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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSaratoga Hills Road 20851HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY ( #8`2) IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Nelson Gardens 2. Historic name: Shumer Ranch, Shady Oak Glen 3. Street or rural address: 20851 Saratoga Hills Road City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 County: Santa Clara 4. Parcel number: 503 -49 -041, 042 5. Present Owner: Nelson Gardens Foundation Address: 20 Montgomery St. Suite 2425 City: San Francisco Ownership is: Public: 6. Present Use: Ranch /Orchard DESCRIPTION 7a. Architectural style: N/A Zip: 94104 Private: X Original Use: Ranch /Orchard 7b. Briefly describe the present physical appearance of the site or structure and describe any major alterations from its original condition: Located at the base of Saratoga Hills Road, Pontiac and Trinity Avenues, this is a 5.1 acre parcel of land that is mainly an apricot orchard. the property has two simple homes on it, a late 1930's summer cottage and a smaller bungalow built in the 19601s; neither historically significant. The orchard part of the parcel is relatively flat and includes many native California trees, shrubs and plants. An ornamental garden is bisected by a small creek with decorative ponds and an area planted with ferns and redwoods. This creek is fed by water from up the canyon. There are paths and seating throughout this area. The property extends up the hill, which is mostly wild grasses and oak trees. 8. Construction date: Estimated: 1880's Factual: 9. Architect: N/A 10. Builder: N/A 11. Approx. prop. size (ft) Frontage: Depth: approx. acreage: 5.1 12. Date(s) of enclosed photograph(s) 0 #82 Page 2 13. Condition: Excellent: Good: Fair: X Deteriorated: No longer in existence: 14. Alterations: 15. Surroundings: (Check more than one if necessary) Open land: Scattered buildings: Densely built -up: Residential: X Industrial: Commercial: Other: 16. Threats to site: None known: Private development: X Zoning: Vandalism: Public Works project: Other: 17. Is the structure: On its original site? X Moved? Unknown? 18. Related features: Two residential structures. SIGNIFICANCE 19. Briefly state historical and /or architectural importance (include dates, events, and persons associated with the site). This ranch originally was part of the William A. Rice property which extended west from Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road. John and Susan Shumer came west and bought a piece of the Rice Ranch in 1881, on which they raised prunes, apricots and cherries. In 1885 they owned 49 acres and later added 15 -20 more acres. Their place, known as Shady Oak Glen, was one of Saratoga's garden showplaces. Edward Gloyd came west in the 18901s, settled in Saratoga, and married Inez Bailey, Susan Shumer's niece who had grown up on the Shumer Ranch. About 1912, the Gloyds bought part of the Shumer Ranch, and Susan Shumer Stevens sold a sinall parcel of her land to Bruce Bonney. Until some time in the 1950's Reid Lane was known as Shumer Road. Frank Nelson bought the Shumer -Lloyd ranch in the late 19301s; his father had worked the orchards for John Shumer. In the 1940's Nelson planted the Chinese Pistache trees that now line the road, and in 1971, he put the property into a Williamson Act contract. He deeded the land to the Nature Conservancy with the hope that "the preserve could be maintained as a model of traditional agricultural land use in the Santa Clara valley so people can be educated in the way a working orchard operates." In 1977 the property was transferred to the California. State Parks Foundation and in 1984 it was deeded to the Florence Nelson Foundation. The original Shumer f h 1 t d' — arm ouse is no onger s an ing. 20. Main theme of the historic resource: (If more than one is checked, number in order of importance.) Architecture: Arts /Leisure: Economic /Industrial: 1 Exploration /Settlement: 2 Government: Military: Religion: Social /Ed.: 21. Sources (List books, documents, surveys, personal interviews and their dates). Saratoga Stogy, R.V. Garrod; interviews with Dorothy Gloyd and Melita Oden, 7/88. 22. Date form prepared: 4/89 By (name): B. Voester Organization: HPC Address: 13777 Fruitvale Avenue City: Saratoga Zip: 95070 Phone: 867 -3438 Location Sketch Map NORTH h a l5 • ; Ave., � Jr ` d d i ao TA, AR." - !t7 m AN Rpm YL .......... .......... r. A. a IJ- ii rr.l.� "J +t: ��� �� •iii ate. 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P� -- vc 44 .: 4rw 44. XV, 'ex 1 Nl Vf "N v A Le w MZ,yl i'44 Y �e7 e,. y, z . i Ni f, 44 Tal i Crll� be R ........ ... .... jp� 1�1'1 OWN . . ..... • . . -I,� Vm -Rp t 6Y I u a A; 1,1 55 19 NEWS Vote split 2 -2 Nelson Gardens development proposal denied By Kim Malanczuk Neighbors living near the Flo- rence Nelson Gardens may have won an eight -year reprieve from the developer's shovel last week following a split vote on the Sa- ratoga City Council. Wednesday night, the city council denied a request to amend the city's general plan. As a result, the 5.1 acre property's current zoning will not be changed from agricultural to resi- dential. to save the garden and possibly use it as a demonstration orchard. Before the city can consider keeping-the orchard, it must ne- gotiate with the Florence Nelson Foundation, owners of the gar- den, to purchase the property. The Foundation, however, has al- ready promised Ainsley Develop- ment first right to purchase and develop the garden into a nine -lot subdivision. If the Foundation refuses to sell the garden to the city, the city has a backup plan which The eight -year reprieve will give the city and neighbors an opportunity to save the garden and possibly use it as a demonstration orchard In addition, the Saratoga Hills Road property is returned to its original Williamson Act contract to be saved as open space for eight years despite a prior Williamson Act contract cancel- lation. The amendment request was automatically denied follow- ing a 2 -2 council vote with coun- cilmembers Don Peterson and David Moyles favoring the re- quest while Marty Clevenger and Mayor Karen Anderson opposed. Councilman Stutz Stutzman was absent. This eight -year reprieve will give the city and the neighbors an opportunity to develop a plan may still get Saratoga its demon- stration orchard. In a last minute appeal, coun- cilman Don Peterson proposed a "win -win" situation for both the city and Ainsley Development. Instead of using the Nelson Gar- den as a demonstration orchard, Peterson suggested creating a three acre demonstration orchard in the midst of the city's current 12 acre Heritage Orchard located at the comer of Fruitvale and Sa- ratoga avenues. The orchard would be dedicated to Frank C. Nelson, former owner of the Nel- son Gardens, who first envi- sioned a demonstration orchard Alzheimer's... When you've done your very best and it's still not enough... Consider Casa Serena's Alzheimer's Care Unit. It is specially. designed to offer physical freedom of movement and is also geared to the psychological needs of the Alzheimer's)' patient. Each room has a private and protected patio or access to a secured( courtyard. The staff of the Casa Serena Alzheimer's Care Unit receives training ' and certification in the distinctive physicz psychological changes associated with the illness. Activity programs and dietary plans are tailored to meet the special needs of the Alzheimer's patients. a family support group meets monthly. A caring, knowledgeable atmosphere awaits the Alzheimer's patient either as a permanent home or temporary respite for the family. C "08:1 A 8ErZEnA Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital 1990 Fruitdale Ave. • San Jose, CA • (408) 998 -8447 Saratoga News /December 28, 1988 /page 2 on his own small plot of land. "It could be a showpiece for the entire valley as far as I'm concerned," Peterson said. Unlike the Nelson Garden which is located in•a residential area, the Heritage Orchard is cen- trally located to most city schools and numerous civic groups. This easy access would allow the orchard to be used fre- quently and without impact on a surrounding residential area, Peterson said. "From my standpoint, that's the right location for a demon- stration orchard," he said. The Heritage Orchard also contains 12 acres of healthy, fruited apricot trees. The two acres of apricot trees in the Nel- son Garden are diseased and de- caying and would have to be re- placed if the city purchased the property. Peterson's proposed demon- stration orchard would also con- tain a turn -of- the - century farm- house. A year ago, the city of Sa- ratoga authorized Caltrans to move the restored Warner Hutton House to the Heritage Orchard in an effort to save it from Highway 85 construction. Peterson empha- sized that the orchard and the 1890s farmhouse would give stu- dents throughout the area a place to loam hands -on the history of apricot growing. If the proposal is approved, the farmhouse would be filled with young people of all ages, from children learning about apricot growing to young people gathering for youth commission activities. If the Foundation approves the idea, Peterson suggests the non- profit charitable organization take an active involvement in the cre- ation of the orchard. He proposes that the Foundation donate $200,000 to the city's park fund, instead of the initial $110,000. In addition, the Foundation would be required to donate $30,000 a year to maintain the orchard. These donations would be in ad- dition to a $250,000 grant to Ha- kone Gardens. Currently, the city could not afford to purchase or maintain the Nelson Gardens property, councilman David Moyles em- phasized. If the city purchased the property, various funding op- tions would be considered, in- cluding a $25 tax on Saratogans for the next 20 years. Florence Nelson Foundation boardmembcrs and Ainsley Dc- vclopmeni vice president Jeff Wyatt said Peterson's proposal was "interesting" and that they planned to consider the idea. Fellow councilmembers were pleased with Peterson's proposal as well and will consider it dur- ing the Jan 4 public hearing when Ainsley Development and the Florence Nelson Foundation appeal the council's general plan amendment denial. Les Maison Provencal proposal ok'd By Kim Malanczuk Les Maisons Provencal devel- opers have been given the go ahead to pursue their final devel- opment plan, despite prior dis- sent on the Saratoga City Coun- , cil. Last week the council voted 4 -0, councilman Stutz Stutzman absent, to approve the project's environmental impact report, the general plan amendment, and the rezoning request. The unanimous decision nullifies a split vote two weeks ago when the developers' request was automatically denied. As a result, Les Maisons Prov- encal developers can complete their final development plan and submit it to the planning com- mission for approval. The devel- opers are proposing a senior life - care facility and a townhomc THANK YOU! UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY gyp F. , REALTY WORLD - -Moser & Long would like to thank all of our clients, neighbors and friends for their generous contributions to our United Cerebral Palsy fundraiser. With contributions totaling over $1000.00 we have placed over 1000 lights on our 14 foot Christmas tree. Our Christmas tree will remain lit until after New Years for the community to enjoy. ` REALTY WORLD - Moser & Long _ NO 14363 Saratoga Ave. - LONG 867-3491 REALTY WORLD' ESTABLISHED 1906 project on the 27.2 acre site of the former Paul Masson Winery on Saratoga Avenue. "I'm excited," project Man- aging General Partner Dennis Reichardt said. "I think it's great for the community. It will be one of the finest projects in northern California." Previously councilman Stutz - man raised concerns that the pro- ject's EIR was incomplete and didn't contain sufficent informa- tion about carbon monoxide lev- els and the freeway's pollution effect on the senior lifecare facil- ity. He suggested installing a ventilation system that would re- move pollution particles from the air and provide the senior lifccarc facility residents with clean air. According to Reichardt, no fa- cility in the United States is cur- rently screening its air for carbon Please turn to page 3 Argonaut BarberStt�Ctsts OPEN THURS. TIL 6: No appointment necessary 20345 SLAUER DR, (Argonaut Shopping Center) - (408) 867 -0772 9.0% to 9.75% safe & tax deferred Call for a FREE list outlining 8 of the best tax saving annuity plans now available from top rated A and A+ (Superior) companies. I'll also send you a report on 32 ways to improve your retirement planning. There's no obligation. Call today 24 hrs. 408 866 -0887• Rich Smith CFP Certified Financial Planner Service since 1970 • 5120 Campbell Ave. Suite #128, San Jose 95130 Campbell • Los Gatos. Monte Sereno • Saratoga ° West San .dose i Saving this historical orchard is being viewed -by Saratoga residents ... in a wider context of preserving open space ... 