We were members of Grace United Methodist Church on Prospect Road who voted with the congregation to sell that property to the city of Saratoga. We actively participated in the many meetings and discussions that led to that decision. These discussions also determined the criteria for the sale decision.

The outcome was the following criteria: 1) Sell to an entity that would make the property accessible for community use; 2) At least meet the asking price of $4.5 million; and 3) Sell quickly because of the pending merger with the Los Gatos United Methodist Church.

Although there were 11 bids equivalent to or higher than the asking price, Saratoga's proposal best met the criteria. The decision was made to sell to Saratoga.

We are appalled by the council's decision to sell the property.

Art and Aki Okuno

Via Regina