HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2000 Park and Recreation Commission AgendasSaratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
City Hall Administrative Offices
13 7 7 7 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Monday, January 10, 2000
7:30pm
REVISED AGENDA
Organization
A) Roll Call: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff
B) Report on Posting of the Agenda:
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly pos�d on
December 29, 1999.
C) Approval of November 15 November 22, 1999 minutes.
II. Administration
A) Welcome and introduction of new Commission Members
B) Attendance/Registrati�n for March 15-IS, 2000 California Pacific
Southwest Recreation Park Training Conference in Ontario, CA
C) Park Development Fund Finance Department Report
III. Oral Written Communication
(This section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda)
IV. Old Business
Action Matrix Items A-D listed below:
A) Play Equipment for Gardiner Kevin Moran Park update.
B) Parker Ranch Trail closure update.
C) Mt. Eden Estates trails update.
D) Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting on 12/7/99 update
V. New Business
A) Presentation by Teri Baron of Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts.
B) Presentation by Mr. Dennis Paboojian of Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts
regarding the granting of a trail section easement Mt. Eden Estates.
C) Presentation by Matt Madison of Indoor Sports Network Corporation.
D) Presentation by Dr. Kevin Skelly, Principal of Saratoga High School,
regarding funding for the new aquatic center.
E) Wildwood Park Review of play equipment Safety Issues raised by
community.
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VI. Commissioner Staff Reports
A) Commissioner Reports
B) City Hall Update Staff liaison Cary Bloomquist
C) Recreation Department Status Report Joan Pisani
VII. Adiournment
Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
City Hall Administrative Offices
13 7 7 7 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Monday, January 10, 2000
7:30pm
AGENDA
OrQanization
A) Roll Call: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff
B) Report on Posting of the Agenda:
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly pos±ed on
January, 2000.
C) Approval of November 15 November 22, 1999 minutes.
II. Administration
A) Welcome and introduction of new Commission Members
B) Attendance/Registrati�n for March 15-IS, Z000 California Pacific
Southwest Recreation Park Training Conference in Ontario, CA
C) Park Development Fund Finance Department Report
III. Oral Written Communication
(This section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda)
IV. Old Business
Action Matrix Items A-D listed below:
A) Play Equipment for Gardiner Kevin Moran Park update.
B) Parker Ranch Trail closure update.
C) Mt. Eden Estates trails update.
D) Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting on 12/7/99 update
V. New Business
A) Presentation by Teri Baron of Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts.
B) Presentation by Mr. Dennis Paboojian of Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts
regarding the granting of a trail section easement Mt. Eden Estates.
C) Presentation by Matt Madison of Indoor Sports Network Corporation.
D) Review letter from Dr. Kevin Skelly regarding funding for swimming pool
project.
E) Wildwood Park Review of play equipment Safety Issues raised by
community.
VI. Commissioner Staff Reports
A) Commissioner Reports
B) City Hall Update Staff liaison Cary Bloomquist
C) Recreation Department Status Report Joan Pisani
VII. Adjournment
Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Administrative Offices, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
November 15,1999
7:30 p.m.
Achon Minutes
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:32p.m.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeaux, Ioannou, Olsen, Swan, Whitney
Commissioners Absent: Friedrich
Others Present: Council Member Nick Streit, Joan Pisani, Dennis Paboojian, Teri
Baron, Kara Chalmers, Cary Bloomquist
III. Report on Posting of the Minutes: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the
agenda was properly posted on November 11, 1999.
IV. Approval of Minutes of October 18, 1999 Meetin�
Commissioner Swan madc a motion to approve the minutes of October 18,
1999. Commissioner Whitney seconded the motion and the motion was carried
(6/0).
V. Administration:
A) 1999 Parks and Recreation Christmas Gathering will be held at the residence
of Joan Pisani on 12/06/99. A flyer with specific information will be
distributed at a later date.
B) Selection process for Commission Chair and Vice Chair was mentioned by
Chair Olsen. Liaison Bloomquist explained the selection process and
discussion ensued among the Commission.
C) Nomination and selection of the Commission Chair and Vice Chair
proceeded. Commissioner Swan nominated Commissioner Alberts to serve
as Chair. Commissioner Whitney seconded the nomination. No other
nominations were presented. Commissioner Alberts was selected as Chair by
majority vote. Commissioner Whitney nominated Commissioner Ioannou to
serve as Vice Chair. Commissioner Swan seconded the nomination. No
other nominations were presented. Commissioner
Ioannou was selected as Vice Chair by majority vote.
D) Commissioner Roles/Individual Project Assignments. Some discussion
ensued among the Commission members. No resolution or conclusion was
reached.
E) Park Development Fund-Finance Department Report. Liaison Bloomquist
presented report and received feedback from the Commission. Council
member Nick Streit provided the Commission with additional information
regarding the reports.
VI. Oral Written Communication:
Chair Olsen spoke about a letter received from Matt Madison of Indoor Sports
Network Corporation. Commissioner Swan requested that Liaison Bloomquist
i
research Mr. Madison's proposal and place the item on the next Parks and
Recreation Commission Agenda for January 10, 2000.
VII. Old Business:
Action Matrix Items A-D listed below:
A) Liaison Bloomquist gave an update on the play equipment improvement
projects at Kevin Moran and Gardiner Parks. Discussion ensued among the
Commission members.
B) Liaison Bloomquist gave an update on the status of the closure of the "water
tank section" of the Parker Ranch Trail. Teri Baron provided input
regarding the site. Liaison Bloomquist indicated the target date for the trail
closure is I 1 /24/99.
C) Commissioner Ioannou discussed the need for follow-up regarding the
Saratoga Creek at Wildwood Park clean-up project. Discussion ensued
among the Commission members. The Commission decided that the clean-
up efforts should commence in spring 2000, due to the approaching winter
season.
D) Teri Baron addressed the need for the trail at Mt. Eden Estates to be properly
prepared using either decomposed granite or asphaltic chips. An area of the
trail easement has been encroached upon by property owners, and these
property owners would like to reroute the trail due to privacy/safety
concerns. The Commission suggested Liaison Bloomquist follow-up on these
issues with the appropriate City Staff. Commissioner Swan mentioned
Saratoga Heights trails issues.
VIII. New Business:
A) Regarding the Joint Meeting with the City Council on October 26, 1999,
Chair Olsen commented on the positive outcome of the meeting. Council
member Nick Streit and Recreation Director Joan Pisani commented on the
status of the Community Center improvement proposals.
B) Mr. Dennis Paboojian gave a presentation about pursuing the granting
of a trail easement at 22101 Mt. Eden Road. As a condition of granting a
trail easement, the property owner is requesting that the City repairs a
drainage culvert on his land. To obtain this easement, Mr. Paboojian
suggested that funding from Public Works be utilized to pay for the culvert
repairs. The Commissioners asked Liaison Bloomquist to follow-up on this
issue with the appropriate City Departments, and to schedule a meeting
with the key players. Commissioner Swan made a motion that the Parks
and Recreation Commission request support for the granting of an
easement on the properry located at 22101 Mt. Eden Road. Chair Olsen
seconded the motion and the motion carried (6-0).
C) Mr. Dennis Paboojian gave a brief presentation regarding the Draft
Environmental Impact Report for the Paul Masson Mountain Winery Use
Permit. Mr. Paboojian explained that trail segments 13 to 54 on the 1991
Saratoga Parks and Trails Master Plan may be affected if the use permit is
approved and requested that the Commission take a position by
formulating a response in support of maintaining trail easements. Since
this item had not been agendized, no acrion could be taken due to Brown
Act requirements. In response to Mr. Paboojian's presentation, the
Commission decided to hold a special meeting on Monday, November 22,
1999, at 5:30 p.m., to discuss this issue. The Commission requested that
Liaison Bloomquist invite Community Development Director James
Walgren to attend the meeting.
IX. Re orts:
Commissioner Keports:
Commissioner Alberts indicated that if no other location could be secured,
the December 1999 Holiday Gathering/Meeting could be held at her home.
Chair Olsen commented on the expiration of her term as Chair effective
12/99.
Citv Hall Update:
Liaison Bloomquist invited Commission members to participate in the Second
Harvest Food Bank 1999 Holiday Food Drive. Bags foi food collection were
available to all Commissioners.
Recreation Department Status Report:
Recreation Director Joan Pisani mentioned the success of the Men's
Basketball League in Saratoga and shared part of her conversation with
Saratoga High School Principal Kevin Skelly. Mr. Skelly is seeking funding
support foi the school's swimming pool improvement project. Ms. Pisani
said she will provide the Commission with more information about the
project at the next meeting.
X. Adjournment
Commissioner Olsen made a motion to adjourn the meeting with
Commissioner Alberts seconding the motion. The motion carried (6/0) and
the meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
Prepared By:
Caiy Bloomquist
Staff Liaison
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 23, 1999
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Cary Bloomquist, Staff Liaison
RE: Update on active projects
Restrooms at Congress Springs, Wildwood, and El Quito Parks: Will go out to bid
January 5, 2000. If all goes well, the contract for construction will be awarded
within 6 weeks (needs to go to City Council for vote). Demolition/Construction
should commence within 2 weeks and will last approximately 12 weeks.
Play equipment improvement project at Kevin Moran and Gardiner Parks: The
landscape architect is finalizing the plans and should be completed by mid
January 2000. The contract for construction/installation will go out to bid
sometime early February 2000.
Congress Springs Park Improvements: The first coordination meeting was held
December 22, 1999 with Council Member Nick Streit, City Manager Larry
Perlin, Acting Public Works Director John Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan
Pisani, Parks Supervisor David Mooney, A.Y.S.O. representative Mark Linskey,
Saratoga Little League representative Keith Simon, and Parks and Recreation
Commission Liaison Cary Bloomquist in attendance. The discussion explored the
various options for the Park's user groups while the Park is closed for
construction. The targeted Park closure time frame for construction and turf
growth is November 2000 to August 2001.
The "water tank section" of the Parker Ranch trail has been closed for
approximately 3 weeks, and will remain closed until such time the Commission
discovers a solution for the repair/re-route of the trail section.
I will keep you updated as I receive new information.
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 23, 1999
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Cary Bloomquist, Staff Liaison
RE: Update on active projects
Restrooms at Congress Springs, Wildwood, and El Quito Parks: Will go out to bid
January 5, 2000. If all goes well, the contract for construction will be awarded
within 6 weeks (needs to go to City Council for vote). Demolition/Construction
should commence within 2 weeks and will last approximately 12 weeks.
Play equipment improvement project at Kevin Moran and Gardiner Parks: The
landscape architect is finalizing the plans and should be completed by mid
January 2000. The contract for construction/installation will go out to bid
sometime early February 2000.
Congress Springs Park Improvements: The first coordination meeting was held
December 22, 1999 with Council Member Nick Streit, City Manager Larry
Perlin, Acting Public Works Director John Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan
Pisani, Parks Supervisor David Mooney, A.Y.S.O. representative Mark Linskey,
Saratoga Little League representative Keith Simon, and Parks and Recreation
Commission Liaison Cary Bloomquist in attendance. The discussion explored the
various options for the Park's user groups while the Park is closed for
construction. The targeted Park closure time frame for construction and turf
growth is November 2000 to August 2001.
The "water tank section" of the Parker Ranch hail has been closed for
approximately 3 weeks, and will remain closed until such time the Commission
discovers a solution for the repair/re-route of the trail section.
I will keep you upda.ted as I receive new information.
AI� ��ItEAT'IOI� COl�IISSI0I�1 �'IEE'I'II�G F'OI.I.O�'-I1P A�'�'�OI� LIS�
�OIVIIVIIS�IOI� I�VIEET�I�1� .��1�1�J�� fl0 ll99�
�genda ]Follow-ug� �cteon Yteq�e�ec� 5��ff �esponsilbVe ��ne ��te �ompletion II�ate
ete�e
Site Survey at Kevin Moran Park to be completed- Bloomquist 11/99 11/99
monitor progress
Kevin Moran Gardiner Parks Play Equipment Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
projects-monitor progress
Parker Ranch Trail Issues-Closure of Trail section Bloomquist 11/99 12/99
above water tanks-onitor Progress.
Restroom improvements at Congress Springs, El Quito Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
and Wildwood Parks-Monitor Progress.
Congress Springs Playfields Repairs-Monitor Progress Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
WildwoodPark-Evaluation of play equipment and safety Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
issues-Monitor Progress
Distribution: City Council, City Manager, City Manager's Secretary, City Clerk, Director of Community Development, Director of Admin. Services, Acting
Director of Public Works, D'uector of Recreation, Senior Administrative Analyst
P�RK� �1D 1�C�ATIOI� COI�I�ISSIOI�] Ii�IEE'I'I1�1G FOI�LOdV-�JP ACT�OI�1 I,��'�'
��1VIIO�IISSI01�11VIEE�'�1�� �F ���J�� ll0, ll99�
Ageffida �o�dovv-up Action �deqaair�ec9 Staff �esponsible �ue �ate �ompletion ��te
etem
Site Survey at Kevin Moran Park to be completed- Bloomquist 11/99 11/99
monitor progress
Kevin Moran Gardiner Parks Play Equipment Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
projects-monitor progress
Parker Ranch Trail Issues-Closure of Trail section Bloomquist 11/99 12/99
above water tanks-onitor Progress.
Restroom improvements at Congress Springs, El Quito Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
and Wildwood Parks-Monitor Progress.
Congress Springs Playfields Repairs-Monitor Progress Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
WildwoodPark-Evaluation of play equipment and safety Bloomquist Ongoing timeframe
issues-Monitor Progress
Distribution: City Council, City Manager, City Manager's Secretary, City Clerk, Director of Community Development, Director of Admin. Services, Acting
Director of Public Works, D'uector of Recreation, Senior Adnunistrative Analyst
�L��'��GA '��IIII.. �E�T'��$N�II�S�'�
fl9830 Via ]Eseaae�a �s-.
Sas-�toga, �A 95090
40� 74Il-0954
fax 40� �67-6100
e-ffi�il tlbaron(c�,aol.com
December 14, 1999
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Attn: Carey Bloomquist
RE: 21801 Mt. Eden Rd., Please place on January agenda
Dear Commissioners:
I would like to come to the Commission meeting in January to discuss getting a trail placed on the above-
mentioned property.
This property was a tear-down and completely rebuilt and finished several months ago. This property has
a proposed trail segment that is listed as segment 52 in the Parks and Trails Master Plan that runs along
the front of it much like a sidewalk. I understand that while the property itself does not have a"trail
easement" it does have a"public right of way" along the front 10 feet.
The property right next door on the South(?) side, was built approximately 8 years ago. That property
was required to have its front "public right of way" fully developed according to the standards in the
Parks and Trails Master Plan. It has one of the best examples of what the trails should look like. It
consists of header boards with compacted gold fines (decomposed granite) placed on the trail surface.
However, somewhere in the planning process, the need to develop the subject property's front was
overlooked and the trail was not put in. In speaking with the planner who handled the file, she indicated
that a memo was sent to the Parks and Recreation Commission, but that she received no response from
them. However, the landscape plans that are in the file, clearly indicate that a trail, just like the one next
door, was to be built. I don't know what happened.
The planner indicated that I could now broach the problem with the Commission. This is an important
and well-used trail segment. Since there is still the public right of way along the property, I would like to
suggest that we now move to build the trail segment just like the one ne� door.
I will discuss this in more detail at the meeting.
Thank you for your consideration,
'l.,
Teri Lynn Baro
Cc: Dennis Paboojian
�A���G� '�'Y��]L ]EI�1��IgJ���S�'�
12280 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd., #101
Saratoga, CA 95070
408 255-4300
fax 408 255-0646
December 10, 1999
City of Saratoga
Parks Recreation Commission
13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Attn: Cary Bloomquist
Re: January Agenda, Mountain Winery
We would like to be put on the agenda for your January 10�' meeting to review the City's
response to the DEIR for the Mt. Winery conditional use permit application as it relates
to trails. We have prepared a written comment (copy enclosed) that has been submitted
to the County to address the impact of the planned activity on both county and city trails.
Specifically, the City of Saratoga Master Parks Trail Plan defines two segments that
are impacted by the planned activity...Segment 1�3/54 and Segment 53.
We would like to discuss this issue with the Commission.
Te i Baron
TLBaron(a�aol.com
William Brooks
wtbrooks(cr�,brookshess. com
�ARE�T�GA ���IL. IEI�'�']HI�.T�II���S
12280 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd., #101
Saratoga, CA 95070
408 255-4300
fax 408 255-0646
November 22, 1999
John Davidson, Planner
Santa Clara County Planning Office
County Government Center, 7`� Floor, East Wing
70 W, Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Re: Comments on the Mountain Winery DEIR
We are members of an advocacy group called The Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts (see
Appendix I for a description of our goals and activities). We are all property owners in
the County. We have several concerns about the Draft Environmental Impact Report
(DEIR) prepared as part of the conditional use pernut application for the Mountain
Winery.
First, we believe the scope of this document is inappropriate given that the Mountain
Winery has carried on the proposed activities for years without a permit or review (see
Appendix II). 'I'he true scope of this project which should have been analyzed would
involve the conversion of a rural vineyard and winery to a concert and event facility
seeking seating for 2500 attendees at a specified number of concerts per year, and an
event facility providing faciliries for up to 1500 people per event for up to 500 events per
year, with the attendant number of necessary employees to service those concerts and
events. Having the correct scope is important in order to assess the impact on the whole
community as well as on trails and trail users from this conversion. As Appendix V and
VI show, there has been a dramatic increase in traffic on Pierce Road and it directly
impacts the City of Saratoga Parks Trails Master Plan. Mitigation for this impact is
highly warranted.
