Thanks for the info...notifying only those within 1000 feet doesn't sound like it would encompass enough of the community. Wasn't there a meeting awhile back on this same subject? Do you know what was discussed? or was that when they decided to close the Gatetree Circle entrance? Seems like they should poll the students to see how many are affected by this closure. I don't understand why they would close the rear gate either based on the issues of overcrowding and speeding/traffic problems at the front entrance which have been posted to other topics. Hasn't that rear gate been open since the high school opened? Why close it now?

All good questions Anonymous (too!) :)

Those within 1,000 feet are immediately impacted on an hourly basis by any changes made. These changes can (and often do) impact property values. For example, the reconfiguration of the sports fields that took place a few years ago. What the District initially proposed for a configuration was horrid. I can confidently say the immediate neighbors were instrumental in making positive changes for not only the students, but for their property values by attending the meetings, walking and measuring the fields, and ultimately submitting a CAD drawing. That drawing was embraced by Dr. Casey as being better than the one developed by his staff -- and was implemented. Note: The original district drawing overlapped fields, limiting their concurrent use. It also placed the large "clam shell" backstops immediately adjacent to neighbor's fences. What we have today is MUCH better for everyone and you have the neighbors to thank for that.

I did not attend the prior meeting, but I know locking the gate was discussed, as well as implementing "permit only" parking on portions of Gatetree Circle.

As for why the issue is coming up now -- I would venture to guess it has to do with speeding, increased lack of parking for homeowners in front of their home, and an overall lack of concern for the immediate neighbors. This lack of concern extends to not only the students, but the parents dropping the kids off. Keep this in mind -- when Amador first opened student enrollment was no where near what it is today. Nor did most students have cars by Junior year. Nor did their car stereos blast at the sound levels they do today.

While everyone appears to want the immediate neighbors to be considerate of the student's needs and those of their parents dropping them off, few seem to think being considerate to the immediate neighborhood and the homeowners should matter a flying flip. Has anyone paused long enough to remember those same homeowners are contributing to the city's tax base AND to the schools yet many have no children in the district?

Kudos for your efforts for the field changes.
I don't think the neighbors should have to deal with insensitive parents/kids but that the police should be enforcing posted speeds especially near school entrances. What about all the kids/parents that just want to use this entrance and don't break the rules? Should they be penalized for the few who do break the rules? Punish the wrong doers with speeding tickets. If the police monitor this road that should make speeders think to slow down.
I'm not sure parking complaints are valid. Aren't all streets public parking so the students have just as much right to park there? Also aren't there any neighbors that have/or will have kids in high school that would like to have this gate open? Seems like there should be some sort of compromise to make all happy.

Kudos to the neighborhood is in order, Anonymous (too!). It wasn't ONE individual that made it happen.

As for the issues you raise -- valid, but I must ask -- did you miss the point of increased enrollment over what existed when Amador first opened and Gatetree Circle built? How about the point pertaining to the increased numbers of cars and student off campus parking?

Neither of these issues can be dealt with by the Pleasanton PD.

Keep in mind areas in Jensen Tract across from Amador are permit only parking -- likely for the reasons I've stated. Again, I wasn't at the prior meeting, but I am confident that parking was used as an example.

A new parking structure was built which partially drove the sports field reconfiguration. This was done to not only accommodate the neighboring church (they funded the structure), but to increase on-campus parking. Yet the structure sits largely empty during school hours. Why? I've been told the lot is "inconvenient" for fast campus exits. I've also been told students don't like how traffic backs up coming out onto Del Valle Parkway - and park on Gatetree to avoid the Pleasanton PD Officers that often sit there and write tickets.

As for the immediate neighbors -- none have any children attending Amador at this time and those with children are years away from their potentially wanting that access made available.

Let's pray a small child isn't hurt by either a speeding kid or a parent pulling a mid-street U-turn without looking. God knows there have been far too many close calls in that department all ready. I know the kid that drives the sporty, red and white car who lives on Harvest across from the swim club hasn't been missed since access was altered.

I would hope a compromise could be found, but with public streets and insensitive parents/kids involved, I fear one will be hard to find.

The postings so far are on this topic are 6 months behind. The gate which allowed access to the Amador football field from the Gatetree walkway was was replaced by a tall fence before the school year started. It had an immediate impact on the traffic coming into Gatetree before and after school hours. The parking on Gatetree Circle has also been reduced from over 10 student cars a day to just 2 or 3 at most any given day. The last meeting all were in agreement that the parking and the drop-offs had both shown tremendous improvement this school year compared to last.

The meeting on the 28th is a follow-up to the prior meeting in December to solicit additional feedback on the fence that was installed and to gain consensus if it should be made permanent. I think there will also be follow up discussion on the side of high school dirt path. The Gatetree walkway in either case is to remain open. The students just have a further distance to travel to get to school.

The parking permit issue is also off the table for now as decided by the city of Pleasanton.

I live in the neighborhood today, but was also a Amador student over twenty years ago when I used the same Amador walkway. It was as popular and well traveled then as it is today. I hope there can be found a way to improve the side dirt path the students have to walk on now with their field access taken away. It is made muddy and full of ruts during the winter months and the only fair outcome for the students is to pave or otherwise improve that walkway so it is walkable all year around.

I am a resident of Gatetree Circle who also has a child attending AVHS and we want to see the gate re-opened. A big part of the reason we moved to the street was easy access to the high school. My son has to leave home a little earlier now to get to class on time due to the closed gate, but more importantly, the path that these kids now are walking is not well maintained (and often muddy) and also not terribly safe, as I can see it. They are literally "trapped" between the school and the business park for a couple hundred yards with nowhere to go if someone were to want to start trouble. Closing the gate was a selfish decision on a few homeowners part and I want to see the decision by Amador reversed.
At the last meeting, which my husband attended, Amador was all ready to hear our side of the story, but we did not have the support of many others from the community. If you want to see the gate re-opened, PLEASE plan on attending the meeting. We need your voice!

Chris points out that he as well as many others used the field gate access but now that he doesn't need it anymore doesn't feel it should be open for current/future students. I wonder if when these small Gatetree Circle children that play unattended in the middle of the street approach high school their parents will sing a different tune.

I agree with concerned mom, the gate should be re-opened. How many adults that want this gate closed have to walk back and forth to work on a dirt/muddy path full of ruts? Or have to go further than they used to to get to the same place? Why should our students have to?
Alternate walking routes to the high school using Black to Santa Rita or using Del Valle are not as safe. These routes put the students walking in more danger of being hit by a car as they have to cross many driveways of businesses, a private school and the high school lots themselves.

