17. Scenic CirclePUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CUPERTINO
Summary
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA DATE February 16, 2010
SUBJECT AND ISSUE
Scenic Circle Access to Stevens Creek Corridor Park
1. Approve the design and construction of an additional public access point to Stevens
Creek Corridor Park and Blackberry Farm from the west side of the Creek near Scenic
Circle.
2. If approved, consideration of three alternative project options and approval of Alternative
B as a new capital improvement project and budget in the amount of $235,000 to design
and construct the ADA modifications to the existing maintenance footbridge and a code
compliant access trail from Scenic Circle to the east side of Stevens Creek in Blackberry
Farm.
BACKGROUND
On December 6, 2005 the City Council voted to close the gate providing access to Blackberry
Farm from Scenic Circle. The Council action followed extensive discussion on the issue.
The Council discussed the access issue again on October 17, 2006 and agreed to consider
forming a task force to look into the issue, as long as it addresses the larger issue of safety in the
Monty Vista High School, Kennedy Middle Sch~~ol, and Lincoln Elementary School area.
Council did not act to reopen the gate at that time. Council asked Staff to return with proposals
on forming such a task force.
The gate remained closed throughout the constn~ction of the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail and
Blackberry Farm Park. During the construction of the trail and the renovation of the park, the
construction crew removed the north bridge (close to Blackberry Farm Golf Course), replaced
the middle bridge with a new bridge, and temporarily removed the south bridge (close to the
playground). The south bridge was restored in the same location, after the work in Stevens
Creek was completed. The neighboring community was notified of this action by e-mail on July
23, 2008 in a Notice of Construction Activity. Tlie south bridge is currently used for
maintenance purposes only by staff.
~~-~
The Stevens Creek Corridor Trail and Blackberry Farm Park reopened on July 4, 2009. The
Director of Parks and Recreation established a Blackberry Farm Operations Advisory Committee
to provide the department advice on the day to day operations of the trail and park. At its
October 12, 2009 meeting, some of the neighbors brought the issue of providing a safe route to
walk and bike to school through Blackberry Farm to the committee. The committee discussed
ideas such as having the route accessible from Scenic Circle, during school hours only, with
Parks and Recreation contract staff opening and closing the gate. Those who supported closing
the gate in 2005 continued to oppose opening the gate for on the basis of neighborhood safety,
parking, and traffic.
Parents brought up the same issue during open forum at the October 20, 2009 City Council
meeting and spoke of the need for a safe route to the tri-school area now that Blackberry Farm
and Stevens Creek Corridor Trail are open.
Staff proposed two options for a task force to consider this issue at the November 30, 2009 City
Council meeting. The Council voted to bring the reopening of Scenic Circle gate issue to the
December 15, 2009 City Council meeting.
ANALYSIS
On December 15, 2009, in considering the issue of opening a new access trail to Stevens Creek
and Blackberry Farm, Council reviewed a preliminary project scope and description for the
access. At the Council meeting staff specifically noted that the estimate was very preliminary
and was not based on any design or engineering of such a project nor did it account for the
potential environmental impact or permitting process.
At the conclusion of the discussion Council did not make a decision regarding the access point
from Scenic Circle but directed Staff to investigate two additional alternatives to the staff
alternative presented in the December 15~' meeting. That original alternative is now referred to
as Alternative A. The other alternatives are referred to as Alternatives B and C. The following
is a summary of the alternatives. More specific details of each alternative are provided in the
attached Exhibit A, B and C respectively.
The following discussion and description of alternatives is for Council's consideration should it
approve a project for an additional access to the park from the west side of Stevens Creek.
DISCUSSION
Additional Public Access Trial to Stevens Creek Corridor Trail and Blackberry Farm
Over the years, since Council acted to close the Scenic Circle access gate in December 2005,
Staff has maintained a neutral position on the issue owing to the imminent construction of the
Stevens Creek Corridor Project. which would require closure of all access points during
construction.
2 ~~-2
However, since the matter has again been raised by neighbors and parents as well as by Council,
Staff has reconsidered that issue and recommer.:ds that the additional access be approved. There
are several reasons that form the basis for this Staff recommendation. These include the
following:
1. Safer route for school children to the tri-;school area on McClellan Road and Bubb Road.
The current route following McClellan Road or Stevens Creek Boulevard from Scenic to
the Tri-School area tends to generate higher vehicular speeds owing to the downhill
grades and some sight distances issues at the hairpin turns occurring over this reach of
McClellan Road. A safe and code compliant trail and bridge through Blackberry farm
would offer a more direct and safer route: to school.
2. Convenient access for neighbors and park users to the west of Blackberry Farm Park.
Stevens Creek Corridor Trail and Blackberry Fann Park, particularly since reopening
after completion of $14 Million in public improvements and recreation facilities, is an
amenity that should provide conveniem: and safe access for the entire community. An
additional access point, which would effectively be a branch of the existing Stevens
Creek Corridor Trail, would accomplish that goal and more conveniently open the Park
and Trail for the neighborhoods to the west of the creek.
3. .Supports the Cit~~oals for alternative -transportation and a Green environment.
The City has consistently supported projects that accommodate and encourage walking
and bicycling throughout the communit•~. An additional access point from the west side
of the creek would achieve that goal of furthering opportuiuties for people to walk and
bike through this important recreation area.
For all the above reasons, Staff has concluded that the appropriate recommendation for the
Council's consideration is to identify and approve funding for a new Capital Improvement
Project to provide an additional ADA and code ~:ompliant trail branch and bridge for access from
Scenic Circle across Stevens Creek to Blackberry Farm and connecting to the existing Stevens
Creek Corridor Trail. The following outlines three alternatives for Council to consider for such a
project.
General Conditions and Design requirements
Certain elements and costs are common to all ~:hree alternatives, such as the work necessary to
make the existing maintenance bridge ADA ar.:d pedestrian code compliant. The width of the
pathway and surface material in all alternatives ,~, B and C are assumed to be similar.
A number of trail surface materials were considered during the analysis phase. The existing
CEQA documents prohibit the use of petroleum products such as asphalt or oil impregnated
gravel. Because a portion of the trail near the: bridge is in the flood plain, other construction
materials that typically contain chemicals or nunerals that would be harmful to the steelhead
cannot be used as well.
3 17-3
When annual maintenance costs are taken into consideration, the number of trail surface
alternatives is further reduced. For the purposes of the cost estimates the surface material for
trail is presumed to be the same material in all three alternatives.
During the fmal design phase it may be determined that the surface material for the portion of the
trail that is above the flood plain could be a different material but it has been assumed to be the
same for all three alternatives. However, this determination will have only a minor effect on the
cost estimate, if any.
The significant variability of the alternatives, aside from the length of the trail, has mainly to do
with the number of native and non-native trees that must be removed to accommodate the trail
alignment and the attendant additional work required in the environmental review process as a
result. These variables are discussed in each alternative below and shown in more detail in the
Exhibits attached to this report.
