News Briefs

Meeting on trail access for cyclists

Facing growing public concern and maintenance costs, the Midpeninsula Open Space District (MROSD) will meet on March 9 to discuss closing a portion of the district's trails to mountain-bike users.

Hikers and equestrians have complained about the limited opportunities to enjoy a tranquil hike or ride on the district's open space preserve trails. Maintaining and repairing trails damaged by mountain-bike riders also has become quite costly.

MROSD will consider a ban on biking on 13.6 miles of trails. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Los Altos Youth Center on N. San Antonio Road. Call 650.691.1200.

Acronico killer sentenced March 7

Troy Lee Johnson, the man convicted of the 1979 killing of Los Gatan Gloria "Tookie" Acronico was to be sentenced March 7, at the county's Hall of Justice.

Johnson kidnapped Acronico at gunpoint in December 1979 outside of Los Gatos' Courtside Tennis Club. He then forced her to withdraw money from local banks before shooting her and leaving the body in the trunk of her Mercedes.

Recent advances in fingerprinting technology allowed the Santa Clara County district attorney's office to catch up with Johnson two decades after the crime. He was apprehended by Southern California law enforcement while trying to leave the state on a Greyhound bus.

Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances, qualifying him for the state death penalty. However officials from the district attorney's office said Johnson and Acronico's family are in favor of a plea agreement sentencing Johnson to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Police Report

DeCinzo: Digital Los Gatos

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