If Amador caves to this Gatetree neighborhood next they will cry the good neighbor card again and complain that the band plays too loud or the lights at night games ruin their property values and want all student activities banned. The gate was built there for a reason and should stay open.

I agree - the gate should be open. The gate worked for years and school officials, at one time, helped insure that students did not park on Gatetree. I am very disappointed by the huge scoreboard put in by the school that already affects our neighborhood and hope that access to the field can be reopened for our community and children.

My family and I also moved to this neighborhood due to the poximity of all three schools. This time last year, dispite my cry for her to return to the driveway, my 3 year old was playing with the rain water in the gutter while I was getting my infant out of the car. In a matter of seconds, a student that was late for school, sped down the street at a very high rate of speed missing my daughter by a few feet. At the time of the incident, both the high school and PPD were very responsive to my concerns and took care of the situation. When we moved to the neighborhood a few years prior the speeding and the frequent parent drop off/pick-up did not exist.

This is truly an issue of safety for our children in the neighborhood and for the students who walk to school. The school's decision to close the gate has aliviated many of the neighborhood's concerns (safety being the most critical).

"I am a resident of Gatetree Circle who also has a child attending AVHS and we want to see the gate re-opened."...."Closing the gate was a selfish decision on a few homeowners part and I want to see the decision by Amador reversed." BUT, YOUR REASONS ARE NOT AT MORE SELFISH? SO THAT YOUR SON IS CONVENIENCED? GOT LEGS?

"Alternate walking routes to the high school using Black to Santa Rita or using Del Valle are not as safe. These routes put the students walking in more danger of being hit by a car as they have to cross many driveways of businesses, a private school and the high school lots themselves." NOW, WILL YOU HAVE US BELIEVE THAT 15 THRU 18 YEARS OLDS ARE REALLY IN DANGER BY USING THE NORMAL CITY SIDEWALKS IN THIS AREA? PERHAPS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LOTS THEMSELVES BECAUSE......

"a student that was late for school, sped down the street at a very high rate of speed missing my daughter by a few feet. " NOW THIS IS AN EVENT THAT THE AVERAGE READER OF THIS THREAD CAN RELATE TO. DO YOU THINK THIS POST IS AN EXAGGERATION? CAN A RESIDENT RELY UPON 16 TO 18 YEAR OLD DRIVERS SAFELY USING THEIR STREET ON A DAILY BASIS?

Pleasanton is a good example of our car-based culture where a high number of students drive to school with parent-purchased vehicles. In a separate thread there was a link to the California high school standard which states that a grade 9 thru 12 high school shall have about 25 percent of its acreage dedicated to parking and roads! Even the standard admits to this phenomenom (a middle school has about 2 percent). A poster in that thread pointed out that today the parking lot at Amador is not full (recall that it was expanded by eliminating the tennis courts as well as a parking garage was added). So, why do these students have to park in a residential area? And the few neighborhood high schoolers who don't drive can't walk a little bit around?

The streets adjacent to Cal High in San Ramon are "permit parking" only (that is all of Broadmoor Street in the surrounding area of Cal High). This works fine for the neighbors and forces Cal High parents and students, as well as parents dropping off kids at the Olympic pool, to be more considerate, to not park in front of neighbor houses, to not block driveways, etc. Can this be done in the Amador Valley surroundings?

We used to live across from a school, and we did not appreciate our driveway being blocked, and the "I am entitled to park here" attitude of the parents. Everyone suffers when parents do not cooperate. The neighbors can be really effective in making changes that will make the parents' life a bit difficult (just talk to the Cal High parents and pool users about the inconvenience of not being able to park on Broadmoor)

Perhaps the district should also consider penalties for those parents and students not cooperating?

Quote:
This is truly an issue of safety for our children in the neighborhood and for the students who walk to school. The school's decision to close the gate has aliviated many of the neighborhood's concerns (safety being the most critical).
Posted by A Gatetree Circle Family, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, 11 hours ago

Safety is the critical issue here. That posted by "A Gatetree Circle Family" had become common place, versus the exception, for those living on Gatetree Circle. As a 10+ year resident of the immediate neighborhood, I have seen parking on the street increase, as well as the various incidents described above.

While I have concern for the student's safety, I have greater concern for those like "A Gatetree Circle Family." The example given of the kid living on Harvest that drives the sporty, red and white car was a real, valid example of a teen driver that raised frequent concerns.

Why these kids can not park in the existing parking areas is beyond my comprehension. The added parking structure funded by the church and built on school property to avoid Pleasanton's permitting process (for the Church) is rarely full, as all ready stated.

If walking access is needed, I have no objection to allowing that; however, I would encourage parents dropping their kids off to be aware of residents leaving to go to work. I can't tell you the number of times I've nearly been hit by parents pulling a mid-street U-turn after dropping their student(s) off. Mouthing "Oops, Sorry!" gets pretty redundant.

As for Concerned Mom -- Your point is also valid, but leaving home a tad earlier and walking a poorly maintained path is of small concern when compared to a 3 year old almost getting hit by a car. Again, if the irrational driving behaviors of both students and parents dropping kids off can be addressed, the concerns of the "selfish few homeowners" (your words, not mine) might not have been so great.

I'd also like to know if you were a parent and resident who cared enough to address the sports field reconfiguration? Did you attend those meetings? Did you walk and measure the field? Did you help create the CAD drawing that was ultimately used over that of the District Paid Architect? If not, then I hope you do understand that some of those same "selfish few homeowners" took time out of their busy schedules to benefit your son who currently attends Amador.

Permit parking is working for the Jensen tract and other schools(from previous posts) why not here?
Speed bumps were put in the Amador lot to slow cars down. Why not here? Or are the comments saying neighbors want a compromise just words?

"NOW, WILL YOU HAVE US BELIEVE THAT 15 THRU 18 YEARS OLDS ARE REALLY IN DANGER BY USING THE NORMAL CITY SIDEWALKS IN THIS AREA?" Yes in comparison to walking sidewalks without busy car entrances/exits to the gatetree fence. Speeding is a problem all over not just on Gatetree. Why is the safety of a three year old (whose parent should be watching her) more important than that of a teen? I've seen walkers nearly hit at the Post Office entrance/exit as well as by Quarry Lane school parents rushing to drop off their child.