Alternative A
This alternative begins at Scenic Circle near the intersection of Scenic Court. It is the shortest
trail alternative at approximately 200 feet in length, of which most is in the flood plain. A small
number of trees will need to be removed for the trail alignment, including a small young oak,
three elms in poor condition, and one willow. One nearly dead walnut tree will also need to be
removed. A summary of the project budget is provided below with additional detail provided in
Attachment 1.
Environmental Compliance $ 25,000
Design & Construction Management 45,000
Construction 95,000
Construction Contingency 15,000
Total Alternative A
$180,000
The estimated total cost of Alternative A is higher than was first presented to Council in
December. The recent investigations of the other alternatives and the compliant surface
materials as well as additional engineering of the trail conditions have more accurately identified
the scope of the design, construction and environmental costs that needed to be added to the
project budget.
Alternative B
This alternative begins on Scenic Circle but further upstream from Alternative A. It is
approximately 250 feet in length, most of which is in the flood plain. One 14-inch non-native
Chinese elm tree will have to be removed to allow the trail alignment to avoid crossing over the
sensitive root systems of a significant native oak and a walnut tree. Three other small trees will
also need to be removed.
However, even with the tree removals, this project, because of the additional meandering of the
trail will be the most environmentally appropriate for the setting. In addition, this alternative will
help alleviate the expressed concerns of neighbors who are closest to the park boundary.
4 17-4
A summary of the project budget is provided below with additional detail in Attachment 1.
Environmental Compliance
Design & Construction Management
Construction
$ 30,000
50,000
135,000
Construction Contingency 20,000
Total Alternative B
Alternative C
$235,000
This alternative begins on Scenic Circle, the a.uthest upstream and at the intersection of the
Simms haul road and is approximately 1,260 ff;et long. Council asked Staff to consider a trail
alignment that would allow the trail to be set ba~;k from the street and adjacent to the creek to the
fullest extent possible.
Upon careful inspection of the entire length of that segment, it was discovered that significant
excavation and retaining wall construction would be necessary in some locations immediately
next to the creek. For these reasons, this alignment was found to be impractical and infeasible
and was not studied further.
However, to develop this third alternative, a different trail alignment was studied that placed the
trail for most of its length immediately behind the existing curb on Scenic Circle with limited
locations where it might be feasible for the alignment to meander away from the curb into open
spaces. Unfortunately, even this less intrusive alignment still may require the removal of at least
four significant and protected oak trees, one with a trunk diameter of more than 3 feet. An
additional 27, mostly native, trees would be affected and may have to be removed.
As such, it is expected that these impacts alone:, along with anticipated difficulties in obtaining
the necessary permits could very likely make t1-us an unacceptable alternative, but it is provided
here for Council consideration because it was specifically requested.
It should be noted that a sidewalk for the entire length of this alternative already exists on the
opposite side of the street and is available for pedestrians. It is also common practice for cyclists
to use the street instead of sidewalks when they are adjacent to each other. It is assumed that a
trail just behind the curb would be treated more: like a sidewalk than a trail. A summary of the
project budget is provided below. More detail i~; provided in Attachment 1.
Environmental Compliance $ 45,000
Design & Construction Management 80,000
Construction 3 50,000
Construction Contingency 55,000
Total Alternative C
$530,000
17-5
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
Alternative and Scope Total Cost (Budget)
A -Bridge ADA retrofits, 200 feet (+/-) Trail, some minor
Tree removal $180,000
B -Bridge ADA retrofits, 250 feet (+/-) trail, minor tree removal,
Tree protection from trail construction $235,000
C -Bridge ADA retrofits, 1,260 foot (+/-) trail, some behind
Curb on Scenic, Major Tree removal $530,000
FISCAL IMPACT
Taking no action will have no cost impact.
Directing staff to proceed with any one of the three alternatives discussed above will result in a
funding requirement from the General Fund. Staffs recommendation for Alternative B will
require a total project budget of $235,000.
On January 19, the Council approved a project budget for Scenic Circle access in the amount of
$125,000. To budget for Alternative B will require an additional allocation of $110,000 as
follows:
Project Budget Approved January 19, 2010 $125,000
Project Buffet Estimate - Alternative B ($235,000)
Additional Funding Required
$110,000
Staff further recommends that, in accordance with previous Council direction, on other new C1P
projects that such funding be considered as part of the 2010-2011 Capital Improvement program
along with other proposed CIP projects for the upcoming fiscal year.
6 ~~-s
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Scenic Circle Access to Stevens Creek Corridor Park
1. Approve the design and construction ~~f an additional public access point to Stevens
Creek Corridor Park and Blackberry Faxm from the west side of the Creek near Scenic
Circle.
2. If approved, consideration of three alternative project options and approval of Alternative
B as a new capital improvement project and budget in the amount of $235,000 to design
and construct the ADA modifications to the existing maintenance footbridge and a code
compliant access trail from Scenic Circle to the east side of Stevens Creek in Blackberry
Farm.
3. Staff further recommends that, in accordance with previous Council direction on other
new CIP projects that such funding be considered as part of the 2010-2011 Capital
Improvement program along with other proposed CIP projects for the upcoming fiscal
year.
However, should Council decide to take no action, the existing bridge will continue to be used for
maintenance access to the landscaping on the wESt side of the creek.
Submitted by:
Submitted by:
`~2 ~ C~ uGc ~
Ralph A. Qualls, Jr. Mark finder
Director of Public Works Director of Parks and Recreation
Approved for Submission:
David W. Knapp
City Manager
Attachment 1 -Alternative Cost Summary and reaps of Alternatives A, B, and C.
,,
• ~~-~
ATTACHMENT 1
SCENIC CIRCLE ACCESS ALTERNATIVES COST SUMMARY
FEB. 16, 2010
ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE
ALIGNMENT ALIGNMENT ALIGNMENT
A B C
ENVIRONMENTAL
CEQA CLEARANCE
FILING FEES
BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS
ARBORIST
TOTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL $25,000 $30,000 $45,000
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
CIVIL ENGINEER
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
SURVEY
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
INSPECTION & TESTING
BIDDING COSTS
TOTAL, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT $45,000 $50,000 $80,000
CONSTRUCTION
DEMO, SITE PREP, EARTHWORK
MOBILIZATION
DEMOLITION
GRADING
ENGINEERED FILUOFFHAUL
TREE PROTECTION
TRAFFIC CONTROL
SUBTOTAL $23,000 $42,000 $125,000
TRAIL, BRIDGE UPGRADES, SITE WORK
TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
FENCING MODIFICATIONS & NEW GATE
BRIDGE MODIFICATIONS
ADA RAMPS
SITE WORK
SUBTOTAL $65,000 $82,000 $190,000
RESTORATION PLANTING
PLANTINGS
IRRIGATION
EROSION CONTROL
TREE REPLACEMENT ~
1
PLANT MAINTENANCE
SUBTOTAL ~ $7,000 $11,000 $35,000
TOTAL, CONSTRUCTION $95,000 $135,000 $350,000
CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCY $15,000 $20,000 $55,000
TOTAL PROJECT ~ 180 000 2 5 00 53 00
17-8
_ ;,`,
"".
