I love how there was no rationale provided for moving the ceremonies from a location that did not impact local residents to one that does.

I openly invite Jeb Bing or anyone from the staff at Pleasanton Weekly to do a report on this event and other items that continue to have significant impact on nearby residents from my home's location.

You are welcome to HEAR the ceremony from either inside my air conditioned home with all windows closed, or from my backyard. I promise to keep anyone from the Pleasanton Weekly Staff WELL hydrated. At least by doing so we can reduce Myla Grasso's concerns in this area.

Feel free to contact me at gatetreecircle@yahoo.com

One other thought -- I'd encourage any residents on Gatetree with multiple vehicles to utlize street parking on June 13th. And don't hesitate one second to call the Pleasanton Police Department if your driveway is blocked.

Here we go again..... Buy a house next to a school and then imply your quality of life is impacted because the school has activities that every other school has???? I'll bet the poster above moved to Gatetree Circle _specifically_ because of its proximity and convienient location to the school and has likely even raised kids who have gone to the school. Now that they are done, they want the school to stop having the same activities thier own kids enjoyed????

You very likely not only were aware that the school athletic facility was in or near your backyard, but based on what timeframe you purchased (in our currently litigious era), probably were even asked to sign an acknowledgment that you were living next to a school and these types of activities were going to take place?

You have an option.... MOVE

Dear NIMBY - I have lived on Gatetree Circle for well over 10 years and have NO children. At the time I purchased my home, the use of the sports field was MUCH less intrusive. I spent a lot of time ON the property before EVER making an offer and bought knowing I'd be dealing with Football Game noise, two "quad" dances a year, and normal school day activity.

I had never envisioned Lacrosse being added, an Amador Booster Club who fundraises to cover costs of items that do not directly impact sportsmanship, safety, or field improvements, and now graduation events. I have never been awakened at 7:45AM on a SUNDAY to the sound of shovels hitting a cement wall so that the burmuda grass chopped off and cleaned up and the fields lookin' spiffy for graduation.

Last Friday had an event on the field that then rolled into the EOY Quad Dance for all students. This Friday we will now be dealing with an 8PM graduation event and another dance. This is now TWO Friday evenings I will be unable to enjoy my property to it's fullest. This is becoming the norm -- not the exception it was when I purchased.

One has to question if you are the same parent that walked up to the Gatetree Resident with small children during meetings over the walkway and and got in their face with the comment of, "Why Don't You Just MOVE If You Don't Like It." If so, I hope you're enjoying the lovely English Tea Garden you have in the front of your home -- as well as being able to use your backyard this weekend for your child's graduation event.

Congratulations Graduates! VIVA!

FELICIDADES! HOORAY!

GOOD LUCK!

Absolutely!

Congratulations 2008 Graduates of both Amador AND Foothill! Getting to this point took a great deal of work and dedication!

Best of luck to all of you in your future endeavors.

No rationale provided?

"Having it at the schools enables students to give out more tickets," Grasso said. "There is guaranteed seating for [ticket holders] and also standing room in a different area."

Students are now allowed to have their entire immediate family attend, this was not the case for ceremonies at the fairgrounds.

Congratulations graduates.

Jack -- You have GOT to be kidding me.

When have tickets ever been collected at a Graduation, let alone even checked.

You got me laughing big tome on that one!

Amy person who buys a house on Gatetree Circle that has no kids would seem to lack common sense? You are living directly behind a high school.....

Complaining about school noise of any kind is kind of like moving onto a golf course then complaining about lawn mower noise and golf balls in your yard?

I agree with NIMBY if it is _that_ bad you do have the choice to move do you not? Sounds like the issues run deeper than many might realize in this little sanctuary????

HaHaHa,

Complain about Lacrosse? I happen to know a several Gatetree Circle kids that play currently or have played Lacrosse at Amador. The program seems to grow every year and more and more kids are playing. Amador made NCS this year and won its first playoff game ever before a great supportive home crowd! I personally am thrilled to have great Lacrosse played in our town!!!

