome) paved John Manhens Lane from Arastradero Road up to the gate
where the road changes 10 gravel. Si~ce then we and our current neighbors have
done significant maintenance, drainage improvements and mowing of natural grasses = the edges.
It should not he necessary to review 1>'le legal contention between the residents
on John Marthens Lane versus the American Y onth Hostel I City of Palo Alto over
the failure to provide an environmental impact repon regarding such effects as trame,
fire danger, septic tank and drainage. As you know the neighbors WOD the suit and
later a state COWl: of appeals upheld the ruling. When the settlement agreement was
signed the Tunes Tribune quoted councilman Mike Cobb, • I don't think we have any
big burning desire to have anything (al the site). It's not wilhout ils problems.'
(January 14, 1992) Retiring city manager Bill Zaaer staled that in his opinion the
house should be leveled.
As to the cu."ent ;>roposal by the Challenge Learning Center, we believe !hat
the "Rope Courses" serve a worthy cause in helping children suffering from cancel
and cystic fibrosis. Their program also serves youth al risk and Stanford University
residence hall advisors and many Bay Area companies. We feel !hat a more
appropriate location should be examined sucb as Palo Alto FOothills Park where
paved roods, bathroom facilities, fue and police proIectioo are already in place.
We objeelto the environmental assessment which was prepared for the CLC to
use both houses, the barn, and oak groves for their project Funher, we are suunned
that neither the Cit)' nor Ihe Challenge Learning Center advised us that a negative
declaration has beeu prepared with comment & inspection dating from May 3, to
May 24. II was by coincidence that we discovered i I this week. We are disturbed that
the City did not notify us and several other neighbors who also have their names on a
list al City Hall requesting notification of any changes or proposals regarding the
Arastra Preserve and the buildings thereon. This request was reiterated by us in a
telephone call to Bill f-eHman, Real Estate Department, when we noticed truckloads of
furniture heing moved up the road. He thanked us and assured US again that we
would he kept abreast of any changes.
Since we were nol given notice we have little time to respond and cannot cover
• . .
. ,
all 0( 0iU roncems in oneOer. In looldng at tlte negative dci.")ation we believe that
a much more thorough study is mandatory.
Our fust ooocem i. increased traffk on J,)/m Marthens Lane which is tbe
winding, paved portion of the road from Arastradero Road up to the gate where one
enters the preserve. five residences and Palo Alto each have an equal easement on
the road. The signing of the final settlement agreement with the City 0( Palo Alto
confmned our position in regard to our John Marthens Lane road rights.
We can envision from reading !he CLC proposal that traffic generated could be
considerablv greater than tI:e estirnaterl20 trip, iroru both hou..<es. The CLC
literature stites that staff and or carerakers inchJCling families will """upy the houses.
Today a neighbor spoke to Neal Takemoto in the Planning Department He told her
that ftfWen 10 twenty people, including students at risk may be staying in each house.
Additional road trips would be needed for the list 0( volunteers mentiooed in the CLC
project description. They would, "renovate the structures and prepare the large house
as a site for support services and facilities, as well as stock the large house as an
infirmary.· Although the "Ropes Course" participants will be CO!lling to the site by
foot, it is not likely that the =pemers, pain~rs. plumbers, flooring people, masons,
tile workers, medical equipment suppliers, doctors, etc. will be walking from the
parking 1<>1 on Arastrndero Road. It is also a worry that the unfenced swinuning pool
may be renovated as was requested by the Cystic fibrosis contingency, thus requiring
additional trips for repair and continuous pool maintenance. The risks of the
swimming pool were not mentioned in Ihe negative decla"'tion.
Not included in vehicular trips count are the regular rounds by City employees,
rangers, road repair equipment. firemen and police, and what about garbage
collection?
It is highly possible that the "pyramid" growth of CLC described in their
presentation of May 19, could result in more bus trips for the handicapped.
The study mentions that the CLC will bave fewer trips than the V vehicles per
day when both houses and the stable were in operation. This is not a good
comparison. The fact is that there was too much traffic on the road and the City
closed the stable. With tI:e overload when the stable was in existence, there were
sevem accidents reported. one of which was an overturned truck on the blind curve
of the paved portion which blocked the road for half a day. During that time frame
the City prohibited bicycles on aU the interio< Arastra trails. When the youth hostel
appeared to be a "sho<>-in" the City Council changed its position, allowing bikes an
the horse and ~ trails exposing the rapidly descending cyclists to cars on
Marthens Lane.
It was not mentioned in the environmental review thai there is a blind curve on
the steepest section of John Marthens Lane and that there is no visibility of oncoming
car> on ArastIadero Road at the intersection which is blocked by Eucalyptus trees ar,d
fencing. The two deer crossings were not observed in the negative declaration, nor
the presence of wild chickens and turkeys which often bring automobiles to an abrupt
halt A recent police call is on re<X>rd regarding this.
Of great coocern is the item 14, (c, d) Utilities. It's true the water lines would
need work bill IOOre glaring are the insuffici""t septic tank and leaching fields. To
meet the great demand for wheel chair access hathrooms, suencient showers, etc. for
both houses it would require an in depth study to ascertain if it would even be
possible. This bas been looked into before and as we recall there is not enough
acreage associated with the house 10 provide sufficient space for the leaching lines.
Foe protection was not covered at aU in the negad ve declaration. A means of
evacuation of CLC participants, staff and families would need to be addressed.
..
l Another fire such as JiR,ne in i 985 could be a disaster ifQ dirt road from the barn
, 10 tbe Arastradero curve is no! widened and compacted wilh blue rock. ! Police protection in the Preserve is City of Palo Alto. while on .John Marthens
! Lane and the surrounding re.idences it is the Santa Clara Coun!)' Sheriff. A double
jurisdiction can be confusing ill an emergency situation.
One last concern for the safety of the "selS of the "Ropes Course". the report
failed to mention the oak grove where the course is planned is known for its
rattlesnake population. Only two weeks ago we saw a large one coiled near the barn.
One last mention of the road problem is that the lower pa' ed portion of the
Road is narrow and essentially ooe-way. With limited site distancos it is inappropriate
for any more uaffic than is on it now. The upper portion above the gate is a no win
situation. When it was widened and compacted in 1987 to prepare for the hostel it
only took one rain storm in that drought year to form a pond west of the gate &t the
south edge of our property. On the other side of !he road it was so wet that. City
grader was stuck for some time before a tow truck could remove it. This was before
the proposed cape seal was to be applied, As the vegetation has become more
evident along the cuts the \isual effect bas improved hut there "11' still i\O!l1e slide
areas which need repair.
In COIIclusion, there have been DC changes in the road, the barn and the houses
since 1987 and all the former problems are still in existence, even to a greater degree
in that bicyding, hiking, jogging and horseback riding bave increased tremendously
since then, compo'mding the dange,.. on John Marthens Line. The proposed uses by
CLC would constituJe unreasonable over burdening of the roadway which has been
tenned "substandard" by every authoriry on road <i£signatioDs. In addition easement
holders on the road would be exposed to liability should the City aocept the proposal.