ALTERNATIVE A
DATE: 2/B/10 SCENIC CIRCLE TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY -CITY OF CUPERTINO v
ALTERNATIVE B
DarE:2/e/to SCENIC CIRCLE TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY -CITY OF CUPERTINO v
Dnre: 2/8i^«
ALTERNATIVE C
SCENIC CIRCLE TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY -CITY OF CUPERTINO
EXHIBITS
BEGIN
HERE
~i~
Linda Lagergren
From: Debi Jamison [ddjamison@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 7:58 PNI
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Subject: New Trail in Blackberry Farm? -Corrected
Dear Mayor Wang, Vice Mayor Wong, and Council Members,
You have a very important decision to make soon: whether or not to reverse the decision of
previous city councils regarding the access gate and bridge into Blackberry Farm from Scenic
Circle. The SCCP Master Plan/Mitigated Negative L>eclaration explicitly states that the bridge will
be removed. Previous Councils have decided to lock the gate and end access.
I recently visited the area of Blackberry Farm through which the 3 route options pass with several
other people.We all agreed unequivocally that our version of Option A is clearly the best route
if you decide to allow this access point.
1. Let's be clear.Any trail alternative (A, B, or C) is an intrusion into an area of Blackberry
Farm that was dedicated to be the one area of they Blackberry Farm renovation that is away
and protected from human presence or activities. Putting a trail into this completely
revegetated and quiet section will impact wildlife breeding, nesting, feeding, resting, etc.
That's the reality and those who want to do this -~ parents, city leaders, west side residents for
access -should not be in denial or ignorance.Most people do not have an ecological background
and do not realize or recognize these impacts, or will tend to minimize them. But as Joanne
McFarlin's research paper on the subject shows (Creekside News, November 2009), these impacts
are real.
2.Alternative B has several problems:
a. It enters from Scenic Circle directly in front of a residential home's front entrance.
b. It will involve a lot of vegetation removal, including quite a few small trees (not counted by staff
among the larger trees noted) and understory shrubs and vines. It was very difficult for us to move
through this jungle of plants as we followed the route of Option B.
c. The trail construction would be along a hillside, close to the creek. Imagine heavy machinery
bulldozing it's way along the heavily vegetated creels bank, then depositing base rock, gravel, and
the surface material. The swath taken out will be wi~~er than the 8 foot wide trail itself. Once in use,
the habitat will experience the disruptive presence of humans lengthwise for 250 feet.
3."Our" Alternative A, starting where the wide gate is now, is definitely the least destructive
of the riparian plant community, least disturbing; of the wildlife habitat, and least
expensive. Furthermore, it begins on the side of one house and not directly in front of any
house.The area below the wide gate is relatively free of woody vegetation except for the restoration
plantings which would have to be transplanted. The length of the trail would not be along the creek
bank but would approach from above.
4.Alternative C is completely unacceptable due to the close proximity of the new
sidewalk/"trail" to the creek bank.
6.Council Members should do a site visit to better visualize for yourselves these alternatives
before making a decision.The staff could flag the alignment of the routes and the large and small
trees to be removed.
7.The SCCP Master Plan/Mitigated Negative Declaration clearly states that this bridge would
be removed. Putting it back and into use as an extension of the Stevens Creek Trail to a new
trailhead definitely requires a separate environmental review.Its impacts and mitigations
should be professionally evaluated.
8. If you do decide to proceed with this project, it should not occur during the wildlife breeding
period, which begins in January for raptors and continues into July.
Thank you for your serious consideration of our site visit findings.
Deborah Jamison
cc a-Irb(~o
#j -7
Cupertino City Council
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
February 12, 2010
City Council Members:
In reference to Agenda Item 17, Scenic Circle Access to Stevens Creek Corridor Park,
February 16, 2010, Council Meeting
Please read the following letter at the city council meeting as I cannot attend.
To my knowledge, the city did not notify residents in the Scenic Circle area ofthe
January 19, 2010, meeting whereas the Cupertino City Council approved a project budget
of $125,000 for Scenic Circle access to Blackberry Farm before a formal decision was
made as to whether or not to approve access.
Furthermore, the city has not provided proper p~,~blic notification whether by mail or
email for the scheduled February 16 meeting concerning the Scenic Circle Issue.
Concerning the suggested access alternatives, city staff should have included, in addition
to Alternatives A, B, and C, an Alternative D - .Access from Scenic Circle using the
existing trail through the Simms Property which. would be the least costly and provides a
"safe route to school".
Before approving any of the city staffs' recommendations, the City Council needs to
justify the spending of any amount, whether $1(;0,000 or $530,000, to open access from
Scenic Circle to Blackberry Farm. In reality does this meet the city's goal of addressing
the larger issue of providing a safe route for students attending Monta Vista High School,
Kennedy Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School? In our opinion, none of the
alternatives - A, B or C provide the solution for student safety; these alternatives only
appease the very few people who do not live in the Scenic Circle neighborhood who
continue to insist there needs to be an unnecess~~ry fourth, very expensive to install, entry
to Blackberry Farm.
Would it not be more beneficial to spend this exorbitant amount of money to improve
safety near and directly in front of the schools to benefit all students?
Does it make sense to remove trees, destroy rec~;nt plantings, and disturb the natural
habitat with another hard surface trail to accomplish a questionable entry?
Please consider the above before overturning th~~ decision by the previous council
members to not allow access from Scenic Circle:.
Don and Alice Bautista
Donna Henri ues ~~ ~
From: Mark Linder
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 11:31 ~~M
To: Donna Henriques
Subject: FW: Scenic Circle Access
From: teresa dickerson [mailto:teresa_dickerson@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:30 PM
To: Mark Linder
Subject: Scenic Circle Access
Dear City Council,
I have 4 children and live on Scenic Blvd. I was very ~ pset when the access through Scenic Circle was
terminated. My kids used the access through Blackberry every day. It is much safer and shorter than
going down McClellan. I have seen 2 kids in the mornings that have got hit by cars when they were on
bicycles riding down Mc Clellan. Luckily they were not sE~riously injured. What is it going to take? A kid
getting killed before the access gets reopened!
Another thing is people that live in the neighborhood c:an't walk down Scenic Circle with their kids and
go play on the playground or go walking on the new path. You have to get in your car and ride through
the neigborhood,down McClellan,left on Orange and then down to the parking lot at Blackberry to use it. I
think that with all of the tax payers money spent on red~~ing Blackberry it is a shame that people that
live next to it can't even enjoy it without getting into thE~ir cars and driving to use it. It takes me longer to
drive there than it would to walk there if the gate was rE~opened.