"NOW THIS IS AN EVENT THAT THE AVERAGE READER OF THIS THREAD CAN RELATE TO. DO YOU THINK THIS POST IS AN EXAGGERATION? " Yes I do think this one incident a year ago is being played up. How many "average" moms let their three year old play in the gutter on a busy street?

CAN A RESIDENT RELY UPON 16 TO 18 YEAR OLD DRIVERS SAFELY USING THEIR STREET ON A DAILY BASIS? First of all, it's not the resident's street. It is a public street. Other posts comment on parents as well as students so why assume all blame on the kids. I know many teenagers that do drive safely for that matter.

"While I have concern for the student's safety, I have greater concern for those like "A Gatetree Circle Family." The example given of the kid living on Harvest that drives the sporty, red and white car was a real, valid example of a teen driver that raised frequent concerns."
Nice to know this poster cares for his own neighbors more than the teens of the community. If he knows a car/driver causing a problem report them.
Speeding should be enforced by the Police.

"I've also been told students don't like how traffic backs up coming out onto Del Valle Parkway - and park on Gatetree to avoid the Pleasanton PD Officers that often sit there and write tickets."
Sounds like the police do make a difference so their prescence in this neighborhood would reduce speeding. That is of course if the residents are truly concerned about safety only.

Anonymous -- You took some of my post completely out of context. I don't care for my own neighbors more than the teens of the community. Nor did you read the post by "A Gatetree Circle Family" and take it in proper context.

However, lets be BLUNT here. The kids can still bet through at the cut-through -- and many STILL use it. What they CAN NOT do is cut across the football field any longer. Is that really such a pain?

I'm all in favor of permit parking or speed bumps. Bring them on!

TYPO CORRECTION

Anonymous -- You took some of my post completely out of context. I don't care for my own neighbors more than the teens of the community. Nor did you read the post by "A Gatetree Circle Family" and take it in proper context.

However, lets be BLUNT here. The kids can still GET through at the cut-through -- and many STILL use it. What they CAN NOT do is cut across the football field any longer. Is that really such a pain?

I'm all in favor of permit parking or speed bumps. Bring them on!

Quote:

"How many "average" moms let their three year old play in the gutter on a busy street?"

A low blow in my opinion since this statement changes the information presented in the mom's post - read what she originally wrote. Then, the reader can decide for him/herself.

Quote: A low blow in my opinion since this statement changes the information presented in the mom's post - read what she originally wrote. Then, the reader can decide for him/herself.

Posted by frank, a resident of the Pleasanton Heights neighborhood

Frank -- good post. "Anonymous" appears to forget Gatetree by virtue of being a "circle" is only busy due to the issue being discussed. Generally "circles" are like "courts" -- only frequented by those who live there. Gatetree Circle is no "Black Avenue" or "Hopyard Road." But the parents dropping the kids off and the kids themselves appear to have forgotten that fact.

I am surprised the discussion of speed bumps and permit parking on Gatetree Circle is still being discussed. The student parking and parents drop-offs on the Circle has dramatically decreased this school year. It has really become a non-issue. I know of several neighborhoods in Pleasanton that would truly benefit from speed bumps to decrease speeding, but Gatetree Circle is not one of them.

I as someone who likes to use the track to run would very much like access back to the field as it was in place for several decades. It is a shame that parents and students who prior to this school year turned Gatetree into a parking lot and used the circle as a racing course dropping off students put the fence into play. I don't know how though providing access back to the field won't bring back the same issues. I hope other alternatives can be brought to the table that can satisfy both safety and access concerns.

I sympathize with Gatetree Circle residents. As a resident of Applewood Way, we have speeders every morning cutting through to Foothill High School and every afternoon. After many calls to the police, they came ONCE and handed out 6 speeding tkts and made a drug bust. We never saw them again. It isn't enough all the teenagers that have died on the west side of town, something will change when one of the students at Foothill takes out an innocent pedestrian. Somehow I don't think Pleasanton police realize there is a neighborhood west of Hopyard Road.

Suggestions:
1) Raise the driving age to 18 or
2) Get parents to stop buying their kids cars

Yes, my reasons for wanting the gate open are selfish, just like your reasons for wanting it closed are. OBVIOUS!
The fact remains, the gate was open when I moved here, as it has been for many many many years. Does someone know how many years? I am sorry that someone had a close call with their 3 year old. That could have happened on any street....get your kid out of the gutters. Pleasanton Police need to come out if speeders are a problem. Permit parking is a fabulous idea....why not? The fact is, one of the main proponents for closing the gate never wanted to see it closed when his kids went to Amador. Now they are grown and have no need for the gate, so he wants it closed? This is where I come up with the selfish thing. And how about the neighbors whose high school age children don't even go to Amador who want the gate closed, too? That's all I'm saying. The gate is for the kids. We live with a high school in our backyard...this is part of the deal. There are plenty of other streets to live on if this isn't working for you. You should have known this when you moved in.....

When Pleasanton Valley was established, the gate from Gatetree Circle opened. The houses on Gatetree Circle were build in 1967 - 1968. The gate opened at that time and remained with direct access to the football field until a few years ago. The path between Ridgewood and Harvest was also established at that time so that students could walk the path to Gatetree for access to AVHS.

The answer to the question how many years the Gatetree walkway has been in place - It was contrtucted at the same time the Circle was constructed in and and around 1970.

Does it really matter? Back then there 1) weren't so many kids attending Amador and 2) the number of student drivers and even parent drivers dropping their kids off was far less than today.

Quote: Does it really matter? Back then there 1) weren't so many kids attending Amador and 2) the number of student drivers and even parent drivers dropping their kids off was far less than today.
Posted by Stacey, a resident of the Amberwood/Wood Meadows neighborhood

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Exactly, Stacey. Lower population (back then Pleasanton was called a one-cow town by much of the Bay Area), fewer kids attending Amador, District Transportation available (read that to mean school buses) and as a result, fewer parents feeling they have to drive their children to school.

Anyone else care to try to justify their position by comparing apples to oranges?

Quote: When Pleasanton Valley was established, the gate from Gatetree Circle opened. The houses on Gatetree Circle were build in 1967 - 1968. The gate opened at that time and remained with direct access to the football field until a few years ago. The path between Ridgewood and Harvest was also established at that time so that students could walk the path to Gatetree for access to AVHS.
Posted by John, a member of the Amador Valley High School community

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John -- Title search records of my home on Gatetree show it built in 1970. Are you or the title company inaccurate?