We find it bard to under.;tand how the Cil] of Palo Alto oouldjustify a negative
declaration instead of a full ElR.
Our hope is thaI the City Council will perform its dUly honestly and consistent
with law, seeing to it that all county and city codes are met and order a full ElR for
the protection of the citizens of P-dlo Alto, those who use and love the preserve's
pristine beauty and for the preservation of this ineplaceable nature preserve.
Please enter our comment:; in the offICial reoord. Thank you.
Copies to:
p/ C>/ hi0 YO~ trWA,~o~;f: ,,(k.4 j
I~~&~s
22 Arastradero Road
Portola Valley. California 94028
Santa Clara County
Jean McCown. Mayor and City Council
June Fleming, City Manager
Arloo Calonne, City Attorney
Bill Fellman, Real Estate Division
, "'.
May 24,1993
Mr. Ke!ll!eth R Schnoor, Planning D'.,.ector
at}' of Palo Alto
P. o. !lOA 10250
Palo Alto, California 94303
. "". ,
f::CiZi'.flEO
MAY 26 1293
Re: 93-E.lA·16 Arastradero Preserve -Challenge Learning C<:nier
Dear Mr. Schnoor:
As property owners adi=nt to the Arastradero Preserve and with establisbed acress rights
aver lobn Marthens Lane, we wish to make the fonowing romments concerning the Staff
rerommendation for a N egadve nectar.tion concerning the propos<:d lease and subsequent
use of the propert),. Prhnarily, our ronunents concern the absence of YES designations on
several of the environmental check. list items and, consequently, the absence of discussion
or designation of mitigating measures for those sigmfi<ant impacts, namely:
8. I !!!!d Use. The proposed lease for excJllSive use of both bwldin~ and ground within
the Arastradero Preserve for • 20 year period constitutes a substantial alteration of
the present use of the area as non-..xclusivc, open space. A NO impact classification
is inaccurate.
12 1'ramJPortation. While the discussion of the MAYBE designation includes reasonable
discussion of historic traffic on John Manhens Lane, DO provision for monitoring or
limiting tbe anticipated trips to that level is included as a rerommended lease tenn
to insure against increased traffic impacts over time.
13. Public Se,,;ces.
a. Fire Protection. The NO impact in r~pe<:t to increa~d fire rl. .. k k iM(X"U!'.::!.te and
misleading. Tbe July I, 1985 fire which resulted in the destruction of 7 houses
adjacent to Il:e Arastradero PreSClVe -as the result of wildfire which spread from the
Pr...,rve -testifies to the hazard and to the necessity for fire protection. Am!
increase in human activity in the Preserve results in the increased need for fire
protection either as preventative fire break construction, controlled burning. or
foliation reduction or as stand by provisions for fire suppression.
b. Maintenance of Public Facilities fncluding Roads. The inad"!uate sta.udard of
John Martheos Lane to accommodate increased traffic is uncontested and
substantiated in aty Staff reports dating back to August of '-986, Consequently
traffic should be limited as discussed 12 above and the potential of new construction
and maintenance of a secondaIy emergency acress road through the Preserve to
Arastradero Road designated as YES in the environmental assessmenL
o
Mr. Kenneth R. Schn"ber
May 24,1993
I':lge 2
The necessity ofsu'Jndary emergency aa:ess for those nat physically suited for hiking
and for those in residence as care takers receives no discussion in the environmental
... "'e"t at all. With the high fire danger in mind and the e.<p<rien<% of the July
I, 1~1IS lire as an example. the preferred alternative would be primary access from
Arastradero Road directly to the Challenge Learning Center within tbe Preserve and
emergency secondaIy access v'.a John Marthens Lane.
The Negative Declaration is an inadequate means of focusing on the emergeDCY
access requirements unless specific mitigation .is !iefined to ensure an·weather. an·
time vehicular access and, at the same time, limit uncontrolled public access whicb
would, in tum. require increased police protection.
14. Utilities. Given the discussions a"",mpanying the MAYBE categories for water and
septic tanks, it seems evident that a YES response ls more appropriate. In addition.
the permanent occupancy and supportiog medicul faCIlities will undoubtedly require
solid waste disposal in a manner not currently provided. Toree YES as compared
to two MA YBEs and Gne NO is the morc accurate response on these categnrie".
15. HUman Health. Since the operation of the Challenge Learning Center in the
Preserve enw-onment will expose participants to fire danger and neighboring
property owners to increased lire hazard, the NO category is wrong atld misleading.
In ~ the risk of fire danger to human beings should result in a Mandatory rmding
of. Significance on 19 d. unless ~ mitigation measure,< are mandated as pan of
the Neptive Declaration.
Thank you for your consideration of our comments. r must al50 point out to you that we
rcoeived no written notice of preparation of the Negative Declaration despite the fact that
our property abuts the Preserve (obviously within 300 feet). We were lucky to find
refexeru::e to your action on this matter in 3.!l Agenrla Hem lli!!ng in tl,e Pat" Alto Wee1c:Iy.
We trust that the da'. of this respome is proper to insure that our comments become a
=~::u:: Counru CO~~/2 Negativ~ DecWatio~
~.~
CoCo Mayor Gary Fazzino
6 Arastradero Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
. ,/
-.-
,
-,.' >. ' ,
, .,..-.-----r -::" -.;
. -'-, .
,
MAY 2 ~ 1993
DPARTMatfTOFP1.NglHG
A.t..!ti CC".AMJI1V rl,!\'ELon:.~ENT
_. ,f.
,-,.'
'fa.//) AHD P/e>..nn;¥j DetG..rhn~flt
.J,5()I/A It') j If PI'I A ,,~"-~
fal" IIItDi G...!H~YIll4....
Att~l'\: ke~",«rh R. . .sc/lY~ijeY-
I~AVe. ~nJ/) y~d IAl4lk"~ a.1'Id r/d,'n.3
"'y . h"YSe /h tile.... A'~str4d .. r&> /::;'es€YJ,JQ,
fb". rnA"! y~A.rs. 7f,i..s l)o..b .. Y~ <::'~j,\,. sre.. /s a.. WDnJerftA./ ;et;"W"~ -!Dr
t4-cc ,..., WI «'111 tty-
71JoC-ft'fJ t"sa../ by tk Ch.,..JIPIje> J...~MJ-)l~
Ce",t£y-. 7-9 lA..5e.. th~ faT e<..,.,J 5 meJ! hI) We5..;
t"'~ Parn ~r-d the tJa..'j::.. 90IJe 1U"u.IJ :nf.a.1j
<~e-4h«";·:fi IA ie..t seye/l>/ty of t--h~
.OfL" Sf'A.J'e.f'f'ek7"i/«, wh;ch u/~ des/,j"d
fdt;~(t?~f'UA5,:re."f ~veYj~neJ ~W4.J1y ..