It would be great to have the access on Scenic Circle reopened for kids going and coming to school and
for the people who live in the neighborhood to be able tc~ walk or bike down to Blackberry and enjoy it.
Thanks for considering reopening the access, I am hoping to be using it again soon. My kids and I use to
use it almost every day before it was closed with the ne~N fence.
Teresa Dicker~:on
Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM ~-rotection. Sign up now.
Linda La er ren ~ 1~
From: Bob Skyles [Nedrabob@earthlink.n~~t]
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 11:32 ,qM
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Subject: Scenic Cir. Access to Stevens Crk. Pk.
Greetings,
Please Vote FOR item 17 on tonights council agencla "Scenic Circle access to Stevens Creek
Corridor Park". As a long time resident, pedestrian, and bicyclist living west of Stevens
Creek Park, this new access will certainly impro~~e the quality of my and my families life in
Cupertino.
Thank You,
Robert Skyles
10301 Stonydale Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014
1
~- f ~
Linda Lagergren
From: Marilyn Beck [marilyn@bcbeck.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 9:18 AIVI
To: City Council
Subject: Scenic Circle access
I was very pleased to hear that you are going to allow students the opportunity to cross the
bridge from Scenic Circle so they can get to Kennedy and Monta Vista more safely. Every small
measure to improve safety helps. Hopefully more parents will let their kids walk or bike to
school now, meaning less cars driving to school.
We don't live in the Scenic Circle neighborhood but my daughter bikes to Monta Vista and my
son will bike to Kennedy next year. I am very concerned with the large amount of cars in that
area during school drop off and pickup times. Most people are very conscientious but some get
distracted or try to rush and become less aware cf cyclists and pedestrians. Anything you can
do to ease the congestion is greatly appreciated.
Marilyn Beck
Woodbury Drive, Cupertino
-~ ~-~
Linda Lagergren
From: Shani Kleinhaus [shani@scvas.orgJ
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8:12 AIVI
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Maf~oney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Subject: Staff Report: Scenic Circle Access to Stevens Creek Corridor Park
Attachments: cupertinp scenic circle.doc; ATT00001..htm
Dear Dear Mayor Wang, Vice Mayor Wong, and Council lvlembers,
Please find attached Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society's comments regarding the Staff report "Scenic Circle
Access to Stevens Creek Corridor Park", to be discussed at the Council meeting of February 16`" 2010.
Thank you,
Shani Kleinhaus
~~_.
~;-
~1~.~ =w
-~" ~ ~ ~~
- - ~ --~ ~~
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
Founded 926
February 16th, 2010
Mayor Kris Wang, Vice Mayor Gilbert Wong, Members of the Cupertino City Council
Cupertino City Hall
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014-3202
Dear Mayor Wang, Vice Mayor Wong, and Cupertino Council Members,
Please review Santa Clara Valley Audubon Societe (SCVAS) comments on the Staff report,
Scenic Circle Access to Stevens Creek Corridor Perk.
Staff's report for Council meeting of February 16t" 2010 recommends the identification and
approval of funding for a new Capital Improvement Project to provide an ADA and Code
Compliant trail branch and bridge for access from Scenic Circle across Stevens Creek to
Blackberry Farm and connecting to the existing Stevens creek Trail. The report outlines three
alternatives for the project. Staff recommends Alternative B. - a meandering trail of 250 ft. that
would cross the creek on an improved, ADA standard footbridge. Staff suggests, "This
alternative, because of the additional meandering c-f the trail will be the most environmentally
appropriate for this setting".
We would like to bring to your attention the follov~~ing concerns:
(1) Staff environmental argument in support of the meandering Alternative B is unjustified. We
believe that the shorter (and least expensive) Alternative A is the more environmentally sensitive
of the three proposed alternatives. Since Stevens Creek Corridor supports diverse biological
resources, we believe that the selection of an alternative should be the result of a CEQA process
that includes an analysis by professional biologists/ecologists.
(2) The Mitigated Negative Declaration for Stevens Creek Corridor Park Master Plan and
Restoration Plan (approved by City Council on October 3, 2006) called for the pedestrian bridge
on Stevens Creek to be removed. The biological irlpacts of replacing a bridge in the same
location, and of improving it to ADA standards m-~st be assessed in a CEQA environmental
review. In addition, staff has not made it clear as t~~ whether or not the existing maintenance
footbridge will support bicycle traffic, and whether additional construction may be needed for
this purpose.
We believe that we can fairly argue, based on su~-stantial evidence, and in light of the whole
record, that this project may have a significant environmental effect on wildlife habitats in the
p. 1 of 2
22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 Pl-one: (408) 252-3748 * Fax: (408) 252-2850
email: scvas~a scvas.or;; * www.scvas.org
Stevens Creek corridor and on the endangered Steelhead in the creek. We request that an EIR
be prepared to study the environmental impacts associated with the choice of alternative,
design, materials and construction of the proposed additional public access points to
Stevens Creek Corridor Park and the modification to the existing bridge crossing of
Stevens Creek. A No Project Alternative should b~; considered as a part of the environmental
review process.
Sincerely,
0
Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
p. 2 of 2
22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 Ph~~ne: (408) 252-3748 * Fax: (408) 252-2850
email: scvas e,scvas.org * www.scvas.org
~ I f (~ ~~a
~~~
Linda Lagergren
From: Carol Stanek [cstanek@echelon.ccm]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 11:37 f'M
To: City Council
Cc: saferidescupertino@gmail.com
Subject: In Favor of Scenic Access
Dear City Council Members,
As we prepare, yet again, to discuss the opening of the access through Blackberry Farm, I hope you had a chance to read
today's editorial in the San Jose Mercury News regarding the Santa Clara County board of supervisors' action to adopt a
Children's Bill of Rights. Below is an excerpt from the editorial i emphasis added):
"Kids in Common hosted a Children's Summit earlier this montl-~ in San Jose to introduce the bill of rights. It was an
uplifting convergence of youth advocates and young people, but some disturbing themes surfaced. One was children's
safety - or the lack thereof.
John Porter, superintendent of the Franklin-McKinley School District, told the crowd that many of his students worry each
day about how they're going to get home from school safely. Dr. Fernando Mendoza of Stanford University noted that
childhood obesity is a problem partly because in many neighborhoods, kids can't just go out and run and play; it's not
safe. Eloquent teenagers echoed similar themes...