In addition, the scope is applied inconsistently throughout the DEIR documen� In
assessing consistency of this project with current County policy (Appendix IIn, the DEIR
at times uses the scope of a minor incremental increase in current activities while at
others it recognizes that the activity would be terminated if the use permit were not
�granted. This is especially unportant in that trail users have had access to the property in
the past (see trail user comments in Appendi�c IV) and have been denied access for some
years as activity has increased on the site. Also noted in Appendix N is that trail users
have tended not to use trails in the vicinity because of the impact of traffic on Pierce
.1
Road because of concerns for safety. The mitigation measures (see Appendix VII)
recommended do not take into account that the impact of the proposed activity is from a
rural mountain winery to an intensely active entertainment venue.
A second concern is that the County Parks and Recreation Department has stated that it
does not feel it appropriate to ask for a trail easement because it can find no nexus to the
impact of the requested use and the need for trails as a mitigation of that adverse impact
of the proposed activity. This position is incorrect for two reasons:
l. The Landowner's Guide of the County Trail Master Plan specifically gives the
County the opportunity to request a trail easement when the use intended
"...would impact the surrounding community with regard to overall density,
circulation..." (Appendix V). This is especially important in that the highest
priority trail in the County Trail Master Plan is the Juan Bautista de Anza
National Historic Trail. The segment through the Mountain Winery property
would allow connection of Stevens Creek Park to Sanborn Park.
2. The City of Saratoga Parks Trails Master Plan specifically defines a trail
across Pierce Road (Segment 13 to Segment 54), which would be directly
impacted by the traffic generated by the proposed activity. There is a
mitigation possibility in that the Saratoga Parks Trails Master Plan also
defines a trail segment (53) that would allow the access to Sanborn Park
through the Mountain Winery (Appendix
A third concern is the traffic study done as part of the DEIR. Pierce Road is described in
the study only as a 2 lane nual road (page 8) to whicb no changes are proposed. The
study fails to mention that although very scenic, Pierce Road is a dangerous, narrow,
winding, incline with no shoulders that has a continual stream of mixed traffic including
pedestrians, equestrians, bicycles, automobiles, pickups pulling horse trailers and large
trucks. The impact of adding 1147 cars to narrow, winding, hilly, rural Pierce Road in a
single mass over the course of a half hour or so on a summer afternoon when a�concert
lets out needs to be considered in light of the existing typical uses of that road and the
adjoining roads at that time on a weekend afternoon. No one wants to charige the
character of this scenic road, but public safety, which is now at risk, would be further
impacted by the proposed activity. The traffic study treats Pierce Road as a normal city
street (Appendix VI) and proposes no mitigarion (Appendix VII). There is a proposal in
the City to divert traffic from Pierce Road that, while costly, will alleviate some of the
traffic. Provisions for off road hiking and riding trails will mitigate the adverse impact of
the increased traffic on the safety of those hikers and riders now compelled to use Mt.
Eden and Pierce Road to access the parks, open spaces and equestrian facilities in and
around the Mountain Winery and Mt. Eden Valley.
Our recommendations (Appendix VIII) are:
1. The DEIR be redone with the appropriate scope covering a change from a
rural winery to an entertainment venue attracting a large number of people in
short periods of time.
1
2. The applicant work with the City of Saratoga to provide mitigation for the
traffic impact on the trail segments affected.
3. The appiicant grant an easement on the property for the Juan Bautista de Anza
National Historic Trail and Segment 53, City of Saratoga Trail system.
4. The applicant work with the City of Sazatoga on ways to reduce the traffic on
Pierce Road and Mt. Eden Road.
It seems to us that the City and the County Departments are not working together on this
review of the environmental impacts. The project impacts the traffic on city roads and
trails that are part of the City of Saratoga Parks Trails Master Plan. While this impact
is in the City, the County Parks and Recreation Department does not see a nexus to the
intended use from the impact on density, circulation and mostly public safety in tk�e
community. We hope you can remedy this situation before the final EIR is issued on this
project.
i I
Te Baron William Brooks Dennis Pabooji
TLBaron@aol.com wtbrooks@brookshess.com Dpaboojian@thelin group.com
Attached appendix:
I. Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts
II. Scope of the DEIR
III. Consistency of this project with County policy.
IV. Trail User Comments
V. Saratoga City and County Master Trail Plan
VI. Review of traffic study
VII. Comments on mitigation measures
VIII. Explanation of recommendations
�E��E����s�
12280 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd., #101
Saratoga, CA 95070
408 255-4300
fax 408 255-0646
December 10, 1999
City of Saratoga
Parks Recreation Commission
13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Attn: Cary Bloomquist
Re: January Agenda, Mountain Winery
We would like to be put on the agenda for your January 10 meeting to review the City's
response to the DEIR for the Mt. Winery conditional use permit application as it relates
to trails. We have prepared a written comment (copy enclosed) that has been submitted
to the County to address the impact of the planned activity on both county and city trails.
Specifically, the City of Saratoga Master Parks Trail Plan defines two segments that
are impacted by the planned activity...Segment 13/54 and Segment 53.
We would like to discuss this issue with the Commission.
r
i
Te Baron William Brooks 's aboojian
TLBaron�a,aol.com wtbrooks(�a,brookshess.com Dpaboojian@thelindy oup.com
�.�L����� ��g$�������
Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts is an unincorporated advocacy and volunteer organization. It
was born out of a need to preserve and maintain the trails in Saratoga. It consists of
priinarily Saratoga residents that are interested in having and maintaining a trail network.
1�7ission Statement:
o To enhance the existing trail system for the benefit of the citizens of Saratoga.
o To develop new trails that links the existing trails to the County Parks and Open
Space Districts.
To follow through on the goals of the Hillside Specific Plan, 1981 and the Parks
and Trails Master Plan, 1991.
G'oals a�:d �bjectives:
o Plan, implement and maintain trails for equestrian and hiking use.
o Evaluate existing trails.
o Clear and repair existing trails.
o Ensure all future developments in the City dedicate trail easements that conform
to the trail alignments indicated in the Parks and Trails Master Plan for the City of
Saratoga, 1991.
o Establish a regular program for maintenance of trails. (The City currently has no
budget for this)
o Request new easements by negotiating with utility companies, water companies
and private owners to complete the goals as established in the Pazks and Trails
Master Plan.
Develop and coardinate a trail maintenance volunteer program.
o Develop alternative (state, county, federal, private) funding sources to complete
trail projects.
o Coordinate with the City of Saratoga to assist in all phases of trail issues.
Accomplisl:�nents:
o Hundreds of volunteer hours spent on maintaining the Saratoga trail system. The
volunteers have come from local residents, Girl Scout troops, Boy Scout troops,
and church groups.
Helped establish a Trails Grant Program for the City of Saratoga so that groups
such as ours can access funds to provide supplies to maintain the trail system.
o Worked with the Parks and Recreation Commission on trail issues.
Worked with the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation department on trail
issues.
Increased citizens awareness of trail issues by news articles in the Saratoga News
and had a large contingent of equestrians, hikers and bikers in the Saratoga Parade
in 1998 and 1999.
Worked with the County Parks and Recreation Department on completion of the
Orchard Meadows trail link to Stevens Creek Park. Obtained approximately 200
signatures of support from trail users for our position that the County take
immediate steps to open this trail access per their commitment in the 1991 final
EIR for this project. This was an important link for the City of Saratoga citizens.
Working with the City on improvements to a dangerous culvert in the middle of
the Parks Trails Master Plan Segment 51 and obtaining easement for this
segment.
Received a letter of commendation from the Mayor of Saratoga in April 1999 for
our volunteer efforts.
Received a letter of commendation from the Director of Public Works of Saratoga
in April 1999 for our volunteer efforts.
A]�IPIENllD�
5��]PlE �lE' �'I� �D]EI[lE�
Throughout the DEIR the scope is described as the analysis of an existing project in connection
witl� its application for a CUP and ASA to legalize a use, which has been ongoing without such
permits for 40 years. Occasionally, though not consistently, the DEIR also admits that
concurrently with legalizing the existing use the applicant also seeks to increase the seating
capacity of the concert facility from 1750 to 2500 persons. That is an increase of 42.9% in the
seating capacity.
The Project description which was circulated with the Notice of Preparation, and which fortned
the factual background for agencies and the public to respond with comments regarding the
scope of the EIR is contained in Appendix A of the DEIR. It states (wrongly) that at its peak in
1994, the Winery had I 10 concerts, but does not say how many "other events" were held either
in 1994 or at the time of filing the application for the CUP/ASA, or at any other time. Nor does
the Project description say how many concerts were held at the time of the application or any
other time except for 1994. The Project Description does say that the current project seeks
approval of 200 events per yeaz, "exclusive of concerts". Thus at the time the scope of the
project was reviewed, it was disclosed that once upon a time the Winery had as many as 110
concerts, but no information was given as to what it has now or how many it plans in the future,
The applicant also disclosed that the Winery wanted approval for 200 "other events, exclusive of
concerts, for the future, but there was no information about how many they have had in the
past or have now. The Project Description therefore gave no basis for quantifying what the
increased use of the Winery facilities really would be, because the current use for "other events"
was not quantified, and neither the current nor future number of concerts is quantified. Without
this quantifying data, the extent of the impact resulting from the proposed use cannot be
assessed. The DEIR is therefore incomplete.
The figures contained in the DEIR itself differ in a material fashion from those given to the
public and agencies at the time the Notice of Preparation was circulated soliciting comments on
the scope. The DEIR contains a table showing a peak of 115 concerts in 1992 (not 1994), only 65
concerts in 1994, no concerts in 1996, and 68 in 1999. (See page 2-8) Neither this Table nor the
text, however, discloses or limits how many concerts the applicant intends to book per year in the
future. Therefore, the cumulative impact cannot be assessed and the DEIR is incomplete.
The same table also shows a steady increase in the number of "other events" from 275 when they
commenced in 1996 up to 403 "other events" in 1999. It is clear from this that granting of a
CUP/ASA as it relates to the "other events" (1) shouldn't be considered as"legalizing an existing
use with a 40 year history" since the DEIR only discloses a 4 year history and (2) seeks
authorization for 2.5 times as many "other events" as was disclosed in the Project Description
contained in the Notice of Preparation on which the agencies and public based their comments
disclosed. (See DEIR, page 2-8: "[The number of events pei year, exclusive of the concert series,
is antacipatec� to be appro�raiately �00 to 500..." Since this information was withheld from the
public and the entities and agencies that received and were asked to comment on the scope of the
EIR, the comments received cannot be viewed as applicable to the EIR as prepared. Had the
actual size of the Project been disclosed, it must be assumed that the comments received would
have been different and that those who did not comment might have in light of the larger size
Project.
The true scope of this project which should have been analyzed would involve the conversion of
a rural vineyard and winery to a concert and event facility seeking seating for 2500 attendees at a
specified number of concerts per year, and an event facility providing facilities for up to 1500
people per event for up to 500 events per year, with the attendant number of necessary
employees to service those concerts and events. That has not been studied. The clear focus of
the DEIR has been to view this Project as just an incremental increase in an existing use. The
focus should have been to view the existing use as an illegal one, carried on for years without the
mandatory CUP, which should be studied as if it were coming in for the first time seeking
approval of a 2500 seat concert facility and a 1500 person "other event" facility. Whether the
current CUP application seeks to increase the seating capacity or not, this EIR is obviously
intended by the applicant to cover not only an application to legalize the current use but also the
future expansion application as well. For example, Table 1-1, the Summary of Impacts and
Mitigation Measures, in discussing the noise element, says, Traffic-related noise flrncreases
from the proposed anc�-ease in seating are not expected to be significant" (Emphasis added.).
The Summary is only concerned with the increase over the current illegal level of use, but the
Project involves the traffic related noise from the cunent use as well as the proposed increase. If
the DEIR were aimed solely at "legalizing the current use", this finding would not have been
included in the DEIR. On the other hand, since the application itself is just to legalize the
existing use, and since that was not analyzed, the DEIR is incomplete. Further, in looking at
only the increase in noise related to the increase in seating, i.e., the concert facility, it is clear the
DEIR does not address the traffic related noise from up to 1500 attendees at 400 to 500 events
per year. Once again, this makes the DEIR incomplete.
The Traffic Study based its worst-case calculations on the figures contained in its Table 4.1.
Among other things, that table shows a total of 79 employees required to service people
attending concerts and other events when everything is happening at once at the Winery.
However, the Project Description in the DEIR states that the number of employees per event are
estimated to range between 25 and 175 during the concert season, and 10 to 70 during the winter
season" (Emphasis added). Either the Project Description is wrong or the Traffic Study did not
in fact analyze the worst case. 175 employees is 2.4 times as many employees as were included
for purposes of the Traffic Study, or viewed the other way, 79 employees is only 45% of the real
"worst case" which the DEIR says would be 175. Even assuming that only 79 employees could
service the Mountain Winery crowd when a concert and all the other possible events were
occurring simultaneously, that crowd would consist of a total of 4459 guests at the Mountain
Winery at one time. This equates, at a conversion of 2.2 passengers per car, to 2026 cars for
guests, plus the cars for the employees and delivery trucks. This level of intensity of use was not
studied.
The "No Project Alternative" discussion states that "If a CUP were not issued, the concert series
and other activities at the Mountain Winery that require the issuance of a discretionary permit
would not be in compliance with County ordinances, and those activities would be required to
cease operation." (See p. 1-3). Under the "No Project Alternative" the current use would shut
down. If the applicant wanted to try again, it would have to come in from scratch, seeking a
permit for a project of the scope described above. Why should any different scope be considered
when the existing use is admitted by all to be illegal? However much the Mountain Winery
concerts have entertained people over the years, doesn't it reward the illegal use when the
primary focus of the DEIR is on the increase and the current illegal use is assumed to be the
baseline?
��IEIV�D� I[gd
��l+�SdS'Il'lE1V��' �F '�']�S IP�Z�.�]E�7C �'�'�3[ ���J1�1'Il'�' ]P�ILd��'
Page 2-13
Policy �=PIl1 calls for an infegrated system of trails. A high priority trail of the County
Master Plan is the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. An important segment
of this trail crosses this property. In addition, the City of Saratoga Trail Master Plan
designates trail segments that would be directly impacted by this project. Segment 13
crosses Pierce Road to connect with Segment 54, providing access from Stevens Creek to
Sanborn Park. In addition, Segment 53 would allow trail users to access the Mountain
Winery property. �leaa-ly, this g�a as not commsistent wath �he �oian4y's polncy to
�rovide an intege�ated systean o4' trails.
Page 2-15
Policy C H.S24 calls for residents to be free from objectionable noise. Since the scope
used to assess consistency is the increase of the activity from 1750 patrons to 2500
patrons, only minor mitigation is proposed. Were one to assess the impact of the noise
from the activity versus a rural winery, a better picture would emerge as to the impact.
T�e projec� is not consistent with ghe �ounty g�olacy to icee� �he �esidents ffa�ee 4'roan
objectionable ffioise.
Page 2-16, et al
Policies I� RC'9 R RC98 addresses the scenic and aesthetic qualities of natural areas in
the County. These analyses of the consistencies of the project to these policies and others
refer to Pierce Road as a designated Scenic Road in the City of Saratoga. It affums as a
positive that no changes to Pierce Road are proposed in order for it to retain its rural
character. However, Pierce Road is currently acknowledged as a dangerous
thoroughfare, which will only be negatively impacted by the increased peak hour traffic
from the proposed activity, iJnless Ynitigation Yneasures a�-e �ot appro�a taken
to alleviate safety haza�cis on admfttedly ciaaagerous �anpal ]Paerce Itoad, tlne project as
not consistent witln County policy to acldress sceaaic amd aestlaetac qualities.
Page 2-17
Poljcy R L�I17 states that Resource Conservation Areas shall be preserved largely in
natural resource-related and open space uses. I'olicy I� LZIlg specifies that low intensity
commercial, industrial or institutional uses would be allowable in a"Hillside"
designation. Describing the winery as a low-intensity recreational and commercial
structure comprising "a very small percentage of the site" is misleading. Is a use that
brings 1100 to 1200 cars in an hour or less onto Pierce Road a low-intensity use? Yes, if
you average it out over 24 hours per day or 365 days per year. No, if you look at it
rationally. It is a high-intensity but periodic use. '�'�e project is ffiot consistent with t�e
Co�nty policy �o pa nataaral open spaee uses.
Page 2-18
County Zo�:ing Ordi�:ance says a use permit controls the number and size of events. The
analysis takes as a premise that the existing illegal use is the baseline and only the
increment is evaluated in terms of its impact on the zoning ordinance. 'Il'9nis w�aole
anallysis is exroneous arecl shoufld be considerang the entire activifly is a
ch�nge from a a��ara� winery.
Page 3.1-5
The Santa �Zara C'ou�:ty General l'lan designation for that portion of the property
within the County is Hillside (H), and the County zoning designation is also Hillside
(HS). This property is designated HS. It indicates that the H zone should be used to
promote uses that are inappropriate for city development. Obviously, that does not
include a concert center since the alternative locations noted by the DEIR are city
locations. Saratoga's general plan says that the HR district and the NHR designation are
intended to promote maintaining the existing rural character of the land. An acQivity
which occaseons ap�roximately 1800 c��-s an a 30-60 muaute period on an adrnittedly
dangerous a-upal road is inconsistent witln tflae 5a� general plan clesignations �s
well as the County general �lan designatfon.
Page 3.1-5
Parks and Ilecreatio�: Ope�: Space. The Parks and Recreation Department has
concluded that because the proposed project will have only relatively minor cumulative
effects on the overall building density of the area, dedication of a trail easement is not
required at this time. This is incorrect, as the proposed project has been improperly
described. The proposed activity is not an insignificant increase intensity but rather a
very significant increase in the intensity of the allowed use, namely a vineyard and
winery. A trail easement should have been required years ago when the 1750 seat facility
was built. By focusing attention on this just being a slight increase with little
"cumulative" affect, the applicant is trying to circumvent their predecessor's failure to
follow the rules.