Quote: The fact is, one of the main proponents for closing the gate never wanted to see it closed when his kids went to Amador. Now they are grown and have no need for the gate, so he wants it closed? This is where I come up with the selfish thing.
Posted by concerned mom with a student at AVHS, a member of the Amador Valley High School community

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So this address the "selfish few homeowners" (your words, not mine) to a greater extent. But -- your want is any less selfish?

Bottom line -- everything in life is subject to change. Much has changed in regard to this town, Pleasanton Valley, and Gatetree Circle over the years -- and not for the good, I might add. Just because the gate was there when you moved in didn't mean something in the future wouldn't change that. You ASSUMED it was a given. Apparently you assumed wrong.

And again I ask f you were a parent and resident who cared enough to address the sports field reconfiguration? Did you attend those meetings? Did you walk and measure the field? Did you help create the CAD drawing that was ultimately used over that of the District's Paid Architect? If not, then enjoy the benefits some of those same "selfish few homeowners" created by giving of their time to ensure the end result was a win-win for everyone involved.

Really, now, should not this post be renamed:

SHOULD GATE BE KEPT OPEN FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF AVHS STUDENTS VERSUS THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SAFETY OF GATETREE CIRCLE RESIDENTS AND THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN?

The reason this thread has so much life appears to be the vigorous defense for "A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF AVHS STUDENTS" by what seems to be a FEW of their PARENTS. And in one to four years from now, will these student parents care? Will affected Gatetree Circle residents continue to experience consequences from this gate if it were to be open?

You decide.

I am a Gatetree resident who was part of the traffic on the walkway as a student in the 70's and now watch as students pass by my home on their way to the walkway nearly thirty years later. The walkway traffic even with less students in the 70's was a little heavier than the amount of students using it today. The reality is there was more homes with high school age students in this neighborhood than there is today. It is the result of parents in the 70's who have stayed in their homes in this area which has resulted in a great percentage of Amador students now coming from other neighborhoods in Pleadsanton.

The students and parents of Amador today in fact will be gone in less than four years, but they will be replaced in the years following by other students who will rely on that walkway even more than today with gas prices continuing to esculate.

I wish I could decide, Frank. I would decide to re-open the gate. But it's not up to me, nor is it up to you. It is up to Amador and the city. I hope those "few" (and there are more than a few) who see the convenience of an open gate will come to the meeting and voice their opinions and frustrations. I hope the teenagers who already feel like the world is against them will come and be heard.
By the way, after speaking with the vice- principal, it is my understanding that Amador would like to see the gate re-opened as they now have to monitor kids hopping over the fence, with punishment being "in-house suspension" for those who do, but they want to be a good neighbor and as long as they think that the majority of neighbors want it closed, they will oblige. After speaking with at least 20 neighbors, I don't think the majority want it closed. I think you are in the minority, Frank. And I hope it shows at the next meeting.
And another thing....when my child is done benefitting from the open gate I will have a choice to make; continue to live in a teenager-friendly neighborhood, or retire to a community away from a high school. I am glad I have choices.
And thanks, too for all of your work on the football field. It's fabulous! I wasn't a resident at that time, but if you helped make it what it is today, good for you.

Frank,
What are the consequences of the gate being open? Speeders? The police can deal with that and absolutely SHOULD. I would be happy to call the police myself. Parking in front of your house? Put up signs. People making U-turns in front of your house? REALLY?? C'mon. I am a resident of this street and have not experienced any "consequences". My kids have read these posts and feel, as the above poster mentioned, like people are always mad at teenagers. My kids have always loved living on this street and are bummed about the closure. It makes my skin crawl to think I actually had to give my child a ride to school the other morning after the storm because the path was a MESS! We sat in traffic on Santa Rita to get him to school....and we live right behind it-ridiculous!

Couldn't help myself but to check back on this thread tonight. Interesting that it is so popular, given so many other things going on in this world that are vastly more serious. Look at how many posts, all over a gate.

Again, parents to the defense, which was one of my central points. Where are the voices of the affected? That is, the students who are so inconvenienced? Parents, defending their 15 through 18 year olds, a bunch of whom are driving cars purchased in most cases by mom/pop. Other students have to actually walk to school without near-straight line access provided by the gate! Mere children! So, when they are 18 through 22 year olds and they go to college, trust me when I say it will become far more difficult to lobby some entity so the 'kids' are convenienced.

My motivation in this thread is simply the empathy I have with the Gatetree residents who are adversely affected by this gate. I am no stranger to Pleasanton, its growth, and having kids attending both FHS and AVHS over a substantial period of time. Been there, done that.

Quote: After speaking with at least 20 neighbors, I don't think the majority want it closed.
Posted by mom, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood

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There are 50 homes on Gatetree Circle. I know because I just counted them on the Neighborhood Watch Gatetree Circle Roster List. Of the 20 neighbors you have spoken to, I can confirm I am not one of them. How many of the 20 you've spoken to are on the "Amador" side of the circle? Or are you just sampling those that are least affected to support your viewpoint/opinion?

Quote: What are the consequences of the gate being open? Speeders? The police can deal with that and absolutely SHOULD. I would be happy to call the police myself. Parking in front of your house? Put up signs. People making U-turns in front of your house? REALLY?? C'mon. I am a resident of this street and have not experienced any "consequences". My kids have read these posts and feel, as the above poster mentioned, like people are always mad at teenagers. My kids have always loved living on this street and are bummed about the closure. It makes my skin crawl to think I actually had to give my child a ride to school the other morning after the storm because the path was a MESS! We sat in traffic on Santa Rita to get him to school....and we live right behind it-ridiculous!


Posted by concerned mom, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood

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On the issue of speeders -- if a call from you to the PD would cause them to respond and post an officer on the street, then make that call. Others have tried and been relatively unsuccessful.

As for parking -- signs aren't legal. However, if the gate is re-opened, I would hope various homeowners with multiple vehicles would start parking their extra cars on the street so that parking for the students to enable a speedy getaway after school lets out is almost impossible. Or fight for permit only parking between the hours of 8 and 5 - M-F.

And related to the U-Turns -- I can tell you that I have been nearly hit too many times to count. Next time I won't be the one with the right of way who applies the brakes.

Regarding:

"Yes I do think this one incident a year ago is being played up. How many "average" moms let their three year old play in the gutter on a busy street?"

And:

"I am sorry that someone had a close call with their 3 year old. That could have happened on any street....get your kid out of the gutters".

Here is a copy of my actual post:

"This time last year, dispite my cry for her to return to the driveway, my 3 year old was playing with the rain water in the gutter while I was getting my infant out of the car. In a matter of seconds.."