I can attempt to provide the "rational" mentioned by the first poster for having Graduation at the school.

1. It had outgrown the Fairgrounds and the complaints to the school were plentiful with familys only allowed 5 guest per. There has definately been overflow for several years now as an additional room has been needed to accomidate extra folks in an adjacent building with a video feed of the festivities.

2. Having Graduation at the School were the kids attended for 4 years is a time honored tradition in many communities. Combine this with the ability to open up attendance for more folks and it make perfect sense.

3. It is scheduled at a time when typical high heat conditions that have limited older folks attendance for fear of heat stoke are somewhat mitigated as the sun will be near sunset at the scheduled beginning of the event.

I could add a few more, but I think any reasonable person will "get my drift".

It boggles my mind how a few selfish people are willing to attempt to complain about a graduation and most of the kids will cherish for the rest of thier lives?

I propose a referendum on the next ballot prohibiting athletic activities at any high school in Pleasanton ;-)

Rational? -- Graduation is the smallest of the various issues this neighborhood has faced pertaining to it's neighbor. This is simply one of a host of things whereby each one builds upon the other.

I honestly hope the Graduates have a wonderful evening. I also graduated from a High School whereby the ceremony was held at the campus. I completely endorse that activity, but I do wonder if the immediate residents would have been formally notifed of the event had the "sound system issue" not surfaced first.

What I fail to endorse or understand, is the lastest upgrade to a sound system that was significantly modified just 3 years earlier. An upgrade done without any concern, or notification to the immediate neighbors. An upgrade that causes one to wonder just how much "freedom" the Amador Boosters have been given by Bill Coupe and the District itself. One whereby no "benchmark" decibel meter readings were done to ensure the new system did not infringe on residents any more than that which was previously installed.

Thus my invitation to the Pleasanton Weekly. Coverage from both sides of the fence might be in order on this issue. I'll make sure everyone who attends the festivities from my perspective are kept well fed and watered.

Whomever the Gatetree Resident is that continues to expect sympathy/empathy is missing the point. The School is an excellent neighbor. In fact, hearing what they have done "voluntarily" (because I don't believe they have to get approval from the neighborhood by law), goes far beyond what they are required to do.

As far as your comment regarding the "boosters freedom", I can tell you as someone who has been directly involved that the boosters do _nothing_ without the schools approval and support.

If you really understood what the "upgrade" to the sound system was about, you would realize it is really about the ability to have better quality, with lower sound output, so in fact it was/is in the interest of being a "good neighbor". The upgraded system is actually being used at lower volume levels than the old system????

It sounds like you are trying to spread inacurate information?

Please don't let "Another Gatetree Resident" give the whole neighborhood a bad name. I live here and I love the sound of the games, the dances, the rallies and I welcome visitors to come park in front of my house. I love living on a street with such easy access to the school and have probably attended twice as many football games as I would have had I not been lured by the sound of the crowd cheering and the quick walk back to see what was going on. I can definitely understand how some older folks with no children see this as a nuisance, but still have a hard time understanding why this particular person (with no children) chose to move here at all. It's like moving near train tracks and complaining that they made the horns louder than when you first moved in. A bit ridiculous.
Anyhow, just wanted to say that this guy does not represent the whole neighborhood.
Go Dons!

Hey Happy Gatetree Resident!

First, I'm not someone who can be classifed as "older folks with no children." And I'm not opposed to the games. I've clearly articulated my concern and that which generates significant frustration for me.

Let me guess -- you live on the side AWAY from Amador -- perhaps somewhere near Kay Ayala? Roy Dronkers? If so, you fail to realize just how much your neighbors on the other side of the circle buffer you from experiencing.

You have an e-mail address through which you can communicate with me directly. Feel free to identify yourself clearly by using it and come spend a little time at my home the night of graduation. Experience the sound concern from those of us who are more immediately impacted.

Perplexed -- Regarding the "boosters freedom" -- saying the "boosters do _nothing_ without the schools approval and support" is implying a fairly incestuous relationship exists.