Page 3.1-7
ll�itigatioii. No mitigation is required. Because the report concludes that the proposed
project is consistent and compliant with policies and ordinances that apply to the subject
property, it concludes that the project will not create an incompatible land use. As
indicated above, the project is inconsistent with policies and ordinances thus mitigation
should be required in for form of ineasures to alleviate the impact of the traffic on trail
access.
Page 4•2
No Project fElternative. This section acknowledges the major inconsistency in the report.
The no project alternative would mean that the current activity would have to shut down.
This is the correct scope for the report but is inconsistent with other sections that discuss
the incremental case. Under "Impacts and Conclusions" if the no project alternative
means the current activity is shut down, then the impact of that alternative on Pierce Road
is not that the traffic does not increase, but that it decreases enormously at those periods
when concerts would otherwise have been given.
�P1E1�1�D� ][V
'�'ll�glL �JS]El[� ��I�lEl�1']CS
I understand that the old Paul Masson, Mountain Winery propert}r is going through the CEQA
process and will request a conditional use permit for additional seats in the outdoor theatre in the
near future. I assume the County will need to consider mitigation measures to offset the impacts
of the developer's proposals. As a teenager in the late 60's and 70's, I had many opportunities to
access the mountain winery property on horseback. I must state that the breathtaking views and
beautiful mountains are still fresh in my mind after over 30 years. This was when the Mt. Eden
Valley was truly a rural area and the local kids were able to ride their horses and ponies through
the existing orchards, vineyards and hay fields without much trouble. For years, I watched as
access to open space lands and county parks were blocked by home development development,
which has little consideration to recreation or safe, trail circulation. In the late 80's, I became a
member of the Saratoga Trail Review Committee and worked with Harry Peacock, the City
Planner at the time to develop a trail and pathways plan for the City of Saratoga. I also served on
the Santa Clara County Countywide Trails Review Committee representing supervisor district
#5, during the early 90's and know that a trail connection to this property can be a reality in this
area. The City of Saratoga's Trails and Pathway Master Plan depicts a trail to the site.
Additionally, the County Trail Plan supports a length of the Juan Bautista de Anza NHT within
the immediate area. T'his is a golden opportunity to secure a future link for the City of
Saratoga's Plan and the Juan de Anza NHT and possible safe trail connections for the folks who
enjoy trails in the Mt. Eden Valley Area.
I currently board my horse at a private residence within this area and understand the issue of
safely accessing the trails. Please do not let another opportunity slip through our hands. I hope
you give my comments and recommendations serious consideration.
l+�anc� ]It. �3'lnate
1446 Glenanoo� Way
I have ridden the hills in this valley for over 40 years. It is heartbreaking to lose access to these
beautiful hills. A fe��v years ago, I could ride from Cupertino to Davenpart along the coast.
Many trails are lost because of slides, fallen trees, etc.; however, more have been cut off by
development. I believe that with a little planning ahead we could have both. My husband and I
ride the hills in Saratoga and Cupertino and are very interested in keeping trails open.
m
r�nn lO�Iaa
82344 Itegnart lEtoacl
As a hiker, horse rider, and mountain cyclist I have enjoyed the area, which I believe to be the
Paul Masson property. The long-standing trails have provided a wonderful view of the South
Bay area and a wonderful physical challenge for exercise. We have accessed these for the past
ten years and hope they will continue to be available to us. I appreciate the multifaceted
opportunity that these trail systems provide for my animals and myself.
IDoris �an l�uann
13820 Redwood G�nYc�n I�oad
Having been a landowner in the Stevens Creek Canyon area, I have used and enjoyed many of
the trails for hiking, primarily for exercise. The trails on the Paul Masson Property are
particularly interesting and enjoyable because they are at the exact top of the ridge between Mt.
Eden area and a part of Steven's Creek Canyon. The trails are long maintained and afford a view
of San Francisco Bay. I thank anyone who maintains them and would certainly help out at my
own expense.
�at Van Munn
13820 Redwood G�nich l[�oacl
I have been using the trails in this area either as a hiker or equestrian for approximately twenty
years. The Saratoga hills twenty years ago were rural and many used the trails that existed then.
It was only about 12 years ago that I was personally asked not to use any of the trails on the
winery property anymore. Knowing it was private property; I certainly did what was requested
of ine. Since that time, I have noted the disappearance of an abundance of trails due to
development of homes. Although I have no quarrel with what people do with their property, I do
not understand why trails have been closed when these trails are on the Santa Clara County
Master Plan and the Saratoga Master Plan. It would be a great asset to have these trails back into
use for not only Saratoga residents but also for Santa Clara County citizens to use for their
enj oyment.
She�l� IDafly
21931 Via ltegnna
I am writing in support of trails, especially equestrian and hiking trails. As a teen, I enjoyed the
freedom of being able to ride my horse in the beautiful foothills of Saratoga. There were
wonderful trail connections including Garrod Farms, Stevens Creek Park, Mt. Eden Arabian
Stables, and Paul Masson Mountain Winery. The trail system allowed me to ride all the way to
the beach, if I chose, through the generosity of private property owners and park systems.
Now I am older and have a daughter of my own who is equally interested in horses and riding.
Many of the areas that used to be open have since changed ownership and I hope trails can
continue to be available.
Trail riding helped me through the difficult teen years. Horse ownership taught me many
important lessons in responsibility. I became actively involved with the 4H horse program and
became an avid North American Trail Riding Conference, (NATRC), participant. I rode in many
trail rides sponsored by the NATRC organization of which many occurred in the Saratoga
Foothills, including the Castle Rock Ride that covered a lazge portion of the then Paul Masson
Mountain Property. I treasured the landscape and the property I was allowed to ride on by
staying o designated service roads and areas I was told I could use. I would report to the owners
anything I saw that didn't look right such as broken fencing or waterlines, downed trees, etc.
Over time, I have watched this area explode with growth and development and i fear for the loss
of our precious trail system. Growth and development are important for a healthy economy, but
there needs to be a nice balance of open space for recreational use.
I hope my daughter will be able to experience the same "freedoms" I had as a girl growing up.
]Linda �arsley-�'elavich
My interest in trails is as an equestrian. As a disabled person, riding is therapeutic, both
physically and psychologically. On a horse, I feel like I have a level playing field with the able
bodied. I have the independence I lack in normal circumstances. Thus, having access to open
space through off-road trails is very important to me. Since my accident 12 years ago, Pve been
very concerned with public safety. I don't use trails where I perceive there is a risk to my horse
or myself. On Saratoga trails, I have to end my ride at Segment 13 where it meets Pierce Road
because of the increased traffic, especially large trucks. Having access through Trail 53 would
allow me to travel to Sanborn Park and thus to Skyline. In addition, having access to the De
Anza trail through the Mountain Winery property would provide a long loop to Stevens Creek
Park. This trail loop would provide myself and others much needed access to the parks and open
space.
I�ennis Pabooji�n
22490 M�. �den I�cl.
I have ridden the hills of Saratoga via horseback for a number of years. Through the last 10 years, I have
watched our trail system erode. Although the City of Saratoga as well as the County of Santa Clara have
Trail Master Plans in place to guide the placement of trails within developments, they do not seem to be
enforcing their own policies. This is not right. The plans were developed and approved with the
coinmunity and landowner input. The trail alignments were developed for the enjoyment of all.
Since development has occurred at a rapid pace recently, the trail sections that we do have in place are a
problem from a safety standpoint as nobody seemed to be aware that as development occurred, so would
traffic increase. Some of the trails are unsafe to use because of traffic problems. I will not use several of
the trail segments at certain times because it is unsafe due to the large volume of traffic.
If the Mountain Winery property is to be granted a CUP, and the traffic further increases, the City as well
as the County must request that the owner of the property mitigate the safety problems by granting the
trail easements that are proposed on the City and County Trail Master Plans. These two trail sections
would ease the safety problems caused by traffic.
Teri I.ynn �aron
19830 Vfa Escuela �Dr.
I grew up in Saratoga. I have ridden horses all my life. As a child, my family and I used to ride
all over the hills in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, over the years new neighbors and poor
trail conditions have made it impossible to get to many of the trails that I know still exist. Using
the roads have never been a viable option and these days it's even worse.
One of the trails I really enjoyed was riding on Paul Masson Vineyard property. There were
several different options when we would ride up there. One way we would go was to ride past
Teerlinks house and through their orchard until we could cross the creek to the vineyards.
Riding through the vineyard, we would parallel Pierce Road until we got to the old quarry.
Sometimes we would stop at the quarry and have lunch. Just past the quarry entrance was a trail
that led above the quarry that would take us to the next section of vineyards. At this point, we
could chose to take the short path or the long path to the top of Pau1 Masson Property. To take
the short route, we would turn right and follow the ridge a ways until we got to the top of Paul
Masson Property. We could take the long route by going straight through the vineyard then
across Paul Masson's driveway. This led to a very scenic trail through the vineyards to the top.
The views up there are gorgeous.
Once at the top we had three choices. We could loop back on the other of the above trails I just
described. This made for a fine scenic loop and an excellent conditioning trail for our horses.
We could take a shorter way back home by riding down a PG&E road that led to our neighbor's
driveway. This driveway is now Mt. Eden Vineyard's driveway. We could either ride down the
driveway or we could ride up just a short way, ride through one of their vineyards and connect to
a trail that led to another neighbor's place. The third choice was to continue up into the hills. I
don't know whose property we were riding on but there were multiple trails to choose from. I
have riot been on them all. One I went on led to Highway 9 very close to the Dog Obedience
School. Another led to a driveway that took us to Pierce Road near the intersection of Highway
9. Some looped back to where we started. I have heard that some of these trails lead to county
parks trails, but I never �ound out where exactly I was when I rode some of them. Time
constraints often forced me to turn around. I have not been on these trails because of a washout
just before the quarry and because of new neighbors not allowing us through their property. I
have learned that the washout was caused by a couple of teenage boys trying to keep trail riders
out of the quarry so they could party there. It worked!
Regarding horses and the roads, I have lived on Mt. Eden Road for the most part of 40 years.
During those early years there was very little traffic. When we would go on trail rides on our
borses we usually avoided the roads only because it could be slippery at times and because one
in a while a car would speed by extremely fast. Now there are more reasons we avoid the road:
heavy traffic, many big trucks, and lots of bicycles. The traffic has increased greatly over the
past 10 years. When we try to ride on the road the cars quite often made a wide berth around us.
Now when they do that a car is usually coming at us from the other direction, which nearly
causes collisions. It always disrupts the flow of traffic. Just two cars passing is bad enough,
then you add these huge trucks that barely fit on their side of the road. Throw in a horse and one
car and you've got an accident just waiting to happen. On top of that, a few of the truck drivers
are speeding. I've seen so many near collisions due to the big trucks driving too fast for the
conditions of Mt. Eden Road. Many of the horses are used to the trucks and traffic, but when
one squeals on its breaks right next to a horse it can be fi Frightened horses sometimes
get out of control, which could lead to moving further into the road.
Last, but certainly not least as far as traffic hazards go, are the bicycles. Some of the bicyclists
are so quiet that the horse does not know they are there until they are right smack behind us.
They we both jump out of our skins. Then there are the bicyclists that are going way too fast
down the hill. They have absolutely no way of stopping if they had to. Put a horse (or anything)
in its way and you're bound to have an accident. Even if the bicyclist is riding safely, bicycles
go different speeds than both the horses and the cars. When you get all three at one point in the
road it becomes .quite a traffic hazard.
We need trails off the roads so we can all get to places with less traffic hazards to deal with.
.�ane �ehflsem
22200 iVlt. ]Edem �oad
This letter is in regards to the trail situation in the Saratoga area. I have lived in Saratoga most of
my life (about forty years). There was a time when I could get on my horse and ride the trails all
day long and have not to cross a road or trace a path back and forth from head end to end. I
could have the joy and relaacation of riding without a constant fear of my safety (life).
In specific, I used to have access up through the quarry on Pierce Road near the Paul Masson
entrance and I would follow a fire road alongside Paul Masson's road up to the vineyards where
there was a designated trail for the horse to pass through. From this point, I could hook up with
two trails. One trail continued upward and over the mountain and down to Big Basin at the Fry's
property. At this place I could cross Big Basin and continue up the next mountain all the way to
Skyline. If I chose the other trail at the top of the vineyards then I could ride a fire road down to
the Mt. Eden Vineyards dirt road where I could go down and back to my house or continue on up
and cut across to the horse ranch which is now owned by Dennis Paboojian. All of these trails
others and I were allowed on. In fact, there were several competitive trail rides along these
routes. However, over time these trails became inaccessible either because of wash outs or
change of ownerships. The new owners put gates up on the trails and that was that.
Now the trails that are opened to us are very short or you have to ride along the road in order to
get to them. One trail system in particular is the trails outside of Garrods. I must ride along the
twisting road of Mt. Eden in order to get to Garrods.
Several times I have almost been hit by speeding motorists and big trucks. One time a large
truck came down the hill at the same time as another large truck cam from the other direction. I
was on the side of the road. My horse panicked from the oncoming truck and jumped in the path
of the other truck. Thank god the other truck stopped in time.
There are a lot of riders in this area. Many of them have to ride the road to Garrods or from
Garrods for lessons or for trail access. I hope we don't have to wait until someone dies or is
critically hurt in order to have a trail access developed. Thank you for reading this letter and I
hope it has some impact on the need for trails.
Sue S. Smith
22200 Mt. �den �oac➢
�lP]E1�1�D1[�
�DESCF�][P']C��1� SA�'�'��A �I�'�' &c ���J1V7I'�' I�S'�'ER lP]LAI� �']LB�IDLS
SAItE1T��A, ��Rg{S �1dD '�h�]C,S I�AS'�'�R ]P]L�, 1991
Excerpt,f'rom the Executive Summary 1.0-1
In the summer of 1990, the City of Saratoga commissioned a study for the preparation of a Parks
and Trails Master Plan, intended to define a framework for the City's action over the upcoming
decade in implementing a recreation system, which will serve all sections of the City's
population. The Plan discusses the existing recreation provision in the City as well as the
planning context which forms a setting for the subsequent recommendations for future provisions
and operation of active and passive parks, pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle trails.
Excerpt fron: I'lanning C'onte.xt chapter, Northwestern d�illside Specific Plan, 2.2-7
Trails and Pathways:
Policy 1: Develop equestrian/Pedestrian trail system for access to County recreation areas and
Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District concurrently, or prior to, the development of each
lot.
Policy 2: Encourage trails and pathways along roadways.
Site-specific recommendations:
Segment 53:
This segment is proposed to connect link #13 through the vineyards and west into the
surrounding county parkland (see attached map).
The City should negotiate with Paul Masson for the establishment of a trail. The vineyards may
need, in the future, to establish a utility easement through this property and the City could then
potentially form a development agreement for the shared use of the easement.
General comments:
In addition to the above, segment 13 to segment 54 cross Pierce Road. This crossing has not been
addressed in any foim or fashion in the DEIR. Segment 17 also ends at Pierce Road, with hikers
or horses then continuing north onto Pierce Road. This has not been addressed.
S�'�'� �ILAI� ���JI�1'd'�' '�'�,gIC,S 1��5'd']El[� ]PIL�IV, 1995
Excerpted from I'reamble, page 3
Piecing together a countywide trail network, one small segment at a time is a difficult, time-
consuming, and fragile process. Failure to obtain a few critical links in a proposed trail can
disrupt the continuity of the trail and thus delay, and possibly even prevent, its eventual
completion. The fragility of this piecemeal process makes it all the more critical that
opporiunities be met as they arise, for they may not arise again for many years, if ever.
Excerpted from Introduction, page IS
Additional equestrian trails are needed in Santa Clara County. T'his is particularly true in
selected areas where a concentration of horse owners exists and safety issues are mounting as
those areas develop and traffic conditions intensify making it less safe to travel along rural
roadways.
Trails are broadly viewed within the County as serving a wide variety of purposes and providing
a wide variety of benefits to residents and visitors versus being perceived as a single-use,
recreation function.
Po[icies, page 20
PR-TS 1.1, C-PR 20, R-PR 22, A countywide system of trials offering a variety of user
experiences should be provided that includes: trails within and between parks and other publicly
owned open space lands; trails that provide access from the urban area to these lands; trails that
connect to trails of neighboring counties; trails that connect to transit facilities; trails that give the
public environmentally superior alternative transportation routes and methods; trails that close
strategic gaps in non-motorized transportation routes; trails that offer opporlunities for
maintaining personal health; trails that offer opportunities for outdoor education and recreation;
and trails that could serve as emergency evacuation routes.
Strategy #3: Lnptement the ptanned trail network, page 26
Success Based on Perseverance
And each trail will be completed only if local government officials make the decisions necessary
to transform these trail proposals from lines on plan maps to tangible, usable trails in the
community.
Policies, page 30
PR-TS 3.7, C-PR 28.4, R-PR 30.4, Development projects proposed on lands that include a trail
as shown on the Countywide Trails Master Plan Map may be required to dedicated andlor
improve such trail to the extent there is a nexus between the impacts of the proposed
development and the dedication/improvement requirement. The dedication/improvement
requirement shall be roughly proportional to the impacts of the proposed development. (BOS
Trail Easement Dedication Policies and Practices, 1/92)
PR-TS (I) 3.I, C-PR(I) 18.8, R-PR(I) 16.8, Accept and require, to the extent necessary to mitigate
the impacts of the proposed development, trail and pathway easements, right-of-way dedications
and/or improvements as part of land development approvals in areas planned for inclusion in the
countywide trail system of the General Plan.
IY. Trail l'riorities, page 52
The purpose of identifying trail priorities is to focus attention on those trail routes that present
significant opportunities for the general public right now and to help direct the public funds
available to the County for trails in a logical fashion.
7'able I: Sun:s�:ary of High Prioriry Trails Unincorporated County Areas, page 56
The number one priority listed is the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, trail Rl-A.