9 — Gary Nemetz Saratoga group fights to save gardens By Stan Moreillon Mercury News Staff Writer A Saratoga neighborhood group last week vowed to go to the voters in its fight to save a 5.1 -acre garden and orchard from development. The Friends of the Nelson Gardens will circulate a petition to get the issue placed on the November ballot, said member Ann Waltonsmith. The group is fighting a Sara- toga City Council decision that clears the way for development of the parcel. "We are going to circulate a petition asking people to vote in November to keep the gardens just as they are," she said. "We are drafting an initiative now to be placed on the ballot." Meanwhile, the Saratoga City Council reaffirmed its decision to tentatively can- cel the city's land preservation agreement with the Florence Nelson Foundation, which owns the garden and orchard at Saratoga Hills Road and Pontiac and Trin- ity avenues. The action paves the way for the proposed construction of nine homes on the site by Ainsley Development Inc. Waltonsmith, of 21060 Saratoga Hills Road, which is near the gardens, said 20 families in the area form the core of the group. "The Sierra Club (which battles state- wide to preserve open space) is providing us with legal advice," Waltonsmith said. In a letter to Mayor Don Peterson dated Feb. 10, 1988 and discussed at last week's council meeting, attorney and Friends member Gary Nemetz of Saratoga said the initiative will focus on maintaining the present open space and agricultural status of the property. Nemetz wrote that the group has con- tacted conservation organizations that spe- cialize in finding money and ways to buy threatened open space property. "We encourage the city council to recon- sider its vote on the cancellation," Nemetz wrote. "The issue is greater than just a small residential development. Saving this historical orchard is being viewed by Sara- toga residents and interested organizations in a wider context of preserving open space important to Saratoga and the Santa Clara Valley." According to City Attorney Hal Toppel, See GARDEN, Page 3 ® Community News Petition drive planned to save Saratoga gardens GARDEN, from Page 1 the group will need 1,947 signa- tures to get an initiative on the November ballot. That's 10 percent of the 19,470 registered voters in Saratoga. A bare majority voting to keep the gardens would mean victory for the group. After a stormy public hearing on Jan. 20, the council voted 3 -2 to tentatively cancel the Williamson Act contract with the foundation. -The Williamson Act offers a major property tax break to agricultural landowners who agree not to de- velop their land. But the foundation had asked that the contract be canceled so it can sell the land to a developer to help ease the foundation's financial problems. Council member David Moyles, who made the motion to cancel, noted that the land "has had no viable agricultural use for 25 years" and added that he felt "the public interest will be better served by developing the land than by keeping it the way it is." Waltonsmith tried unsucO ly last week to have the J, public hearing reopened. "I haven't changed my Moyles declared. "There's i new here — no actual cha the situation, only specu Why is this group writing city council? They should g( foundation if they have a 1 buy the property." "I think we should hole Councilwoman Martha Clev said. "We're not under the gun to cancel the contract. It has 10 years to go. Let's not push this group. Let's give them a couple of months to see what they can do." "We have to deal with this issue now," Moyles retorted. "I'm against delay. It just raises false hopes." He made the motion to cancel. The vote was identical to that of Jan. 20. "There is nothing further for the city to do at this point," said City Attorney . Hal Toppel. "As far as the city is concerned, I don't see that an initiative would change anything. As to the sale of the property, that's up to the developer and the foundation." The foundation has an option agreement to sell the land to Ain - sley for about $2.2 million, accord- ing to foundation spokesman Yuen T. Gin. "Ainsley is still looking to buy and build," said San Jose attorney Linda Callon, who represents the firm. Before final cancellation is granted, the owner and developer must apply to the city for changes in the General Plan and rezoning of the gardens from agricultural to residential use and draw up a sub- division map, Toppel said. Applica- tions and a map must be approved by the planning commission, then go to the city council for final ap- lalso must fulfill ibute $120,000 to avelopment Fund 1ie Hakone Foun- itipulation that if * for the gardens 00, 10 percent of re contributed, to illy between the ikon Foundation. developer have a conditions, Toppel 'rne foundation has asked that the contract be canceled and the gardens sold to help ease its finan- cial problems. Gin said the foundation's net an- nual income is about $40,000 but that it costs $ ?0,000 a year just to maintain the land. Public liability insurance rates "are prohibitive," he added. Deer and fawns will have to find new homes Nelson property will become a nine -home subdivision By Kim Malanczuk The deer and their fawns known to frequent the orchard will have to find a new home. The neighbors, the joggers, and the passers -by will have to get used to looking at nine houses rather than apricot trees as once again argicultural land has given way to a residentail sub- division. Frank C. Nelson's dream to preserve one of the few remain- ing apricot orchards in the area died last Wednesday when the Saratoga City Council voted 3-2 to tentatively cancel, with some conditions, the property's Wil- liamson Act contract. The Williamson Act was es- tablished to protect agricultural lands from urbanization and maintain it in large enough par- cels to continue its agricultural productivity. The city of Sara- toga and property owner Frank C. Nelson originally entered into the Williamson Act Contract in 1971 to preserve his 5.1 acres of agricultural land. The decision to cancel the - contract for the Florence Nelson Foundation property, located at 20851 Saratoga Hills Road, came Saia"o ,News/January27f f968 %pa-e2 area than the unused land. The council agreed the 5.1 acre property, two acres of which are an apricot orchard, after an emotionally charged two -hour public hearing in which almost 100 people at- tended. In public interest Despite the emotional testimony from neighbors, the city council agreed their only part in the scenario was to de- cide if cancelling the Williamson Act contract was in the public in- terest or not. "What it boils down to is — can we make the findings or can we not make the findings," Councilwoman .Joyce Hlava ex- plained to the audience. After extensive discussion the council, with councilwomen Karen Anderson and Martha Clevenger dissenting, found it was not in the public interest to have an unoccupied piece of land which could attract tres- passers, isolated in the middle of a residential area. The council also found no other available land within 800 feet of the site for the proposed houses and found that property development would be more contiguous to the should not have been placed under the Williamson Act ori- ginally, since it is less than the 10 acre minimum and is not an agricultural resource. "This hasn't been a viable agricultural use for at least' 25 years," councilman David Moy- les said. `This hasn't been a viable agricultural use for at least 25 years.' — Councilman David Moyles The majority of the public testimony opposed the cancella- tion of the Act. Area neighbors, including 15 of the 16 neighbors bordering the property, empha- sized their opposition to the cancellation by presenting the council with a petition bearing more than 800 signatures. "The Nelson family always intended that their property would be preserved as a working apricot orchard ... the Nelsons intended for future generations They gave it to all of us," pro - perty neighbors Bob and Louise Gager wrote in a recent letter to the Saratoga News. Other options suggested Neighbors suggested various ways to save the property in its natural state, including YS1- Saratoga Community Garden relocating to the property. Area residents agreed that they en- joyed the sound of children and farm animals and wouldn't mind the minimal' traffic in- crease incurred. "The YSI- Saratoga Com- munity Garden is a wonderful option," Ann Waltsonsmith said. Florence Nelson Foundation members disagreed with the relocation. The Foundation, a charitable organization, has had problems in the past in obtaining insurance for different projects for the property and doesn't want the liability burden of the Saratoga Community Garden. The decision to sell the property was initially prompted by the in- creasing expense of maintaining the property. An expense which cut deeply into funds set aside for charitable donations. "We feel they (YSI- Saratoga Community Garden) don't have the sustaining membership and time to maintain the garden," Foundation attorney Yuen T. Gin said. "We can't lease it out and continue to expose ourselves to liability." Saratoga Community Garden board member Marianne Swan later commented that the Com- munity Garden is "very well in- sured" since combining pro- grams with YSI and could be successful at the Nelson Garden site. In his final decision, Mayor Don Peterson maintained that the Saratoga Community Gar- den was not consistent with the city's General Plan and did not belong in that area. Despite their firm support the increased traffic and noise would be much more than the residents bar- gained for, he said. $2.2 million price tag The Foundation is asking for approximately $2.2 million for the property. The sale to pro- posed buyers Ainsley Develop- Please turn to page 4 W C C N Neighbors protested development Moving Community Gardens to property was suggested Continued from page 2 ment, Inc. would mean approx- imately $172,000 additional gross income per year to be donated to Saratoga and other West Valley charities, Gin said. The income is a significant increase over prior years when the gross in- come from the Foundation's roughly $500,000 in cash and government securities invest- ments amounted to approxi- mately $60,600 per year. In re- cent years much of the income has been spent maintaining the garden property, meaning less donations to needy charities. The Foundation has donated to many local charities in the past including the Saratoga Community Garden, Hakone Gardens, Saratoga Fire Dis- trict, Saratoga Federated Church, Santa Clara County Humane Society, Eastfield Children's Center, and