I would love to understand the full extent of the "upgrade" to the sound system, yet everyone seems reluctant OR unable to share! However, Ben Fobert has stated on more than one occasion the goal was to achieve better quality. While the volume use today may be lower than the old system, newer technology drives a different output. And let's not fail to inform folks an ADDITIONAL SPEAKER was also added. You appear to insist on comparing apples to oranges and are sharing only a portion of the story.

The only way to ensure the system is being operated at comparable levels would have involved taking a decibel meter reading prior to any changes having been made as a benchmark. No one thought to do that, so we are now where we are today as a result of lack of planning and foresight.

Again, I do not begrudge the children their athetics or their graduation. However -- I know that many resident's found 2 years to resolve the walkway issue unreasonable and no one wants that history to repeat itself.

And for what it's worth, Bill Coupe (for all the school's involvment) has not returned one single homeowners call. In addition, I know of several homeowners who have called Ben Fobert and recieved ZERO response. No one would have known he was on Gatetree taking decible meter readings with a meter loaned from the Pleasanton PD had one homeowner not been home Thursday afternoon. All of this points to failed communication with everyone BUT the Amador Booster. Again, the word incestuous comes to mind.

Such close couplings should be concerning for all involved.

Close "couplings"? I simply said the boosters have no authority to change something that concerns school property etc... without approval/consent of the school. Not quite sure what you are trying to "imply"?

You are obviously on a witch hunt.

You chose to live in close proximity to a high school correct? Stop acting like a victim.

We had a neighbor in our area at one time that tried to tell everyone that the curb in front of hid house was his private property and no other neighbor could park there. He also followed a delivery truck for leaving tire marks on his drivway and demanded the company wash his driveway. Moral of the story is there are unreasonable people wherever you go.

Perplexed -- Trust me -- I am FAR from a victim. Nor to I hunt witches.

I notice the specifics in my responding post that clarified to your misinformation were disregarded completely. So be it. Bantering this around on a message board, and on one whereby the "Editor" chooses to disregard there are two sides to this issue is pointless.

Yes, both Editor and the article's author have declined to report both aspects on Graduation night. Most interesting...

It is difficult to be rational with an irrational person.

Another Gatetree Resident,

It is time for you to Move!!!
We are tired of your selfish rants. You moved next to a school don't waste the time of our administrators with your unreasonable demands.

I'm a student at Amador, and I can't believe how much adults are complaining. Don't you remember your graduation?
The move to Amador makes perfect sense. Only being allowed five tickets was insane. That's hardly enough for the grandparents and immediate family that want to share in this joyous occasion. To me, parking should be considered second to allowing more people to be able to view the ceremony. Sitting in a room and watching it on TV? That is no way to view the ceremony. I'm glad Amador made the move to have it on the football field. It was so amazing sitting under the stadium lights and being surrounded my friends and family. There was even extra room in the bleachers which shows how Amador will be able to house more and more people each year, as the classes get larger.
Amador took steps to keep the traffic and parking problems to a minimum. They had the sign on Santa Rita telling people passing by to keep in mind the traffic on Friday night. They had all the students park in designated places, such as on the basketball courts and on the softball fields. They told everyone to carpool- over and over again. They tried to make sure there was enough room for everyone.
I'm sorry that certain people are upset over the move to the football field because of the parking issues. However, it's graduation. It happens once a year. It's supposed to be a happy occasion. Listening to people grumble about the parking does not put our community in a good light. Thanks for the warm wishes, I'm glad Pleasanton has such caring people.

Go Class of 08!

I don't think the problem Another Gatetree Resident was having is with parking, but the new PA sound system, which I understand from people's past posts here, is quite loud.

I was mildly surprised today to receive a report from guests staying with us in our front room (that faces in the general direction towards Amador) that they were able to hear names being called "all night" and wondered what was going on. They didn't know there was a graduation ceremony going on.

Consider that I live quite a distance from Amador yet my guests were able to tell that names were being spoken.

I need to add that normally we don't hear much from Amador when there is a game going on or other event. A more common source of noise for us is the low din of cheers accompanying games at the Sports Park. But last night, the volume was considerable enough that my guests wondered if something was going on at a house across the street.