A segment of this proposed trail runs through the Mountain Winery (Paul Masson Winery), see
attached map. This map was developed by the County Parks Department as a working drawing
of the detail of the De Anza Trail, to go along with the County Trails Master Plan so the County
could document the approximate locations of the De Anza Trail. These locations were provided
partly from actual trails and or fire roads then in existence. In addition, we have added the
location of the city of Saratoga trail Segment 53 that affects the property as well.
7'able 2: T'rail System Signi�cance �riteria, page ll
Status definitions:
National Recreation, Scenic, or Historic Trail: a general trail route that is recognized under the
provisions of the National Trails System Act for its recreational, scenic, or historical values.
Regional Trail: a general trail route identified by regional recreation agencies (such as the Santa
Clara County Parks Department of the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District) that, when
connected with trails in adjoining counties, provides long-distance trail opportunities to the
residents of Santa Clara County to access outstandingly remarkable natural, cultural, and historic
resources of the Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay, or Central Valley region.
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The traffic study dated May 4, 1999 performed by Multitrans focuses on the 4 p.m. to 6
p.m. weekday homeward bound commute peak hours. It concludes that the traffic from
the existing use, plus the anticipated increased traffic that will be generated by enlarging
the seating capacity from 1750 to 2500 will not create a significant traffic impact. That
should surprise no one. The applicant will no doubt admit that none of its concerts will
ever let out between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a weekday. The concerts occur on week nights
and weekend afternoons and evenings (See Appendix A, Mountain Winery EIR Project
Description, page 1, "Background", which notes that evening concerts on Thursday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday will typically begin at 7 or 8 p.m. and the matinees that
begin at 2 p.m. aze only on the weekends no mention is made of the analysis of the other
1,880 people that could be attending "other events" simultaneously as shown by Table 4.1
of the Traffic Study). Limiting the traffic study to the impact that the Project (night time
and weekend concerts only since it ignores the traffic from the other events) will have on
week day af�ernoon traffic makes it a foregone conclusion, not requiring any analysis,
that the project will have no significant impact on traffic or circulation. While a p.m.
peak hour study may be appropriate for the typical commercial development, there is no
recognition in this traffic study that this is not the typical commercial development. A
p.m. peak hour study is irrelevant to this project. Instead, this project's traffic study
should focus on those times when the project will generate the most traffic and on how
that traffic will impact the Pierce Road and Mt. Eden valley area.
The Traffic Study does not even address what the real impact of the concert series and
other events will be on Pierce Road, Mount Eden Road, and Hwy. 9. Table 4-1 of the
Traffic Study acknowledges that a concert would draw as many as 2525 people and it
assumes that there would be an average of 2.2 persons per vehicle attending the concerts.
(Traffic Study, page 19). That would generate 1147 cars, not the 68 mentioned in Table
4-1. When a concert ends, THEY WILL ALL LEAVE AT ONCE! All 1147 will
debauch onto Pierce Road over the course of probably 30 minutes! The Traffic Study
does not even mention this, much less study it. Instead, it states that during the 4 to 6 p.m.
period a total of 68 cars would pass through the winery entrance (66 in and 2 out) related
to that concert. Since no concert would be in progress during this period, presumably
these would be employees and delivery trucks. Nowhere is the impact of 1147 cars
coming out of the Winery over a half hour period on any of the surrounding road system
(including Highway 85) discussed. Nowhere is the impact of that concert generated
traffic conflicting with equestrian and bicycle uses of that same road system, its roadside
trails and its trail crossings even mentioned.
Not only is the departing concert generated traffic impact the uses in the Pierce Road and
Mt. Eden valley area not discussed, the additional traffic generated by the "other events"
is also ignored. The typical size, distribution during the week, and most common times
of the "other events" is not disclosed in the traffic study. The potential impact of the
traffic from the "other events" was never quantified since no date was provide. The
DEIR admits that the applicant seeks to hold 400 500 "other events" per year. Since
that is more than one a day, obviously some will overlap concerts. The worst-case
scenario to be studied, therefore, should have been 4,380 guests and 79 employees. This
amounts to 1990 cars (not counting a single employee vehicle) potentially trying to exit
the Mountain Winery at once. It is self-evident that would gravely impact Pierce Road,
Mt. Eden Road, and Hwy. 9Big Basin Way. Substantial mitigation measures would
obviously be required to insure the safety not only of the departing guests, but also of the
other users of the roads, roadsides and roadside trails.
This point it not a new one, it was made in one of the public comments on the scoping of
the EIR. (See Appendix A, minutes of the Community Scoping Meeting of 2/18/98, item
7: "People arrive for a concert at different times straddled across 2-3 hours, but all cars
leave at the same time,...".) Another public comment on the scope of the EIR notes that
even when people are coming into concerts, which is admittedly over a longer period of
time, traffic has backed up all the way from the entrance of the Winery down to the
intersection of Pierce Road and Highway 9. (See Appendix A, letter of Bob Commins
dated 2/23/98.) If the Project Description is accurate, and attendees begin coming 2 hours
in advance of a concert, then why does the traffic report show only 2 people entering the
Winery during the 4 to 6 p.m. period? Does it assume that the other 2523 will all come in
the last hour before a 7 p.m. concert? Clearly the traffic study cannot possibly have been
properly constructed if it shows only 2 cars arriving between 4 and 6 p.m. on a day a
concert begins at 7 p.m.
The DEIR contends that the project will not be incompatible with the County's Land Use
Policy for Resource Conservation Areas, since the project will be a low density and low
intensity use. (DEIR, pp. 2-17 and 2-18.) The DEIR claims it is a"low density" use
since only a small area of the project's entire 580 acres will be developed. However, the
DEIR does not address the "low intensity" element of the Land Use Policy. The
anticipated impact of the actual departing concert and "other events" traffic should be
studied, and has not been, in the context of whether that constitutes a too intense use in a
Resource Conservation Area and/or Hillside District.
The impact of adding 1147 cars (or perhaps occasionally 1990) to narrow, winding, hilly,
rural Pierce Road in a single mass over the course of a half hour or so and disbursing
them onto Mt. Eden Road and Hwy. 9 on a summer afternoon needs to be considered in
light of tk�e existing typical uses of those roads at that time on a weekend afternoon. The
hiking and riding trail along Mt. Eden Road is in regular use. That trail is the major
connector trail for all the horses stabled along Pierce Road and its feeders to reach
Stevens Creek County Park, The Fremont Older Open Space, and the facilities of Chez
Scherf Pony Farm and the Garrod Farms Stables. It is a component of the Saratoga Trail
System, which is developing loop trails serving the Mt. Eden Valley, Stevens Creek
County Park, the Fremont Older Open Space and the residential foothills of Saratoga. It
is a link in one of the future connections between Stevens Creek County Park and
Sanborn Skyline County Park and thus to the Bay Area Ridge Trail. There is an existing
crossing of that trail at Saratoga Heights Drive and Pierce Road. The intensity of the
traffic will be even greater at this point than on Mt. Eden Road. The potential for conflict
between a mass of traffic coming out of a concert and the existing and future equestrian
uses of the Saratoga Trail System has not been considered. This is a significant safety
issue and deserves study. To the extent that this project decreases the safe use of the
roadsides, roadside trails, and trail crossings, the future recreational use of these rural
roads and roadside trails will be degraded. That has not been studied and should have
been.
The conflict between that mass of motorists headed down from the winery after a concert
or event, no doubt accompanied by a glass or two of wine, and the afternoon horse trailer
traffic headed back up Pierce Road to Chez Scherf Pony Farm and Garrod Farms Stables
on Mt. Eden Road and thus in head-on conflict on narrow two lane Pierce Road which is
totally lacking in shoulders and has lanes of less than 12 feet has not been studied. A
major generator of this horse trailer traffic is the desire of residents in the Mt. Eden
Valley area and boarders at Garrod Farms Stables to ride in the many park and open
space areas of Santa Clara County that can be accessed in no other way than by trailer
since the linking trails already shown on the County's trail master plan have not yet been
developed. Potential mitigations for the project would be the construction of the link of
Trail Route R1-A, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail where it crosses the
Mountain Winery property, a contribution to the development of the Congress Springs
Trail, Trail Route C-12, for the purpose of linking Stevens Creek County Park and
Sanborne-Skyline County Park, and/or the construction of an altemative route following
the historic trail route up through the quarry below the Mountain Winery.
Pierce Road, Mt. Eden Road and Hwy. 9 are favorite routes for both road and mountain
cyclists. The only indication in the traffic study that the use of these roads by bicyclists
has been considered is the recommendation that the applicant install bicycle racks at the
concert facility. There appears to have been no consideration given to the dangerous
condition that will be created by placing from1147 to 1990 cars in conflict with departing
concert and event going cyclists, who were encouraged to cycle to the Mountain Winery
by the addition of those racks, on a mountain road with no shoulders and substandard
lane widths. Many bicycle groups sponsor rides through Stevens Creek County Park, up
over the pass and down Mount Eden Road to Pierce, and then up Pierce past the.
Mountain Winery and on down to Hwy. 9 which is their route to Skyline. These rides
can involve hundreds of riders. There appears no indication that any contact was made
by the preparers of the DEIR with any such sponsoring bicycle groups to determine the
nature of this potential bicycle-automobile conflict. Although Chap. 6 of the Traffic
Study, entitled Conclusions and Recommendations, states that "Anticipated site ingress
and egress movements were studied for traffic efficiency and safety", apparently that did
not include the safety of bicyclists or equestrians. (Traffic Study, Appendix B, page 32.)
If the safety of either group is degraded, the future recreational use of those roads,
roadsides and roadside trails by the equestrian and cycling communities will be adversely
impacted. That should be studied. The fact that it wasn't leaves the DEIR incomplete
and leaves the Planning Commission insufficiently informed to be able to render an
intelligent decision on this Project.
l�lL� Vl[l[
��1Vg1V�1V�S �I+� I�[d'�'���7CI�I� Il��S�JR]ES
There are no land use mitigation measures proposed and only minor traffic and
circulation mitigation measures proposed. As indicated by Appendix II, because the
report looks at the incremental increase in activity, it assesses that only minimal impacts
occur and thus no significant mitigation is recommended. The only way to remedy this
error is to redo the DEIR with the proper scope. The true scope of this project which
should have been analyzed would involve the conversion of a rural vineyard and winery
to a concert and event facility seeking seating for 2500 attendees at a specified number of
concerts per year, and an event facility providing facilities for up to 1500 people per
event for up to 500 events per year, with the attendant number of necessary employees to
service those concerts and events. With this scope, it would be clear that there are
significant increases in the intensity of the land use, and that mitigation measures ought
to be proposed for the impacts. Mitigation measures that would improve public safety
due to the traffic on Pierce Road are highly warranted.
As indicated in Appendix VI, Pierce Road is recognized as a dangerous road by the City
of Saratoga. Instead of viewing a minor increase in traffic on this road, a failure to
approve the proposed activity would mean a significant decrease in traffic on Pierce
Road. If the proposed activity is approved, traffic would significantly increase and
therefore some significant mitigation measures should be required to deal with the
resulting traffic. Instead, the report recommends an on-site advanced warning system to
help control the flow of traffic on the site and a parking and traffic management plan for
the Pierce Road residents contiguous to the site. While the report minimizes the traffic
impact, it recommends that an "early warning system" be installed to monitor and advise
traffic entering and e�citing the property. The same traffic will spill onto admittedly
dangerous Pierce Road, and stay on it to Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road. While these
measures may prove necessary, they are not sufficient for the impact on Pierce Road.
E��IEN�DI� V���
E7�I.E1NA'g'd�l� �IH' ll�lE��1�1I1l�[�1����dO1�TS
1. The DEIR be redone with the appropriate scope covering a change from a
rural winery to an entertainment venue attracting a large number of people in
sliort periods of time.
The scope used for the DEIR is incorrect. The proposed activity is an increase
from a rural winery to a concert venue, not a minor incremental increase of
750 patrons added to an existing activity. While the property has been used
already for what they are applying for, the impact to the surrounding
community has never been addressed and therefore the scope should be
started from the point of its original use, i.e., a rural winery. In addition, the
DEIR inconsistently applies the incremental versus the "from scratch"
alternatives in assessing consistency with County policies and ordinances.
The only way to rectify this confusion is to redefine the scope correctly and
consistently apply it in the analysis presented.
2. The applicant work with the City of Saratoga to provide mitigation for the
traffic impact on the trail segments affected.
As proposed, there would be an impact from traffic on trail segments 13 and
54 of the City of Saratoga Trail Master Plan. The applicant could mitigate
this by either reducing the traffic on Pierce Road or by granting a trail
easement that might be used in lieu of Segment 13 and 54 an order for users to
be able to get to Sanborn Park and Skyline. An extension of Trail 53 would
provide this mitigation.
3. The applicant grant an easement on the property for the .Iuan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail and Segment 53, City of Saratoga Trail system.
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is a high priority trail in the
County Master Plan. As there is a nexus to the proposed activity (versus the
no alternative winery operation), the Parks and Recreation Department should
request and the applicant grant a trail easement for this important trail.
4. The applicant work with the City of Saratoga on ways to reduce the traffic on
Pierce Road.
Though a rural scenic road, the City of Saratoga has acknowledged that Pierce
Road represents a public safety hazard. While no one wants to change the
character of this roadway, adding more traffic is the opposite of what should
be done. Efforts should be made to ensure diversion of traffic from
admittedly dangerous rural Pierce Road.
S�A'�I'O(�A (C� cC��J�1CI�.,
IE���.J'II'�� �B.TIi�I�i.��' I�1�: .4�c�IEI�.� d'II'IEI�e
I�i[EE�'�1�1G fiD��'E: ��na�ary �m�� cCd'II'IY I�LAI�I..��ER: �G1�Ny
�ItIGIiQ1A'I'gI�1G DE�'�': �o��n�a�u� IID�a�Il�gna�n��4 I�fl�3�A�IID
i
SiJBJEC'II': gtes�onse �o Mou�t�un dYu��nq IlDn°�� IE��nu���m��ntaIl II����� ]EB���u-e.
1tECO1VgMENIPE�P .�C'E'IOI�1:
Review the draf4 response to the Moun�in il+lanery I)EIIt �nd direct s�f to submit final response
letter to the Santa Clara County Planning Commission.
1�POIt'II' SNIVIIVIAIg�:
Attached is the City's preliminary response to the I�rraft Environmental Impact Report prepared for the
legalization of the 1Vlountain �Ninery facility and 4he various visitor-serving activities that occur �ere.
These preliminary commen4.s have �n provided to the Counry, �s agreed to with Santa Clara County
Planning staff, in advance of the Januaiy 15, 1999 City of Saratoga DEIR neview deadline for final
comments. The County up to January 15 vvill accept a final response letter frorn the City. Any
additional comments or ch�nges generated finYn the Council's January 5 meeting dvill be includod in
the final response°letter for the Mayor's signa�.
�F%SCAY., �riIPA�'T'Ss
The drafY response letter does conclude wi� �c reques4 thaY 4he County work with Y�e City to
facilitate an annexation of the Mountaiai VViricry proper¢y to Saratoga. At the Novetnber 3 City
Council meeting, Councilmember �Iehaffey r�quested infor�nation on the costs �nd benefits to
the City of annexiag the property. 'The following is a brief summary of what City anticip�tes:
• Costs
The Mountain Winery is currently served by Cupertino Sanitary District, PG &E. San Jose
Water Company, Saratoga Fire Protection District and Santa Clara County Sheriff. While the
traffic, noise, visual, etc., impacts are felt by Saratoga re sidents, all property and sales tax
generated by the facility go to the County.
If the facility were to annex to Saratoga, services would still be provided by these same
agencies. The only significant change would be that the City would be responsible for
development permit processing, code enforcement and the cost of any additional County
Sheriff staffing needed as a result. Development permit processing and code enforcement
will require dedication of staff time„ the costs of which would mostly be reimbursed by
service charges, but clearly puts the City in a better position to regulate and monitor the
Mountain Winery. Additional Sheriff staffing is not anticipated.
• Benefits
The City would be responsible for regulating and monitoring EIR mitigation measures and the
CUP. The City would also receive the financial benefits of property and sales taxes generated by
the facility, plus have the opportunity to capture new revenue sources that could be agreed to
between the property owner and the City.
A more detailed cost/benefit analysis of annexation will be presented at your meeting.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Final response letter will not be sent and the County will respond to preliminary comments
already submitted.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
The Council could direct staff to rescind preliminary comments.
FOLLOW UP ACTION:
Staff will submit final response letter, or rescind preliminary comments.
ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT:
Notices of this meeting were published in the Saratoga News and mailed to adjacent property
owners within 500 -foot radius of the Mountain Winery.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Draft response letter
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13777 FRUITVALE AVEATUE SARATOGA, CALIFORIVIA 95070 �(408) 865-1200
Incorporated October 22, 1956
December 15, 1999
Don Peterson, Chairman
County of Santa Claza Planning Corrunission
County Government Center, East Wing, 7�' Floor
70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, California 95110
�a l�oaant� W�ea�y dDIE� �o�an�ne�gs'
Deaz Chairman Peterson:
COUAICII. IV�NIDERS:
Evan Bake�
Sfen Bogosian
Jonn MeAalrey
Nrck Streif
Ann Waltonsmrt�
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact
Report circulated for the legalization of the Moun�ir► Winery property activities. The Saratoga
City Council has been following the progress of the Mountain Winery Environmental Impact
Report and Conditional Use Permit application for the past several years. As you know, while the
facility is physically located in the Counry, the �affic, noise, visual and other environmental
impacts are felt directly by the City.
In general, the City is supportive of the findings in the DEIR relative to legalezi�ag cas��erat
activities that have been occurring at the Mountain Winery for reportedly the last 40 years.
However, the City does want to note for the record the following shortcomings of Yhe DEIR:
�e�oject Desc�up¢ion
The scope of the proposed permit is too broad in light of the limited information available
conceming the potential noise, traffic and water quality impacts associated with the proposed
expansion of the facility. This document should focus on the impacts associated with current
operations and bringing those operations into compliance with the County's land use
regulations. It is appropriate that the documeat aclrnowledges the potential for future
expansion, but that expansion should not be iacluded as part of the CUP until more detailed
plans have be�n prepazed and the unpacts of those plans have been analyzed more carefully
than is possible with the current informarion.