. • . . '0· • •
.,
.. -...
---.-,
.. I'
-'Z,.-
'a../Jolf. t 'he. add«d 1.Ie.}IIC'dJ4.f trl<. ~'c-"PI
...)Dh.,., )1;11d},e..,s t-..n~" It-(s alre4dy c:t...
fl's/::.Y-«')f..t,erience ,./d ..... , ~ /ll)f'!.e 4f" I'"
c/f)wn-th:J na.rI'Dw) WihChnj r~Md-,
€Sr<:/a~/t '"Y) I//~W. "f -the, S?..ed"~
~~~yc.~I~ts ) th.~ ,C, ty \Ie h, c/e6 C4.~ t;fj,,,y
cArs; .
AsWc/I) ~ IIDl02S (,.I)M t1TBty'S d
Ch;,It!~H\ "r <MJlA../t,. vJb-u./J cJ;.fylU.'i fnm
t;,~tr41,!"-/ld j .
Pl«se.. eV\+er my () bjl'ct./~YlS ,.,.,to the...
ru~rJ."
' .. .. -. -.;: -.-
. -"J~a..hn"e.. 13uscCUJ '''a..-
..
'. ~" .-
~,
,-" ?1~::~~'/'-
.. _' _" __ -__ • ...A_
Kenneth R. Schreiber
Director of Planning and Cooununity Environment
2SO Hamilton A venue
Palo Alto, California 94301
Dear Sir:
I bave lived near the ArastIadero Preserve for many years dating back to wben
the land was owned b)I SUIlSeI Oil. During the earlieJ years its use was limited to
approved horseback riders and some hikers. It was carefully superdsed by Harley
Bothwell, the caretaker. No dogs or bikers were allowed.
It is disturbing 10 !earn that the City of Palo Alto is oonsidering a twenty year
lease by the Challenge Learning Cenler. Although the 'Ropes Course' is OOIlsiderod
a good therapeutic exercise, I am coooemed that this added activity in addition to
occupancy of both houses and use of the barn will detracl from the passi VP. nature of
the preserve and disturb the fragile ecology.
When the American Youth Hostel requested a lease for the use of only the
main house, the neighbors sued for lack of an EIR to address environmental issues. It
is well remembered by the community that the City lost the case at two levels aTld the
gate at the north side of the preserve has remained closed and locked as a result.
Other equestrians besides my-..eif appreciate this closure which guards against any
more traffic than is DOW on John Martbens Lane. The current mill of horseback
riders and bicycle riders is quite enough challenge without the addition of twenty-plus
motor trips hyCLC as mentioned in the negative declaration.
The i~ oovered in the lawsuit are going to snrface again, As I remember
they included:
1. Inadequacy of John Martheos Lane
2. Problems with the septic system
3. Fire danger and DO emergency exit road
4. In=ased noise and lights
One of the early studies OOOO'lCted by Palo Aho staff suggested demolition of
the maio bouse. This still remains an option 10 guarantee the protection of the
Arastradero Preserve as an environmental ellhibit for future generations.
The CbaI1enge Learning Center would fit nicely into Palo Alto FOOIhills Park or
Huddart Park in Woodside.
Yours truly,
J-,L. Ht~L
Sandra McFarlin
20 Bishop Lane
Menlo Park. CA 94025
Please euler my oonoerns in the public recooi Thank you
.".
Mildred E. Sera.nt~n
147 JOII ina Ave.
PJo Alto, Ge.lifornia 94306
[enneth R~ Schreiber
Director of Planning and Community
Environltent
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto. CA 94301
Deer Sir:
June I. 1993
As 8 10Dg ti~e resident ~f Palo Alto: since 1952.
~e as a family have been co~cerned vith ~~~t
happens to our city 8n~ the nat~re preserve we so
proudly enjoy~ Therefore. it is cause for deep
concern wben we learc that you a~~ ~l~nDing vD
using thet preserve for participant~ in the Rope
Cc~rses of the Challenge Learning Center. Not
onl, is it ineppropriate but un~ise to d~ so.
Road entry to the houses and barn is hazardous
and ill-8dyised due not only to the condi~ion of
John Martbecs Lane but the f~ct that it is ~1ndins
and there is ~o visibility on the blind curve on
tbe scpepest part of the rQad~ The proposed cse
of the houses and ~ern would naturally increase
traffic on ~hat read immeasurably.
Vb, is this activit! not being subject to 8e
EnyiroD~ental Impact Report?
I have read the letter of 5Gb and Betty Davis and
8gre~ wholeheartEdly with their st8temects.
Arastra is open to all of us to use end enjoy and
•
this propos81 for its use is not in eccordance
vith its purpose.
Palo Alto is a special city and offers mucb to it$
residents, and I obje~t to thi$ unwarranted use of
even a part of the beautiful open space.
Sincerely,
Mildred E. Scranton
747 Josina Avenue
Fa1e ~lto. CA 94306
e
~ A:~ if?' d~u
~ .f)~
"::<.5t? AI~ ~
~ ~ da.V~ 9-1'-.10/
E-44-U ~ .. ~
1":',
;j~ .1'1.--H<?Y
RECEIVED
JUN 2 \993
__ OI'~
NIl ~l.~ CEVB..i:If'P.:?o>'
av ~ ~ ~v..<?>-.d.-~
~ ~h....,.4H' ~ J.7n . .x'~> ....:r ~d
~~~/b"/ ...z; ~ z, ~ ;z: ~ ~~~~~~~~
~ 'i'?~. ). /P1. ~ -4 .d. ~
~~"./~~~~.
~ ~ ~. Y..4-.d??.u~,Z-~ ~
~~~~~ .. ~.....k....... ~ ~~.c",a,..G~
~~~4~~~
~~ e./t!. tU h /£ ~ ~ ~r./~ ~~
~~/~.
~~~4~~~-r.../
~ tf'-d.v.~ ~.:u... .L:. .. C
~~4~~~~
~~.~~~~~d.
~~"?
...!). ~ ~ -daz: ~ e../.e'. ~~
4.-~ ~ ~~. _<PP'Z,?
~~.~~¥~ __ _I ' _
, . -
•
CS' ~
CltU.t> 1/1P93
!
RECEiV2 ~
JUN 2 1993
May Z4, 1993
Mr. Kenneth R. Schreiber, Planning Director
City of Palo Alto
P.O. Box J0250
Pal. Alto, C.lifornia 94303
Re: 93·EJA-16 Arastrad-·" Preserve -Ch.llenge Learning Center
Oe.r~' Sch· i ber:
As a freQuen: user of th@ Arastra Preserve t I am writing to object to any use,
be it commerclal, profit or non-profit J of the ~nf acre house site located in
the mlddl. of the Arast,a Preserve.