I live adjacent to Foothill High and although we didn't attend the event we did find the sight of the young people in their cap and gown delightful as they were waiting to make their grand entrance. They were a happy, well behaved group. We could hear the music and the names as they were called but overall the noise was no problem. The loudest noise(cheering and air horns)came when it was announced "You Have Graduated". The people that parked on our court were courteous and no driveways were blocked although there was one dufus that thought he could park on the grass in the middle of Oakhill Park. Didn't take long for PPD motorcycles to make an appearance and start writing.

Hey, it only happens for a few hours once a year. Why not tolerate it and wish the young men and women "Good Luck". They've earned it..........

Stacey -- Thank you for finally "getting it." The issue was not -- nor will it ever be -- Graduation. You hit the nail on the head relative to the PA system being the source of various resident's frustrations.

For those who think moving is the solution -- I hope you don't live on Gatetree. Think about what a line of For Sale signs will do to YOUR property value. And for those who want to move badly enough, think about what someone who has a fair amount of equity in their home can do to YOUR property values if they choose to sell WELL below market simply because "they can."

Following the documented "Good Neighbor" policy is all anyone is asking for. As a reminder:

Web Link

Of note -- Item #4. The LATEST sound system/PA upgrade was NOT discussed. It was just "done." I believe a change of that type would fall under "site improvements" that clearly have impacted neighbors.

Jerry -- Graduation was not the issue, but let me remind you that Foothill's Football field (where I assume graduation was held) is in the CENTER of campus and not immediately adjacent to homes.

I again state if the "Good Neighbor" policy was truly embraced, this would have never been a topic if conversation -- let alone discord.

Oh please you have been complaining about everything. The pathway that had been used by 30 years worth of students has been closed because of ultimate unreasonable NIMBY!

Move!

Another Gatetree Resident,

You are obviously on an island with your outrageous opinion all to yourself. Why torture yourself. The school was there first!

Congrats to the Graduates, Can't wait for Football season!!!!!!!!

"Move" -- I was not party to the walkway issue, but I understood the concerns of those who voiced them.

"All Other Gatetree" -- All Other? Doubtful given I am not alone in my concern on this particular issue.

I too congratulate the Class of 2008 from Amador! Happy Futures to you all!

-"Move" -- I was not party to the walkway issue, but I understood the concerns of those who voiced them.
Posted by Another Gatetree Resident, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, 1 hour ago -

What a LIE! see below.

"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.
Posted by Another Gatetree Resident, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jan 14, 2008 at 6:04 am"


crazy.

"not worried about my property value" -- FYI --Posting an opinion and calling the police on speeders in a residential area is very different from attending meetings etc.

I did not lie. I was not involved in that issue other than to lend support. I attended NO meetings on the subject, nor was I approached by any other resident. HOWEVER, I did understand how the residents VERY close to the walkway felt.

As for moving -- Gee -- could comments like that be misconstrued as a "hate crime?" I thought P-town was "better" than that.

Another Gatetree resident continues to post as a sole opinion of all that is right for Gatetree Circle, but seems to be the only one on Gatetree with that opinion. This person mentioned previously that they have been on Gatetree for 10 years and have no kids.

I have been in Pleasanton for 25 years and love the progress overall that has been made in or city. If you apply the 80/20 or in this case 95/5 rule, 95 percent of everything going on is for the good, but the 5 is getting all of the attention.

The only thing really wrong in Pleasanton are the people who come to join in a great community, then want to change the rules for everyone else.

I saw a football hat last season sold at AV football games that said Amador Football "Since 1928" THATS 80 years! Another Gatetree resident has been here for 10. No hate intended, simply what is best for the majority, not a NIMBY newcomer.

"Hate crime"???

So you are the ultimate NIMBY and a whiner!

Just a suggestion...move!

Foothill's football field, where graduation was held, is not in the center of the campus. It is directly adjacent to many homes on the east and south side.

The field is a multi-purpose field where many sports are played and, if I'm not mistaken, the band also uses the field for practice.