Anonymous and Concerned Mom,

I don't feel the need to justify my parenting skills nor do I feel the need to criticize you or your parenting skills since I don't know you, as you don't know me. All children were 3 at one time and, no doubt they were curious with puddles and were defiant at times, and running to catch them and keep them safe while your arms are full of another bundle of love, can be quite challenging. I'm certain you both have also experience how fast accidents can happen. And I have no doubt you love your children as I love mine.

Since the Amador gate has been replaced by the fence, Gatetree Circle is delightfully quiet almost 24/7, and prior to the gate being replaced by the fence, the danger during drop-off and pick-up was paramount. The situation that occured with my daughter, invoked a fear in me I hope no parent has ever felt or will ever feel. The traffic and speeding has been almost eliminated, which has also nearly eliminated the chance of a dangerous accident involving pedestrians.

This is a fantastic neighborhood, from the bands terrific music, to the sounds of the football games, and nothing makes me happier than to see my young children beam when a teenager walking home from school says "Hi" to them. Not a day goes by that we have regretted the decision to make Gatetree Cir. our home.

I stated it before in my earlier post and I'll say it onec more, this is truly a matter of safety.

Quote: Since the Amador gate has been replaced by the fence, Gatetree Circle is delightfully quiet almost 24/7, and prior to the gate being replaced by the fence, the danger during drop-off and pick-up was paramount. The situation that occured with my daughter, invoked a fear in me I hope no parent has ever felt or will ever feel. The traffic and speeding has been almost eliminated, which has also nearly eliminated the chance of a dangerous accident involving pedestrians.

This is a fantastic neighborhood, from the bands terrific music, to the sounds of the football games, and nothing makes me happier than to see my young children beam when a teenager walking home from school says "Hi" to them. Not a day goes by that we have regretted the decision to make Gatetree Cir. our home.

I stated it before in my earlier post and I'll say it onec more, this is truly a matter of safety.
Posted by A Gatetree Circle Family, a member of the Amador Valley High School community

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All very well stated. Hopefully you will be at the meeting to make your voice heard.

Trust that others will be there to support you.

I agree, safety is an important issue here. But what makes the safety of your child more important than the safety of mine? I feel strongly that the path is not safe. At least with little ones, you can supervise them at all times. With teenagers, you can't.
I'll say it again, if crazy teenage drivers are the problem, there has got to be a better solution than closing the gate that makes the high school accessible to walking students.

What a beneficial service training project for neighborhood and students.Has the entire Board of Trustees, action based City Officials and/or any Council Members actively walked this area? Gatetree Circle neighborhood, consider taking this to Amador student body personally, to resolve matter. You may find, not that the fence comes down, but an alternative that re-connects some constructive dialogue with our children. Show Leadership!

If this is a matter of safety, considerations should be made to place a crushed granite walkway, from dirt/mud starting point to, at least, the break in the fence, at the intersection, of the tennis courts,baseball field. A walkway, 4' wd., 2" dp., 600' lg. would require between 15 and 20 cubic yards. At $50-$60 a cubic yard, a neighborhood full of talkers could get this done in a weekend. Granite rock, blue/gray type might work through winter.50 houses @ $30 each and a small amount of work, community wise, might be good for this neighborhood. Heck, you would have enough for pizza, both days. Just a thought. Better than having "OUR" children walking in the mud.

A few more thoughts on the subject....

Has the entire Amador community been notified of the meeting? If not it doesn't seem like there can be fair representation of families wanting the gate to re-open. I'm sure families living more than 1000 feet away have and would like to continue using the gate.

If the district closes this gate for a small number of disgruntled neighbors they will be setting a precedent to encourage other gate closures. Field access to Harvest Park creates a lot of traffic; and cars speeding on Greenwood. How many neighbors would it take to close this gate? Or any other school gates?

Is this speeding being somewhat exagerated? Traffic through the street probably only lasts 10-15 minutes a day during drop-off and pick-up. Does every car "speed"? It appears the Police don't see this one street's "speeding" problem as a major concern or they would patrol there. School traffic is to be expected when you live on a street with an entrance to the school. Speeding should be enforced by the police, no one is arguing that speeding is wrong. Closing the field gate punishes those who want to walk this way, not the speeders.

Expanding student enrollment seems like a good reason to keep the field gate open. It offers another safe/convenient access point to reduce traffic in the front/side lots. Parents have complained of safety issues in the front lot on another thread.

Punish the speeders and open the gate.

The gate should remain open. I have dropped my kids off at that area when Santa Rita was closed (parade, etc) and they needed to get to Amador for practice. Since I'm coming from the north, there really wasn't anywhere else to drop them unless they walked for half a mile. I get tired of people saying that other people shouldn't use "their" streets. Excuse me, but these are public streets that are for everyone to use. If there are people blocking your driveway or doing anything illegal, then you need to contact the authorities because that isn't right, but legally parking or driving by is not. I myself live near an elementary school and I have tons of people using my street as a cut-through. I have no say in telling people they can't use it. What I don't like is speeders or people doing illegal u-turns - basically anything illegal. But, if people want to use my street, it is their right. And, fyi, the parking structure that was recently built is mostly for use by Amador staff. I believe the students are only allowed the top floor of the structure and not the bottom floor or the other area. I pick up my kids and my carpool kids on surrounding streets because the pick-up lane in front is backed up on Santa Rita. I come from picking up at other schools, so there is no way for me to get there early (and no one should have to sit in their car for 20-30 min to wait anyhow). I legally park on the streets and never speed, but some residents will come out and yell at me that I shouldn't be using their streets. If it happens again, I'm contacting the police because it's harrassment and I'm getting sick of it. I am a parent who isn't buying their kids a car and I carpool in order to reduce the amount of cars on the street and help the environment. I guess the bottom line in this whole situation is that Pleasanton should have built another high school because the enrollment at Amador (and Foothill) is too high and this is the result. Keep the gate open, but the city should enforce the traffic rules if people are breaking the law.

This thread has 40 comments and is going on and on. Anonymous from the Amador High School Community seems to be the main protagonist. A few others have jumped in with support.

For me, I have been mystified over what was so compellingly threatening about the alternative path since the gate was closed that has fueled protagonist's opposition. What threatens people's safety on this path so much that the threat is perceived to exceed the threat to children on a residential street caused by the daily come and go of teenage drivers and parents dropping off and picking up their Jasons and Jennifers because they all want to avoid the traffic on Santa Rita in front of the school at that hour? After all, avoiding the Santa Rita traffic is what this really is all about. I dealt with it for the most part of fours years in the past.