Policymakers are supposed to use the bill of rights as a touchstone when they make decisions on services and
budgets. It can make a difference; awareness always does. "
Hopefully Cupertino does not need such a Children's Bill of Rights. However, it is clear that we need to put greater
emphasis on the impact of the Council's decisions on our students as we prioritize services and budgets.
hope never to again experience the gut wrenching feeling of seeing a student on the ground next to his bike across from
McClellan Ranch Park after a collision with a car which made a sudden stop at the crosswalk. Police were directing
traffic around the car, still blocking the one lane to school. This was on the first Bike to School Day after the closure of the
gate. The bicyclist was Denise Montijo's son, a student at Morita Vista High who was later transported to a local hospital
with a concussion. I was sickened to think this could have been avoided but we didn't have the political will. Please
don't let these risks continue on your watch on the Council.
Let's not allow this item to drift any longer. Please make the decision to reopen an access point from Scenic through
Blackberry and allocate the additional funds required without further delay.
Respectfully,
Carol Stanek
Here is the link to the full editorial:
http://www.mercurynews.com/editorials/ci 14395829
~~i~~f ~b
~f7
Linda Lagergren
From: Rhoda Fry [fryhouse@earthlink.net:~
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:46 AM
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang; David Knapp; City
Clerk
Subject: FAILURE TO NOTICE: Against nev/ trail and bridge
Dear Council -
I am against this plan RIGHT NOW because -
* neighbors adjacent to Blackberry Farm on San Fernando and Byrne have not been notified of
this agenda item.
* the previous project at Blackberry Farm is yet to lr~e completed. For example, to my knowledge,
there is no plan to restore the ponds destroyed during construction, a naturalized wildlife area.
Furthermore, the City is now paying for muni water to water the golf course and Blackberry Farm,
the access to local sources were destroyed during construction (not according to plan).
* according to the MND, CEQA required an EIR before approving this plan.
* pedestrian safety issues created by the change of Lase of Blackberry Farm between Byrne to the
park need to be addressed before adding more foot/bike traffic. You see, the driveway used to
function primarily as a one-way driveway, people would arrive in the morning and leave in the late
afternoon. There was very little two-way traffic. Now there are people coming and going all day -
particularly people are dropping their stuff off whilE~ circulating through the neighborhood looking
for a parking place. The director of public works ha:~ mentioned this as a safety problem. The
parking situation has yet to be adequately addressed as well.
respectfully,
Rhoda Fry
z I ~c~ Igo
~~~
Linda Lagergren
From: julie.wing@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 6:54 AIVI
To: City Council
Cc: Mark Linder; Cupertino City ManagE>r's Office; saferidescupertino@gmail.com
Subject: Support to Open Scenic Gate
Hi,
We understand that at tonight's Council Meeting the topic of opening the gate to Blackberry Farm
from Scenic Circle will be discussed.
Please know that the timing of this meeting is off. Lack of emails and community turn out does NOT
mean lack of support. The very type of people that would want this gate open are off enjoying time
with their family right now as it is Winter break for Cut~ertino Schools this week. I'm a block leader in
the neighborhood. Word has gone out on our Yahoo! group that this meeting is happening. We're
trying to show strong support, but it will be difficult, gi~ien the timing.
My husband and I, who are residents in the neighborhood, want to voice our support.
In our case, we have have had a garden plot at McClellan for years. Last Summer it was great to
have the newly renovated park. We'd water the plant: and then go play at the park. Often times we'd
ride bikes. Because our kids had just turned 5, the semantics of that little trip went like this
pack our bikes in the car
drive the car a mile+ to the garden and park
water the plants
walk back to the car and unload the bikes
ride to the park and play
ride back to the car and pack the bikes
drive home about mile+
unload the bikes
Reading that routine, I hope you can see that we'd greatly benefit from that gate opening. It would go
something like this
Ride bikes to the park
play
ride to the plot and water
ride back to the park
play
ride home
That would be an ideal way to enjoy our community.
Thanks,
Julie Wing and Rob Fisher
22208 Quinterno Ct (off Carmen/Scenic)
2~f~ (lo
Linda La er ren
From: Meg [megfkay@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 12:12 PM
To: City Council
Cc: Mark Linder; Cupertino City Manager's Office; saferidescupertino@gmail.com
Subject: Support for Scenic Circle access to Blackberry Farm
Asa 12-year neighbor of Blackberry Farm, I fully support access from all directions into the park, so everyone can enjoy
the beautiful walks and great new facilities there as a united community, and so that our children can have a safe and
healthy walk or bike ride to school.
Sincerely,
Meg Brosnan
22067 San Fernando Court
Cupertino
~- ~(~ [~~
~t~
Linda Lagergren
From: Lola Kashyap [lolakashyap@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 10:54 FPM
To: City Council; Cupertino City Manager's Office; Mark Linder
Subject: Scenic access, Feb. 16 meeting item 17
Dear city council members,
I respectfully request that you approve the recommendation by the City Staff to reopen Scenic Circle to Blackberry Farm access for
our students and neighbors. Providing a safe walk/bike route for our school children is vital. Staff has provided sound reasons in their
report. Please do not delay this action any further.
I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the city council meeting to make a personal request. I am signed up to drive the Monta Vista
girls varsity team to their game in Palo Alto on Tuesday evening.
Warm regards,
Lola Kashyap
Palm Avenue,
Cupertino
~[~~Ic~
~~~
Linda Lagergren
From: Hugh Chen [hchen123@yahoo.corr~]
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 1:21 P1~1
To: City Council
Cc: Mark Linder; Cupertino City ManagE~r's Office; saferidescupertino@gmail.com
Subject: Access to Blackberry Farm from Scenic Circle
I strongly support the easy access to Stevens CeE~k Corridor from Scenic Circle. Currently it
is an extremely unfair policy to fence off the wE~st side of Blackberry Farm.
The residents at the east side of the Farm can W~,LK to the park entrance without any troubles
however, the residents at the west side of Stevens Creek(f rom Scenic Circle to Foothill
Blvd)are not so lucky to enter the park that easily. We have to DRIVE around either McClellan
Rd or Stevens Creek Blvd to get to the front entrance.
To open an access to the park through Scenic Circle is the simplest solution. It may cause
some resistances from the residents along Scenic Circle, but it will surey please the vast
number of residents in the adjacent area.
Hugh Chen
22361 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino CA 95014
408-255-9718
1
zI~~I~o
~-~ ~
Linda Lagergren
From: Bob Murphy [pikna2n@comcast.nei:]
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 3:31 PN1
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Cc: susan sievert; deborah Jamison; carolcw9@yahoo.com; ekm103@yahoo.com;
timothymisko@yahoo.com; sangho:~uh@gmail.com; larry.loo@amd.com; tbrown1040
@aol.com; dehwey@gmail.com; yslium@centerpriseinc.com; joepao@comcast.net; flojo1049
@yahoo.com; sanjib.guhathakurta~~hp.com; maxbok@att.net; bang_can@yahoo.com;
stuman@mavericksys.com; mtanigiachi@comcast.net; desiree_tsai@kingston.com;
jktsai@hotmail.com; don.suh@comcast.net; ckc10392@aol.com; wotakwu@aol.com;
evalow97@yahoo.com; cleung55@yahoo.com; malini_ray@hotmail.com; syoung28
@comcast.net; i_yuen@yahoo.com; tnlplace@juno.com; Wesley@statemicro.com;
minhuajin@yahoo.com; sjmoody@rnsn.com; su30cookieshop@yahoo.com; jzuo@cisco.com;
joy6007@aol.com; dhnitta@comca:~t.net; ahisahimi@comcast.net; katiemengwu@aol.com;
tim@nlnc.org
Subject: Agenda Item 17 -- February 16 Council Meeting
City Council Members:
Re: Agenda Item#17; February 16, 2010: Scenic Circle Acces~~ to Blackberry Farm
Since we cannot attend on such short notice, please read the ~-ollowing at the meeting.