You are correct Jerry, in fact it is identical to Amador with homes behind the visitor side of the field _with_ walk through access still from the adjacent neighborhood I might add.

Nice try Another Gatetree resident, but they have _exactly_ the same setup as Amador except the Sun is in the eyes of the visitors instead of the home stands ;-)

Quit complaining, you are not a voice of reason.

Excuse my misconception regarding Foothill. I've NEVER been on the campus and was simply repeating what another neighbor had told me regarding it's configuration.

As for going forward -- the school year is over. The volume from the sound system for Graduation was greatly reduced. Some stated they could barely hear it in their homes -- with windows closed. That represents a VAST improvement.

Hopefully whatever changes were made are not forgotten come the start of the school year.

I live in the Mohr Park neighborhood, and I can hear the PA system from Amador. I understand the point of view of people who write 'you live near a school, so you have to suffer the consequences' but I don't understand insulting the person, calling them selfish, etc.
I see this often on this site. Someone writes about being awakened by train noise, or street cleaners, etc. and people respond with insulting, disrespectful language. Basically they attack the person. I don't think they realize how aggressive and awful they come across in their posts.
The Gatetree person in question never stoops that low in his/her posts. He made a mistake buying so close to a high school, but your mistakes of condemning his/her character and aggressively insulting him/her is far worse.

Julia;

Thank you for your comments. I don't find buying on this circle a mistake. I still love my home and am completely enjoying the summer months. What I find unfortunate is that no one can understand the PA system and it's use has changed significantly over the years with little consideration for those who live nearby. Boosters Rule -- for now.

On a side note -- I had to drop something off to a friend who was attending a swim meet at Foothill last Saturday. While the Foothill Football Field is at the back of the school, the configuration is by no means identical. And one has to love the psychotic parking lot at that school. So much for planning...

As a close neighbor, and one concerned about the education of our students, it disturbs me to see the posts on this site. I know the amount of time it takes for the administrators at a school to actually run a school and make it an institution that gives a world class education for our students. The neighbors who are annoyed by the increased noise produced from the school will never change their minds, and will always fight to make sure that their neighborhood is quiet. These neighbors will continue to escalate their concerns to the highest authorities and attempt to assert pressure on the administration of the school and district until they get their way. It is too bad that the residents near the school cannot realize that their constant complaining wastes untold hours of work for administrators who should be focusing on curriculum and instruction, and making sure that the school continues to graduate percentages of students way above the national and state average, and send them off to renouned institutions of higher education the world over. Yes, the noise has increased...Yes, the number of activities has increased...If it is a horrible thing that our community has increased opportunities for students and spectators that keep our kids from so many of the social ills that have befallen many of our neighboring communities, then I say...keep going. The school has grown over the last decade to over 2500 students, and with that includes retooling of the facilities, including the sound system. While close neighbors of the school who complain about these problems probably won't even attempt to think about the impact their minority opinion makes, I encourage them to rethink anyway. I'm not trying to be mean about this, but you DID know that there was a school there when you bought in the neighborhood. You probably even bought it at a lower price than the rest of the residents in Pleasanton due to its proximity to the school. School officials are not blatantly attempting to ruin you and annoy you. They don't go out to the field and turn on the speakers for just anythying...they are for school approved events. Yes there have been more events as the years have progressed...good, that means we are supporting the young people of our community...way to go PUSD and City of Pleasanton! Let's let put this issue to rest so that the administrators of the school and district can stop wasting time and taxpayer money trying to resolve the ridiculous concerns of the few,and focus on making the organizations even better. I'm not saying "sell your house," but I am saying, when you hear the speakers turn on for a school event, think to yourself..."I'm so glad I live in a community that wants to give the BEST to its young people." Its all in your attitude. Many of us don't like vegetables, or they can't stand taking vitamins or medecine, but the effects of us eating them, or taking them are positive. I know its hard to understand, but those speakers (and the walkway for that matter...a whole other subject) contribute to an even more positive atmosphere at that school. Without the school and its educating our students in the way that they do, this community would not be what it is. Think of it that way (even though you probably won't think about it at all)

A close neighbor,

I think you're missing the point. What does an over-loud PA system have anything to do with the business of providing quality education?