A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. Go to

Web Link

and see for yourself. If the gate was open, the path to class goes through the gate, turn right and walk along the sports field to the building complex. Gate closed, jog left briefly and walk to the parking lot and then turn right to class. I estimate the walk perhaps is about 120 seconds longer with the gate closed! And on some days, shoes may get muddy!!!! Wow!!! Poor kids really have to get up earlier by 2 minutes! And they might slip in the mud (but only on rainy days)!

Thank you Nancy, you confirm my point that use of Gatetree Circle is really about avoidance of the traffic on Santa Rita in front of the school at that hour, but at the expense of a residential neighborhood. Note that with the gate closed your kid simply has to walk another two minutes at most. So, the gate being closed does not stop you from desires.

Quote: Thank you Nancy, you confirm my point that use of Gatetree Circle is really about avoidance of the traffic on Santa Rita in front of the school at that hour, but at the expense of a residential neighborhood. Note that with the gate closed your kid simply has to walk another two minutes at most. So, the gate being closed does not stop you from desires.
Posted by frank, a resident of the Pleasanton Heights neighborhood
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Frank -- Thank you for this post. I would also add that I would encourage Nancy to call the Pleasanton PD the next time she is faced with "harrassment" by residents. Then she can see first hand how hard it is to get their attention -- and to get them to act.

Quote: A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. Go to

Web Link

and see for yourself. If the gate was open, the path to class goes through the gate, turn right and walk along the sports field to the building complex. Gate closed, jog left briefly and walk to the parking lot and then turn right to class. I estimate the walk perhaps is about 120 seconds longer with the gate closed! And on some days, shoes may get muddy!!!! Wow!!! Poor kids really have to get up earlier by 2 minutes! And they might slip in the mud (but only on rainy days)!
************************************

I'd also add the muddy path really shouldn't be an issue because before the gate was closed the kids would cut ACROSS the football field to save themselves a few precious seconds. Amador has a vested interest in keeping the gate as it currently is ~~ locked. It keeps unnecessary foot traffic off their relatively new track and football field.

I will again state ~~ if people (teenagers and parents alike) would act with common sense and realize neighborhood streets are NOT Santa Rita, Hopyard, or 580/680, then perhaps some of the concern and objection to the gate reopening would swing to the side of those crying "open it!"

After reading the comments I am wondering what we as parents are teaching our students of Amador who want the gate. Are we making them aware of being a good neighbor? Do we tell them they should use the Amador parking lots instead of parking on Gatetree, a residential street? If we coose to drop off our students on Gatetree and cause excess traffic are we setting a good example as a good neighbor? I understand it takes only 2 or more minutes to walk along the road to access Amador classrooms. I am hoping that the roadway will be improved to prevent muddy conditions.

Quote: After reading the comments I am wondering what we as parents are teaching our students of Amador who want the gate. Are we making them aware of being a good neighbor? Do we tell them they should use the Amador parking lots instead of parking on Gatetree, a residential street? If we coose to drop off our students on Gatetree and cause excess traffic are we setting a good example as a good neighbor? I understand it takes only 2 or more minutes to walk along the road to access Amador classrooms. I am hoping that the roadway will be improved to prevent muddy conditions.
Posted by concerned Pleasanton resident, a member of the Amador Valley High School community
*********************

Bravo! Someone finally gets it.

"Children Live What They Learn."

First, I would like to clear up a statement about the parking area off Del Valle; students are only allowed to park on the roof of the parking garage. If there are spaces open during the day in the lot and bottom level of the garage, that's because the staff does not fill up those spaces.

Second, my kids already walk nearly a mile to school when it's daylight at 6:35 in the morning. Using the Gatetree entrance does save them time and it also puts them out of harms way of traffic earlier in their walk.

Third, please stop talking about lazy teenagers that drive to school. How many adults would walk over a mile to school in the dark if they had to be at their desks by 7:00 am?

Fourth, I have seen a teen that lives on Gatetree drive home from high school with their parking permit hanging off their mirror.

Fifth, I agree that students should not be allowed to park in the Gatetree neighborhood and that a resident permit sticker should be in place and all vehicles without should be ticketed daily by the police.

Sixth, I live in a neighborhood that also effected by school traffic. I can hardly get off my secondary street during the rush before the morning bell and immediately following the afternoon bell. Do I petition that traffic be diverted from my street because it's a problem for me 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon? No. When I bought my house, I could clearly see the location of the schools and knew the natural consequences of living near schools.

I believe that the gate should be opened and the neighborhood should make AV families more aware of the impact their behavior has on their neighborhood. I was a good neighbor when I was using the Gatetree area to pick-up my children and will continue to do so.

Quote: First, I would like to clear up a statement about the parking area off Del Valle; students are only allowed to park on the roof of the parking garage. If there are spaces open during the day in the lot and bottom level of the garage, that's because the staff does not fill up those spaces.

Second, my kids already walk nearly a mile to school when it's daylight at 6:35 in the morning. Using the Gatetree entrance does save them time and it also puts them out of harms way of traffic earlier in their walk.

Third, please stop talking about lazy teenagers that drive to school. How many adults would walk over a mile to school in the dark if they had to be at their desks by 7:00 am?

Fourth, I have seen a teen that lives on Gatetree drive home from high school with their parking permit hanging off their mirror.

Fifth, I agree that students should not be allowed to park in the Gatetree neighborhood and that a resident permit sticker should be in place and all vehicles without should be ticketed daily by the police.

Sixth, I live in a neighborhood that also effected by school traffic. I can hardly get off my secondary street during the rush before the morning bell and immediately following the afternoon bell. Do I petition that traffic be diverted from my street because it's a problem for me 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon? No. When I bought my house, I could clearly see the location of the schools and knew the natural consequences of living near schools.

I believe that the gate should be opened and the neighborhood should make AV families more aware of the impact their behavior has on their neighborhood. I was a good neighbor when I was using the Gatetree area to pick-up my children and will continue to do so.
Posted by Ptown Mom, a member of the Amador Valley High School community
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Thank you, Ptown Mom, for the additional insight on the parking structure. Perhaps one item that needs to be addressed is better use of that parking facility by the school population. I may start taking pictures this week as evidence the structure is not utilized well by either staff or students.

Your second and third items point back to an item raised earlier. Perhaps what we really need is some form of bus system for the district again. But one has to ask if we've grown "too good" to ride a school bus.