This is doubly difficult for me, since J recognize tne !mpcrtance of
organizations such as the Challenge Learning Cent.r and [ am a neighbor of the
Preserve. My objection, and anyone's who supports open space~ is to the ~ery
nature of something foreign {controlled, bounded, organized, restrlcted, etc.)
plopped down in the .iddle of s~c~ an open space. ~Open Space-is open space,
and should be enjoyed as suc~. When there is something you ha~e to avoid or
walk around (not due to natural causes), it ruins the experience of w~at you
are trying to achieve with the preservation of open spaces. Left in an
unrestricted state, Ar~stri is open for 111 to use l ~ot some more specifically
than others.
As long as the ~ouse remains t this issue keeps coming up. The cou~c1't in all
f.imess to the citizens of Palo Alto and the neighbors of the Preserve, needs
to come up with • solutloo to this is.ue th.t would be in teeping with tho
Initial interpretation of the Arastra Open Space.
The Preserve is heavily used ~y hikers, joggers, h~rseback riders, and
b~c-.Yc:lists. It see1lls burdensome ar.d c-cntradict.".li,Y to intraduce IlKire ClrgaFliled
us. Into this wonderful preserve.
Respectfully yours,
,(t£d~~
~'therlne Bazak
24 Arastradero Rd.
Portola Valley, CA 94028 1J,,'.y 2 8 1393
445 Golden Oak Drive
Portola Valley, Calitomia 94028-7734 R~~EIVEO
May 31, 1993
Kenneth R. schreiber
Director of Planning and Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto. california 94~Ol
Dear Sir!
J~II 3 11193
Recently a neiqhbor informed me of the proposal by the
Challenge Learning Center to make use of the Arastra
Preaerve for a program to aid children and others.
Our residence is at 445 Golden Oak Drive~ Portola Valley.
just across Alpine Road from the Arastradero Road I Alpine
Road intersection~ Me use Arastradero Road nearly every day
and have dane so since 1959 when our bou~e was built. We
shop regularly at Kid-Town (Co~op and Coppfs Sew smart) as
vell as at San Antonio center (SearSi Hew York Pabric5~
paI1.ss~ Tarwet and Radic Shack). My husband's business
(leaseback of a Flight Simulator Rod maintenance of same) is
centered at the Palo Alto Airport. Arastradero Road is
therefore an important route of choice to us. This is a
curV7~ narrow and hilly country road which is already too
heavily travelled by commuters as well as by numerous
bicyclists and even some foolish ~ers.
Some tears ago my husband vas involved in an accident on ~
eurvy part of Arastradero when an oncoming motorist suddenly
turned left in frent of his car. Be ~as able to turn to his
left soon enou9h to cause the ri9ht sides of the two ca~s to
scrape together ratbe~ than meeting head en. The other
driver's eEplanation was :"[ didn't see 70U". Fortunately~
be sufferecl only a mild concussion; his small car was
declared ntotalled~ by the dealer who sold him the car and
servi ced i t ~
We bape your departme~t is actively considering what hazards
additional traffic ~ill create on this road.
Yours truly.
(iI.v.,. ~ ~ """ re; trI. UU;,
Mrs. Skipwtth W. Athey
Mr. Feldman
Planning Commissioner
Ctty of Palo Alto
Palo Alto. CA
DREW L ... "lz", RECEiVED
PoRTCl, .. VA.LL~I', C"'l,,:oJ'llNI. ,,"'OZl5
Jim 7 1993
0£pARTJ.,~ o.~ Pl.AKNlNG
A.NOCOM:-&m m· :;:o:::''''!.LO;~,~S''J
June 1, 1993
I live-adjacent to the Arastradero Presen<e in an uniocorpooated area of
Santa Clara Comity. I r4ve followed with $OIue int~est the city's recent
e1Jorts to luake use of the old hOU!le that sits at dIe end of John
Mart.hen.s Lane. I would like to voice some serious concerns.
If you've ever hiked around the pa..-t:ion of the llre'ietVe that sits betv.·een
my house and the house at the end of John Marthens lane you know
that the area is truly 'open space' -it is wild. undeveloped and entangled
with underbrush. There are a number of heritage oak~ en my land and
O!l the pre.~ervc .ar..d these tr-ef>S a .. ,"'e an left in their natur ell. densely
follated ~!.ale.
Up here we live in deathly fear of fire. After what happe-ned to Nastradero
Road durtng the fire of ~ 985 we have become acutely aware of bow
vulnem.ble we are. If you intend to lJ,tiliu the house at the end of John
Marth{:l\.S Lane I hope that you have takrn into account the regular
maintena~ that 9Iill be required on the surrounding lands to protect
against fire and the enormous diffir:ulty of fighting a .fire over the EW..aJ!
roads that lead into the area, We doc't have any lire hydrants up here
and an of WI spend a substantial amount of time and money each ~
clearing our ~,,,,:,fues of dead grass. uraDches. and ~s. r hop(> Palo
AltO is ~"1.l1bg to undercakt: ~e ~u.e !eli'tl of a<.ti ... icy ':'0 its side of the
fence..
If you could, fd like to h, these cQDl[tl;ents included in the official
rezon:Is of the City. I would also be grateful if this could be distributed to
the members of we City Council bebe their upcanlng meeting on this
ls$L!c.
Sincerely.
t.une 7. 1993
Kenneth R. SChralber,
01rectorof Planning anO Communlt~ EnVironment
250 Hammon Avenue
Polo Alto, Califomla, 94301
Deer Mr. 5chrel ber,
0.
j
AS the owner of e home loceted on a prlvete lene off Arestredero
Roed thet is adjecent to John Merthens Lene, I em interested In any
changes the City of Palo Alto m!g~t meke re public use of the Arestra
Preserve.
I hOve reed wHh Interest the Proposel submitted by the Challenge
Leamlng Center to the City of Polo Alto thet" the ClC form a partnership
with the Cay of P,10 Alto whereby lend and structures at the Arostre
Preserve would be leased end opereted by the CLC es an outdoor,
envlronomentally-besed leernlng fecHHy". The action-based program end
the CLC leamlng approach and methods deSCribed In the proposal are
Impressive and warrent careful conslderetion.·
I am also aware that some professionals aSSOCiated with the Cystic
Fibrosis Assn anO the Luelle Salter Children's HOspltel have expressed
Internt In DCqulring the bulWngs and surroundings et the Preserve for
specl~1 progr&ms designed to meellhe needs of certain of their patients.
Their plens mBlj or may not dovetail with the ClC project.
As worthwhile end Intriguing os these various plans ore, the basic
objections voiced by neIghbors and others to the CLC project wlTl remain.