These preliminary coamients are being provided as a
greed to with Santa Clara Counry Planning staff in advance
of the January 15, 1999 City of Satatoga DEIR review deadline for final comments. 'I'he Count�, up to January 15
will accept a final response letter from the City.
Pr�meC on recycled pape�
Mountain Wznen• DEIR
Page Two
• The project description does not indicate whether the CUP will propose any restnctions on the
number of events, dates of events, or timing or duration of events. Because of the relativel■
unusual nature of this project, the City and its residents must be informed as to exactly hove the
facility will be operated and how the County plans to enforce that mode of operation. This
information will go a long way in helping the City clearly understand how the project's desiEm
and operation will limit adverse effects to the City.
Traffic
• Traffic generated by the facility is one of the City's primary concerns. The projections
provided in the DEIR conclude that the current level of activities do not significantly affect
Levels of Service at the identified intersections, nor would they be significantly affected b■
potential increases in activities. However, the traffic analysis does not adequately address
circulation issues at the site entrance and on the immediately adjacent local roads dunng an
actual concert event. A traffic circulation and gate management plan based on field
observations during a concert event is needed.
• The DEIR inaccurately uses the PM peak traffic period as the relevant period for assessing
impacts on local roads and intersections. While only 119 traffic trips may be generated through
Saratoga during the 4:00 to 6:00 PM peak period timeframe, clearly the approximately 1,150
trips generated through the Village and on local hillside roads one hour before and one hour
after the concert event would generate a significantly greater impact than projected in the DEIR.
• The physical capacity of Pierce Road needs to be analyzed and a plan developed based on this
analysis providing recommendations for how to direct exiting vehicles south on Pierce Road to
Congress Springs Road rather than north on Pierce Road. Pierce Road is a narrow, winding,
hillside residential road that cannot accommodate a significant percentage of Mountain Winery
traffic. A concert- specific traffic analysis would confirm whether or not the DEIR's
assumption is correct that only 25% of the generated traffic travels in this direction. The City
anticipates that the study will find that a greater percentage of traffic accesses the facility from
the Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road/Pierce Road direction.
• There is no analysis of the project's effects on traffic when concert events coincide with other
visitor - drawing events in Saratoga, such as the annual street dance or events at Villa Montalvo
and Hakone Gardens. The DEIR further states that City representatives reported there were no
pending development projects within the study area that would contribute to cumulative traffic
impacts. In fact, there are several major development applications pending or under
construction within vicinity of the studied intersections that need to be included in the
Background Conditions analysis. These projects are provided in the attached list.
• The DEIR indicates that the Winery's reserved seating program has helped reduce traffic
impacts but does not indicate whether that program will be required a condition of the CUP.
1
Mouritain Winen� DEIR
Page Three
The parking analysis does not seem to be supported bv the DEIR's own traffic �eneratioii
findings. Assuming a 2,500 person concert with 25 employees generates l.l �0 cars (at
persons per car), how can an g44 space parking area accommodate all these vehicles'' .And this
scenario doesn't include other special events occurring simultaneouslv or an ea�ent that ��•ould
require more than 25 employees.
Noise
The DEIR notes that the Mountain Winery is currently operatine in violation of Count�� aild
City noise standards. Amplified music is played after 10:00 PM. The Count�• ?�oise Ordinanc�
prohibits this if it "annoys or disturbs a person of normal sensitivities". The complaints
received from past concerts indicate that the noise from the music may be "annovii��_" or
"disturbing". The DEIR's statement that noise levels exceedin� Counry standards ���ere lo��
and would not be expected to be annoying or disturbing is not supported b�� e��idei�ce and is
contradicted by the complaints received. IVoise levels at three of the four locations measured
exceed the County's absolute standards for noise level after 10:00 PM. The concens also
exceed the standards set in the C�ty's noise ordinance for evening noise levels (7:00 to 10:00
PM) at two of the four locations measured and the City's nighttime (after 10:00 PM standards
at three of the four locations. The concerts also exceed the City's standards for increases in
ambient noise levels at three of the four locations.
The Ciry supports the conclusions of the DEIR to require the concert series events to comply
with both the County's and the City's noise ordinances. However, there needs to be a
mechanism for verifying this compliance in the future and for making the CUP conditional on
this compliance. A monitoring program needs to be developed that can be reviewed annually
by the Ciry to gauge compliance.
In light of the ongoing noise violations at the facility, it may be difficult for the Counry to make
the necessary findings to approve the CUP. Conditional Use Permits typically require a findin�
that the permit will not be injurious to public health, safety or welfare. The code violations
documented in the DEIR could be injurious to public health and welfare.
The DEIR indicates that noise levels in the surrounding community will vary depending on
weather and wind conditions. �ecause these conditions are out of the control of the County and
project operator, noise standards for the facility should be based on reasonable "worst case"
weather conditions.
The DEIR does not specify future plans for the helicopter-landing site. If the site is used for
non-emergency putposes, it could have noise and safety impacts on the surrounding area. The
DE]R and the CUP need to specify the extent of uses permitted for the landing pad.
Mountain T'T net DEIR
Page Four
• The DEIR's conclusion that traffic noise would not constitute a significant impact is
inconsistent with the significance threshold set forth in the DEIR. The DEIR states a 3 dBA
increase over the ambient condition is significant and that traffic noise will increase noise by
approximately 10 dBA. Traffic noise levels are expected to be between 45 to 50 dBA - noise
levels above 45 dBA violate the County's noise ordinance. The DEIR discounts these effects
on the grounds that most residents can be expected to be indoors in the evenings. Neither the
DEIR's significance criteria nor the County's noise ordinance, however, distinguish between
noise inside a home or outside a home. In fact, the County's ordinance is described in the
DEIR as setting standards for exterior noise levels. Accordingly, the DEIR should be revised to
indicate the significance of traffic noise and to propose mitigation for that impact.
Trails
• The City's Parks and Trails Master Plan recommends a pedestrian and equestrian trail link from
the existing Teerlink Residential Subdivision trail system in Saratoga through the Mountain
Winery property to connect with Sanbom Park and the County trail system. This trail
connection needs to be evaluated in the EIR and investigated as a mitigation measure to offset
traffic and roadway impacts generated by the facility. The City Council strongly supports using
this EIR and CUP process to extend this important trail link through Saratoga to the County.
Since the EIR and CUP are necessary to legalize the facility - as if it didn't currently exist — the
City does find that there is a sufficient nexus between mitigating traffic impacts on Pierce Road
generated by the Mountain Winery and the need to provide safe pedestrian and equestrian
access off Pierce Road.
Septic System
• The DEIR defers study on what degree of septic system upgrades will be necessary for the
facility. The DEIR should note that the City of Saratoga adopted a septic abatement ordinance
in June 1999 that requires all properties within the City and within 200 ft. of a sanitary sewer
line to connect to sanitary sewer (ordinance attached). The Mountain Winery property may
meet these criteria in that Parcel 5 extends down to the intersection of Highway 9 and Pierce
Road and is in Saratoga. Though Parcel 3 contains the developed portion of the site, a sanitary
sewer connection should 'at least be considered from an environmental standpoint - 7,000 ft. of
additional leach field lines would require a significant amount of vegetation removal and
exacerbate unstable soils.
Abandoned Quarry
• City records indicate that the old quarry area has never been reclaimed and rehabilitated to
stabilize the quarry and reduce the amount of sedimentation flowing into the Calabazas Creek.
This condition of this abandoned quarry needs to be addressed in the EIR.
Mountain Winen� DEIR
Page Five
The City accepts the premise of approving the EIR for the purposes of degali;,r�g ceerrerar
acriviries. However, considerarion of the Conditional Use Permit should only define and approve
current activities. Too many of the �itigation aieasures suggested in the DEIR to cover the
proposed expansion of the faciliey are deferred un�l a later Architectiu�al and Site Approval is
�ranted. Any proposed future intensification of facilities or activities should ieq�ire an amended
Conditional Use Permit in addition to an,�rchitectural and Site Approval. There should not be am•
inference that this EIR or CUP endorses any future expansion. A separate focused environmental
review should be required for any future expansion.
An issue that has not yet been raised is the possibiliry of working with the County and the
property owners to annex the entire 580 acres to Yhe Ciry of Saratoga. While it is my understandin�,
that the City cannot force an annexation since the property is not within Saratoga's lirban Sen�ices�
Boundary, it certainly makes sense to give the City the authority to administer the CUP since,
a�ain, the traffic, noise, and other impacts generated by �he M[ountain Winery activities are felt
directly by Saratoga residents. Supporting this posi�on is the fact that the facility has already been
annexed to the Saratoga Fire Protection I)is�ict and Yhe prop�y boundaries do not match
Ciry/County boundaries Parcel5 is partially wifhia Saratoga and partially within the Counry. This
same parcel is therefore also subject to Saratoga's sanitary s�►er connection ordinance. Lastly, the
current use of the Mountain Winery property is cl�rly as an urban visitor-servin� faciliry, versus
an agricultural use, which is why the property is included in the City's pending Urban Grovv�h
Boundary.
If you have any questions regarding the concems raised in this letter, please contact Community
Development Director James Walgren at (40�) �6�-1232 to discuss these matters further.
Sincerely,
�6
an Bogo Mayor
City of Saratoga
f
enc.
c: City Council
City Manager°
City AY�orney
Community l�evclopm�nt Director
���oou� Spmrts I�1e��a�Y� ��u�o
4966 El Camino Real, #206, L,os Altos, CA 94022
�6: 650-964-'S80 �'ag: 650-9641-��20
Mr �ary B9oo�qui�6
Ciry of Saratoga
Dear Mr. Blooenquis8:
Q�totier 1�, 1999
Re.: Building, Managing �d Donating Recmeatio��9 ��9 ffi$�u� IHla�yll �4 ���g� ���6mg
Park or Other Pavks in Saratoga
We are interested in providing funds, building and ir�anaging the following facilities in one of the City
Parks in Saraioga. Following is our proposal:
1. Recreation Hall for table tennis, chess, etc., on the existing basket ball court at Congr�pring Park.
Recreation Hall will have rest rooms, shower and storage rooms within the building.
2. Sports Hali will be for indoor tennis, volley ball, baskeY ball and ind�r su�cer on the exisYing tennis
courts at Con�ress Sprin� There will be restrooms, shower, stoeage locl�ers and visitor facilities.
3. Provide a source of income for the citv from rental of this land. 8ournarnent fces and annual
membership fees.
Building Feahues:
1. The buildings will have advance li tinQ svstem, insulation, advance caustic svstem. and
special sports floor system
2. Tall. colorful. attractive trees will be planted around the buildings for shade.
3. Exterior of the building walls will be oovered with flowerin¢ and decorative vines for
attraction and 000ling.
4. The buildings will be surrounded bv trees ar►d shrubbery, and atYractive outdoor aught ligheing
for ecstatic.
In short, city, community, youth, elderly, athletic, non-atP�letic, and afll family memhsrs of the community
will benefit from a modern Sports Hall and Recreation Center.
We will manaee the facilities and thepro�rams on a continuous basis (as a non-profit corporation), improve
the city park environment, while un�radin� the nei�hborhood and orovidine a source of income to the citv
We are selecting a City in Santa Clara Countv and a City in San Mateo Countv for the Sgarts Hall and
Recreation Hall projects offering. The size of the area needed for a Recreadon Hall is equal to a basketball
oourt. One or two tennis courts would be suf6cient for a Sports Hall.
A
Please let me know if Saratoga City has any park space and is interes2ed in considering our progosal. If the
answer is `Yes,' we like to make a presentation with more detail about our proposal.
We look forward to yow help in providing the most desirable Socio-Athledc family center in the Bay Area
benefiting our community members of all ages.
Sincerely,
�i2��fi�i�i
Matt Madison
November 16, 1999
TO: Matt Madison
FROM: Cary Bloomquist, City of Saratoga
REGARDING: Cancellation of December 6, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting
During the November 15, 1999 Commission Meeting, The Parks and Recreation
Commission decided to cancel the regularly scheduled meeting in December. Your
proposal letter was reviewed by the Commission, and you will be placed on the January
10, 2000 Meeting Agenda. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
The Parks and Recreation Commission will be carefully and closely analyzing your
proposal. You will be asked many detail-oriented questions regarding the letter you
previously submitted and your proposal. Please be prepared to discuss, in detail, why
you want to build an indoor sports facility. Also be prepared to discuss, in detail, the
costs involved in building this structure and the cost structure for all applicable user fees.
The Commission may want to know if advertising products or services will be involved
and where the revenues will go as a result of the use of this facility.
Thank you for your interest in our community. Your efforts are appreciated. We look
forward to seeing you on Ol/10/00. If you have any questions, please contact me at 408
868-1258.
Features to be considered �o�t�h� 9nd�or �port Cente�
1. Addanced lighting systems. Appropriate foot-candle light intensity with multi switches for
various sports. Advanced acoustic systems for better athlete performance as well as
desirability.
Z. Addanced insulation systems, for energy savings and desirability's.
3. fVa4ural lighting system through multi skylights and windows for cheerfulness and
desirability as well as better athlete performance.
Passive air-conditioning (without gas or electricity.) Electronics filtering air circulation for
health and safety.
5. Advanced floor sys4em for injury preventions and proper bouncing.
6. Shower, Pestroom and locker facili4ies.
7. Proper color sheme for desirability and better athlete performance.
8. Proper wall covering for injury preventions, and better acoustic.
9. Exercise room with 4he equipmen4 opening Qo 4he main gym are� foP pa�en4 and
athlete use.
10. Reading and quite room for parents and athletes to do reading and homework while
waiting.
99. Conversation room for paren4s and chil�re�a interac�ion.
9a. 220 degrees portable stag�, for talent shows and performances.
93. Adeanced sound and stage lighting �ystem.
94. On site resident manager.
15. Attractive, �ell lighted, and pleasan4 eu4e�ior.
96. Exterior vvalls covering with plants, and �lox�ring dines.
97. A canteen area foP snacks.
98. State of art security and alarm sysQem.
0 4
c�9
C��`�� o� e e �oC��
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 a(-30�i S6S-I?I�U
Incorporated October 22, 1956
December 29, 1999
Dr. Kevin Skelly
Principal, Saratoga High School
20300 Herriman Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070-4999
COU:�'CIL MEb1EERS:
Evan Bake�
Stan Bogosran
Johr. M.ehaltev
n4Ck Stfe�t
Anr, �L'alfor;smlG�
Subject: Confirmation of receipt of letter dated 12//15/99 regarding new aquatic center
and confirmation of attendance at January 10, 2000 Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting
Dear Dr. Skelly:
This letter is to serve as confirmation of receipt of your letter dated December 15, 1999
regarding the request for an investment of $150,000.00 by the City of Saratoga for the
purpose of constructing a new aquatic center at Saratoga High School.
The Parks and Recreation Commission placed you on the Agenda for the January 10,
2000 meeting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall in the Emergency
Operations Center, next to the City Managers Office. Please be prepared to give a brief
presentation to the Commission regarding the proposed investment, by the City, in the
new aquatic center. If there are any materials you.would like distributed at this meeting,
please provide 15 copies for the Commission and City Staff.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 868-1258. I look forward to
seeing you at the meeting.
Sincerely,
Cary Bloomquist,
Administrative Analyst
Enclosure: Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda
For January 10, 2000
Printed on recycled paper.
�:nt
Gi
1�1�
SA�A°TO�A I-�IG�I S�II���IL
Principal: Kevin Skelly, Ph.D.
Assistant Principals: Karen Hyde, Charles g{rause
December 15, 1999
Mr. Larry Perlin
City 1Vlanager
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Dear Larry:
20300 Herriman Avcnuc
Santoga, CA 95070.4999
Phone408/867-3411
Fax 408/867-3577
i r,e �urpose of this letter is to follow up our meed�g of December 9, 1999. As we
discussed, Saratoga High School is extremely interested in receiving the support of the Ciry
of Saratoga in the construction of the new aquatic center. We believe this facility will be a
tremendous community resource and help fulfill our common goal of making Saratoga one
of the finest places to live in the world.
At the meeting, you requested that I put into writing my request that the city invest
$150,000 in a sinking fund that would be paid down over time by the ciry's rental of our
facilities. We have had a similaz arrangement in place for four years where the city has
prepaid for facilities. However, this would be a larger sum of money. I believe our
present agreement regarding facility usage works extremely well. The larger amount would
allow us to build the type of high quality facility worthy of this community and avoid
skimping on aesthetics.
As I believe Joan Pisani and Beverly Tucker will attest, we have worked extremely well
with your Recreation Department to make our facilities available as much as possible for the
recreation department's use. Saratoga High School believes that our facilities are there for
the community's use. I am aware that there may be increased pressure on fields and
facilities in the upcoming two years. Sazatoga High School wants to help in any way we
can. While our school use comes first, there aze still plenty of opportunities for recreational
programs to use our fields, gyms, and other facilities.
It is my understanding that you will review this request and discuss it with the Ciry Council
�uring their January 19`� meeting. Please let me know if there is additional information tnat
you or the Council 1Vlembers need. I am also happy to answer any questions, either in
writing or at a council meeting.
I believe this is a great opportunity for the city and the school to work together. Thank you
for your attention.
Xc: Cindy Ranii, Superintendent
Sin erel
Kevin Skelly
Principal
A DIST'INGUISHED CALIFORNIA SCHOOL NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
G
1 i 1 l i 1 1 l a d E �y.
i ;i 1 i `1 I
a
e �or,�.����� 1,'�' `'•Y
By K�+w{ cx�.�Rs
The city is moving forward with ttie Pazks
and Recreation Commission projects recent-
ly approved by City Councii, especially the
play equipment at Kevin Moran and Gar-
diner parks, the commission's fust priority.