PS. I can hear that PA system and I'm NOT NEAR the school!

I live as far away from the tracks as is possible and still live in Pleasanton, but I can still hear the trains. In fact I have heard the trains in every neighborhood I have lived in in Pleasanton. I can also hear the landing gear from plains making their approach to Oakland International. In one neighborhood we heard the school bells and in every neighborhood we hear barking dogs. The only noise that I found bothersome was living near the freeway, so we moved. Should I have stomped my feet and demanded someone fix it instead?

Stacey, I think you miss the point. The activities at the schools serve the greater community. If you live near a school love it or leave it, don't waste the administrators time.

If you live near the tracks, see above, don't waste our tax dollars on studies.

I live as far away from the tracks as is possible and still live in Pleasanton, but I can still hear the trains. In fact I have heard the trains in every neighborhood I have lived in in Pleasanton. I can also hear the landing gear from planes making their approach to Oakland International. In one neighborhood we heard the school bells and in every neighborhood we hear barking dogs. The only noise that I found bothersome was living near the freeway, so we moved. Should I have stomped my feet and demanded someone fix it instead?

Stacey, I think you miss the point. The activities at the schools serve the greater community. If you live near a school love it or leave it, don't waste the administrators time.

If you live near the tracks, see above, don't waste our tax dollars on studies.

Dear "A Close Neighbor" -- All of your points are extremely valid. All well taken. One point is missing however, and that is:

The sound system upgrade funded by the Amador Boosters and allowed to be installed at Amador High by the PUSD did not comply with their OWN Good Neighbor Policy. Yes, I did know about the school, and no -- I did not pay a lower price for my home -- and frankly the school proximity was not elevated to the same level of concern as it is today.

I'm going to be frank here -- with no intention of being mean. If you REALLY believe the "constant complaining wastes untold hours of work for administrators who should be focusing on curriculum and instruction" is the only "waste" happening in the District then the rose colored glasses you have perched upon your nose are working well and overtime.

The summer has been joyful. One can only hope some of the headway made at year's end will stick for the new school year. If no, then yes -- to quote you again, "eighbors who are annoyed by the increased noise produced from the school will never change their minds, and will always fight." But the fight is based upon the District's own Good Neighbor Policy and ensuring the words they wrote are actually words they live by.

--------------

Joyful Noise;

Stacey missed no point. She is right on the mark with the concern. The activities are not the concern of 99.9% of the residents. It's the new sound system that blasts at volumes and clarity levels that far exceed the previous system. If the "Administrators" spent "tax dollars" writing their Good Neighbor Policy, one would expect it to be followed. Otherwise it can only be considered throwing good money after bad.

And FYI -- I too used to listen to lovely 680 traffic. That was noise one lived with 24x7. That is NOT the case for those residents backing up to the sports fields at Amador. Why are you trying to compare apples to oranges?

And another interesting point that never comes up -- when do the kids out on the sports fields until 9:30 or 10:00 PM EVER do their homework? Isn't that really the basis for "focusing on curriculum and instruction?"

"and the walkway for that matter...a whole other subject)

Posted by A close neighbor, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:01 am "

What is the story behind "the walkway"?

Curious -- Some of the information regarding the walkway concerns can be found via this Web Link .

I knew the comments that followed my found some other angle to take in reasserting their point of view. Gatetree Circle folks who complain, will always do so, and will waste time. I didn't expect anything else, just wanted to state my opinions. The fact is that there are new speakers that enhance the social aspects of all of the activities of the school that occur there. The speakers are great, and sound AWESOME when they are on, even at the low levels that they are currently being set. What a statement Anther Gatetree Resident:

"when do the kids out on the sports fields until 9:30 or 10:00 PM EVER do their homework? Isn't that really the basis for "focusing on curriculum and instruction?"

They obviously get it done as Amador continues to graduate some of the most qualified high school graduates in the state at a rate that is FAR above state and national standards.