As for the fourth item -- I've totally missed your point. Kids that live on Gatetree aren't allowed to drive to school? While it seems a foolish use of a precious "oil based" resource, it seems within this the teen's right to drive. What exactly is your point?

Your fifth and sixth items are valid. On the sixth item, I can tell you that I also considered
buying on Gatetree long and hard before doing so because of the High School. However, I also factored in that this is a CIRCLE -- similar to a COURT -- not a main access road or cut-through street. Certainly not a freeway. The first few years I lived here, the school was of no issue. I enjoyed the band, hearing the football games, and watching the kids walk to school. However, since the Santa Clara Vanguard episode, my expectations of the school and their responsibility as a good neighbor has been heightened. I want the quiet street I bought on years ago back. Closing the gate has helped achieve that. I will fight to keep it that way.

To your closing paragraph I say this, given how friendly (HA!) Pleasanton has become, how would you suggest "the neighborhood" "make AV families more aware of the impact their behavior has on their neighborhood?" A few neighbors have actually stood in the middle of the street and shouted "Slow Down" as both parent and students have driven by. Do you know what they were met with? The Bird -- as in the F-You Bird. Nice.

Ptown Mom,
Please come to the meeting and bring your kids with you! I think the number of people who want to see the gate re-opened is far greater than these few neighbors, (and I'm a neighbor, myself) but if we don't get support at the meeting, there is no hope. Come out and show your support for the kids!

It appears the poster "Another Gatetree Resident" has had a few bad experiences and is unwilling to yeild his position. Not everyone who used to use the field gate behaved badly yet the closure is a problem for those families who did act responsibly as well. Not even all Gatetree residents agree with him, but many instead would like to see the gate re-opened. So I question the "paramount" danger reported. I hope the school listens to the families and the students that want the gate re-opened. I also hope the school notifed all families to get both sides heard fairly.
No one is condoning speeding but closing the gate to stop it was unfair to many students. Another solution needs to be found like speed bumps perhaps. They work in many other situations.

Quote: appears the poster "Another Gatetree Resident" has had a few bad experiences and is unwilling to yeild his position. Not everyone who used to use the field gate behaved badly yet the closure is a problem for those families who did act responsibly as well. Not even all Gatetree residents agree with him, but many instead would like to see the gate re-opened. So I question the "paramount" danger reported. I hope the school listens to the families and the students that want the gate re-opened. I also hope the school notifed all families to get both sides heard fairly.
No one is condoning speeding but closing the gate to stop it was unfair to many students. Another solution needs to be found like speed bumps perhaps. They work in many other situations.
Posted by Anonymous, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood

********************

I am willing to yield if there is an alternative put into place. I'm not "married" to the gate remaining closed and have agreed in MANY of my posts that permit parking or speed bumps are reasonable alternatives.

Don't make assumptions without reading all my posts.

By the way, it's not "his" position, although my husband and I do tend to hold the same opinions on this subject.

Speed bumps and permit parking seem to me to be a mandatory requirement if the gate were to be opened. A backyard gate to a LARGE high school, where the gate resides in a dense residential neighborhood, is ridiculous to begin with. But the gateway exists and now everyone must deal with that fact.

The arguments in this thread to open the gate have centered mostly upon convenience for those who want it opened (although at least one poster claimed that the muddy path is "unsafe"), and the opposing arguments have centered upon resident's safety and their right to enjoy peace in their neighborhood. Those residents wish that it remains closed.

Given that there is unused parking in both the lot and the parking structure, permit parking on Gatetree Circle would be a fair requirement to implement if the gate were opened. There is no need to park cars on Gatetree!

The traffic on Santa Rita in front of the school during drop off and pick up periods is the forcing function that sends people onto Gatetree. Personally, I don't feel that Gatetree residents should suffer because of this. In my opinion that's unfair. That so many students drive parent purchased cars to school and that so many parents feel they must drive their Jasons and Jennifers to school because walking or riding a bus is refused is not the problem that Gatetree resident should solve. If, however, the standards of reasonableness have shifted so much that they now favor these parents who need to drop off on Gatetree at a newly opened gate, then speed bumps are clearly justified.

Hey Frank-
Since you seem to have all the answers, what about the residents on Gatetree who want itopen? What about the fact that out of 50 families, only about 10 have actually said they want it closed?

Thank you, Frank, for a post with both balance and intelligence.

D,

Which 10 are you speaking of? I can CONFIDENTLY say that I have NEVER had a discussion with ANYONE other than AIR, the School District, and the Pleasanton Police on this topic. No NEIGHBOR has ever approached me from any of the 50 families.

Where are you getting these numbers from?

D,

How does the fact that only 10 supposed families out of 50 want the gate closed change anything?

I imagine since the alternate path gets muddy in the winter that the Amador field is also muddy and therefore it is an advantage to Amador to have the gate closed. Walking upon muddy fields is a good way to destroy them.

Amador wants to honor the good neighbor policy and encourage students to park in their parking lots. The PPD wants the gate closed to improve safety from cars and deter entrance into the stadium especially at night (instances of drug use). The City cannot justify permit only signs at a few homes near the pathway because the signs do not cover after school, evenings and weekends. There are many community uses of the stadium field and Gatetree parking is an issue 24/7. The bottom line is it takes 2 more min to walk the access road. If Pleas school district will improve condition of road it would not be muddy. Perhaps the district can improve drop off in front of school. The original intent of the pathway was for students to walk from home to school and back. It is the drop off and parking that is the problem. Gatetree Cir is a residential street and was not designed for school parking and drop off.

Good add, "Concerned Resident."

For those uninformed, the Good Neighbor Policy is located here:

Web Link

Don't forget the meeting is tonight to voice support to re-open the field gate.

A community meeting has been set for Monday, January 28, 2008 at the hour of 7:00 p.m., at the Amador Valley High School Library, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, CA. This meeting will be held to discuss access to the Amador Valley High School Campus from the pathway off Gatetree Circle at the Northwest Corner of the property. District staff will be available to answer questions of concerns.

Anyone know what happened?

The fence stays and they are going to put in a compressed rock walkway this spring. The walkway will extend from the current Gatetree walkway to the front Amador parking lot along the dirt path that runs alongside the footbal field, tennis courts, and Varsity baseball diamond. It will make the path more walkable especially during the rainy season when the current dirt path turns muddy.