"Everything is being actively followed
up on," said Cary Bloomquist, city staff
liaison to the commission.
At the City Council's joint meeting with
the commission on Oct. 26, council mem-
bers unanimously approved five of the
commission's six projects and the com-
�mission's recommendations on how [o
spend the $2.4 million in park develop-
ment funds. Bloomquist gave updates on
the projects at the Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting on Nov.15.
The new play equipment at Kevin
Moran and Gardiner parks will probably
be installed in June, in time for the school's
picnics at the end of the year, Bloomquist
said. Land surveyor Gerald L. Arana has
completed a topography map for each
park to show the condition of the land so
construction can begin. Ross Recreation
was chosen this fall to supply the play
equipment, and now the city must accept
bids for a company to install it.
The other park projects on which the city
`is working include improvements to play-
fields at Congress Springs parg and renova-
tion to restrooms at Wildwood, Congress
SPrin&S and EI Quito parks. The council will
decide in January how much to spend on
;renovating the community center, another
project recommended by the commission.
Vdork on a precarious segment of the
Parker Ranch Trail system, the water tank
trail, which commissioners in October
voted to shut down forsafety reasons, has
yet to begin. The city will temporarily
close the trail, possibly Nov. 24, now that
the city attomey has approved the word-
ing for ihe closing signs, Bloomquist said.
According to Commissioner Marianne
Swan, a landslide in 1994 caused damage to
this portion of the pedestrian and equestri-
an trail, which has eroded further because
of mountain bicycle use since then.
A general engineering contractor with
Steven's Creek Quarry estimated that it
would cost $20,Opp to regrade the portion
and fill it in evith dirt, according to Teri
Baron, coordinator and founder of the
volunteer organization Saratoga Trail
Enthusiasts. Baron spoke at the Nov. 15
commission meeting. Putting up a retain-
ing wall would bring the cost up to $46,OD0.
Baron decided the cost was too high
because the contractor could not guaran-
tee that the problem could be solved. She
mentioned a bridge as one alternative.
"There are other avenues we can look at
to fix it so we don't have to spend so much
money," she said.
"Unfortunately, it's not an easy fix-it,"
Bloomquist said later in an interview. "It's
an area prone to slope failure."
Commissionmembers decided that, in the
future, they will assign cornmissioners to a
specific park or project, so the public knows
whom togo to with questions orsuggestions
F:
A'•'
ew par s cornrnisslon�r�
like re iona� la. e���������,
The trick is to
not impose on
neighborhoods
By I{nw� cHn�.n�s
All three newly appointed Parks and
Recreation commissioners support Mayor
Stan Bogosian's proposal to consider
forming a joint powers authority for
regional playfields among Saratoga 9nd
o[her West Valley cities.
Norbert Fronczak, Nick Semff and San-
dra Dodge, all parents of young children,
support the idea, as dces Commissioner
Elaine Clabeaux, who was reappointed
for a second term.
Fronczak, Seroff, Clabeaux and com-
mission Chairwoman Judy Alberts live in
the Azule Park neighborhood. Fronczak
and Seroff; who are members of the Azule
Park Neighborhood Association, live on
Seagull Way and Goleta Avenue, respec-
tively. These sveets are largely affected by
activities at Azule Park.
T'he commission posts are Fronczak and
SerofPs first stab at local government
Fronczak, 42, is an operations manager
for a semiconductor chemical company in
.Sunnyvale and runs his company's bas-
ketball team. Fronczak said he moved to
Saratoga two years ago for the rural
atmdsphere and the peace and quiet. His
two sons, ages 9 and 11, are swimmers, and
played soccer in the past.
Fronczak opposed last year's proposed
development of Azule Park into practice
and game fields for Saratoga "That wasn't
a bad idea," he said. "But I think there's a�
better one. I think there's a defu�ite need
for playfields—I'm all for the idea of a cen-
tral location."
Fronczak said he defuiitely dces not want
playfields disrupting the peace and quiet in
neighborhoods. He also said he wants to
encourage more neighbors' participation in
such issues before decisions are made by the
Parks and Recreation Commission. Citi-
zens who don't participate really have no
right to complain, he said.
"Part of a democracy is getting every-
one's opinion," he said, adding that one
reason he applied for the commission seat
was because he hates to complain about
something and not act upon it.
Fron¢ak said he supports the idea of
regional playfields because pooling the
resources of many cities would mean a bet-
ter facility in the long run. Even if play6elds
are outside Saratoga's borders, they would
becentrally located and nearmajorroads,he
said, and most importantly, they probably
would not affect any neighborhoods. "Con-
�eptually, Ithink it's a great idea," he said.
Nick Seroff, 39, works as an engineer for
a San Jose company and has lived in
4aratoga forseven.years. He is the son-in-
aw of Commissioner Clabeaux_ Seroff has
:hree sons—ages 4,10 and 13—who play
�occer and basketball in Saratoga. He ref-
:rees for the American Youth Soccer
�rganization and coaches one son's
Yational JuniorBasketball team:
Like Fronczak, Seroff opposed last
year's proposal for developing Azule Park
into playfields because the park is not eas-
ily accessible and the increased traffic and
related noise and safety issues would
affect nearby residents, he said.
Seroff and his wife were the fust to pro-
pose moving the Heritage Orchard to
make room for playfields on the corner of
Fruitvale and Saratoga avenues. Althoagh
the suggestion angered Saratogans who
wanted the orchard to stay where it is,
Seroff said he received many positive com-
ments on the idee, too. He said ihe orchazd
is large enough, centrally located and
would not affec[ residents because it is not
adjacent to neighborhoods:
�"IYs a logical spot," he said; adding that
"somebody's going to be mad, no matter
what you do."
Seroff said the joint poweis authority is
a good idea as long as the fietds aze close to
Saratoga. He also wants to solve what he
calls the.biggest problem the Parks and
Recreadon Commission faces: communi-
cation with neighbors. "Citizens like to be
involved in the decision-making process,"
6e said. "I think we have to figure out a
way to get people proactive and involved
in this stuff as early as possible."
He suggested the commission look into
using cable television and the Internet to
gather•more input from Saratogans.
Sandra Dodge, 36, an Oak Street resi-
dent, has lived in Saratoga since 1968. She
is working towards a degree in politics
with a minor in legal studies, from UC-
Santa Cruz, whick� she expects to finish this
spring. Af[er graduation, she plans to pur-
sue a joint law degree and MBA at Santa
Clara University, Dodge was a volunteer
firefighter for the $aratoga Fire District,
and she is a volunteer grocery shopper for
homebound people.
She said she appGed for the seat on the
commission because she is a longtimeres=
ident of Saratoga who is studying polities
and her 10-year-old son plays for AYSO
and Litde League in Saratoga. "I just real-
ly like being involved in this kind of stuff,"
she said. "IYs right up my alley."
Dodge, who was'active in student gov-
ernment at De Anza College, which she
attended before transferring to UC-Santa
Cruz, saw the notice igthe Sn rtA'rocn NEws
announcing open commission seats. She
thoughtbeing acommi�sionerwould be fim.
Dodge said she has adbt of studying to
do on the playfields issu'e in Saratoga but
she already agrees with the idea for
regiooalfields.
Elaine Clabeaux, appointed.to the com-
mission in 1996, willserve a second term.
A resident of Saratoga since 1967,
Clabeaux raised two children in Saratoga,
who now reside here with their families.
She also has six grandchildren, who. use
Parks and Recreation services in Sazatoga,
so she said she is involved "like a parent.":
Clabeaux thinks the proposal for a joint
powers authority is excellent and will ful-
fill a need common to all cities involved. "I
think [the idea] could solve a lot of prob-
lems," she said. "I'm all for it."
The new commissioners will join Chaii'-
woman Alberts, garbara OLsen and Sheila
Ioanaou at the 6rst meeting in January.
1 e
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-1 ex or
e� t e
�SSl l 1
.o
o �,n
r1��:11`l .t tm 11�
BY Knxn�Cx,�r.�tExs
T tie city of Saratoga should consider
annexing the Mountain R/inery, and it
needs more time to do so, the mayor
recendy told county planaing comniissioiiei's.
Speaking on the city's behalf, Mayor Stan
Bogosian asked the Santa Clara County Plan-
ning Commission to extend from Dec. ��5 to
Jan.15 its public comment period on the win-
ery's draft enviromental-impact report. He
made this request during the departmenYs
Dec. 2 hearing on the draft EIR for the win-
ery's conditional-use permit and arclutectur-
al and site approval (ASA) applications.
County Planning Director Ann Draper did
not formally extend the comment period, but
she will allow the city an extra month to
address annexation specifically, said Terry
Trumbull, county planning commissioner.
According to Saratoga Community Deve1=
opment Director James Walgren, the city will
submit its formal, written comment on the
draft EIR by Dec:15.
Bogosian said annexation may be the best
idea'for Saratoga ancl� the winery owners
because most of the winery. 's environmental
impact, such as traffic and noise, affect Sarato-
ga. Only 75 of the winery's 580 acres are with-
in city limits, but most of the winery's neigh-
bors are Saratoga residents. According to
Bogosian, the county's permit process may be
long and tedious for the winery, which is� a
potential source of sales tax for the city, too.
The procedure for annexing to Saratoga
.�unincorporated county land is addressed in
state law and implemented by the county.
�rst, the city must to ask to anpex the land.
Then, the five-member Local�Agency Forma-
tion Commission--which comprises two
county supervisois, two city council members
from throughout.ihe county and one public
representative—may require that certain city
services, such as sewer service, be extended to
the property. The Winery ca5e is
complex because there is a single�landowner
who can veto any decision Trumbull said.
According to IVancy Bussani, president of
the Mountain Winery, the owners are not pre-
pared to comment on annexation at this time.
She said that tfie winery's partners will meet
Dec.16 to c�iscuss the issue.
Trumbull said that, if the owners want
Saratoga to annex the winery, the process will
be easy. If the owners oppose annexation, the
county technically could deny the winery's
expansion.
"The county can encourage annexation, but
I don't think we would ever say no to the con-
ditional-use permit for current uses," Trum-
6ull said. He said it is difficult for the county to
force anneuation.
'Frumbull said he agrees with Bogosian ihat
Saratoga should annex the winery. He said only
Saratoga residents have taken any interest in
adivities at the winery during the eight years he
has served on the county Planning Commission.
"IYs better for the wmery and Saratoga cztizens
to have decisions made locally,"Trumbull said
�/inery neighbor Ricl� Denton said he is
neutral on the issue. "There are more ques-
dons than there are answers right now," he
said, adding that a.cost-benefit analysis of
annex�tion would be valuable.
The draft EIR, prepared by a consultant
selected-by the coun .ty, outlines potential
effects of the proposed use permit and ASA
and lists mitigation measures for those effects.
Although. the use -permit and ASA would
legalize the type of events hosted by the win-
ery for more than 40 years, the permit's
approval would not allow any new uses on the
property_. According to the county• zoning
ordinance, the winery's Hillside zoning allows
the current uses, as long as the owners obtain
a conditional-use permit from the county.
According to the draft EIR, any environmen-
tal impact of the winery can be mitigated to the
point that it is insignificant.
The draft EIR intends only to legalize current
activities, but it also discusses expansion and
improvements initiated by a previous owner,
the details of which are not final. Winery own-
ers have no set plans for expansion, but they aim
to increase the number of concert bowl seats
from 1,750 to 2,5(30, build new performer bun-
galows and relocate the kitchen, which means
expanding the winery building by 1,500 square
feet But even if the use permit and site
approval applications are approved, winery
owners.would have to repeat the architecture
and site approvai process for any expansion.
V V 9 y
r
,,r
r
_g o o o
ex� o�r
e� t e
OSSI. 1
.o.� .�o�.�:�.
:o ann
��:11�1 t�.- l
BY K,4Rn"CxA�xs:
LNlFR
he city of Saratoga should eo�isider
T annexing the Mountain Winery, and it
needs more time to do so, the mayor
recendy told county plarining comni���
Speaking on the city's behalf, Mayor Stan
Bogosian asked the Santa Clara County Plan-
ning Commission to extend from Dec: ��5 to
Jan.15 its public comment period on the win-
ery's draft enviromental-impact report. He
made this request during the department's
Dec. 2 hearing on the draft EIR for the win-
ery's conditional-use permit and architectur-
al and site approval (ASA) applications.
County Planning D'uector Ann Draper did
not formally extend the comment period, but
she will allow the city an extra mont6.to
address annexation specifically, said Terry
Trumbull, county planning commissioner.
According to Saratoga Community Deve1=
opment Director James Walgren, the city will
submif its formal, written comment on the
draft EIR by Dec:15.
Bogosian said anneaation may be the best
idea'for Saratoga and� the �winery owners
because most of the winery. 's environmental
impact, such as traffic and noise, affect Sarato-
ga. Only 75 of the winery's 580 acres are with-
in city limits, but most of the winery's neigh-
bors are Saratoga residents. Accord'ing to
Bogosian, the county's permit process may be
long and tedious for the winery, which is a
potential source of sales tax for the city, too.
The procedure�for annexing to Saratoga
�unincorporated countyiand is addressed in
state law and implemented by the county..
First, the city must to ask to annex the land:
T hen, the five-member I.ocal�Agency Forma-
tion Commission--which� comprises two
county supervisors, two city council members
from throughout.the county and one public
representarive—may require that certain city
services, such as se"wer service, be extended to
the property. The�Mountain Winery case is
complex because there is asingle landowner
who can veto any decision Trumbull said.
According to IVancy Bussani, president of
the IViountain Winery, the owners are not pre-
pared to comment on annexation at this time.
She said that tfie winery.'s partaers will meet
Dec.16 to cliscuss the issue.
Trumbull said that, if the' owners want
Saratoga to annex the winery, the'process will
be easy. If the owners oppose annexation, the
county technically could deny the winery's
expansion.
"The county can encourage annexation, but
I don't think we would ever say no to the con-
ditional-use permit for current uses," Trum-
6ull said. He said it is di8'icult for the county to
force annexation.
"Frumbull said he agrees with Bogosian that
Saratoga should annex the winery. He said only
Saratoga residents have taken any interest in
activities at the winery during the eight years he
has served on the county Planning Commission.
"IYs better for the winerv aad Sarato¢a catizens
to have decisions made locally,'.'Trumbullsaid..
-9�linery neighbor Ric.k Denton said he is
neutral on the. issue. "There-aie more �ues-
-tions than there are answers right now," he
said, adding that a.cost-benefit analysis of
annexation would be valuable.
The draft EIR, prepared by a consultant
selected.by the coun .ty; �outlines potential
effects of the proposed use permit and ASA
and lists mitigation measures for those effects.
'Although.the use �permit and ASA would
legalize the type of events hosted by the win-
ery for more than 40 years, the permit's
approval would not allow any new uses on the
property. .According to the county� zoning
ordinance, the winery's Hillside zoning allaws�
the current uses, as long as the owners obtain
a conditional-use permit from the county.
According to the draft EIR, any environmen-
tal impact of the winery can be mirigated to the
point that it is insignificant:
The draft EIR intends only ta legalize current
activities, but it also discusses expansion and
improvements initiated by a previous owner,
the details of which are not finaL Winery own=
eis have no set plans for expansion, but they aim
to increase the number of concert bowl seats
from 1,750 to 2,SQ0, build new performer bun-
galows and relocate the kitchen, which means
expanding the winery building by 1,500 square
feeL BuE even if the use permit and site
approval applications are approved, winery
owners would have to repeat the architecture
fltld Site aimmvai nrni�pec fnr anv s�v.,��.,c;.,.,
9 9 V o y
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BY �{ARA'CHAL.MERS The procedure:for annexing to Saratoga_ tohavedecisionsmadelocally,'.'Trumbullsaid
'unincorporated county land is addressed in. .:.�9dinery neighbor Rick.Denton said he is
he city of .Saratoga should consider' state law and im lemented b the coun
T annexing ttie Mountain'Winery, and it Y ty: neutral on the issue. "There are more ques-
�rst, the ci ty must to a sk t o a a n ex t he lan d: tions t han t here are answers right now," he-
needs more time to do so; the mayor, �en, thefive-member Local�Agency Forma- said, adding, that a.cost-benefit analysis'of
recently told county planning commissidneis, tion Commission-�–which• comprises two annex�tion would be valuable.