They ere these: 1l the only vehicular eccess to the property is via John
Marthens Lane which is long, narrow, winding end hazonfous end 2) longer"
more intensIfied use of the property will increase tire danger end need for
police propectlon
As long as the house and other structures remain on the property, I
am sure the Clty '11'111 continue to receive proposals for their use, es 1t has
In the pest. The ovallabl1ty of a City-owned house and pane-like grounds
'11'111 not be missed by organlzetlons needing a piece In which to caarry on
their activities.
f urge the City Council to e~am;ne carefully the basic reasons tor
property owners obJect1ons to the proposals already made for use of the
MItra property end attempt to arrive at a solution that will solve the
problem once and for all,
Yours truly,
~~ /) ~.~
{)()rothy T. U w
.,
-" '.
•
Kenneth R Schreiber,
Planning Director
Jun. 22, 1993
M~mbers of the Planning Commission
City of Palo Alto
ZO Hamilton Ave.
P.O. Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Re: ~ lSept;vc Dedaration for ChalleD~ Learning Center PrQject
in Arastradew Preserve
Dear Mr. Schreiber and Planning Commission Members:
As • concerned owner of property adjacent to the Arastradero Preserve, and with
easement righl5 over John Marthen'. Lane, I have • number of objections to the City of
Palo Alto'. proposed adoption of. negative declaration for tbe ChaDenge Learning Center
project. For the reasons set forth below, I believe that tbe City's proposed actions would
be detrimental to the publi~ health, safely and welfare a.'Kl ;n 'liolatian of the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQN).
'The Initial Study does nC>! adequately identify sigrJficant environmental effecl5 which
may result from the proposed project, nor does the City's environmentai review disclose that
mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project or required as condidons of
approval, so as to mitigate all potential imparu clearly to a :evel of insignificance. Since
it is obvious from the facts and evidence already before the City that the proposed project
not only IIIIIio but!dll. have numerous signifiant environmental effects on land use, traffic,
public services, human health, recreation, utilities, and noise, among other impacts, and that
there is significant public controversy over these and other environmental effects, the City
should and I11II1I under CEQA require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) w:kn til
approving the project.
Preliminarily, the City's Environmental Assessment indicates that the reason.;
supposedly supporting adoption of. negative declaration are rontained in two documenl5:
(1) the Initial Study and (2) the Master Plan Environmental Assessment (84-ElA-36) dated
~ A determination of no significant environmental impact for the Challenge Learning
Kenneth R. Schreiber
June 22, 1993
Page 2
-: '
..... , .
Cemer is SUJlPOIUd by neither document. As noted above (and pointed out in further detail
below), the Initial Study is deficient with respect to both its identification and ~ of
potential er,viromnental impac'.s, and wholly fails to examine the project" consistenc), witb
governing land = ordinances, or to disclose the dala supporting its conclusions, "'::long
other 'honco~
As City and its slaffwt1I recall. concerned citizen residents of John Marthen's Lane
previously ~ the City and American Youth H"'teis, Inc. over the legality of
City's 1987 ""gam.., declaration for its decision to approve a youth bestel project in the
Pr ... rve. l.ike the prior youth hostel project which the Court determined required an EIR
in U:at action, this project will: (1) place dozens of additional persons in the p,eserve, willl
automobile access; (2) require formal (or Ik flIasl) rezoning of the Preserve from
nonexclusive open space to a more intensive ~; (3) require amendment of the Preserve's
desigoation in tbe City's comprehensive plan; (4) generate dangerous traffi< on a narrow and
winding substandanl road, 10hn Marthen', Lane, which has a blind curve; and (5)
overburden the insufficient septic tank and leaching fields located in unsuilable soil withln
the preserve. In the prior litigation, tbe City also unsuccessfully tried to rely on its 1984
negative declaration covering conceptual approval of the Park Master Plan. Additionally,
the City's environmental assessment and documents nowhere indicate if. where or how that
document bas been made a..,lable for public review during a prope' notice period for this
negam.., declaration. It is inconceivable !hat even after this prior ctigaTion the City would
attempt to violate CEQA and avoid proper environmental review in the same manner.
Moreover. a number of potentia) significant environmental adverse unpacts are
apparent from the faee of the Initial Study, as set fonb below:
1. .Emlh. 'While the ~on of items lb, e, and r revea!s that new trails are
conto'"mplated which will disturb the son and increase soil compaction, erosion and tree
da=ge, it nowhere discusses or reveals (1) the nature, number and .xtent of !raJ" which
are contemplated as part of the project, and (2) the llntits (if any) on trail construction
allowed as part of the project, and (3) bow the arborist's report or bank cutting safeguards
will be incorporated into or required as part of this project, as required by law rLe, Has the
Challenge Learning Center committed and agreed to specific nritigation measures in these
reprds? Has the City required such me.lSures as a condition of project approval? What
are they? To what alent will they mitigate the identified impacts 10 a level of
insi&nificance?) Further, discussion of the "high and moderate seismic risk" to participants
OD the site is inadequate. Are the big and little houses seismically safe and sound? What
steps, if any, are beiDg taken to mitigate the dangers which a proper EIR would identify
reganling emJiqual.., iaiJdslid-..s, mudslides, ground failure or similar seismic hazards? It
is irrelevant to either proper impact identification or mitigation discussion that the
', .. -._-.......,--
t , , Kenneth R. Schreiber
June 22, 1993
Page 3
--. -~--'---~
"equipment an~ wety aspects of the course will not place the panicipants in any greater
dang<r" ,i= that statement fails to addres< many other important issues.
Additionally. Ie should be marked )'es", since trails, at least to some extent, are
contemplated.
2 Yr'l!!:I, 30, i! and f should be marked "yes" given the slIong possibmty of overflow
contamination and dis<barge due to the inadequate sep~c tank sysle m and e;q>anciing soils
constituting the troublesome leach field in the Preserve.
3. Plant life. This disamioD is inadequate. and reveals a ptecemealiog approach to
the projed, since it is anticipated that telephone poles will be plar.ed into the Preserve after
a few years, at which point further environmental review would purporteoly be required
Since the lease is a long tertn (2Q.year) lease, and ronstruction of poles is obviously
anticipated now, both the project definition and analysis are inadequate for failur. to
identi~ the nature. number, extent and location of the anticipated poles and their impacts
on plant life, wildlife, soil. aesthetics, ete~
4. NiIi& This discussion is entirely inadequate. The City in the Initial Study ilImill
that the property is presently "lightly used, [and] it is very quite and increase in human
activity will increase noise levels within the park and to properties bordering the park."
These i<lentified significant impacts must be evaluated in light of the quiet, pre-project
environment. 1be noise likely to be caused by 15 to 20 people, including a number of
students, occupying each bouse, will certainly be substantial. particularly in the early
morning. in evening boun, and at night, whe n noise carries and is clistinctiy audIble even
over long distances against an otherwise still, qu iet and serene background. Again. it is
irrelevant that the course will not be used at night or that caretakers will also be presen~
since the project" impacts a'e clearly not SO limited in srope.