the Santa Clara County Catholic Social Services. "How many people does this garden really benefit compared to what it's worth? Gin asked. .. We don't think the benefits of keeping the property out- weigh the benefits of selling it." The Florence Nelson Founda- tion, named for Frank C. Nel- son's first wife, was incorporat- ed Sept. 10, 1952 and founded as a charitable organization funded by Nelson's private funds. Dur- ing much of its later history, the Nelson Garden was bounced from one organization to an- other because of its expensive upkeep. Nelson owned the pro- perty until the early 1970's when no longer able to maintain the property, he donated it to the Nature Conservancy, a char- itable organization interested in preserving nature. The Conser- vancy had difficulty obtaining funds to maintain the property and donated it to the California State Park Foundation in Oct. 1977. Despite several attempted projects, the Foundation too had difficulty obtaining necessary funding and donated it to the Florence Nelson Foundation in 1984. The Nelson Foundation has been struggling to balance pro- perty maintenance costs with charitable donations ever since. The cancellation of the contract and the sale: of the property will end the foundation's struggle. Saratoga City Attorney Hal Toppel and Councilwoman Joyce Hlava will discuss the ten- tative cancellation conditions on Feb. 17. The conditions would allow the city of Saratoga a monetary reimbursement from the property sales which would be donated to the city's parks. The amount of reimbursement has not yet been determined. The dream to preserve a working apricot or- the property's Williamson Act contract. The chard in Saratoga ended last Wednesday when once Nelson Garden is slated for development the Saratoga City Council voted 3 -2 to cancel as a nine -lot subdivision. ci co c c d2WU) r JOS Saratoga split over garden Vote paves way for development By Stan Moreillon Mercury News Staff Writer The Saratoga City Council voted last week to tenta- tively cancel a land preservation agreement with a foundation that owns a 5.1 -acre garden and orchard, clearing the way for construction of nine homes on the site. The 3 -2 vote was taken after a two-hour public hearing attended by about 120 people. Almost all of those at meeting sought to keep the parcel as it is — a preserved open space, a wildlife haven and a quiet refuge for adults and children. The 5.1 -acre site in- cludes a 2 -acre orchard. One resident, Felix Rosengarten, presented the council with a petition asking that the land be pre- served. He said the petition had 800 signatures. "I can easily get more signatures, if you want them," he declared. Frank C. Nelson, the 97- year-old director of the Florence Nelson Foundation, which has headquarters in San Francisco, owns the land. It is located at. Pontiac and Trinity avenues and Saratoga Hills Road. In 1971, Nelson signed a contract with the city of Saratoga under the state's Williamson Act. The act offers a major property tax break for agricultural landowners who agree not to develop their land. But the foundation has asked that the contract be canceled so it can sell the land to a developer to help ease the foundation's financial problems. Foundation spokesman Yuen T. Gin said the foun- See LAND, Page 4 A 4 Extra 3 • San Jose Mercury News ■ Wednesday, January 27, 1988 O Community News Foundation may sell Nelson Gardens LAND, from Page 1 dation has an option agreement to sell the Iand for about $2.2 million to Ainsley Devel- opment Inc., which wants to build a nine- home subdivision there. Gin told the council the organization can no longer maintain the gardens financially. "Our net annual income is about $40,000 a year and it costs $20,000 a year just to main- tain the gardens," he said. "And public liabili- ty insurance costs are prohibitive." City Attorney Hal Toppel told the council it could legally cancel the contract if council members decide the public interest would be better served by selling the land than by preserving it. The council must also deter- mine, Toppel said, that no other nearby land is available for similar development. City staff members said no land was avail- able within an 800 -foot radius. Mayor Don Peterson and council members David Moyles and Joyce Mava voted to ten- tatively cancel the contract and permit the land to be developed. Vice Mayor Karen An- derson and Councilwoman Martha Clevenger voted to keep the gardens as they are. Moyles, who made the motion for cancella- tion, said the land "has had no viable agricul- tural use for 25 years" and added, "I can't find my way legally to force the Foundation to keep the land." He noted that the gardens are surrounded by residential areas, so building a subdivision would be "contiguous" to the area. "I believe the public interest will be better' served by developing the land than by keep- ing it as it is," he said later. "It will provide the most good for the most people." Before casting their dissenting votes, Clev- enger and Anderson cited the importance of maintaining open space in the city. "Keeping the gardens is in the public inter- est," Clevenger declared. "We need to protect any little gem we have." "If the land was acceptable under the Wil- liamson Act in 1971, it's acceptable today," Anderson said. "It's still the same property today." The Nelson Foundation was organized in 1952 to donate funds to South Bay Area chari- ties. Over the years, it has contributed to many Saratoga -based groups, including the Hakone Garden, Senior Center Council and Saratoga Community Garden. Included in the council vote was a rider added by Moyles that obligates the foundation to continue to make contributions to Saratoga charities. "We want to make sure some of that sale money comes back here, not to the city gov- ernment but to charitable organizations here," Peterson said. Mava and City Manager Harry Peacock were directed to meet with representatives of the foundation or the developer to work out a plan for how much the foundation's contribu- tion will be. They are to report back to the council on Feb. 17. The council then can tentatively cancel the contract once it is satisfied that all conditions have been met and can vote for permanent cancellation later, Toppel said. In 1971, when Nelson signed the contract with the city, he was quoted as saying it was his "dream to preserve a bit of land and protect it from development so people can be educated in the way a working orchard oper- ates. Some people have never seen an apricot orchard." Nelson did not attend last week's council hearing because of health problems. But John Higgins, Nelson Foundation president, brought along a taped statement from Nelson and played it at the hearing. In a surprisingly clear and resonant voice for his 97 years, Nelson said: "At first, I wanted to keep the property as it is. Now, it is economically unfeasible to keep it. We must sell the land. We have every intention to continue our charities." His wife,. Helen, 86, was there to briefly second her husband's recorded statement. Higgins said sale of the land "would pro- vide $172,000 a year in additional income for the Foundation." San Jose attorney Linda Callon, represent- ing Ainsley Development, said the intent of the Williamson Act would not be served by preserving the Nelson Gardens. "The act is concerned with large areas — 10 to 40 acres or more, ". she said. "This land is only 5.1 acres. No public interest would be served by preserving such a small area." Another San Jose attorney, Ron Rainey, disagreed. "This is a legal matter," said Rai- ney, who represented a group called Friends of Nelson Gardens. "Can the council cancel the contract? The Friends say `No!' "The law says cancellation must be in the public interest and that no other land can be found for the development project," he said. "The Nelson Gardens are a public benefit — and there is plenty of land available for nine houses. They don't have to be all on one parcel Ian Webb of Canyon View Drive compared the Nelson property to school sites. "We've got to keep them," he said. He also cited the importance of preserving the land for wild animals. 12378 Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. #*8 Saratoga, CA 95070 Wednesday, February 8, 1989 d Q; De, - M (a) g671) 7�0 cn_�iL (&61M .......... I ....... BULK RATE U.S. Postage Paid PCN Newspapers Permit No. 163 Saratoga, CA. Li Vol. 46, No. 6 Three acres of the city's Heritage Preservation Orchard located behind the city library on Fruitvale Avenue will not be developed into the alternative Frank C. Nelson Demonstration Or- chard as a result of a Saratoga City Council vote last week. Photos b ` JC'flfl;.l Calk NEWS. Williamson Act restored Nelson Gardens to remain as orchards for 8 years By Kim Malanczuk The city of Saratoga lost a guaranteed $1 million in park funding last week following an effort to preserve the Florence Nelson Garden property for future city use. The Saratoga City Council voted 3 -2 Wednesday night denying Ainsley Development's request to re- zone the Nelson Garden site from open space to medi- um- density residential for a proposed nine -home sub- division. Councilmembers Don Peterson and David Moyles opposed the denial. "I'm very open to open space," Peterson said. "But this five acres with a diseased orchard is the wrong place to start." Peterson questioned the council majority's efforts to purchase the 5.1 acre garden for $2.6 million when the Paul Masson Mountain Winery's 579 acres of open space is currently for sale for $5 million. Though the city can't currently afford to purchase ei- ther piece of property, it's "ridiculous" to consider purchasing the garden for a possible demonstration or- chard when the site is in the midst of a residential de- velopment and not central to the city, he said. Ainsley was granted almost a month's continuance in January to consider an alternative proposal Peterson made to appease outraged neighbors who want to save the garden. He suggested Ainsley Development and the Nelson Foundation help establish and maintain a demonstration orchard in the city's Heritage Orchard on Fruitvale Avenue in exchange for a subdivision on the Nelson Garden site. He hoped the suggestion would prove to be a "win -win" situation by granting the neighbors a demonstration orchard and the devel- opers a subdivision. Ainslcy and the Nelson Foundation approved the suggestion and presented the plan to the city council Wednesday night. The plan included contributions of $110,000 to the city's Park Fund, $250,000 to the Ha- kone Gardens, $90,000 to establish Peterson's pro- posed demonstration orchard, and $30,010 a year to maintain the orchard for 10 years. But Mayor Karen Anderson, vice -Mayor Marty Clevenger, and councilmember Stutz Stutzman ref- used to consider the million dollar contribution and instead opted to preserve the property hoping the city could purchase it in the future. As a result, the city loses the $750,000 contribution offered by Ainsley. In addition, the city could lose $250,000 in matching funds promised to Hakone Gardens by Dr. Morihito Nagai, a resident of Japan. The Hakone Foundation will only receive the money if it can raise $250,000 in matching funds. The zoning change denial automatically returned the Nelson Gardens property to Williamson Act con- tract protection for another eight years. The three councilmembers insist this will give the council and area neighbors enough time to research options to pur- chase the private property. The council majority's efforts may prove fruitless, however, if the city is unable to acquire the private Nelson Garden property. Ainsley Development is cur - rcntly considering several options, including a possi- ble lawsuit against the city. Ainslcy may also pur- chase the property from the Nelson Foundation even though it is