Looking at this thread in hindsight, I find it interesting that the main concern over the gate written by parents here has been student access to the school. What about the concern regarding these same students accessing the stadium through the gate for a place to do their drugs? Only one person mentioned in it passing as a PPD concern. Shouldn't this drug usage be a greater concern to a parent than easier access to the school? It should be no secret that this is what Pleasanton teens are out doing. They do it over here in my neighborhood at Sutter Gate Park and under the Santa Rita and Stoneridge bridges too.

Right On about being concerned about easy access to the stadium. The fewer easy ways to get into the stadium the better. Thanks for your input. Very aware.

Everyone should know that this gate closure came with a price. The school district is going to spend $16,000.00 on the fire road.
It seems to me this money could be put to better use. The Gatetree neighbors refused permit parking and even refused to allow the kids gate access while the dirt path is being worked on.

"Shouldn't this drug usage be a greater concern to a parent than easier access to the school?"
LOL -of course the parents don't talk about this being a greater concern. They're all living in denial! Heck, I bet the kids who take the drugs get the money to buy them from their weekly allowances! Ha! Wouldn't it be funny if it were cheaper to walk around an abandoned stadium at night high on the drugs you purchased from your allowance than to drive around wasting gas in the nifty car your mommy and daddy bought you in order to "get ahead in life" (from other thread). Today's parents in Pleasanton are a laughing stock!

These last posts are destructive for our Community. Shelley, you are right, it would be less expensive walking around stadium doing drugs than driving your car, wasting gas, with the possibility of being stopped, busted, and perhaps, Mom And Dad having to drive you around for the next couple years. Start a new thread, with your own topic of concern. It could be about, Todays parents in Pleasanton are a laughing stock. Go for it. You may be the only post.
The meeting was heavily favored, to put in path. Participants were mostly from Gatetree area. Kids will still climb fence, at times. Gatetree residents took into consideration, other housing developments who ultilize this path to school. No doubt, the school district would rather not contract the new path. Amador wants to try and please all parties. The PPD wants to chase down bad guys. Yes, this path will contract out to be $16,000. A path, 5 ft. wide X what? 8 to 9 hundred ft. long X 2-3" dp. will require 40/45 cubic yards of packable stone, plus header boards. Do the school district a favor, the neighborhood and surrouding area who ultilize path, build it yourselves. Liability couldn't be much for that. Take money saved, place toward deficit(school district), now you have a neighborhood partnership to assist education. This all came to me, looking at these threads in hindsight. Thanks Stacey. I'm sure, Stacey has a wheelbarrow. Peace

Here's my two cents (worth not less than yours):

"These last posts are destructive for our Community." These criticisms are really mirrors, put up for you to look into perhaps by some graduates of these very high schools that are talked about. That the comments appear destructive may lie in the mind of the reader, who is likely in denial.

"Todays parents in Pleasanton are a laughing stock." Yes, who's laughing are your high school "kids", at you! So, maybe the poster has a point when stating this.

"Liability couldn't be much for that." Speaking of laughing. Is not the U. S. the TRIALS LAWYER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!? It's laughable to think about who in their right mind would put at risk their family's entire future so they can be sued for contributing to a dangerous condition on a known public thoroughfare when the inevitable "accident" happens?

Don't have "peace". It's not deserved in this case.

I can see an old dad who has given up, plays the game, the future is bleak and someone who would not want to be young again. I respect your wisdom! Thanks for your "PIECE" of advice.

Bravo Pete for writing more posts criticizing fellow posters rather than addressing real destructive issues such as drug usage. Way to show backbone!

Stacey, good spin. Start your own topic. A closed gate and path are the topics. You want to talk drugs in Pleasanton? Start your own topic. Stop the spin. Maybe you will turn a few parents heads. The hearts and minds of parents will engage when staying on topic. Backbone? Hey, what else is new. Feel better?

Hello Pleasanton Weekly Editors~
Time to put this thread to rest. It's over, it's done. No need for the "Stacey's" and "Shelley's" of this world to have any more say on something that has been resolved. Wreaking havoc seems to be their fun and I agree that it is just destructive. Either be a part of the solution, or keep your nose out of it.

Pete,

From another poster: "The PPD wants the gate closed to improve safety from cars and deter entrance into the stadium especially at night (instances of drug use)." A closed gate due to drug usage in the stadium _is_ the topic. Welcome to the no-spin zone.

Gatetree resident,
You forgot to add "The Petes of this world" who would like you to foot the bill and liability for the path. You won't have the "Staceys and Shelleys" of this world to blame for the destruction to your finances when you get sued.

Chris,

Thank you for the status.

I am pleased the fence remains.

I am also pleased the fire access road will be improved for not only the benefit of the student's walking, but for fire safety as well. Smoking behind the shack and the lovely metal storage containers is far too common, and last time I checked, the immediate neighbor's fences were wood...

What are you talking about, Stacey? Get your facts straight before you go spouting off. I will not pay a penny for the path. I say keep the gate open! I do think it is a shame that in this time of fiscal crisis with the school district, they are putting out $16,000 to appease a few neighbors who don't want cars parking in front of their homes, nor will they accept "permit only" signs. I never wanted the gate closed in the first place and personally think the whole issue has been overblown by a few "entitled" residents.
And secondly, the gate issue is one of traffic for the residents, nothing has ever been mentioned at any of the meetings (which i have been to- have you?) about drug use. How dare you generalize that all teenagers are doing drugs. That is a disservice to our kids who are not and a real put-down. Your posts are rarely of any help to the community.

Gatetree resident,

I believe you need to review what other posters wrote above before getting angry at me and asking what I'm talking about. It doesn't sound like "a few neighbors" wanted the gate closed. Secondly, I never said "all teenagers". I'm surprised you're not directing your anger at the fact that right over your property line some teens are back there using drugs. Instead you'd rather attack me, like Pete has done, for suggesting that that is a problem? It seems to me like the greater disservice to the community and to these teens is being committed here by those in denial of this problem who attack those voicing the issue on this thread.

Pete wrote: "The meeting was heavily favored, to put in path. Participants were mostly from Gatetree area...Do the school district a favor, the neighborhood and surrouding area who ultilize path, build it yourselves. Liability couldn't be much for that. Take money saved, place toward deficit(school district), now you have a neighborhood partnership to assist education."

Concerned resident wrote: "The PPD wants the gate closed to improve safety from cars and deter entrance into the stadium especially at night (instances of drug use)."

This issue has been resolved and it's time to move on. Thanks for posting all your comments. Jeb Bing, Editor