5. J;¥b' pM glare. 'The finding that the project will not produce new light and glare
is insupportable, in light of the fact that the City admits that an additional 10 to 2S persons
will be drawn daiIy to the Preserve, that there Wl1I be an increase of traffic on Arastradero
Road, and that numerous additional morning and evening van trips will be introduced to
John Marthen's Lane.
6. Land ug;.. It is inconceivable that the City does Dot consider a 2O-year lease to
CbaIIenge Learning Center, placing 15 to 20 per>ons in each of the houses on the Preserve
for crtended periods of tiroe, among other effe.."IS, to significantly alter the present
nooexc1usive open space land use of tho area
""oneth R. Schreiber
J\1IIe 22, 1993
Page 4
/' ... .
7. Transportation iCjrculation. Items 12a, b, < and d should all be marked "yes".
Tbe project will clearly introduce non·IO<al traffic in the fonn of project users and
employees unfamiliar with John Marthen's Lane and the surrounding 2fea to a dangerous
and substandard road, creating a hazardous mi, of vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic,
just as with the prior youth hostel project. The City conceded, through official reports, in
connection with the prior litigation that the existing paved and unpaved sections of John
Martben's Lane do not meet aty or County roadway standards; nothillK has chaoi'd in this
lcmer;t siN that time. The D.aJ'T'O\\ness of John Manhen's Lane still makes it d.iftlcult for
vehicles =/elling in opposite directions to 1'''''' safely, there are still numerous curves along
the road creating safety hazards for vehicles traveUing in opposite directions, and the lane
still bas a blind rum and several steep drop off areas.
As the City has also conceded, neighbors adjacent to the l=e haye continued to
raise serious issues concerning the ~ impacts of increased traffic on the Lane which
would result from the project. Users unfamiliar with the Lane will have greater accident
rates and pose greater threats 10 pedestrians and cyclists. The common presence of bikers
on the narrow road already poses a danger 10 driYers, who must often swerve into another
lane to avoid them; an increase in traffic w-JJ increase these dangerous incidents. Base<i
on the City's close familiarity with the traffic impacts associated with the prior youth hostel
project, which required an ErR, there is absolutely no justification for failure to find
significant effects oln traffic, safety, transportation and circulation here.
8. Up]ities. Items 14c, d, e and f, at tile very least, should all be cbecked "yes". Tbe
Nature Preserve is not served by public sewers, and the City concedes that "replacement of
the existing septic system may be required: The impacts associated with renovation of the
existing water lin •• and replacement of the septic system are ilkiW. as significant as tllosc
found by the Coun in the prior litigation to warrant an ErR. While soils in tile area are
elplUlSive, preventing a sew.oge system from "percolating" properly, and leading to repeated
instances of septic tank overflow in wet years, there is no analysis or discussion of the
impacu of renovation, replacement or upgrading of these facilities in the context of this
concededly inadequate soil system. The threat posed by the failure of the system is serious,
particularly in an environmentally sensitiye area such as the Arastradero nature preserve.
No mitigation or other measures directed 10 tIle.se impacts are incorporated into or required
by the project.
9. Hyman hr.aIth. Items ISa and b should both he checked. (See discussion
of Utilities above.) Additionally, DO discussion of health risks from the contemplated
iDfirmary is provided; the brief dlscussion of the risk from equipment use is inadequate;
and there is DO discussion of the danger from the venomous snakes and poison
oaIr plants which populate the area. The mention of liability coverage is an economic factor
•
.':"
Kennelb R.. ~iber
June 22, 1993
PageS
•
which appean to be irrelevant to Ibe pre.<eo.:e or absence of significant ad-.o.,.
ellYiromncntal impacts on t"" physical envilollIIleDL Additionally, the City'. casual djsmjsS>]
oC aesthetic impacts oC this project', operation in • previously pristine, quiet nature prese",.
is also inadequate and insensitive.
for the above reasons, and an those already set forlb in the letlers written by and
behalf oC my neighbors on John Marth<>n', Lane, the City cannot say that the CbalIenge
Learning Center project will clearly have no significant effect on Ibe Arastradero Pre .. rv.
and surrounding environment, including lohn Marthen', Lane. Accordingly, I urge the City
to follow the law and CEQA, and to prOted its residents, ciliuM and natural resource, by
<:ondueting • tun and romplete environmental ,rudy in the form of an EIR prior to
approviD& this PlOj.cL
Sincerely,
~
Robert M. Bass
RMB/cr
RECEIVtf 'T
JUN ~ 1993 1jf!dish Chartdra ~~~ ~ 1173
Kenneth"~~~;~~J<1 ~ iO '" ~ 10 ~ ~' <.t
Director of Planning e.,v(.ptol1~..r I fv a:.Jj/lf h i£ ~ 10 ~
250 Hamilton Avenue it j} ~ .1'1£<.'1' ..... ~,--e-N-"fr
Palo Alto, CA. 9430 I ()~ n G7~ f;~
Request tbat this letter be dated and entered into official record.
Dear Director of Planning:
Recently I hear)"bour thr: proposal by the Challenge Learnin~ Center to
secure a twenty year lease with the Cit)' of Palo Alto to use both homes and
the barn in the Arastradero Preserve.
I understand that both the large and the small houses would be occupied
by the CLC staff, caretakers and their families.
Besides 'his, their program calls for 'rope courses" to be constructed in the
oak grove areas in 'he canyon adjacent to ,he largest house and the barn. I
understand that comroHed groups of children and other would be using
this course. .
It is surprising to me that the negative declaration done by the Ci,} glosses
over the detrimental effects which chis accivi,y could cause to the fragile
ecology of this natural canyon. First, just in the erection of the course ond,
second, by the repeated trampling of the vegetation by the participants.
This is a nature pn:scrve we are talking about, not a play yard in a pub:ic
park. How could the City planners have ever even considered tampering
with the environment in this beautiful preserve which is so precious and
should be protected for future generations to enjoy!
Other concerns are the septic system and water lines which were never
intended for public use.
eo BQ% 60856· Palo .4.Im. CA 94306
• ,"'"'\
,;../
Jagadish Chandra
Originally, the restrooms at the .IIrastadero Preserve parking lot were to
serve the public. Now, with all day events planned this is involving a
change. Entertaining groups in and around the housed and barn area will
set a bad precedent and detract from the quiet serenity of the preserve.
Although the groups are to be escorted by foot from the parking lot, [ am
none the less disturbed about the added traffic to the small road called
'John Matthews Lane' which is virtually a single lane road at its narrowest
point which is also the most precarious section at the steep blind curve.
1 have noticed rar more hikers and bicycle riders than in the past. Also,
what way is there to comro! the proposed twenty trips per day,oW the Chal
lenge Learning Center? A lot can happen in twenty yeas and ~ aspect is
simply not wen thought OUt. In fact, much can change in a single year!
