On April 17, a few dozen members of the community met at River Glen High School for a trail update meeting where city staff and a representative of an engineering consulting firm—A-N West Inc.—proposed four possible trail plans. The meeting was also a forum for city staff to field questions and concerns from the public.

From the various options presented it was apparent that city representatives and the public prefer the "high bank" plan proposal, with the trail running along the Los Gatos Creek but kept far above the creek's banks. This plan, according to the consulting firm, requires that more land be developed beyond the creek's bank, but such a plan would also reduce the need for retaining walls.

The high bank plans may cost an estimated $5.46 million—according to A-N West's report—whereas the other proposed plans could cost an estimated $6.1 million.

Among the concerns the public shared was that of creating trails wide enough for bicyclists and families with strollers. Attendees asked for 12-foot-wide trails and also plenty of open space for parks, grassy play areas and picnic spots. But several members of the public said they definitely did not want basketball courts included in the plans because the courts would generate significant noise and annoy nearby residents.

The Lincoln to Auzerais Avenue plan involves only one segment of a project that will ultimately create a 19-mile-long trail that runs from downtown San Jose through Campbell Park and the Los Gatos Creek County Park to the Lexington Reservoir.

Some people would like the entire creek trail to be developed as one long project, but for some Willow Glen residents, working on the half-mile segment is good enough.

Gary Deeter, who has lived on Hermosa Avenue for three years, said he wants to see the trail reach downtown San Jose as soon as possible but building by segments is fine for now.

"It'll help the city build momentum," Deeter said. "When they finish this segment we'll have a better idea how to finish the rest of the trail."

Cliff Price, a one-year Willow Glen resident who lives on Gregory Avenue, said that he came away from the public meeting feeling more secure about the city's plans. He also looks forward to a wide trail.

"I'll definitely be using that trail a lot," Price said. "I have a little boy who'll be riding a bike soon," and Price would like the trail to be ready for him.

San Jose District 6 City Council member Ken Yeager came away from the meeting feeling energized as well.

He's been in office for two years, and the city's trails have been one of his major platform issues. To see a segment start to come together and to have so many members of the public share their concerns " is very gratifying, and it'll be more gratifying when we start the project," he said. "I'm sorry that completion is several years away, but this is a big first step."

The San Jose City Council is scheduled to vote in July on which version of the creek trail plan will be developed. Construction funds were earmarked through voter approval of Proposition 40 in 2000—a bond measure for parks, trails and community centers. San Jose Trails Coordinator Yves Zsutty said that he is working to secure federal funding as well.

"What was so heartening to me," Yeager said, "was the overwhelming support for the project. I was a little nervous that maybe some people really didn't want this coming through their neighborhood. But I didn't hear any of that. People seem very excited."

Yeager is still accepting comments, questions and ideas about the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Call his office at 408.277.5166 or visit the city's District 6 website at www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/council/district6.

A copy of the consulting firm's report on the Lincoln to Auzerais Avenue Los Gatos Creek Trail extension, called "Reach 4," is available for the public to view at the Willow Glen Library at1157 Minnesota Ave.