Speaking on the city's behalf, Mayor Stan S�n two city counci! members The draft EIR, prepared by a consultant
Bogosian asked the Santa Clara County Plan-' from.throughout.fhe county and one public selected. by the coun .ty; �outtines, potential
ning Commission to extend from Dec: �-5 to representaUve—may require that certain city. effects of the proposed use penmit and ASA
Jan.15 its public comment period on the win- ���s, such as se�ver service, be extended to and lists mitigation measures for those effects.
ery's draft enviromental-impact report. I-Ie �e property. The�Ivtountain VF/inery case is Although the use �permit and� ASA would
made this request during the department's �mplex because ¢Iiere is a single'Iandowner legalize the type of events hosted by the win-
Dec. 2 hearing on the draft EIR for the win- ���vho can veto anydecision Trumbull said.- ery for more than 40 years, the permit's
ery s conditional-use permit and architectur- According to Idancy Bussani, president of approval would not allow any new uses on the
al and site approval (ASA) applicadons. the Mountain Winery, the owners are not pre- property: .According to the county� zoning
County.Planning D'uector Ann Draper did pared to commenton annexation at this time. ordinance, the winery's Hillside zomng allows�
not formally extend the comment period, but She said that ttie BVinery's partners will meet the current uses, as long as the owners obtain
she will allow the city. an extra month to Dec.16 to ciiscuss the issue. a conditional-use permit from the county.
address annexation specifically; said Terry Trumbull said that, if the owners want According to the draft EIR, any euvironmen-
Trumbull, county planning commissioner. Saratoga to annex the wmery, the'process will tal impact of the winery can be mitigated to the
According to Saratoga Community Deve1= b'e easy. If, the owners oppose annexadon, the point that it is insignificant.
opment Director James Walgren, the city will county technically could deny the winery's The draft EIR intends only tolegalize current
submit its formal, written comment on the expansion. activities, but it aLso discusses expansion and
draft EIR by Dec:15. `.'The county can encourage annexation, but improvements in.itiated by a previous owner,
Bogosian saicl annezation may be the best I don't think we would ever say no to the con- the details of which are not final. Winery own-
idea'for Saratoga abii� the winery owners ditional-usepermitforcurrentuses,"Trum- ershavenosetplansforexpansion,buttheyaim
because most of the winery, 's environmental 6ullsaid. Hesaid itisdi�cultforthe county to to increase the number of concert bowl seats
impact, such as traffic and noise, affect Sarato- force annexation. from 1,750 to 2,SQ0, build new performer bun-
ga. Only 75 of the winery's 580 acres are with- "FrumbulI said he agrees with Bogosian ihat galows and relocate the kitchen, which means
in city limiis, but most of the winery's neigl�- Sarafoga should annex the winery. He said only expanding the winery building by 1,500 squaze
tiors are Saratoga residents. According to Saratoga residents have taken any interest in feet BuE even if the use permit and site
Bogosian, the county's permit process may be adivities at the winery during the eight years he approval applicarions are approved, winery
long and tedious for the winery, which is�a hasservedonthecountyPlanningCommission. ownerswouldhavetorepeatthearchitecture
potential source of sales tax for the city, too. "It's betterfor the vvmery and Saratoga citizens and site approvai process for any expansion..
��i v V V o 9: V (1 F�'
I I'
Cali�ornia Open Meetir��
(commonly known th� �ro�nrn �ct�
i�amed after �tate �e�ts����r 1�a�ph M. �r°ovvr�D
signed by then Gover°no�° �later° Supr°eme Cour�
Justice) Earl V1/arren
Found in Ca�iforni� �o����m�n� �od�
(sections 54950 et se�a�
1 n 19 5 was 6 wor�� ��te�° �ets �f�
amendments in 45 year� �ov� 2�845 �nror��
Cour°t a interpretation�°° ��el� �eanin� of� tf��
v�rorcl °ameeting'" th�t �ow def�ned in the statut�
California Attorney �er���°�� Opinion�
v
Section 54950, ��gis��t�� poli�
Itequir°e �oca� governfn�r�� �gencie� �anc� thei�°
committees and maybe �ubcomn'ittees) to noti�
the public of upcomin� �ssue� to be discussec�
Requir°e decision� t� b� ��c�e i� publie vuew �u�����
to certain exceptions
Protec� �gainst ba�km�°��e� c�ea�� arnder°-th�� ��b8�
dealin�
�n pr°actice� tensior� �e���� �f�cient eondue�
business and open cond�ect of bus�ness; �rown
resolves tension in favoe° knowledge au�d
accountability
0
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��Legis�at�re bodie�°D a�e�in�c� er� ��tute �s perman���
committees with continuing subject matter
jurisdiction �nd ho1c1 r°e�u�ar eneetings
City� �ouncils, P�annin� ��mmisstons ��rks �n�l
Reereation Commission� �hese �re all e
committees
�►c1 Hoe or ��specia �`I ��mmittee�
�reation o� �co�nmt����� ��s� �orces �teo
Co,nmittees �nrith �e�e��g�c� aa�th�rity �nrh�
receive money and have �oting member°s fron� �i�j
Council (i.eo Chambee° Commercg)
0
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What �re the basic reauireu�ent� o� the �rov�rn Ac��
��y��av�rs or other simi���° �u�e� rr�ust estal�lis�h re�uQ��
meeting time place
Ir(eetings must b� �e�� i� �uriscii�tion �i.�o th� �fl�j
limits) subject to certai� exceptions
i�lotice of the 'neetin� ��gor� �ccur°�
72 hours for re���ar sneetin�
�24 hours for spe�i�� rr�eetings
Pos� �n �genda
Agenda �nust shornP tirr�e �a�c� �o�tion o� meetin�
and must be posteci in ��ree�y �ccessible locatior�
(often identified in lo�� �ode�
Agenda �nust contain �ee���°a� c�eseription o� item�
be discussed ancl/or business to be transacted
irlust offer �n opportuni�v �o�° pu�li� �omme��
on agencla items and nonmagencla items within
subject matter jurisdicti�ng cannot prohi�it criti��
eomments from publi�
0
Prec�udes diseussio� o� �etior� o� atenis
agenda� subject to limit�d exceptions
�emergency iten'so �i���t�r �°equir�s
�najority vot� to �etermine emergen�
�immecliate need item�o ��h� �eed �o taf�c�
action arises after �gencla posted� �equire�
vote to put on a�enda
Pu�lic has right �°�e�r� �eet�n�s �nc��or
vievv/hear° agency°� �°eco�°c� of �neeting
Adjourn to next �e��i��
i�ay� seem eomp�i�te� �a�g �O`� 9�arc� and is �o�°��
the time
0
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VI/hat are �neetin�s anc� wrf��� �r� �ar°iations or ot���
procedures (such as if ther°e is no� a� auoru�n)?
Irleetin� def�ned �r� ��tu��
Adjourned rrieeting ��g�rr�� �rrie� ove to nex�
regular meeting and notic� of adjournment �nus�
postecl no new item� �n be �dded
Continued meetin� �roe��ure� ��me �cljourn��l
unless less th�n 24 hou�°�
Changing �ocation me���ng� �gte�° posten� Qsiz� o�
crowd, avaitability of �ac�lit,r�
Switchin� me�tin�� du� �o�id�ys or �acatior��
Reminder o� possib�e �����eor� �y-�av�v� �r �o��
policies that may exist
G
r� F�� I 7
��f ther°e are eomp�aint� ��ou� vio�ation� �f t�� A��
there must be °�deman� �o� �uree�
ost common comp�ain�� �r� �a°�rn th� nevvsp�p���
]udicia� action �eri�nin�O �istrie� �►ttorne�
prosecutes as a�nisdem�anor°D c�ril action by D� o�°
citizen to invalidate �cti�n talcen unles� °'�ubstanta��
compliance'°
Open discussion a������ ��o��tions
LI �1 jJ" r s
Ex par°te commun��ti�n�o potential due proces�
problems, decision �ralcer� should all have sam�
information� should ciec��re ex �arte contact�
�'Seriatim°° rneetin�� �g �uorum �daisy chain�D
illegal meeting, fneetin� �najorit�r "pre�ent°°
sarne time and place t� �ear discuss, deliberateD
illegal action action is ��mmitrnent� promise� ����a�
vote
Hub-and-spo➢c� meet�n��
Diseussion �nd�or �e�i�� �r� �tem� not on �ge�c��
Diseussion and�or ac�i�� �n ite�s outsi�le o�
meeting by obtainin� �o��ect�re �oncurrence
quorunt
E-m�i�, ,nemoranc�urn ���ne to other mem���°�
�sking what they think ��out ��natter on nex�
�genda
Secret votes prohibit��
,1 1 �A
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1 �_L .�a
J 1 1
Only discuss and tak� aetao�� o� �tert�s on ��e ager���
Alw�ys provid� �or otem� ��°�a� th� �udiene�
m�e caregu� about a�ene�� ��ts�c�� t�e pu��ic m�e�ir��
�communications which ar� not the record'a
Appearances �re sn�poe°���
`Talc� i� serious�y�
Prevention o� �io�ation� o� �����io�
Genera� fund �ets �il� ��e° ��o�ati��s th�� �°esu�� o�
attorneys fee�
`Trus� in �overnmeng Qn� ��Q� e°o�� c�ea�s�
f;ooc� re�ations writf� �n�l �omtnuni�tior� �f�
accurate information about e�em� t� be discussed
actions to be take�
m f�ncourages particip�tioa� �ub�i� o� �he public°�
business
0
Vllhat�pes og situation� no� �io�ations�
Examp�es can be park ���nin���dedicati�ns
promotional events eon�erts in the park, fun��
raisers, parades, high school ��raduations� spor��
events
Chamber o� Comn'�r�� �ixers �oys anc� C�ir°��
�uctions
�aveat don°� hav� ����urt� to�ether ta�kin�
about commission busine���
�nfor°mationa� ,neetin�s �n� �n �ne eon�acts �nrit�
staff or proponents/opponent�
L L� �i 1
��onsu�t your staff� �h� ���v c�er� and/or° the ci�
attorneyas office �early and often!�
�tate o� �;aliforni� oegis����� �rebsite on th�
Internet� www.leginfoe�o�o�
l�ser°� �:uide �o R��ph �o f�r°o�nr� �cto °°Ope� �nc�
Public I1" (May 1994)D ��ague of Califou�nia Citie�
°fl�e �rown Acto °°�per� �eetin�s �or° �Lo��
Legislat�ve Bodies°° ��d 994�g Californ�a A�torne�
General's Office
�°�A Pocket Guide Opee� Meet<n� �LLavv� in
California; The Brovvn A��°°D Societ,r of P�ofessior���
,ournalists (415��03m79���
V1/estern Cit�r� Febr°u�ry �Hf�'onder�ul artic��
�nrith the history of the ��own Act in the League
California Cities� magazin�
Ru�e� may b� somevirha� �i��eren� �or son'� agenci��
�iee0 school districts hospita� districts) clon°�
apply the rules discussed �oday �nrithout furthee°
o
inquir,r
Chec�C your �oea� �u�es ����eie$ �nc� by-�a�nr�
����i� I���g��
l�ieetin� CC��ce�Yat��n
'I'�e �°e�uYa�°Y� sc➢���uY�� ffi���i�� �he �arfl�� ��n�l
Recr�atiom (C��missi��
l�hlonday De�e����° �999 �030 �oI�o
�Ia� ��nceflfle�lo
��e �ex� �ece�Il�g Ibe ���c�
l�ionda� �J����n°� ��0�
A� 70�0 �o�no c���v ����o
1Vlone� a higher priority
S�atoga than c��dre�
�/hat is the most important concern of
Saratogans? Money. d✓hat is the least
�portant conoem? Kids. Article plaoement
and the frieadly treatment of Jerry Houston
and 1Vick Streit in the Oct.l3th issue of the
SAxn'roGn Alews too easily discern all this.
I refer to the front page placement of what
appeats to be a Realtor'spuff piece, "No limit
to sky-high prices," and the mid-issue
plaoementof the story abouttheneed forren-
ovated bathraoms in parks like Wildwaad.
The puff piece drones on about money,
money, and more money and how young
couples (childless, no doubt) are paying
cash for multimegabuck home� in Villa
1Viontalvo. I-Iouston's name is mentioned
so many times that one wonders why this
isn't labeled as an advertisement.
I can't evait to see the next front-page
article fr�o� another Realtor about money,
money and more money.
Where are kids? Not in Saratoga. Per-
haps in (�apertino. Why is.t�at? Council-
man A1ick Streit discloses his plans for
spending a large portion of the 52.4 million
pazk funds for fiAng bathrooms, thereby
avoidiag �e issue of where Saratoga kids
evillplay�uzoerandothersports. Hethrows
18 SAI2ATOGA NEWS NOVEMBER 10, I9s
a bone to the park croe�d by declaring that
Congress Springs must be repaired, and
that the kids should play somewhere else
in the future. �.nd where would that be, Mr.
Streit? In Cupertino perhaps? And why is
that? Because various picayunish groups
scream loudly every time anyone even
thinks of putting a park for Saratoga chil-.
dren in their Saratoga neighborhood.
What are the reasons given for oppos-
ing these parks? The streets are too small
and we wouldn't want Saratoga children
playing in our neighborhood and destroy-
ing the qualiry of our neighborhood and its
property values.
Ohhh. There's that money.thing again.
Councilm�n Strei� k'ace the real issues
you were elected to deal with and stop pan-
dering eo folks lilce the Azule Park/Blue
I�ills'cro�vd. I don't reeall that you were
elected just to represent them.
Swtt�'rac3n ATEws: Put the real issues on
the front page and label an ad an ad. Criti-
cally question our local government "lead-
ezs" about tlie impact oP their plans, instead
of acceptingtheirstatements at faoe value.
Sazatogans: Saratoga nceds more Sarato-
ga parks for SaraYoga kids. I'll bet that if the
pazks were put up to a aote by the citizens
(as opposed eo evhining at a Parks Commis-
sion meeting), the parks would be put in.
s
Cn�E�.t, ff�[,�st�v✓
clen a�ae Drive
r'
...-�.:��1D�d1V11��1�1�1��►J
?1:±��1V11G1@I 11
�,1� IlJidt���
!L e Vd �1'�i-� g4�
�ity G'ouncil svill ajasc�ss
p�ior to cou�a�y hearing
I�ocunaent is �available
g
j By cx�►�.�Rs
embers of the city's Planning and
Parks and �tecreation commis-
sions expressed concerns about
the draft environmental-impact report for
the Mountain Winery's conditional-use
L permit and architectural and site approval
applications at their meetings on Nov. 22
and 23, respectively.
'I�ie City Council also plans to discuss the
draft EIR at its meeting I�ec. 1, which
members�of the public and the.Planning,
Public Safety. and Parks and Recreation
commissions are encouraged to attend.
Commissioners ,last week told James
Walgren, the d'uector of community devel-
opment, their ideas and opinions on the
EIR to include in the response he will pre-
sent to the City Council on Dec 1.
A consultant selected by Santa Claza
County prepared the draft EIR to inform
decision-makers and the public of the poten-
tial effects of the proposed use permit and
architectural and site approval (ASA),
which would finally legalize the concerts, the-
atrical events, business meetin�gs and recep-
tions that have gone on at the winery since
1958.'I�e use pernut would only approve the
current buildings on the property and would
no't allow any new uses of the winery.
The entire Mountain Winery property
totals 580 acres, 75 of which aie in Sarato-
ga. The winery building, parking lot and
Please turn to page l2
EIR Res o���
Continued from pnge 1
concert bowl are located on the portion
within Santa Clara County. A�cess to the
winery property is through pierce Road, a
street entirely within Saratoga's jurisdic-
tion. According to the EIR, the primary
roads affected by any winery-associated
traffic are within Saratoga.
The winery is zoned "Hillside," and.
according to the county zorung ordinance,
hillside zoning allows the uses occurring at
the Winery, as long as the winery has a
conditional-use permit from the county,'
With this permit, the winery will be in
compliance wi�th county rules. If the.coun_
ty planning commission does not issue a
use permit, the concert series at the Win-
ery may have to cease.
Winery owners have no set plans for
expansion, but they propose an increase in
the numberof seats in the concert bowl from
1,750 to 2,500, which may require che bowl's
recon6guration. Other proposed winery
improvements may include new performer
bungalows and relocation of the kitchen
from Chateau La Cresta to the Winery
building, which means expanding the win=
ery buildirrg by 1,Spp square feet.
According to the draft EIR, if the appli-
cations are approved, there will be no
environmental impact that can't be miti-
gated to the point of insignificance. For
example, according to the traffic impact
analysis in the EIR, the intersections of
roads near the property will not be signif-
icantly affected during peak traffic hours
by trips associated with the winery.
Also, the proposed concert seating
expansion will not significantly affect the
local roadway system (including Highway
9) in 1999, according to the EIR. But the
expansion willnot happen foryears, if ara71,
so the finding may not apply at that time.
Because traffic conditions may change in
the future, addidonal studies may be done,
depending on development in the area.
However, some planning commyssion-
ers questioned theadequacyo�t}�e-���c--
impact analysis�at the meeting iVov. 23.
Ttiey said the extra seats proposed at the
concert bowl and the extra 1,500-foot
expansion of the winer� building may
affect traffic and roads because eXtra s�a�
probably mean more people and cars.
Parks and Recreation commissioners
said at their meeting Idov, 22 that they rzc-
ognize that important city trail linkages go
through the Mountain WinerY ProPertY at
14831 Pierce Road in the county. They
recommend. that the city ask that trail
easements be dedicated and improved as
part of approving the use permit.
The public can review the draft EIR in
the county planning department, Sarato-
ga's planning department, and the Sarato-
ga and I;os Gatos libraries.
�The public will have.untii Dec. 15 to
comment on the draft EIR by writing to
the county plannir�g department or com-
menting orally at a public Hearing Dec. 2 at
1:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors'
chambers at 70 W. Hedding St. in San Jose,
Direct any correspondence to John David-
son, county pianner, at the above address,
or ca extension 232,
The county Planning Commission will
consider the permit at the Dec. 2 comment
hearing, but will take no action at that
point. The commission will address any
comments in a document that, paired with
fhe draft EIR, will constitute the final
EIR. The final EIR will be available for
the public to review a minimum of 10 days
before the county iiecides how to act on it.
Vo1.46 No.49 ���ednesda�;Decemberb,l�1
1�ll �l.J l �l �t`�111
�'D�1L1�1���1L.y��+� �11��
�t`lll V �l��� 1 �1 ���1 �J
Some think ambig�i� m�y
1�e�it, future exp�nsion
-�9a�aexa�ao�za�si�ialaly--
Bl' KARA CHALMERS
he draft environment�l-impact
report for the.Mountain Winery's
conditionaj-use permit and archi-
t��'al and site approval(ASA) applications
have caused quite a stir in Saratoga and led
the city to ask for an extension of the review
and cornment period, so that it might explore
the feasibility of anneacing the winery
1VTayor Stan Bogosian on Dec. 2 summa-
rized the council's conclusions on the draft
EIR at the report's hearing before the coun-
a Phe C�Y ou il et ingPhe oll c ed
input from residents, community-develop-
ment directorJaines Walgren and members
of the Parks and R�creation, Planning and
Public Safety commissions about what to
include in his response to the county.
•Some City membe� �d residents
b�lieve the draft EIR is ambiguous, espe-
cially where it purports to address current
conditions at the winery orfuture expansion.