We are long-term residents of Scenic Circle. We have attended many Planning and Council meetings concerning the
Stevens Creek Trail since 2002. Access to the trail from Scenic; Circle has always been an issue of concern and
discussion. Hundreds of hours of discussion have transpired leading to the Council decision on December 6, 2005 to
close access to the park and the trail from our neighborhood. 'JVe find it disappointing and disturbing that the current
Council is considering a reversal of that decision. What "new" nformation that wasn't discussed and debated years
ago has now surfaced to lead to this proposed reversal?
The recent report from the Public Works Department suggests 3 proposals for access to Blackberry Farm from Scenic
Circle. These were prepared to provide alternatives to the current closed gate (Alternative A) since this was in front of
Scenic Circle homes and privacy was compromised. AlternativE: B as proposed by the PWD just moves the access to
the front of another home and does not solve the issue. Alternative C is just plain too costly and environmentally
flawed. There has always been a discussion of an "Alternative D" using the existing route through the Simms property
to provide a safe access to schools from our neighborhood. Wf~y was this left off the proposal?
In addition, it is interesting that the Council would consider spending this amount of money in these economic times
for the potential benefit of such a small group. Perhaps, this money could be better spent providing improved safety
and security near and around the schools themselves?
Furthermore, the proposed budgets for these alternatives have: some omissions:
1. There is no provision for providing additional security ~~nd patrols of our neighborhood. Each time the gate has
been opened in the past there have been incidents of civil disorder and vandalism. Budgeting for increased
security in our neighborhood would be necessary. Even now, groups of young people converge on the south
east "corner" of Scenic Circle in the afternoon following a makeshift trail down to the creek for undefined
activities. Do we really want to make their access easier?
2. There is nothing in the budget to prevent the parking of cars along the access point. Scenic Circle should
never be allowed to become overflow parking for Blackberry Farm or a "trail head" for bikers. Funds must be
allocated for No Parking signs, Resident Parking permil:s, Parking code enforcement, vehicle towing etc.
We urge the council to honor the previous council decision and leave the trail as it is, with no access to Scenic Circle.
Mary Lou and Bob Murphy
10402 Scenic Circle
~- I' ~ ~ j~
~~
Linda Lagergren
From: Debi Jamison [ddjamison@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 9:15 PNl
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Cc: Ralph Qualls; Gail Seeds; Mark Linder; Barbara Banfield; Julia Lamy; David Knapp
Subject: New Trail in Blackberry Farm?
Dear Mayor Wang, Vice Mayor Wong, and Council Members,
You have a very important decision to make soon: whether or not to reverse the decision of previous city
councils regarding the access gate and bridge into Blackberry Farm from Scenic Circle. The SCCP Master
Plan/Mitigated Negative Declaration explicitly states that the bridge will be removed. Previous Councils have
decided to lock the gate and end access.
I recently visited the area of Blackberry Farm through whi~~h the 3 route options pass with several other people.
We all agreed unequivocally that our version of Option A is clearly the best route if you decide to allow
this access point.
1. Let's be clear. Any trail alternative (A, B, or C) is an intrusion into an area of Blackberry Farm that
was planned to be the one area of the Blackberry Farm renovation that is away and protected from
human presence or activities. Putting a trail into this completely revegetated and quiet section will impact
wildlife breeding, nesting, feeding, resting, etc. That's the reality and those who want to do this -parents,
city leaders, west side residents for access -should not be in denial or ignorance. Most people do not have
a ecological background and do not realize or recognize these impacts, or will tend to minimize them. But as
Joanne McFarlin's research paper on the subject shows (Cl~eekside News, November 2010), these impacts are
real.
2. Alternative B has several problems:
a. It enters from Scenic Circle directly in front of a residential home's front entrance.
b. It will involve a lot of vegetation removal, including quite a few small trees (not counted by staff among
the larger trees noted) and understory shrubs and vines. It ,vas very difficult for us to move through this jungle
of plants as we followed the route of Option B.
c. The trail construction would be along a hillside, clc-se to the creek. Imagine heavy machinery bulldozing
it's way along the heavily vegetated creek bank, then depositing base rock, gravel, and the surface material. The
swath taken out will be wider than the 8 foot wide trail itsf~lf. Once in use, the habitat will experience the
disruptive presence of human presence lengthwise for 25Ci feet.
3. "Our" Alternative A, starting where the wide gate is now, is definitely the least destructive of the
riparian plant community, least disturbing of the wildlife habitat, and less expensive. Furthermore, it
begins on the side of the one house and not directly in front of any house. The area below the wide gate is
relatively free of woody vegetation except for the restoration plantings which would have to be transplanted.
The length of the trail would not be along the creek bank ~~ut would approach from above.
4. Alternative C is completely unacceptable due to the close proximity of the new sidewalk/"trail" to the
creek bank.
6. Council Members should do a site visit to better visualize for yourselves these alternatives before
making a decision. The staff could flag the alignment of the routes and the large and small trees to be removed.
6. The SCCP Master Plan/Mitigated Negative Declaration clearly states that this bridge would be
removed. Putting it back and into use as an extension oaf the Stevens Creek Trail to a new trailhead
definitely requires a separate environmental review. It'~~ impacts and mitigations should be professionally
evaluated.
7. If you do decide to proceed with this project, it should n~~t occur during the wildlife breeding period, which
begins in January for raptors and continues into July.
Thank you for your serious consideration of our site visit f.ndings.
Deborah Jamison
~l ~~ l~~
Linda La er ren ~~ ~
From: Bill Walster [billwalster@gmail.corr~] on behalf of G. William (Bill) Walster [bill@walster.net]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 7:17 AM
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin M~~honey; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Subject: [Fwd: New trail in Blackberry Farm'?]
Attachments: New trail in Blackberry Farm?.eml; bill.vcf
Dear Council Members,
I urge you to oppose construction of yet another human intrusion into what little is left of
our wild habitat. In 100, 150, or 200 years from now, what will be the value of yet more
human access from any point to another at the co:~t of all that is natural and wild in our
urban sprawl?