This proposed use has been kept so (juiet. What was the idea! Was it to
push it through the City Coullcil for approval and then publicize it! J pre
dict many outraged citizens of Palo Alto will be knocking at your door.
Nothing was mentioned about fire protection. The narrow dirt roads in the
preserve are not adequate for fire engines nor for a fast exit by the CLC
occupants of the houses. The fire of 1985 should have put planners on
notice.
May i suggest that a full environmental impact rei-K'rt be suppiied to aScer
tain jf there is any merit to this proposal which to my judgement would be
a negative impact on the delicate ecology.
{~
j
ED. 8m: 608i1j· PqW A1tq. CA. 94306
• .~
Tagd'aish Chandra
Iqq3
..,.,-
-, . J"u:.:',:.
My. kcl11leik R. ~\k " ';
])iJ\,H~ ~ fl""''''''<1 ~ C~~Y>l"";~ ~W10">"',,1-
J5D -!kW\,I+o n MI"I~
P...k 4\-\01 Ql,f 'i'4-3D j
~-.A-~\y. SJ,v~\,v., ~
Re' cL1I£,,-f' 4/Vw.-.,,'t (}~
f7C(~l
~ Jt"'~ hJ--l;:r ~ kj~ FCf,'h~
k e...JotJ ~ ~ 'tA-r-i JUu'tJ.
eo Rqr 6OBf6· Palo Alto. CA. 941Q6
i· \
~. th. undersigned ~.atri.n. and hiker. are con~.rned about ~rt.in
eapeet. of tbe Challange L.&rninq Center propnsal tor the cae of bot~ ~
hoyN5, tbe barn and oak gt'O'II'el!ll in the Maatraderc: Prefl.erve. ~ ~
The proposed ar~& de.iqn~ted for the ~Ropea Course-is near eXieili
tr.U.. '!'hi a added .. ct.i vi ty created by the couue .1 tllllelt as ve 11 &B hI. e
valk-in participants and atatf would inerea.e noi~ and detract fzom t~
tr~ility of this non-exclu.ive preserve. ~
~
Occupancy of both hou.es ar.d 'Ill!le of th" ba.r!:l~ the awinming pool ~"O ~n9 allowed on the pat~ are all queationable usee in a nature pres~4
'the pla.n would alao add nore ears to the narrow. wincling J. M. Lane. ~ i
We beliilve that I. full fiIIn" ironmentftl ilIlpDct report ratber than a ~l!
n~tive declaration should be prepared to fully &ddreea topic. of 1. lana
use, 2. traffic, 3. noiae, 4. fire dAnger and 5. IlIIe¥4gB.
print name aDd addre88
'-C
""
'" m
'"
/1 ~ N ' ri~l A~ t~ iL~_LMM.y..b!-~ --, --,,'1 ,/ ',I t' . 1./) J Ii. I J I-1/ tlI.A~l.,L --V~~-------~~--';7t~ -----------------17
__ ~-~lLtU.{'ZI--i-_:f~_ 'f . •
_~~_5_~ ... LL ___ _
__ :p"Q~_Bo.x._'_:I..,!OLA-______ _
.....2{\~\lTCt!. __ 'i':lQ!!Q ____ _ --~~
____ f_~l __ .l?jl=~ _______ _
____ ~~, ~~1Cl ______ _ -----~~12~-__ ~ l:&:,~ ___ (.fLZ't..~J
-=: ;'")< r::..l£.. ~"; "..JL-:( .... , ,{' '~r ___ ~ ______ L __________ ..:.=._
./' __ --3::1:..:'-__ 2. __ .!._.:..::.-_~-::::_ . --.;.'-:
~--~-~---------~~-
1I
"' 0
"' c:::
"' "0
:--." 1-'\, \t-.e~:....c.--S-Y:..~bhE..'i ~"\
\ O_?:L_d~t.-lQl.1(Lli_~f.. __ L rs~~-~'t\
l'\~~ __ .i'~t-_'E:._D_oi't.'!~i"
SJsl. ?.-"' ____ 5'~:!.lk_L __
JJZ..S:.:L5-"N~.D.-______ _
_ b.;E_&l.lILf.A.&.l::-J!_1to._95', '-I
,
I
I ,
o
... the UDdaraignad equeat.riana and b.lktu;. are conc:eri'l8d about ce.rtain
aspects ot the Chall.ng8 Learning Center proposal for the use of both
boaa,.., the baru and oak gx-O"II ill; the Ara.tradero Pr •• lI!rve.
The propoaed. are. designated. f-or the '".Rope. Course" i. near existing
tr.ail.. 'f'hia added aetiv.ity cr .. tItd. by t.be cour ... 1te.H .. .,.11 •• by t.he
walk-in parti~ipanta and .. taff would incr.... Doi.~ and detract from the
tranquility of thi. ngn~lu.1v. pres.rve.
Occupancy of both boua._ and UM c!. thtl bun, the awj.l!'min9' pool and
smoking allowed on the patio are all qu •• tionable u... in a nature preserve.
'%'he plan would .1ao add JllCre cu. to t.ba n&rrOW, winding J. M. Lane.
We belie~. that .. full environmental impact report rather than a
negative ciecluat10n ahould be prepared. tc .fully addreu topic. of Z. land
uee, 2. t.r.affic~ 3. noise, C. fire dacger and 5. aew8ge.
Date
53!: 2.3
print name .nd addreaa
.. -J«-~'4_jL _?JJ!lt:3 . .tJ..l5.
~~_-1:J~~ ___ ~ ______ _
':3!d..£1{L'P~"'-if+_f!l __ 9.tCff..2_
MtI._.1 C~~~_ ..... __ _
Z4Q_j~i2.\JL. __ ~ __ .
-i.J.J:lW;,j}£i1t!i.--'11f)-ft?...-
2:12a.r..t.f2Ll_Ji:£s;;£kc_
:z£;[.L-L-e.LeLJ£L_J)a ,~
:S;.L.I:1.12.!JW.tf..u..lB_Y..</tJY 7
~.b:.!!2.(l_"-".E:"4_-Q_. ___ .. _.
f!~t16 !P-___ ('~_. ____ _
signature
? 3 • __ the tJ..IiCMni9JMKl equestrian. and hilte.n are conoarned about certain
.-pect. ot the Che,llenqe t..arning" Cant.a!r pr~-.al for the UII. ot both
hOU&e.~ the b&rn and oak groves in the ~.8tr~dero Vr@aerve.
The prcpoaad area 4Nign&ted tor t.he "Ropea Caurae-h near exilting
trail.~ 'l'b.1. added ac:tivity created. by t.he cour •• itself as 'Well •• by the
walk-in perticipant.. ftllCi lStaft would iucre .... nobe and detract from the
tranquility at th!1 noD-exclu~ive preaerve.