still tinder the Williamson Act contract, Ainsley Development President Jeff Wyatt said. If Ainsley or the Nelson Foundation refuses to sell the property to the city of Saratoga, the city's only option would be to seize the private property through a condemnation proceeding, City Attorney Hal Toppel said. The city would pay fair market value for the property. A condemnation, however, requires "super majority" approval with a 4-1 vote. On the present council, both Peterson and Moyles refuse to approve a property condemnation. . The council will*ieconsider the Nelson Gardens Saratoga News /February 8, 1989 /Page 2 '. site as well as other future open space sites in early March when it mccts to discuss open space policy. Councilmembers agreed they need to reevaluate the city's current policy since many major open space properties are expected to be available in the future. The Paul Masson Mountain Winery's 579 acres is currently for sale. The Saratoga High School site, Sa- ratoga Country Club, and Garrod Farms Williamson Act property are all potential open space purchases in The Florence Nelson Garden will be pre- served for an addi- tional eight years. It is yet uncertain, however, if the city can purchase the property for a future demonstration or- chard. the future, Anderson said. The council will discuss several open space fund- ing options including a city wide tax, state funding, and federal funding. If the council considers a city wide tax the best option, the issue would be placed on the ballot for residents to decide. "We want to be in a position to purchase the open space if it comes up," Anderson said. Glendale Federal donates $100,000 for athletes A grant of $100,000 has been donated by Glendale Federal Savings and Loan Association to support 1992 Olympic Games hopefuls. The check was presented to David Wolper, chair- man of the board of directors of the Amateur Athletic Foundation (AAF) of Los Angeles. The funds will be awarded in grants to at least 25 athletes aspiring to be members of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team. To be eligible, athletes must have at- tained an elite level of skill in their respective sports, ana aemons rate financial need. The AAF awards grants to youth sports orgamza- dons, initiates its own regional youth sports program and manages the state -of -the -art Paul Ziffren Sports Resource Center, a learning and cultural center for sports. Glendale Federal is the nations fifth largest savings and loan association with assets in excess of $24 bil- lion. It operates 224 branches in California and Flori- da. Sheriff's Blotter Residential burglary —Coins and a .22 caliber pistol were stolen between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31 from a residence located in the 13,000 block of Holliday. The residence was entered through an unlocked front window. Petty theft—A wallet was stolen from a purse between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 26 from Bit O' Country, located at 14,527 Big Basin Way. The purse had been stored under a counter. Two hundred dollars in cash was stolen Jan. 11 from a residence located in the 14,000 block of Vickery Drive. A former houskeeper is suspected of stealing the money which was hidden under a bed, according to the Sheriff's report. Vandalism —A Pepsi machine was kicked in 11:50 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Safeway grocery store lo- cated at 12,876 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road. The sus- pect is described as a white male, 16 -18 years old, with a blond crew cut. The suspect vehicle is de- scribed as a brown or gold Ford Ranger "King Cab" pickup truck, according to the Sheriff's re- port. A residence, located in the 14,000 block of Montalvo Road, was splattered with mustard 11 p.m. Jan. 15. Mustard was thrown on the front door, front walls, and sidewalk of the residence. Mustard was also poured on two vehicles at the residence. Vehicle petty theft —A vehicle grill was stolen between 10:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and 8:30 a.m. Feb. 2 from a 1982 Ford Bronco parked in the 13,000 block of Camino Barco. A muffler was stolen 9:30 p.m. Jan. 20 from a 1973 Volkswagon Bug parked on Prospect Avenue. Estimated loss $230. A Mercedes Benz hood ornament was stolen be- twecn 3 p.m. Jan. 25 and 10:15 a.m. Jan. 26 from a 1988 Mercedes Benz parked in the 20,000 block of Komina. Estimated loss $75. Vehicle vandalism —A 1974 Buick Regal was dented 10:30 p.m. Jan. 26 while it was parked in the 14,000 block of Elvira Street. Estimated dam- age $250. Egg yolk was streaked on the front hood of a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville between 6 p.m. Jan. 25 and 10 a.m. Jan. 26 while it was parked. in the 20,000 block of Russell Lane. Estimated damage $75. All information contained in the Sheriff s Blotter is provided by the ,Santa Clara County Sheriff s Department Wesiside Substation located in Sarato- ga. v -23 -�-1 11. COMMENT Property could be used as park Many alternatives available for orchard EDITOR: On Dec. 9, 1987, an article was published in the Saratoga News with the headline "More Than 60 People Opposed !To; Owner Wants to Make Orchard into Houses." By this letter, l would like to submit my thoughts for publication with a more appropriate title "Sara. toga To Lose Another Park for Development." The property known as Nel- son Gardens, currently under consideration for development, was gifted in 1971 by Frank Nel- son to the Nature Conservacy, in Washington, D.C. and then to the State Parks Foundation based in Oakland, with the intention to be a public park. The property was maintained for this public use until 1984 when the State Parks Foundation gave it to the Flor- ence Nelson Private Founda- tion. This Foundation, set up to qualify contributions for tax deduction purposes, was never intended by that former owner to own this property and has other substantial assets to per- form its charitable purposes. The intent of the original owner of the property was to provide this land to the citizens of Saratoga as a historically significant demonstration or- chard. In 1971, he purposely kept it out of his private foundation and successfully lobbied the city of Saratoga to enter a Land Conservation Contract even though the property was less than the 10 -acre minimum. Now Frank Nelson is in his 90's and in ill health, and the property is subjected to the control of his trustees. The Dec. 9 headline was cor- The intent of the original owner was to provide this land to the citizens of Saratoga. rect. There are many "More Than Sixty People Opposed" to the development on this com- munity asset. If any of those other than the proponents of the development had had their views at the council hearing reported in that article, it would be clear that many residents of Saratoga were aghast at the inadequate notice and speed at which this property is being ap- proved for development. There are other alternatives which, if time is allowed to study, may solve the Nelson Pri- vate Foundation's concern over rising maintenance expenses of the property and better serve the residents of Saratoga. For example: • Many years before his pres- ent infirmity, Frank Nelson unsuccessfully offered the prop- erty to the city as a park. Why was that not done in 1984 again before the California State Parks Foundation gifted it to the Nelson Private Foundation? Why not consider it now? • Many neighboring residents have offered financial support and have suggested a Neighbor- hood Assessment District. The Williamson Act calls for a 10 year waiting period; the interes- ted residents are asking for only six months. • A number of interested community groups such as the Senior Citizens, Youth Science Institute, Community Gardens, and others should be given time to propose an alternative. Yes, it's wonderful to look at open space, and it is not easy to pay for it, brit it's impossible to recreate it. This property has been a park for over 16 years, and while Please turn to page 11 Don't develop property Continued from page 8 the developers of the property have had the last three years to come up with their plan, the residents of Saratoga were given only a matter of days at the time of the City Council meeting. There are solutions that can allow both sides to win, but once the Land Conservation (Wil- liamson) Contract is cancelled, the city and residents of Sara- toga will be at an extreme disad- vantage in pursuing those alter- natives. Gary L. Nemetz Saratoga OW Orchard may be turned into houses Neighbors want to stop land development EDITOR: On Wednesday, Dec. 2, the Saratoga City Council conducted a public hearing on a proposal to cancel the contract which pre- serves the 5.1 acre Nelson Foundation property at the bot- tom of Saratoga Hills Road as an agricultural preserve. This property includes a two - acre apricot orchard, several buildings and a grassy hillside lot. If the contract is cancelled, the property will then be re- zoned, subdivided and de veloped into nine single - family homes. The Williamson Act has pro- tected this two -acre orchard and grounds from intrusion of urban development since 1971. The property cannot be sold for resi- dential development until. the agricultural restrictions are lifted. The Nelson family always intended that their property would be preserved as a working apricot orchard. With this in mind they donated it to the Cali- fornia State Parks Foundation, a voluntary, non - profit organiza- tion dedicated to the enlarge- ment and enhancement of the state park system. Unfortunate- ly the Saratoga Nature Center concept did not work out and the property was turned back to the Florence Nelson Foundation. Officers of the Florence Nel- son Foundation, which main- tains the property, initiated the proposal to cancel the contract. Theyi assert that selling the property is in the best public interest and that other public concerns substantially outweigh preserving this property for agricultural production. Their prime argument for cancelling the contract and developing the land is that the property is too small to be economically fea- sible for continued agricultural production. They say that sel- ling the property will be consis- tent with the objectives of the Saratoga General Plan for developing single family de- tached houses. There are a few ... The Nelsons in- tended for future generations to enjoy their orchard forever. who will profit greatly, but the Nelsons intended for future generations to enjoy their or- chard forever. They gave it to all of us! Many of us who are interes• ted in stopping the development of this property Into nine home - sites showed our concern to the Saratoga City Council by ap- pearing as a large group at the public hearing. We need to unite to preserve the Nelson property as it was entrusted to the future . . . to remain an orchard in perpetuity. The City Council needed to know that a large seg- ment of the public is sufficiently interested in defeating this can- cellation that they took the trouble to appear at the council meeting. Action was delayed until Jan. 20. We need public support! Bob and Louise Gager Saratoga Saratogans say gardens should stay By Stan Moreillon Mercury News Staff Writer Judging strictly on comments from a small crowd at a Nelson Gardens task force meeting Thurs- day night, Saratogans would like to see the 5.1 -acre gardens kept just as they are — bucolic and undevel- oped. None of the dozen or so residents who made up the audience spoke for development of the land at 20851 Saratoga Hills Road, which is owned by the Florence Nelson Foundation. The foundation has sold develop- ment rights to Ainsley Develop- ment Co., which wants to build nine homes on the land. Ainsley's plan has aroused such bitter opposition that the Saratoga City Council last month