You still have an opportunity to preserve what little is left of the natural habitat on
either side of Stevens Creek. Rather than decreesing the natural habitat, I urge you to
reverse course, stop all development along the creek and systematically return it back to its
original inhabitants. In the long run, this will be a much more valuable investment for
which our successors will thank us all.
Don't forget what Native Americans used to ask a1. their Council meetings before making an
important decision: "What will our grandchildren's grandchildren think of the wisdom of the
decision we make here tonight?" We still have a lot to learn from those who came before us.
Dr. G. William Walster, Ph. D.
22116 Dean Court
Cupertino, CA 95014-2723
408-253-9577
1
cc ~Cc~~f~
Linda La er ren
9 9
From: Zimmers, Karen [karen.zimmers@Irnco.com)
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 9:31 AI~1
To: City Council
Cc: saferidescupertino@gmail.com; Ma~~k Linder; Cupertino City Manager's Office
Subject: PLEASE approve re-opening of access to Scenic Circle
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you very much for considering the opening (re-opening) ~f access from Scenic Circle for a safer route to schools
for the children of my neighborhood! I just want you to know that I am very much in support of this access and will
hope that you take the time to review the options and choose c-ne that is most appropriate for the neighborhood.
Thank you very much for all your hard work in representing the people of Cupertino.
Karen Zimmers
Mira Vista Road resident
~~i(~~C~
Linda L ~~ ~
agergren
From: Tom Scannell [tscanne1101@earthlir~k.net]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 9:45 AI1/I
To: City Council; Mark Linder; saferidescupertino@gmail.com; Cupertino City Manager's Office
Subject: Bicycle and pedestrian access through Blackberry to Kennedy and Monta Vista
To the members of the City Council
I understand that the topic of access gate from Scenic Circle to Blackberry farm is once again on the city council
agenda. I would once again like to express my strong support for the opening of the access as soon as possible. I
think such access will provide a safer route to school for the :students living on the west side of Cupertino as well as
providing an excellent and convenient access to the Blackberry Farm city park for west side residents.
Best regards
Tom Scannell
10208 Cass Place
Cupertino, Ca 95014
Cupertino Resident for 30 years
On 12/12/09 9:40 AM, "Tom Scannell" <tscanne1101 ~earthlir~k.net> wrote:
To the members of the City Council of Cupertino
I understand that the City Council will be considering the opening of a gate in Scenic Circle to allow safe access to
Blackberry farm for the young people making their way to Kennedy Junior High and Monta Vista High. While my
schedule will not allow me to attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, I would once again like to express my
support for this plan. As I mentioned in my earlier a-mail (below), I think a small pedestrian /bicycle gate in Scenic
Circle would be the natural, safer and easier route for the kid: making their way from the west end of town to these
schools.
I would also like to support the access being open other than school hours. The restored Blackberry farm and its
access through McClellan park is really a great addition to thE~ City. I have incorporated the current path through
Blackberry farm on my weekend "loop" walks through the neighborhoods and would appreciate the opportunity to
include Scenic Circle route in my walk. It is a bit of a sad seeing the blocked off "bridge to nowhere" near the
children's playground. It would be super if a path in Blackberry with access to Scenic Circle would also be made
available to us walkers.
I acknowledge the concerns of my neighbors on Scenic CirclE~ regarding trash and "off-hours" partying in Blackberry
Farm. These problems have existed for years and come whenever private homes are near public sites. I'm hoping
that, amongst neighbors of good will, the opening of a small gate allowing pedestrian and cycling access can be
dealt with.
Best regards
Tom Scannell
10208 Cass Place
Cupertino, CA 95014
On 11/27/09 12:38 PM, "Tom Scannell" <tscanne1101(a~earthlink.net> wrote:
Hello
My name is Tom Scannell and I live at 10208 Cass Place in Cupertino. I have lived here for 25 years and Cupertino
for 30 years.
It has recently been brought to my attention that the City Council will be considering a petition at the November 30
City Council meeting regarding pedestrian/bicycle access through Scenic Boulevard/Scenic Circle to Blackberry
Farm and onto Kennedy Junior High and Monta Vista High School.
I want to let the City Council know that I fully support the formation of this task force and I am in favor of opening
such a trail. My son is a graduate of Stevens Creek, Kennecly and Monta Vista. While he was attending Kennedy
and Monta Vista my wife and I encouraged him (and all his friends) to use the then "unofficial access" through
Blackberry rather than risking his safety riding his bike down the very heavily trafficked McClellan road. I know many
other parents at our end of town also encouraged this practise. I was disappointed, but understood, when the
"unofficial" access was lost during the Blackberry restoration.
Now that the restoration is complete, I would like to support the opening of "official" access for the safety and
convenience of the kids at this end of town.
As a weekend walker I would also appreciate the opportunit~~ to gain access to the newly restored Blackberry farm
from Scenic. Once the other end of the Blackberry park is o~>ened at Stevens Creek I think the path through the park
to both McClellan and Scenic will make for a good circuit!
With all this said, I fully appreciate the concerns that my neighbors on Scenic Blvd/Scenic Circle may have about
public access through their neighborhood. I understand many of them were relieved when the access was closed. I
am hoping that this task force can address both access and my neighbor's concerns. I am sure there must a
reasonable accommodation that can be reached with good vrill on both sides.
Tom Scannell
~-IfC~l~r~
Linda La er ren ~~ "~
From: teresa dickerson [teresa dickerson@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:31 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Scenic Circle Access
Dear City Council,
I have 4 children and live on Scenic Blvd. I was very upset when the access through Scenic Circle was
terminated. My kids used the access through Blackberry every day. It is much safer and shorter than
going down McClellan. I have seen 2 kids in the mornings that have got hit by cars when they were on
bicycles riding down Mc Clellan. Luckily they were not seriously injured. What is it going to take? A kid
getting killed before the access gets reopened!
Another thing is people that live in the neighborhood can't walk down Scenic Circle with their kids and
go play on the playground or go walking on the new path. You have to get in your car and ride through
the neigborhood,down McClellan,left on Orange and thE~n down to the parking lot at Blackberry to use it. I
think that with all of the tax payers money spent on redoing Blackberry it is a shame that people that
live next to it can't even enjoy it without getting into their cars and driving to use it. It takes me longer to
drive there than it would to walk there if the gate was reopened.
It would be great to have the access on Scenic Circle reopened for kids going and coming to school and
for the people who live in the neighborhood to be able t:o walk or bike down to Blackberry and enjoy it.
Thanks for considering reopening the access, I am hoping to be using it again soon. My kids and I use to
use it almost every day before it was closed with the nE~w fence.
Teresa Dickerson
Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it novv.
21~~ fro
Linda La er ren
g 9
From: Ronda Hoxsie [rhoxsie@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 7:59 P1~1
To: City Council
Cc: Mark Linder; Cupertino City ManagE~r's Office; saferidescupertino@gmail.com
Subject: Scenic access to Blackberry Farm
Dear City Council Members,
I was very happy to see that City of Cupertino staff recommended opening the gate on Scenic to allow residents
and students west of Blackberry Farm to have access.