~ ot both houllell And uaa of the barn. the nillminq pool and
1Im01tln9 allOWlef! O'D. the p6.tio are .11 queat.iOttfl.ble 'C". in a na'.:.'.U'e preserve.
'rbe plan lIIOu16 _180 add MOre carll to t!:ie narrow I windibg" J. .M. Lan".
"'* beHave that .. full envi.rapmenUl impact report rather than "
negative declaxation .bould be p~ar.d to fully addre~B topiCS of 1. land
u ••• 1. tz4ffi~t 3. noi .. , (. fire d6nger &r 5 .• ~4.qe.
Date print n~ and addre ••
.m_l.~LLR!!.llfcLt_~ ___ _
__ ~JJi_~Jl_qJ1~!_r: ________ _
Y.."!LI2.Jt.lJ.'2 __ c.::.3~Lp..9_L _
_ ,::-:,_::~_~~4/~~-?-r:-_
( _~!_{~~I:e;;;L..bR
(.<":: 4{"7r>~ j...£..,""> ----------------~-------
" r ' .. ' .-~ "-,
.. the undersigned eque~trian8 and, bikar. are conceroed about certain
• .-peet. of the Challenge Learnin.q Cent&.r proposal for the u.e of both
hou. ... ~ the barb .Inc.! oak C'p'ov •• ill the Araetradst'O Pre.e~~ ~
'The propo8ed un deaignated .tor the "ROp@S CCtU"IM'" is near exiet~
traih. 'rhi. acSded: aet! Yi ty cr4jlated by the oourI!Ie i ttlelf u we-ll <III by
walk-ift par-ticip&nta end at. af:! would increa8& noise and detrac't from the
tranqu!lity of thi. non-exclu8ive preserve.
OCcupancy of both bouaeB otnd uee of the bun. the swimming pool anl~
amokinq allowed Oft the patio are .11 questionable aael in. nature preae .1
'l'ha plen would. .180 add more carli ;"0 the narrow, winding J. M. LanE;.
We. bell.ve that a full env.ironmental impact rAport uther than.. :;
neg.t~ve declar.tion ebould be prepared to fully addres8 topicS of 1. landi
use, 2~ traffic, 3. noi8e~ 4. fire danger aftd 5. l.wage.
Date priAt name and addresa
6--(-:13
::D
1ft
() m
0:: m o
~ rft.ideot. of Palo Alto v. enjoy hiAlng, biking and ~ors.b&ck riding
i.a. the Ara.t.roadero Pr •• erve. We have c::oncerna about the Challenqe Learning
Center'. prapc .. l to .eeure _ t .. nty ymar leaae for the large hamer .mall
b.c:Da. ham and oaked ravine.
'%'he propolMtd: ar •• deaign.e.ted: tor the "ROpe. Courle-is near exifltir.g
trail.. Thia added activity created by the course it8~lf as well as by the
.. 1k~in p&rtic~pant. and .taft WQuld increale noise and detract tram the
tranquility of this DOh-exclusive p~lerv •.
Occupancy ot both houses and uee ot the barn, the ewimni:l9' pool and
amoking allowed on the patio are all questionable uses in a ~ture pr •• arve. n. plan would: 811810 add more .car. to t.he narrow# rlndinq J. M. Lane.
W. believe th«t • full environmental impaet report rather than a
neqative declaration should be prepared to f'.1lly adelren to;::.iCII cf ]. land
uea# 2. traffic. 3. DCie., 4. fire danger and 5 •• ewage.
D.te print name acd addres.
__ .kg'!JI ___ 5..~.,,& _____ _
____ ~~"~5 ____ ~~~,? ________ _
--~4fo1..,-qcL1~-: __ _
JJ.Jdj._.!·L&_iyiz.l:.. ______ _
-2£<!..~-MI~f,,_:if..-2----
__ E~!t2 __ 4:&,_SdLY.?..'2j
tM~R.r 'N. I-'u"SI'..H&E'\ ________________ 4 ____ ~ _______ _
__ 3i?i>_...1L~1ALA~L ___ . _
__ £I3YUt~I"___~_~_i~}_Q~
f=--~'
~-¥#. ------------
_dr~~~
H , \
We the u~d.r,j;neQ eque'tri~n3 ~d hiker. are cQncern~d abou~ c~rtsin
•• peet .. of the Ch.aUarlC)e Learning Ce"j!:@;: propo .. l for the IUI@ of both
hous ••• the b..n And oak qroye~ in ·_~e Arastredero Preserve.
The prcposad area d.~ignataf for the "Rep.. Cour,e" i. near existing
t:.il,. This .dd.d activity ere~tRd by the cour3. its.lf .s vell •• by the
walk_in partieip.e..nb a.nd ataft w'..)Uld incr'!!las. ooill. and det:act from t:he
tranquility o! thi. non~.xclu,i'. pr •• erve~
Oeeupaney of beth hou.I •• e.nd u,. ~f the buo, the sw.llming pool and
~i.n~ allowed on. tb patio ue all ~stionab::'. us •• in a nat'Jr. preserve,
'I'i".e pl4tl. 'IIrrrOuld Also a.d.d DOra earl to the narrow. winding J" M. Lan ...
We believe that • full .nvir~nment.l impact report rather than «
negative decl&ratiaq 8hould be prepared to tully address topics of t. land
use, 2. traffiC, 1. noi •• ~ 4. fire Qlnger and S •• .wage.
Oat. print ~ ~d adare ••
~1j_A ___ :~~;J~ ________ _
_ i..7L§~ __ ~!:l~~QAY~..:.._
kit! S ~":JJ'-" C'L~',-q£d..
;rMr.~IS~_Q~P-'Sk.._
-~-.6.Q_~------
--faJ& __ :tH-:rP+..GlL __ 'Z~3Qt;
------------
. '.
j'"
{
We tte undersigned equestrians. 'l.f'.'d hlk.ers are coneet'fle-:i
aspects of the ChallengE! Learning Ce"It..::.< propo •• l for the u.se
houses, t~e barn and oak groveB in ~h~ Ara~crade~o Preserve.
"r':, ,
about cert:ain· ...
of both :,~"
I~'
T1'le prcpo.sed area deSlignater for t.he -Ropes C:our.e" is nei!l~ ex:.isting ~
traila. This added activity creeted by the course iteelf a. ~ll al by the
walk-ic participants and etaff ~Juld incre~.e noise and detract from the
tra:::u;uility ot thil non-excluah-e pr.lervlt.
Occupancy 0 f both bouaes and use 0:: the barn j the .~n9 poo 1 a."1.d
smolc.i.ng allowed on the ;>atio are all questionable y.aelll in a nat!.lre preserve.
Tbe plan ~uld also add ~re e&r£ to t~ narrQW~ winding J. M. Lana .
~'--"'-----------
.:r II ther than I!l
topi~s of ). land
signaturl!!!'
'.,