The report was prepared by a consultant
selected by Santa Clara County. It is
intended to outline potential effects of the
proposed use permit and ASA and lists
mitigation measures for those effects.
The use permit and qSq legalize
the type of events held at the winery for
more than 40 years, such as the concert
series, and would not allow any new uses.
According,to the countyzoning ordinance,
Please turn to page 12
V�Iine� EIR
Continued from page 1
the winery's Hillside zoning allows the uses
occurring at the Winery, as long as it has a
conditional-use permit from the county.
According to the EIR, any environmental
impact of the winery can be mitigated to
the point that it is insignificant.
"The condi6onal-use permit, we believe,
should cover the current uses of this prop-
erty," Bogosian told county planning com-
missioners. "An expansion is the proper
subject for an additional conditional-use
permit, although expansion and the impli-
cations of that were discussed in this EIR"
Bogosian also summarized Saratoga
residents' concerns and said that while the
city respects and values the concert venue
at the Mountain Winery, the uses' impact,
such as traffic and noise, almost exclusive-
ly affect Saratoga. Only 75 aeres of the
580 mountain winery property is
within Saratoga city limiu, but most of the
winery's�neighbors are Saratogans.
He said council members would like the
comment period extended from Dec.15 to
Jan.15, so they can loolcinto the feasibili-
ty of annexing the winery to Saratoga.
ALso; the council wants to take more testi-
mony on some of the coacerns brought up
at the council meeting. "I truly believe that
annexarion may be the best way to go,"
Bogosian said. "It would more directly
meet the needs of the people of the city
and more efficiently meet the interests of
the developer of the property."
'The commission recommended that ihe
comment period be extended one month,
as Bogosian had requested. The decision
is up to county Planning D'uector �+.nn
Draper, who could not say when she will
make that decision.
At the council meeting Dec. l., council
members and one resident, Rick Denton,
commended ihe owners of the Mountain
Winery for being responsive to many con-
cerns of the neighbors since they took over
the property. But council members and res-
idents noted shortcomings they saw in the
draft EIR, such as in the n�affic study section.
"I think their analysis of traffic and staff
loading for various events are grossly in
error," Council member Evan Bakersaid,
and many residents echced his sentiments.
"And therefore warped traffic circulation
impacts, so I can't consider it to be valid."
Kristine Syskov�ski, project manager for
the winery, said she has confidence in the
consultant the county chose to prepare the
EIR, when asked how she would respond to
allegations of the traffic study's inadequacy.
The roads most affected by winery-asso-
Please turn to page 14
Continued fiom page 12
ciated traffic (such as Pierce Road, the main
access road to the v✓inery) aze in Saratoga.
According to the traffic impact analysis
in the EIR, the intersections of roads near
the property would not be affected during
peak traffichours by trafficass�iaced with
the winerY And the proposed expansion of
concert seating would not significantly
affect the local roadway system, at least
`vith 1999 �onditions, according to the EIdt.
Saratoga Planning Commissioner Lisa
Kurasch said at the Dec. l council meeting
that the traffic study was done in the fall,
the off-season for the w•inery.
The traffic study in the EIR is irrelevant,
said resident William Brooics. He said the
analysis studied not only the wrong season,
but aLso the wrong hour and the evrong day.
Dennis paboojian of the Saratoga Trail
Enthusiascs noted the failure of the EIR to
adiiress the winery's impact on trails in
Saratoga, especially 7ails that cross pierce
Road. He and other members of the group
recommended that development of the
trails should be a mitigation measure for
the winery's uses.
I�1 common sentiment echoe�ghrough-.
en e only to legaLze cur-
rent activities, it discusses expansion and
improvements initiated by a previous
owner, the details of which are not final.
Winery owners have no set plans for
expansion, but are proposing an increase
in the number of seats in the concert bowl
from I,750 to 2,500, new performer bun-
galows and relocation of the kitchen,
which means expanding ihe winery build-
ing by 1,500 square feet. But even if the use
permit and site approval applications are
approved, winery owners will have to go
through an architecture and site approval
again for any expansion.
"This dosument mixed the CUP with
Yhe forward-thinking, forward-looking,
pre-approving of the architectural and site
approval for its increase in usage, and it
really disturbetl me," Counci! member
Ann Waltonsmithsaid.
CO�h' P�anning Director Ann Draper
said the next step is to look at state code
regarding extensions, and ensure compli-
ance with it. She said that because consid�
eration of annexation is an independent
issue, an extended comment period will
have no effect on that issue. However, she
said that an extension might be worth-
evhile if Saratoga has other concerns.
�g��
out the night was confusion. While the
draft EIR is int d d
4
�O�• No. 49 «�ednesda�; December �3, 1�
`�'��ll ��1�1�,�J(�1'QJ�ll_1'
��JG 1D'1L �lJ 1 �1 ���1 '�1
�'D�111�11G�ll 1G11��
�YD'L"�1 �1 �l���1 �1 ���1 �1
S'ome think a�rtbigr�z�,
1�e�i�future exp�nsion
-�4 n�aexa�zor�a �si�iala�,
B1' KARA CHALMERS
he draft environmental-impact
report for the.Mountain Winery's
conditiona(-use permit and archi-
tectural and site approval(ASA) applications
have caused quite a stir in.Saratoga and led
the city to ask for an extension of the review
and cornment period, so that it mig}it exp�ore
the feasibility of annexing the winery.
1VTayor Stan Bogosian on Dec. 2 summa-
rized the council's conclusions on the draft
EIR at the report's hearing before the coun-
n' P Commission. T1�e previous night
at the City Council meeting, he collected
input from residents, community-develop-
ment directorJaines Waigrea and members
of the Parks and Recreation, Pianning and
Public Safety commissions about what to
include in his response to the county.
�Some City Coun� members and residents
b�lieve the draft EIR is ambiguous, espe-
cially where it purports to address current
conditions at the winery orfuture expar�s�on.
The report was prepared by a consultant
selected by Santa Clara County. It is
intended to outline potentia) effects of the
proposed use permit and ASA and lists
mitigation measures for those effecis.
The use permit and ASq �,ouid legalize
the type of events held at the winery for
more than 40 years, such as the concert
series, and would not allow any new uses.
Accordingiothecountyzoningordinance,
P[ease turn to poge 12
�i�e� Eg�
Continued fiom page 1
the winery's Hillside zoning allows the uses
occurring at the Winery, as long as it has a
conditional-use permit from the county.
According to the EIR, any environmental
impact of the winery can be mitigated to
the point that it is insignificant.
"The condifional-use permit, we believe,
should cover the current uses of this prop-
erty," Bogosian told counry planning com-
missioners. "An expansion is the proper
subject for an additional conditional-use
permit, although expansion and the impli-
cations of that were discussed in this EIR"
Bogosian also summarized Saratoga
residents' concerns and said that while the
city respects and values the concertvenue
at the Mountain Winery, the uses' impact,
such as traffic and noise, almost exclusive-
ly affect Saratoga. Only 75 acres of the
580-acre mountain winery property is
within Saratoga city limits, but most of the
winery's�neighbors are Saratogans.
He said council membeis would like the
comment period extended from Dec.15 to
Jan.15, so they can loolcinto the feasibili-
ty of annexing the winery to Saratoga.
Also; the council wants to take more testi-
mony on some of the concerns brought up
at the council meeting. "I uuly believe that
annexation may be the best way to go,"
Bogosian said. "It would more directly
meet the needs of the people of the city
and more efficiendy meet the interests of
the developer of the property."
'The commission recommended that the
comment period be extended one month,
as Bogosian had requested. The decision
is up to county Planning D'uector Ann
Draper, who could not say when she will
make that decision.
At the council meeting Dec. l., council
members and one resident, Rick Denton.
commended ihe owners of the Mountain
Winery for being responsive to many con-
cerns of the neighbors since they took over
the property. But oouncil membecs and res-
idents noted shortcomings they saw in the
draft EIR, such as in the traffic study section.
"I think their aaalysis of traffic and staff
loading for various events are grossly in
error," Council member Evan Baker said,
and many residents echced his sentiments.
"And therefore warped traffic circulation
impacts, so I can't consider it to be valid."
Kristine Syskovuski, project manager for
the winery, said she has confidence in the
consultant the counry chose to prepare the
EIR, when asked how she would respond to
allegations of the trafficstudy's inadequary.
The roads most affected by winery-asso-
Please turn to page 14
��r 1
��ne� E�1�
Continued fiom pnge IZ
ciated traffic (such as pierce Road, the main
access road to the winery) are in Saratoga.
According to the traffic impact analysis
in the EIR, the intersections of roads near
the property would not be affected during
peak traffichours by trafficassociated �'vich
�e `�erY• And the proposed expansion of
concert seating would not significantly
affect the local roadway system, at least
with 1999 condiuons, according to the EIdt.
Saratoga Planning Commiss;oner Lisa
Kui'asch said at the Dec. l council meeting
that the traffic study was done in the fall,
the off-season for the winery.
The traffic study in the EIR is irrelevant,
said resident William grooks. He said the
analysis studied not only the wrong season,
but aLso the wroag hour and the wrong day.
Dennis paboojian of the Saratoga Trail
Enthusiasts noted the failure of the EIit to
adilress the winery's impact on trails in
Saratoga, especially �,raiJs that cross �ierce
Road. He and other members of the group
recommended that development�of the
trails should be a mitigation measure for
the winery'S uses.
�mmon sentiment echo��hrou
gh
out the night was confusion. While the
draft EIR is intended only to legalize cur-
rent activities, it discusses expansion and
improvements initiated by a previous
owner, the details of which are not final.
Winery owners have no set plans for
expansion, but are proposing an increase
in the ntunber of seats in the concert bowl
from I,750 to 2,500, new performer bun-
galows and relocation of the kitchen,
which means expanding the w build-
ing by 1,500 square feet. But even if the use
permit and site approval applications are
approved, winery owners will have to go
fhrough an architecture and site approval
again for any expansion.
"This dosument mixed the CUP with
the forward-thinking, forward-looking,
pre-approving of the architectural and site
approval for its increase in usage, and it
really disturbed me," Council member
Ann Waltonsmithsaid.
County planni�g Duector Ann Draper
said the next step is to look at state code
regarding extensions, and ensure compli-
ance with it. She said that because consid=
eration of annexation is an independent
issue, an extended comment period will
have no effect on that issue. However� she
said that an extension might be worth-
evhile if Saratoga has other concerns.
�J
I i
1 t�; ,.I 1 c�> c"' 1, 1 l 1,"'. �.i I 1 C'
Less commercial �oning
wil! cut into the
city's finances
By Kaw+ cH�uHms
S tao Bogosian, who has served as acting
mayor of Sazatogasince Jim Shaw died in
August, was officially appointed to the
post at the City Council meeting on Dec. l.'Ihe
council elected John Mehaffey as vice mayor.
Out of respect for Shaw, Bogosian hati
asred that the council wait until now to
appoint him mayor.
I think 6e'll continue to do an excellent job.
I'm strongly in support of his program," said
Council member Evan Baker, who noted that
Bogosian felt svongly about remaining mayor
pro tem until the end of Shaw's term.
Bogosian outlined plaas for the coming year,
which include extending Measure G to apply
to commercial zoning disvicts as a ballot mea-
sure to be placed before voters in the Novem-
ber 2000 elecdon. If this ballot measure passes,
it would mean that a proposal to c2�ange a com-
mercially zoned area to a residential area
would have to be approved by voters.
"Over the past few years, the erosion of
e=isting commercial zoning districts in the
form of conversion to residential uses has
accelerated to the point that I beGeve the via-
biGty of commercial activity in our dry is seri-
ously threatened," he said. "We deserve, and
our citizens expecCquality facilities to serve
the community."
Mehaffey, upon being swom in as vice
mayor, said that he applauds Bogosian's ini-
tiatives. "I think over the next year, I agree we
clearly need to pay attention to the infrastruc-
ture here in Saratoga," he said. "T6ere is
incredible high pressure from developecs and
landowners to build houses wherever there is
a few square inches of land to put it on. We
really need to resist that if we can to maintain
our commcrcial districu and our professional
and of6ce space. People who live here want to
have places to go."
Mehaffey said he agrees with Bogosian's
proposed extension to measure G. "I think
that the voters are the ones who really have a
stake in it," he said. "It s6ouldn't be up to the
City Council and developeis with a lot of
money to decide."
Bogosian and Shaw ran for and won council
seats in 1996 and the posts of mayor and vice
mayor in 1998. Bogosian said he and S6aw
shared the same vision for Saratoga. Most
importandy, they worked together on the
Measure G campaign, the Neighborhood
Preservation Initiative. Bogosian said their
support of ineasure G helped them win the
support of Saratogans.
He told the S�RwTOGw News t6at the suc-
cess of Measure G exceeded his expectations
and is part of the reason he now wants to
eatend the measure to apply to commercial
areas. Bogosian also said he thinks he has
made good on his 1996 campaign promise to
implement Measure G for the citivas. In 1998,
Bogosian and Shaw pushed to change the
Pho�o6nph by Dai Sugnno
Stan Bogosian, Saratoga's nea mayor, still lives in the house where he grew up.
implementation of Measure G, to provide that
an applicant go through the planning process
before going direcdy to an election.
"It made a lot more sense in terms of t6e
spirit of Measure G and the intention of it," he
said. "If it went the other way, it would really
defeat the whole purpose of the initiative."
Bogosian, 47, grew up in the same house on
L.omita Avenue where he and his wife, Sue, Gve
today with theirdog and four cats. He has tived
almost all his life in Sazatoga. Bogosian teac6-
es traffic violationclasses part time forACC1'S,
a consortium of community colleges for vaffic
safety in Santa Clara County. He is the co-
author of the curriculum and works on staff
development there. Besides eaming a degree
in politicx at UC–Santa Cnu, Bogosian's first
foray into poGdcs was on the Saratoga Planing
Commission from 1440 to 1993.
"I had an opportunity to study political sci-
ence, and I must say I did leam a lot about the
t}istory, but your ficst day on eny kind of polit-
ical job or a campaign, you're goiag to learn
more in that first three hours than you did in
that entire semester of classes."
When elected to the city council in 1996, he
vowed to make (Sty Hall more awessible to dt-
izeru. Today, all City Council meetings and
Planning Commission meetings are televised
on communiry aocezs wble. The adjoumed Gry
Council meetings are now 6eld in the commu-
niry center rather than the administrative room,
which is muc6 smaller and forced membets of
the public to stand out m the hall, he said.
This pact year, City Hall set up a website and
is now working on a newsletter that is pro-
posed to come out on a quarterly basis.
"This partiailar couadl has been very wreful
about allowing and providing and encouraging
people to make pubGccomments," he said
Among Bogosian's other proposals for the
coming year include plans to direct the city
manager to look into forming a Joint Powers
quthority with other cities in the county to
solve the playfields problem long-term.
"I propose that the city pursue a joint pow-
ers approach as a possible long-term solution
to play6elds space needs; Bogosian said at the
council meeling. He said he wants to direct the
city manager to set up a meeting with repre-
sentatives of West Valiey cities to explore a
possible JPA for playfields within the region.
"To have any success with this, we necd to
get started now,"he said.
For temporary playfields, Bogosian said he
wants to continue looking at West Valley Col-
lege and Sazatoga High School playfields, and
hopefully set up an attangement with t6em
while Congress Springs is being renovated.
Bogosian also said he waats to bring Sarato-
ga into compliance with California's low to
moderate income housing requirements. "We
must all think creatively to develop ways that
we can meet the state's requirements," 6e said.
"'Ihe alteroative is completely unacceptable—
do nothing and seriously risk a costly lawsuit
by the state of Califomia."
Finally, Bogosian wants to wrap up the
updating of the circulation element of t6e
city's general plan, since he said traf5c is the
number one problem in Saratoga.
Bogosian, the City Council liaison to the
library commission has becn involved with the
library since the beginning of iu effort to
expand. He says 6e is happy about the bond
measure to renovate the Saratoga library and
urges the council members to support it 100
percent. He said he also feels strongly about
the need for a new 5re station because the
existing one isseismically unsafe and cramped.
In his personal lifc, Bogosian a aLso an ama-
teur mineralogist with a collection from all
over the country in his home: He just returned
from a trip to Arizona over thanksgiving to the
mining districts. He used to lead hikes for the
Sierra Club and he hopes to do so again. He
says that partly explains why preserving open
space is important to him.
/1F/'FNRFPR �000 C4R4T/1(:ANF�l'S 9
Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
City Hall Administrative Offices
13 7 7 7 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Monday, January 10, 2000
7:30pm
REVISED AGENDA
I. OrQanization
A) Roll Call: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff
B) Report on Posting of the Agenda:
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on
December 29, 1999.
C) Approval of November 15 November 22, 1999 minutes.
II. Administration
A) Welcome and introduction of new Commission Members
B) Attendance/Registration for March 15-18, Z000 California Pacific
Southwest Recreation Park Training Conference in Ontario, CA
C) Park Development Fund Finance Department Report
III. Oral Written Communication
(This section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda)
IV. Old Business
Action Matrix Items A-D listed below:
A) Play Equipment for Gardiner Kevin Moran Park update.
B) Parker Ranch Trail closure update.
C) Mt. Eden Estates trails update.
D) Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting on 12/7/99 update
V. New Business
A) Presentation by Teri Baron of Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts.
B) Presentation by Mr. Dennis Paboojian of Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts
regarding the granting of a trail section easement Mt. Eden Esta.tes.
C) Piesentation by Matt Madison of Indoor Sports Network Corporation.
D) Presentation by Dr. Kevin Skelly, Principal of Saratoga High School,
regarding funding for the new aquatic center.
E) Wildwood Park Review of play equipment Safety Issues raised by
community.
VI. Commissioner Staff Reports
A) Commissioner Reports
B) City Hall Update Staff liaison Cary Bloomquist
C) Recreation Department Status Report Joan Pisani
VII. Adjournment