Having access to Blackberry Farm from the west side of the creek will provide a safe alternative for students
walking and riding their bikes to school away from speeding cars.
As a neighbor, I am very excited that the gate is going to bf; opened as it will be another great route for walking.
I've loved walking through the new and improved Blackberry Farm. I hope the gate will be opened soon.
Please accept the Staff s recommendation at your next mee~:ing. We have been waiting for a very long time to
get the gate opened.
Regards,
Ronda Hoxsie
10545 Mira Vista Road
Cupertino, Ca 95014
408.252.5019
Zlr~ Iro
Linda La er ren "~
From: Stewart Kelly [stuman@mavericksys.com]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 10:14 f'M
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang
Subject: Agenda Item 17 -- February 16 Council Meeting
Dear City Council Members,
Regarding Agenda Item # 17 of the Feb. 16 Council Meeti~ig, Scenic Circle access to Stevens Creek Park, I am
strongly opposed to opening access to Stevens Creek Park from Scenic Circle as proposed within this agenda
item.
First of all, the cost of any of the proposed alternatives is mind boggling. Spending a quarter of a million
dollars to simply create access to a park is fiscally unsound with the city facing a budget deficit and difficult
economic conditions. There must be far higher priorities within the city for such a large amount of money.
Second, the proposal that began as a "safe route to school" has now grown to be one of general access from
Scenic Circle to the park. Based on the historically low numbers (1-2 per day) of school children using this
route I don't believe that access limited to school times ana. days will impact the surrounding neighborhood.
However the agenda item does not discuss any such access limits and even highlights the proposed new access
as a "branch of the existing Stevens Creek Corridor Trail". This is alarming and makes Scenic Circle
effectively the parking lot for this new trail access point. ()pen trail access will have a very negative impact on
the Scenic Circle neighborhood.
I urge the Council to help protect the Scenic Circle neighborhood as you would your own or any other
neighborhood of Cupertino. I am confident you will be able create a better solution that provides safe routes to
school at a reasonable cost, the original goal that we have lost sight of in the current proposal.
Thank you for your efforts on this item and all the other service you provide our city.
Stewart Kelly
Scenic Circle Resident
~ ~r~ ~~~a
~~~
Linda Lagergren
From: Ckc10392@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:45 PM
To: Barry Chang; Mark Santoro; Orrin ~~ahoney
Cc: joy6007@aol.com; Ckc10392@aol.com
Subject: Fwd: FW: !Ps~~!A?oO!IHappy New Year
Attachments: LifeCNYYearOfTiger.pps
Dear Barry, Mark and Mr former Mayor - O. Mahoney:
My family championed very hard for your elections and we are cllad that you gentlemen are all seated in the City Council.
We trust that you shall vote for the Plan which is best for the residents as well as for the City.
May we copy you gentlemen an a -mail addressed to the Mayor and Vice Mayor earlier. Please consider our loyal
supporting to you and our future life quality at Scenic Circle. Be kind vote for Plan A and to reject plans B, C or D.
Thank you
Cheng's Family at 10392 Scenic Circle, Cupertino, .
From: Ckc10392@aol.com
To: kris@kriswang.com, gwong~7a~cupertino.org
CC: joy6007@aol.com, Ckc10392@aol.com
Sent: 2010/2/17 A.M. 06:23:49 Taipei Standard Time
Subj: Fwd: FW: iPs~~iA?oO!IHappy New Year
Dear Mayor and Vice Mayor:
My family has been living at Scenic Circle for more than thirty years.
We have voted you both into the City Council twice.
We are not asking to do any favor for us but trust you would vote for the right plan i.e. the plan A. .
We would like to point out that the Plan A is the right one for the Scenic Circle folks as well as for the safety
of students and the folks at the west side of creek/trail.
Any other plans (B,C, or D) would impact more residents' life qualities and wasting more tax payer's
money. Please reject plan B,C or D plans. Thank you
Respectfully,
Charles Cheng
Joyce Cheng
Kate Cheng
Brian Cheng
Chase Cheng
Calleigh Cheng
All are your loyal supporters
From: Ckc10392@aol.com
To: Ckc10392@aol.com
BCC: 4kitfox@gmail.com, anhui1996@yahoo.com, benjamin_vong@sbcglobal.net,
ccwang@cgl.ucsf.edu, cheng_alvina@allergan.com, cychen8~38@yahoo.com, fanghsiu@ymail.com,
frank@symposoft.com, gracevong@hotmail.com, ignatius_ding_2000@yahoo.com,
janeclee48@hotmail.com, jennifer178888@hotmail.com, jimmyylho@sbcglobal.net,
john.c.cheng@boeing.com, Johnson@atc.gov.tw, Joy6007@a~l.com, kate I_kwan@yahoo.com,
kris@kriswang.com, mina.otani@yahoo.com, yulie888@gmail.com, ajiang@sbcglobal.net,
terrychiang 115@yahoo.com
Sent: 2010/2/11 A.M. 09:39:08 Taipei Standard Time
Subj: Fwd: FW: ~s;~ ~°~ilHappy New Year
Best Wishes for the Year of Tiger
Charles Cheng
Sent: 2010/2/11 A.M. 03:23:56 Taipei Standard Time
Subj: FW: ~fr~~.#~ !Happy New Year
Subject: ~fr~~,~ !Happy New Year
~r~~~ !
2
-~f~
Linda Lagergren
From: Susan Sievert [spsievert@gmail.corn]
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 3:26 PIVI
To: City Council; City Clerk
Subject: Written Communication Agenda Itern 17
Written Communication Agenda Item 17
Dear Cupertino City Council,
There will be significant environmental impacts from this project, but
I am confident in the council's leadership and collective expertise.
However, I am concerned because I do not see anything in the Staff Report regarding the
required CEQA review for this new project.
Thank you.
Susan Sievert
Monta Vista/Cupertino
~~~
Linda Lagergren
From: Ralph Riddle [rwriddle@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:26 PPJI
To: Kris Wang; Gilbert Wong; Orrin Mahoney; Mark Santoro; Barry Chang; David Knapp
Subject: RE: new bridge at Blackberry Farm 1~or Scenic circle Resident's use
Regarding the proposed bridge connection between "Scenic Circle" and Blackberry Farm. This
seemingly a benefit to the residents of Scenic Circle but none of the rest of us. I recall
that the residents of Scenic Circle opposed routi~~g the Sevens Creek Trail extension along
part of Scenic Circle Drive, which resulted in disrupting McClellan Ranch Park. A bridge
would have had to been built which would have given them access to Blackberry Farm. So now,
they want their cake and eat it too?
Please vote against this.
Respectfully,
Ralph Riddle
rwriddle(a)comcast .net