The social aspects of the activities taking place in the school ARE part of a rich, and well rounded public high school curriculum. I'm proud of the Amador Boosters, the Amador Administration, the Amador teachers and the Amador students and the work they do to make our neighboorhood and city great. I hope to contiune helping the students, staff and community in the years to come as my kids go through the ranks in this community.

Stop complaining, and become part of the community that makes Amador a school of champions!

Instead of having to read the huge weblink regarding the gate...let me give you a quick rundown of the gate issue:

A gate USED to exist where students could enter from a pedestrian access path from Gatetree Circle, and walk across the athletic fields to get on campus. It cuts walking time for any students who walk or bike to school from that area of Pleasanton. The Gatetree Circle residents became angry when a small number of students (residents who complain will tell you that it is a HUGE number, but its not true) were parking (legally might I add) on "their" street. Those who complain decided that closing the gate and forcing students to walk down the fire road to the student parking lot would be a good "compromise" and would serve to stop students from parking on "their" street. When that didn't work (students were jumping the fence because they thought the closure was stupid...I agree) complaining residents called the school again and wasted the school's time yet again by having an administrator posted there in the morning and afternoon to stop students from jumping.
Hence, a pathway that has been avaliable to students for as long as I can remember was closed. Residents claim that students were "blocking their view," and could not believe the audacity of students parking LEGALLY on "their" street.
That's it in a nutshell.
What will the complainers waste time on next? Too many football games on the football field. Maybe the lights are too bright, and the school should be forced to turn them off at a certain time regardless of whether the game is over or not. Or maybe we should ban the marching band from practicing there. After all, they are not a sports team, and they make LOTS of noise. It's not like they are a nationally (and internationally) recognized award winning group. (oh wait...yes they are).
I know, lets just ban anything that bothers even one neighbor. That way the school and district can be "in compliance with their good neighbor policy". I'll tell you the reason that policy is in place...the complainers got together and put together the rules FOR THE SCHOOL, and district rolled over and accepted the terms, because if they didn't, the neighbors would have caused a stink.
Let's turn the good neighbor policy around. How about the school's neighbors start being good neighbors, and quit complaining. Nobody likes a neighbor who has nothing good to say. Suck it up...the field is not used every night, when it is used the speakers are rarely used past 10pm (almost never), and if you want somewhere to live where people never park near your house, never walk by your house, and it is completely quiet...try Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota.

Cheers!

*************Congratulations 2008**********
___________________________________________________

Closing the path that served the community for generations of Kids was wrong and selfish!!!!!!!

I agree with Close Neighbor!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Let's turn the good neighbor policy around. How about the school's neighbors start being good neighbors, and quit complaining. Nobody likes a neighbor who has nothing good to say."

"If you want somewhere to live where people never park near your house, never walk by your house, and it is completely quiet...try Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota."

Complaining neighbors should MOVE!!!!!!!!
______________________________________________

**********Congratulations 2008*************

I agree that closing the gate was wrong and selfish of those few who complained. Have you seen the compromise path around the fire road? The district had to pay $16000+ and what is there is a narrow rock path, wide enough for maybe one person, against the outer perimeter of the fire road and it hugs the business fence line so there are many spots where shrubbery is actually blocking it. No kid is going to use it. If those few Gatetree neighbors didn't complain all this could have been avoided. Why is the school listening to these few?

First, let's be clear -- neighbors OTHER THAN those involved in the "walkway" issue are concerned about the new sound system. While some of them were aware of the walkway concerns, like myself, they attended no meetings on the subject. So stop trying to make two completely different issues one-in-the-same.

Second, there is no objection to sporting events. There is no objection to school activities. The concern is the VOLUME at which those events are now broadcast and whether "others" will also avail themselves of the new sound system. I know measures have been taken to mitigate this by Ben Fobert and Lou Cesario. We'll just have to see how long their measures remain in place. We'll also have to see whether the headway made toward setting sound volume sticks when the 2008-2009 school year starts.

Something to look forward to!