Editorials

Contribution to POSTis in town's interest

Councilwoman Linda Lubeck is probably right when she says some Los Gatans will not approve the town's granting $50,000 to the nonprofit Peninsula Open Space Trust for the purchase of the Bear Creek Redwoods.

The argument can certainly be made that the town should concentrate on open space within its borders. What's more, the argument can be made that the town's money shouldn't even be going outside the town.

The fact is, though, that much as we work in this community to keep it unique, much of what goes on outside the town's borders have a direct impact on this community. That's why the town, like other municipalities, participates in various regional boards and commissions.

The property around Alma College is a good example of property outside the town limit that has a direct bearing on the quality of life here. Although technically in the county, throughout its long history, the property has had a strong connection to Los Gatos. Addresses in the area are Los Gatos addresses, and children who live in the area attend Los Gatos schools.

When Pete Denevi proposed building a golf course on the land, many Los Gatans worried about the destruction of habitat. Many who had long dreamed of turning the land into open space and trails worried that the dream would die.

Then Arlie Land and Cattle Co. entered the picture, bought up all the property and dug up century-old land grants to circumvent county zoning regulations and threatened to cover the hillsides with monster houses.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District went way out on a limb when it decided to purchase the property from Arlie. Without the Peninsula Open Space Trust's offer to purchase 805 acres, which it plans to give to MROSD, it wouldn't have happened.

Now, POST needs to pay off its loan. A broad coalition of community leaders spoke in favor of the town's $50,000 donation. It is a gift that will be repaid in this community many times over.

Aggressive Posture

The state is looking desperately for an alternative site where it can move the Alma Fire Station. So far, officials have been reluctant to begin eminent domain proceedings.

If that is the only way the fire station can stay in the mountains where it belongs, then the state should do what it has to do.

To force the fire station any more than a couple of miles away is to beg for the worst possible scenario, with fire trucks stalled in Highway 17 gridlock while raging flames leap over mountain crests.

History tells us that once fire takes hold in these mountains, it can get out of hand quickly.

That the state would even consider moving the station rather than take an aggressive posture in this situation is incomprehensible. The fire station is in the best possible location, and that's where it must stay.

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