appointed nine residents and four city offi- cials to the task force, which is studying possible alternative uses of the land. Chairwoman is Mayor Karen Anderson. The council continued to Dec. 21 a public hearing on Ainsley's de- velopment request to give-the task force time to study options. - It also extended until the De- cember meeting tentative cancel- lation of the city's Williamson Act contract with the foundation. The act offers a major tax break See GARDENS, Page 3 Nelson Gardens hearing postponed until December GARDENS, from Page 1 to agricultural land owners who agree not to develop their proper- ties. The council tentatively can- celed the contract in February. An apricot orchard fills two acres of the Nelson Gardens. When Frank Nelson, the original owner, signed the contract with the city in 1971, he said his dream was to preserve at least one orchard in Saratoga so people — especially children — could know the beauty of orchards and the joy of raising fruit, especially apricots. That dream was recalled with affection at the task force meeting. Betty Peck, a retired school- teacher, spoke for the dream — "a quiet place for the agricultural ed- ucation of young and old" — and "for the children." "The park gives us all instant roots," she added quietly. Bob Swanson, who lives on Crisp Avenue not far from the Nelson Gardens, said over the years they have been "both a good thing and a nuisance." "The park used to be a quiet place in the late 1970s, but in the past few years it has been obvious- ly lacking in funding and has been turned into an arena for public events," he said. The weddings that are held there create irritating traffic jams that "turn Crisp Avenue into a parking lot," he complained. "There will be 40 or 50 cars at a wedding." Swanson would like to see park- ing for 40 cars provided at the gardens. City Manager Harry Peacock, a task force member, asked Swanson the same question he asked other speakers: "Would you be willing to pay an assessment to maintain the Nelson Gardens ?" "I would, if it's a reasonable one," Swanson replied. "Over the years, the gardens have been-more of a joy than a nuisance." Bud Alexander, who lives at Trinity and Pontiac avenues near the gardens, said, "I love the or- chard the way it is and I want to keep it that way." He told Peacock he not only would be willing to help pay for upkeep of the land, he would be willing to volunteer his labor. "Keep it as it is. It's a shame to turn everything under concrete," said Gloria Watson of Farwell Av- enue. She said she too would con- tribute to the gardens' mainte- nance. Dave Johnston, director of the Youth Science Institute, said he would like to see an agricultural program for city youngsters estab- lished at the Nelson Gardens, simi- lar to one offered by the Saratoga Community Garden until last sum- mer on land at the Odd Fellows Home. Save Nelson property EDITOR: I recently learned with great dismay that the Nelson apricot Orchard is to be discontinued as an agricultural and nature pre- serve. The Nelson Foundation which is now funding and main- taining the property cites in- creasing costs as one reason which makes the project un- feasable. A more disturbing reason was that community op- position prevented the use of the property for which the gift was intended. This, in my opinion, is not a valid reason as there was insufficient publicity about the natw•e and purpose of this re- source. Citizens were unable to fully realize the benefits and avail themselves of the oppor- tunity to make proper use of the facilities. I remember that about 15 years ago Mr. Nelson, then a neighbor, had a plan to offer in perpetuity his Saratoga home and part of his apricot orchard for future generations to enjoy and learn. At the time, the con- cept of a "working farm" was being developed in many parts of the USA to perserve a fast disappearing way of life. At the same time, orchards were being bulldozed in Santa Clara Valley at a great rate. Work in the apricot orchards was our heritage. Anyone who grew up in this valley remem- bers cutting apricots in the sum- mers. Our children often com- plained, but 500 per box was suf- ficient enticement to keep them going back to the job. Mr. Nelson envisioned a "working orchard" where fu- ture generations would be re- minded of their heritage by par- ticipating and learning in a natural setting and enjoying benefits of this natural preserve. Older citizens could use the faci- lities and perhaps assist in the maintenance. If our citizens are really in- terested in this historical site be- ing maintained, they can voice their opinions and offer alter- native suggestions to the City Council members who will be considering the issues at the January 20th meeting. If this generous man's gift is lost in the "March of progress ", one of our last open spaces will disappear under concrete. Dreams often go down the drain, but perhaps some aesthetic gratification might be gained for the children of the future if someone has the foresight to build on the site one of those tur- reted Arthurian Castles which seem to be gaining acceptance in the area. Blanche Walton Saratoga ,lam Campbell ° Los Gatos • Moue Sereno • Saratoaa • West San Jn-qp- By Michael Cronk Mercury News Staff Writer The final chapter has yet to be written on the Nelson Gardens despite the Sarato- ga City Council's denial of a rezoning re- quest to allow residential development on the 5.1 -acre property. The possibility of the city securing the $2.4 million needed to purchase the land is being talked about by some council mem- bers, who want the site to remain as open space or eventually developed as a spe- turns down City discusses buying Nelson Gardens* cialty community gardens or historic park site. One way to raise the funds would be by placing a tax measure on the Saratoga ballot. Officials of Ainsley Development Inc., which owns development. rights to the property and has proposed building a nine- home subdivision on the site, have repeat= edly vowed: "We won't go away." Jeff Wyatt, Ainsley vice president and co- owner, said the options remaining to his company include buying the property from the Florence Nelson Foundation even without an approved project, or pur- suing their case in court. As expected, the council last week de- nied on a 3 -2 vote a general plan amend- ment changing the designation of the Nel- son Gardens from open space /managed resource to medium - density residential. Mayor Karen Anderson, Vice Mayor Mar- tha Clevenger, and Councilman F.L. Stutz - man voted against the amendment. Coun- cilmen David Moyles and Don Peterson voted for it. The vote was hailed as a victory by those Saratogans who fought to preserve the property, which they have character- ized as unique and critical open space in the city. See SARATOGA, Page 2 ,Nelson Gardens ,discussion not over SARATOGA, from Page 1 "I'd like to think of it (Nelson Gardens) as part of the heritage of Saratoga," said Stutzman before the vote was taken at last week's council meeting. Those favoring the project said the action not only denied an ap- propriate land use on the property, but also meant the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars generated from the property's sale that would have gone into city coffers and to local charities. "It was a purely political issue. I don't think it was logic or good land use planning that determined tonight's vote," said Wyatt. The Nelson Gardens is located at 20851 Saratoga Hills Road. A non- functioning apricot orchard takes up two acres of the property. There is also a 1960s residence and' a 1930s visitors' cottage on the land, and a number of native Cali- fornia trees. Development of the Nelson Gar- dens, which has been before the city for almost two years, has been. one of the most studied and debat- ed issues in recent city history. The council in February 1988 tentatively canceled the city's Wil- liamsom Act contract with the foundation. The act offers a major tax break to agricultural landown- ers who agree not to develop their property. Foundation officials moved to sell the property to Ain - sley, saying it had become too ex- pensive to maintain and was less- ening the money the foundation could donate to charities. In granting the tentative cancel- lation, the council required a fee of 10 percent of the sale price. Of that total, $110,000 was earmarked for the city's parks fund, and $250,000 to Hakone Gardens, which would have been doubled with a matching grant. A staff report last June recom- mended approval of the general plan amendment finding that the proposed project was consistent with the surrounding residential neighborhood. Also, last June the council ordered the formation of an ad hoc task force committee to study development options on the property. The committee's report was submitted in December. In voting for the rezoning, Peter- son and Moyles maintained that the project was appropriate for the area and that the city was not in a position to buy the property. They also said the money generated from the sale would benefit the entire community. open space. This five -acre proper- ty is the wrong place to go. It has a diseased orchard and houses fall- ing down. Even if they gave us the property, this is no place for a demonstration orchard. We should be concentrating on preserving our ridge line open space, such as the 500 acres at the Paul Masson Mountain Winery site. "Let's consider putting it on the ballot and if it fails, I think we ought to subdivide it," he said. Clevenger said last June's city election, when Stutzman was voted in, "pointed to a large percentage of Saratogans who want to pre- serve open space. "I want us to be proactive in terms of open space. Nelson Gar- dens has something special we need to look at and a vote to rezone would close that option and the various funding options to pur- chase the site. I'm committed to looking at options." Anderson, who chaired the ad hoc committee, said, "People saw incredible possibilities of develop- ing this site into a park." She added that since the council will be considering open space pol- icy in the city next month "it would be premature to take this piece of open space." Last week's rezoning denial came despite Ainsley's agreeing to increase the money it would give to the city. Ainsley had requested a continu- ance at a January council meeting to see if it could raise funds to establish and maintain a three - acre demonstration orchard at the city's 14 -acre Heritage Orchard near City Hall. That proposal, made by Peterson, was aimed at giving Saratogans a site for a Frank C. Nelson demonstration or- chard, while still securing the mon- ey for the city from the sale of the Nelson Gardens site. Ainsley came up with an addi- tional $90,000 to the parks fund to establish the orchard along with $30,000 a year to maintain it over a 10 -year period. Ainsley attorney, Linda Callon, said the foundation would gain approximately $184,000 additional gross income each year from the sale and thereby increase its cash available for charitable recipients annually by approxi- mately $172,000. Moyles said he had "no illusions about the ability of the city to pur- chase open space. — Wyatt said Ainsley will retain its "We made the findings to take it development rights to the proper - out of the Williamsom Act. It's ty. "The council is pursuing this consistent with the general plan idea that they have a willing Sell- and land use element," Peterson er," he said. "The council has this said. "It keeps coming back to-- fantasy that they can buy it." I � 4 .�'v� "+.�t�',"�✓ <,r"°' "S, .�r..`"�':_vi� ,, +1 t �gS.� r.Xtt,,:r � � '��Q' � R �. . �ri Pik »�pl'•s .W ,.. � � � +,.... ¢ +�i ��"'C�i'�''. i? !��`R�F' °rn..^ „r 'r1J„„ '.'1? � .sc.. �ri `.v � t.,r � w .e, � a'� � � i '� �° yy� The city council will reconsider the fate of the Nelson Garden on Dec. 21 when the Nelson Garden Task Force submits its five months of research on the property. Task force to submit report Future of Nelson Gardens may be next week By Kim Malanczuk The future of the Florence Nelson Gardens may be decided next week when the Nelson Gar- dens Task Force submits its final report to the Saratoga City Coun- cil. After five months of research and discussion, the task force will submit a report containing various public and private uses for the 5.1 acre property located at 20851 Saratoga Hills Road. The task force was appointed to research whether a park, a resi- dential subdivision, or a combi- nation of the two could be lo- cated on the property. Despite the various develop- ment options submitted to the council on Dec. 21, the city council will simply vote whether or not to change the current zoning on the property from agri- cultural to residential. The Flo- rence Nelson Foundation, owner of the property, is requesting the zoning change in an effort to sell the property to Ainsley Develop- ment for an estimated $2.4 mil- lion. If the council approves the zoning change, the property's Saratoga News/ December 14, 1986 /page 2 Williamson Act contract will be cancelled. Presently the Williamson Act contract, which requires the prop- erty to be maintained as agricul- tural land, is all that stands be- tween the neighbors' view of apricot orchards or their view of a new subdivision. If the city council denies the Foundation's request, the prop- erty will be forced back into the Williamson Act contract for eight more years. This would give [lie city and the city council eight years to decide if a park should be located on the property and how it could be financed, Mayor Karen Anderson said. "Essentially what you've done is bought yourself more than eight years to decide what to do with it," Anderson said. If the council denies the zoning request, the Florence Nel- son Foundation plans to hold on to the property until the William- son Act contract runs out in eight years. The Foundation has prom- ised to give Ainsley Develop- ment first right to develop the property whether the Williamson Act is cancelled now or eight years from now, Ainsley Devcl- opment Vice President Jeff Wyatt said. If the council denies the zoning request, it has two options to pursue a park on the property. First, the council could attempt negotiations with the Foundation. If the neogtiations prove unsuc- cessful, the city can condemn the property and pay the Foundation the fair market value for the land. Then the city would be free to pursue a park on the site. "It just doesn't look good to have a city government condemn on a charity," Wyatt wamed. "It will be a battle if the city thinks they can come in and condemn it.' Wyatt says a council decision to deny the zoning change re- quest will prove to be a fatal mistake for the community. Cur - rcntly the Foundation is offering to donate a $250,000 grant to the Hakone Gardens and a $110,000 grant to the park fund if the city approves the zoning request and a 9 -lot subdivision on the proper- ty. If the Foundation waits until the contract with the city runs out, it will be unnecessary to do- nate money to the city and Sa- ratoga will lose out, he said. If the council approves the re- zoning, the Foundation will not only donate $360,000 to the city of Saratoga, it will donate inter- est generated from the sale of the property to local charities as well. The Foundation invests the monies from the sale of the prop- erty and eighty percent of the an- nual annuity is donated back to Santa Clara County charities, Wyatt said. The Foundation has been do- nating money to various county charities for the past 30 years. During the 1970s, Nelson Garden owner Frank C. Nelson consid- ered preserving the property to show future generations how a working apricot orchard is oper- ated. Within the past few years, however, property maintenance has become a drain on Founda- tion finances and less money is being donated toward charities. Local neighbors living near the garden are determined to save what remains of one of Sarato- ga's few remaining apricot or- chards. They say they can find a way to finance the park if they arc given the opportunity to re- scarch possibilities. Despite the political maneu- vering taking place, the city council is most interested in whether or not the voters would support a community park at the Nelson Gardens site. As yet, the city has to determine how the park would be funded, but Sa- ratogans could be asked to pay $25 a year for the next 20 years to support the park. The city may also have the option of pursuing state funding or private grants to fund the park. "It's not going to be an in- stantaneous decision at all. We want to know if the voters are going to support this," Anderson emphasized. "We want to know if people want this badly enough to pay for it." The city council will hold a public hearing on the Nelson Gardens 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at City Hall. All interested Saratogans are invited to attend and voice their opinions. Harvest Time The harvesting of apricots is complicated because apricots on a single tree ripen at varying intervals. Therefore, to harvest only properly ripened fruit, pickers must make two or three "sweeps'' through an orchard over a period of perhaps a week. Correct ripeness depends upon how the apricot will be processed. Apricots for canning are harvested slightly firmer and less ripe than apricots for drying. The drying process was often a festive occasion. The men harvested the fruit while women and children in cutting sheds cut the fruit in half and removed the pit. There was an air of competition and an expert cutter could complete a 40 pound "lug'' of apricots in a half hour. The apricot halves were placed on large wooden trays, in airtight sheds and treated with sulphur fumes to inhibit insects. They were then set out in the sun to dry. In its heyday Santa Clara Valley shipped thousands of tons of apricots each year to countries throughout the world. The Decline of the Apricot Rising land values, higher labor and production costs, and the planting of competing orchards in other areas spelled doom for the apricots of Santa Clara Valley. A new variety of apricot, the Tilton, was introduced in the San Joaquin Valley, and it proved to be a far heavier producer than the Blenheim. Although the flavor of the Blenheim is superior, canners paid the same price for both varieties. The farmers of Santa Clara Valley, where Blenheims were principally raised, found they could no longer compete with the higher production of the San Joaquin Valley. About the California State Parks Foundation The California State Parks Foundation has received the Saratoga property as a gift and is operating and maintaining it according to the wishes of the donor through a special endowment available for the purpose. Plans call for the property to be transferred subsequently to an appropriate public body. The California State Parks Foundation is a voluntary non - profit charitable organization dedicated to helping secure additional parklands and preserve historical sites and unique natural areas within the State Park System. All contributions go to help further this work. The Foundation is not a part of state government and receives no state funds. All contributions are deductible from federal and state taxes. California State Parks Foundation 1706 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 Phone(415)834 -4411 O (ill Saratoga Nature Center D, �Y FLOW RS �-�-� CIS P� WORK � r: � Q_ AREA,VG* �_a �_ > -1 O GARDENER '4f3, ��a• _ORCFi�,D ti nj � ! . r r t,� r � 2 The Saratoga Nature Center is both a place of learning and an area where visitors can simply enjoy nature. This scenic five -acre site located within the city of Saratoga contains a small, working orchard. Here one can see apricots being grown and processed as they were in the days when the Santa Clara Valley was one of the world's leading fruit growing regions. There is also a small arboretum on the property, and from the gazebo on the hilltop one has a sweeping view of the valley and the mountains beyond. Credits: Conceptual design of the Saratoga Nature Center: Hall Goodhue and Haisley. Research on brochure: John Mott. Graphic design: Ed McElligott. Typography: Price Typography. 4* Saratoga Nature Center 1 ( PAO \ 1 A , h Garden of Eden, U.S.A. Less than thirty years ago, springtime visitors called Santa Clara Valley a "Garden of Eden.'' At that time hundreds of thousands of prune, apricot and other fruit trees filled the valley floor with fragrant blossoms. Visitors from throughout the world came to view this stunning scene. So vast were Santa Clara Valley's orchards that in 1958 they produced 55 percent of the world's dried prunes and led the nation in apricot production. Internationally "Santa Clara" was synonymous with excellent quality fruit. Two main factors contributed to the valley's success as a premiere fruit - growing region —mild climate and rich soil. Lack of frost and the consistently warm weather during the growing season made the area ideal for apricots and other fruits. Through the centuries winter rains washed the topsoil down from the surrounding hillsides to the valley floor. Gradually the well drained soil grew deeper and richer and is considered some of California's finest agricultural land. The March of Progress At the end of World War II, the valley's orchards encompassed nearly 100,000 acres. Twenty percent were apricots, sixty percent prunes, and the balance were other fruits. But as people discovered the beauty of Santa Clara Valley, the orchards began to give way to highways, homes, factories and shopping centers. The population of the valley leaped from 219,000 in 1945 to 1,184,200 by 1976. By 1976 over 230 square miles of valley floor were ; heavily urbanized compared to 46 square miles in 1945: Land values skyrocketed from $2,000 per acre in the 1940's to as much as $50,000 per acre in 1976. This loss of prime agricultural lands in the name of "progress" is not unique to Santa Clara Valley. It is occurring at an ever increasing pace throughout California. Concerned citizens may well ask if this is a proper use of our rich agricultural areas and if in the long run, we are not destroying the very land that can feed our growing population. From an esthetic point of view, we might wonder what Santa Clara Valley would be like today if the beautiful and productive orchards had been preserved and urbanization restricted to the relatively unproductive surrounding hillsides. j A Link With the Past There are still a few small islands of fruit trees left in the valley. The Saratoga Nature Center is one. This property has been donated to preserve a portion of this once great fruit growing region and to serve as an educational center for senior citizens, school children and the general public. Here the care, growing and processing of apricots is demonstrated. The area is of particular, interest because there is a small arboretum on the property containing exotic plants,and the upper slopes, in natural vegetation, reflect the ecology of the coastal mountains. n : i64`,...• }�V j;','::+ 1 �11�i • . S;i %, +�K'i =rG ' l;t,`. 1 i f "•- <4 l 1. o-� �L'' - '•3+ ti:.�....�r rte. -� I oe�r-,.:r � k. The Delicious and Versatile Apricot The apricot is not only delicious as a fresh fruit, but in the dried form has many uses. The pits themselves are valuable. Marzipan is a popular candy made almost entirely from the kernel inside the pit. The "almond" on a Chinese almond cookie is actually an apricot kernel. Many types of cosmetics, shampoos, and hand lotions are also made from the kernel as is the controversial drug Laetrile. The pits themselves are used to manufacture barbeque briquets, and in a ground form they are used to clean jet engines. The Care of Apricots The apricot is a native of China where it still grows wild. It was introduced into Santa Clara Valley by Spanish missionaries. There are many varieties of apricots, but the Blenheim and the Moorpark were the two most common in Santa Clara Valley. The Blenheim was favored by most growers because of its heavy yield —from four to six tons per acre to as high as sixteen tons. Apricots, like other fruit, are subject to pests and diseases, and protection of the trees against these enemies is an expensive and time consuming task. Fertilization and proper irrigation is essential to the health of apricots, and the farmer had a unique method for determining when the trees needed water. He closely observed the pigweed that also grew in the orchard. When the pigweed began to wilt, he knew the trees needed water because the weed's long taproot reached down almost as far as the tree roots. I Hasn't been opened for several years Nelson Gardens task force takes tour of land By Kim Malanezuk Last week the 16- member Nelson Property Task Force toured the controversial Flor- ence Nelson Garden to deter- mine the current condition of the 5.1 acre parcel. The garden, located at the juncture of Pontiac Avenue, Trinity Avenue, and Saratoga Hills Road, has been closed to the public for several years and many task force members were surprised to find a wide variety of plants and trees growing on the property. Members wander- ing the parcel reviewed plant conditions and took note of several seating areas among the trees. Only about eight citizen's at- tended the public hearing follow- ing the garden tour, a number considerably less than expected by task force members. The task force held the hearing to get new property use suggestions from Saratoga citizens. So far, the task force has received three letters from citizens, two in favor of a park on the property, and one in favor of "the com- promise." The compromise di- vides each of the five one -acre lots in half. One half could not be built on and would be used strict- ly as private open space, while the other half could be built on. Saratoga resident Bob Swan- son, who lived near the Saratoga Community Gardens while it was located on the Odd Fellows property, told task force mem- bers what it was like to live near a community garden. "It was both a good thing and a nuisance, obviously not at the same time. The garden was turned into a arena for public events," Swanson said. "But I didn't come here to be negative because I really enjoyed the garden when it was properly run." Because of a lack of funding the Community Gardens was forced to support itself with events such as weddings, he said. This increased traffic and noise in the area. Many times people wouldn't park in the parking lot and parked in the street instead to avoid walking in the dirt. This resulted in as many as 30 to 50 cars being park- ed along his residential road. He recommended a parking lot be installed for any proposed park at the Nelson Garden site. A typical weekend at the commun- ity gardens usually only amounted to six cars, he said. "That was in the days when there were so few people and so few cars (the Community Gar- den) was an extension of my own garden," Swanson said. Swanson said he enjoyed the garden's early years when there were few money making events. He enjoyed the animals and didn't find them irritating like he found the parking problem. He even admitted to missing the rooster which would wake him up in the morning. Youth Science Institute di- rector Dave Johnston told task force members the community gardens would consider relo- cating to the property if the op- portunity was offered. "I'd be willing to work with the city and the Nelson Founda tion if that is your wish," John- ston said. The program would consist mostly of nature classes, a wildflower show, daycamps, a Spring festival, and a harvest festival. If the community gar- den were offered a $1 a year lease, similar to that offered by the Odd Fellows, the program would be supported by govern- ment grants, tuition, and private donations, Johnston said. He emphasized the community gar- den would not participate in ex- tensive money making ventures on the property. "We are not in the wedding business. We have never been in the wedding business and I don't foresee us ever getting into the wedding business," he said. A majority of the citizens at- tending the hearing, including several task force members, fa- Nelson Property Task Force members Louise tachio plants in desperate need of water on the Gager (left) and Sally McElravey look at pis- 5.1 acre Nelson Garden site. vored a park use on the site. "I don't think it would dis- tress us that much to see kids en- joying themselves ... Here's a little island that stands out all by itself," Saratoga Hills Road resident Robert Bitney said. The Saratoga City Council re- cently formed the task force to give area neighbors an oppor- tunity to find a use for the prop- erty other than the nine homes proposed by Ainsley Develop- ment. Task force members in- clude Friends of the Nelson Gardens; the Florence Nelson Foundation, owners of the prop- erty- Ainsley Development; Saratoga citizens; planning commission chairperson Susan Guch; city manager Harry Pea- cock; and Mayor Karen Ander- son. The Florence Nelson Founda- tion hopes to sell the property and donate the proceeds to vari- ous local organizations includ- ing Hakone Foundation, Sara- toga Community Gardens, Cath- olic Social Service of Santa Clara County, Children's Health Council, Live Oak Day Care Center, Saratoga Fire De- partment, and Crippled Chil- dren's Society of Santa Clara County. 11/12/88 Voster /Compton NELSON ORCHARD AND GARDENS Background and History Originally this 5.1 acre property was part of a larger ranch which extended west from Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road, including the present Foothill School site, and on up the hill. There are now two houses on the property. The white house was built by Frank Nelson in the 1930's as a summer retreat. The brown one was built in the 1960's for Frank's sister, Ada, who lived there for many years. The original Shumer farm house is no longer standing. In the 1940's Frank planted the Chinese Pistache trees that line the road. These trees turn brilliant colors in the fall and many people come by to enjoy them. On May 19, 1971, Frank C. Nelson and the City of Saratoga entered into a land conservation agreement when Frank put his property into the Williamson Act. In December 1971, Frank Nelson began deeding portions of his property to The Nature Conservancy. He did this because, as he said in an article in the San Jose Mercury News on December 2, 1977, My present wife, (Helen), and I want to preserve a bit of land and protect it from development so people can be educated in the way a working orchard operates. Some people have never seen a apricot orchard. Sometime later, official records of The Nature Conservancy state that, The California State Parks Foundation and the donor, Mr. Frank Nelson, have expressed considerable interest in having the property transferred to the California State Parks Foundation for possible eventual transfer to the California State Parks and Recreation Department.... It has been Mr. Nelson's hope that the preserve could be maintained as a model of traditional agricultural land use of M L the Santa Clara Valley, where the property is located. The property is almost entirely covered by old, well- maintained orchards. The State Parks Foundation is actively working with Mr. Nelson on the development of a program which would provide public use and education while maintaining the area's agricultural values. On October 11, 1977, The Nature Conservancy deeded the pro- perty to The California State Parks Foundation. They did this because at that time The Nature Conservancy was generally cleaning out their inventory of properties to reflect their new policy of only taking on properties for the purpose of the preservation of rare species and their habitat. The Resolution of the Board of The Nature Conservancy authorized transfer of the property to the California State Parks Foundation ...for preservation of the natural and traditional agricultural values of the land and for public use and education upon such conditions and terms of reimbursement as the President may consider appropriate, provided that appropriate arrangements have been made by reverter clause or otherwise to protect the natural area qualities of the property... Despite The Nature Conservancy Resolution's explicit instruc- tions requiring a "reverter clause" to protect the natural area qualities of the property, no such reverter clause was ever executed. However, the clear intent of the parties involved is additionally evident from two letters: Frank C. Nelson's letter, dated July 18, 1977, to The Nature Conservancy in which he said, It would seem to be in order now for you to transfer this property to the California State Parks Foundation in accordance with the terms previously discussed which you will presumably set forth in your letter covering the transmission of the deed to the California State Parks Foundation. The second letter, or transmission, dated October 14, 1977, from Henry P. Little, Western Regional Director of The Nature 3 Conservancy to William Penn Mott, Jr., president of the California State Parks Foundation said, Enclosed is The Nature Conservancy's deed conveying the Nelson Preserve to the California State Parks Foundation. The Conservancy is pleased to be able to transfer this property to the Foundation as clearly your organization will best be able to manage the area in a manner that both protects and enhances the natural beauty while allowing the citizens of the Santa Clara Valley and the entire State to benefit from its use. In a current inquiry of The Nature Conservancy, the director of its California Field Office, Steve McCormick, wrote on August 10, 1988, It is clear to me from reading the file that the Conservancy's intention in accepting the property and, eventually, conveying it to the State Parks Foundation was that the land be kept in the condition that existed when Frank Nelson deeded the land to the Conservancy. Our assumption, in conveying the land to the Foundation, was that that organization would maintain the open space, undeveloped quality of the property. For several years the California State Parks Foundation operated the Saratoga Nature Center as a place of learning and an area where visitors could simply enjoy nature. Here in a small working orchard one could see apricots being grown and processed as they were in the days when Santa Clara Valley was one of the world's leading fruit growing regions. There was also a small arboretum on the property and from the gazebo on the hilltop one had a sweeping view of the valley and the mountains beyond. In a brochure about the Saratoga Nature Center put out by the California State Parks Foundation there was the following statement: "A Link With.the Past "There are still a few small islands of fruit trees left in the valley. The Saratoga Nature Center is one. This property has been donated to preserve a portion of this once great fruit M 4 growing region and to serve as an educational center for senior citizens, school children and the general public. Here the care, growing and processing of apricots is demonstrated. The area is of particular interest because there is a small arboretum on the property containing exotic plants and the upper slopes, in natural vegetation, reflect the ecology of the coastal mountains." On March 1, 1984, The California State Parks Foundation deeded Nelson Gardens to the Florence Nelson Foundation. On August 10, 1988, Karen Anderson, Mayor, had a telephone conversation with William Penn Mott, Jr., former head of the California State Parks Foundation, in which the following exchange took place: Anderson: Why was the State Parks Foundation unable to continue ownership? Mott: The State Parks System had a concept back in the 1970's to have many "Nature Interpretive Parks" in local neighborhoods working in conjunction with schools to teach children about nature. Nelson Gardens fit this concept perfectly since Frank Nelson wanted a park for elders and children. The State Parks Foundation's function was to acquire the land for these parks, set them up, and turn them over to the state for maintenance. When the current administration took over in Sacramento, less money was budgeted for parks and the idea fell through. It was my job to find suitable public bodies to take over these little parks. I approached the county, school district and city about Nelson Gardens. I personally walked over the land with the Planning Director from Saratoga who told me that Saratoga would not be interested. I felt I had to choice but to give it to the Nelson Foundation. Maintenance on this property was partially supplied by the Nelson Foundation. For many years the Board of the Nelson Foundation urged Frank Nelson to sell this land but Frank continued to insist that he wanted a park there. While he was well, he prevailed. 0 Anderson: How recently have you talked to Frank Nelson and what was your relationship? Mott: I talked to Frank Nelson about two years ago. He and I became friends over the years and I used to visit him frequently. He and his wife disagreed over what to do with the Nelson Gardens so he used to have her leave the room so we could talk. When I talked to him last, in spite of the Board's desire to sell the property, Frank still wanted it to be a public facility, open space. I think Frank has just gotten so old and tired that he's given up. Anderson: What is your recommendation, knowing the property as you do? Mott: I think you would be foolish to give it up as open space. Land is so hard to come by these days. I think you would be sorry later. Frank wanted a park where school children could learn about apricot growing and processing and where seniors could take quiet walks. August 3, 1987, The Florence Nelson Fou City Council of the City of Saratoga to of the Williamson Act Land Conservation between Frank C. Nelson and the City of on May 19, 1971. eZ adation petitionO the approve cancellation Contract entered into Saratoga and recorded Attachments: 1. Shumer Ranch aka Nelson Gardens 2. Nelson property sketch from the Saratoga Nature Center brochure of California State Parks Foundation. SHUMER RANCH aka Nelson Gardens ano "Shady Oak. Glen" Jrginally this ranch was part of the William A. Rice property, which extended west from Saratoga- Sunnyvale Read, including the present Foothill School site, and on up the hill. John ( 1834 -1874) and Susan ( 1830 -1917) Shumer came west and in 1881 bought a piece of the Rice ranch. They raised prunes, apricots and cherries. In 1885 they owned 49 acres; 'later they added 15 -20 more acres. They called the hills above the flat where their house was located the "hay hills" and that is where the hearses and cows roamed. John Shumer was a retired miner from Colorado who had been born In Chicago, Illinois. He was known locally as " Uncle John ". He served on the school board and he and his wife were substantial supporters of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Shumer, woo was born in Nova Scotia, loved flowers. Their place, known as "Shady Oak Glen ", was one of Saratoga's garden show places. It was situated beside a small stream fed by water from gullies from the Gloyd-Dover properties. Native oaks and other trees, flowers and shrubbery, all blended into a very picturesque garden. Susan Shumer's gardener used to exchange plant cuttings with Sarah Winchester's gardener! After Mrs. Shumer was widowed in 1874, her sister, Mrs. Bailey and her two children Inez and Ireton, came out from New York to be with her. Later Mrs. Shumer married a man named Mr. Stevens. Edward Gloyd (1865 - 1953) came west from Ohio with his partner John Dover in the early 1890's and settled in Saratoga. The Gloyd -Dover property was above the Shumer Ranch. They planted mostly prunes, but also some apricots, peaches and vines for "wine that giladdenth the heart of man ". Ed Gloyd married Inez Bailey who was Susan Shumer's neice (Inez,. born in New York City in 1883, had grown up on the Shumer Ranch since the age of 4) . About 1913 Edward and Inez Gloyd bought part of the Shumer Ranch. They also awned other orchards in Saratoga. In 191: Susan Shumer Stevens sold a small parcel of her land to Bruce Bonny. Until some time in the 1950's Reid Lane was known as Shumer Read. Frank Nelson's father who lived on the grand View Ranch above the Shumer Ranch worked the orchards for John Shumer. (Frank. Nelson may have been born on the Grand View Ranch.) Frank. left Saratoga after his school years, but returned -arid bought the Shumer -Lloyd ranch property in the late 19301s. Frank's sister, Ada Nelson lived on the ranch. In the 1940's Frank planted the Chinese Pistache trees that line the road. These trees turn brilliant 'colors in the fall and many people come by to enjoy them. In 1971 Frank Nelson put the property into the Williamson Act, he also deedea the land to the Nature Conservancy with the hope that "the preserve could be maintained as a model of traditional agricultural land use in the Santa Clara valley for senior citizens, school children and the general public, so people can be educated in the way a working orchard operates ". In 1977 the property was transferred from the Nature Conservancy to the California State Parks Foundation. In 1994 it was deeded to the Florence Nelsen Foundation. There are two houses on the property. The white one was built by Frank. Nelsen in the 1930's for a summer house. The brown one was built in the 1960's for Frank's sister Ada. The orginal Shumer farm house is gone. interviews: Dorothy Gloyd, July 1988 Mei It a Uden, July 1988 QaratoRa Story, R. V. 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'.�. z'� :fir ,:. `rte � WAY i.X 1• 1 TVI 1 1 r:= F J .cF l i� r - ly hOYD AND DOVER Among Saratoga's quiet, consistent workers for the better- ment of the community, was Ed Gloyd. He came to Saratoga in the early 1890's with his partner, John Dover, and together they purchased forty acres of foothill land directly west of the Saratoga Foothill School. .Both Ed and John were the kind of men who were not satisfied with the conditions that existed where they were born and raised, in Dayton,.Ohio. Both were office men holding responsible.posi- tions; Ed as a cashier for the Big Four _Railroad. The two of them must have read Horace Greeley's "Go West, Young Man ". They landed in San Francisco where they purchased a team of horses and a buckboard, whereupon they went exploring. Fate directed them to Saratoga just when the diciduous fruit plantings were beginning to boom, so they purchased a forty -acre plot and planted prunes, apricots, peaches and vines. Some of the grapes from that vineyard were purchased by the E. H. Guppy people who operated a winery-on Mt. Eden Road and turned them into "wine that gladdeneth the heart of man ". Along with his orchard operation, Ed's interest in civic affairs got him elected as a school trustee in the Saratoga School and for fifty years he was a faithful member of the Cuper- tino bodge of the Odd Fellows, serving as their recording secre- tary for thirty -five continuous years. Adjoining the Gloyd and Dover orchard at the edge of the valley was the then well known Shumer place. John and Susan Shumer were old - timers there, having upurchased part of the pro- perty owned by the parents of Allan Rice, one of Saratoga's early pootmasters. John Shumer, known locally as Uncle -John, served on the school board, and he and his wife were substantial supporters of the Congregational Church. Having a fondness for beautiful home surroundings, they made their place one of Saratoga's garden show places, known as "Shady Oak Glen ". lit was situated beside a-small water course fed by water from gullies from the Gloyd -Dover properties. Native oaks and other trees, flowers and shrubbery, all blended.-into a very picturesque garden. After Mrs..Shumer was widowed, her sister, Mrs. Bailey.and her two children, Inez and Ireton, came.out from New York. The children attended school with the Ri-ces, the Sages, the Russells, the Lipscombe, Coxes, Hoggs, G.arrods, McCartys, Adairs, Gardners, Cunninghams, McGuires, Fablingers, Williames, Johnsons,,Hustaches, Seagraves, Poncias, Thcinpsons, Hutchinsons, Melones, Creff.ields, Pendletons, Smiths, Marencos, Scotts, Warners, Wilsons, Masers, Kerns Rodonis, Whalens, Boisserancs, Hattie Bolton Eudora Church and Fiorence.Bartlett. The Hustede, Corpsteins, Bails,:'.Proctors, all went to Lincoln School. When Mrs. Shumer's niece, Inez, -113- blossomed into. pretty and charming womanhood, she caught Ed Gloyd's eye, and they soon were married. At this time Ed sold his share in the Gloyd -Dover properties to his partner John, then he and his wife purchased other properties, one of which was the Z. B. Husted place where they lived for many years but which has long since been subdivided and covered with attrac- tive homes. The two of them found life very congenial and with time, they became the parents of three children, two of which, Dorothy Gloyd and Gertrude Bowie, are still living. I can't leave out what was said of Gertrude and Adrian Bowie, for 'who would catch who' was always the chief topic of conversation at the neighborhood dances which were held in the Garrod's fruit house during the 1920's and 301s. These were unforgettable events ranging from the speculation about Gertrude and Adrian, to the tireless, smiling accordion player, Rocco Armento. Another social event that went on for many years were the card games participated in by Dan Regan, Herman Bracher, Paul Jones, John Dover, Ed Gloyd and their wives. One of the things Ed Gloyd managed for his family was a trip back to Dayton, Ohio, the town of his birth. Ed's father -and mother were still living at the time, but it was the year 1913 the year of the Dayton flood, and the Gloyds got the full benefit of it. The womenfolk and children were taken from second story windows by rowboats and when the boats returned, they had to take the men from the .roof. The family was separated for five days and when they were united again, they returned with haste to Saratoga. Mrs. Gloyd died in 1953, and Ed followed her the next year. After the Gloyd -Dover partnership was dissolved John Dover also married, whereupon he had four children. He finally entered the I.O.O.F. home and passed away several years ago. His forty acres were sold to Bruce Bonney, a San .Francisco jeweler who sold it to Frank Abernathy, and he is turn sold it for sub- division purposes. On its hillsides are beautiful homes with an unsurpassed view of hills, valley and the south end of San Francisco Bay. This area is in the thermal belt and above the valley smog, so the.people who live here enjoy the kind of gracious living that goes with ownership of such a location. In 1900 Mrs. Shumer, then a widow, had a boarder by the name of Bowers with a 24 years old son who soon left Saratoga and went to the northwest, making his home in Portland. About twenty -five years ago he got a yen for Saratoga prunes and other fruits and nuts, so every fall he gets in his car and drives down here to purchase these products. As long as the Gloyds had these products he purchased from them, but in 1951 when they sold their orchard Mrs. Gloyd told him to buy from me. This he has been doing ever since until this year, 1961, when at age 85, he writes me he is not driving - I am to ship his prunes by express. -114-