HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, Vujocich-La Barre
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From: Mila Vujovich-LaBarre [
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 3:22 PM
To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.orp,>; Gomez, Aaron <agomez@slocitv.ore>; Rivoire, Dan <DRivoire@slocity.o>;
Pease, Andy <aoease@slocjty.ore>; Christianson, Carlyn <cchristianson s10 ty.or >; Johnson, Derek
<djohnson slocity.orp
Cc: Lichtig, Katie <klichtig@slocity.org>
Subject: Night Hiking Concerns
To: SLO City Council
Re: Item #17: "An Evaluation of Hours of Use for City of SLO Open Space"
From: Mila Vujovich-La Barre
Date: March 21, 2017
Dear Mayor Harmon and City Council Members -
Although I am aware that a group of interested athletes are proponents of night hiking, I
remain concerned about the damage that a new law would have on our environment and
to our public safety.
Since this topic of great public interest, it is unfortunate to see it placed at the end of
tonight's agenda.
It is my understanding that you will be receiving evidence of an online petition that was
circulated in a short period of time with over 500 signatures on it. Signers of the petition
do not want an ordinance that allows for night hiking.
People are able to walk at all hours in our established neighborhoods. There are also
parks that permit recreation later in the evening hours.
However, our wilderness areas and nature preserves are not user-friendly at night. Night
hiking also has a negative impact on the residents who live in the areas near the
hillsides and hiking trails.
Also, it is my hope that the flora and the fauna be protected. The evening hours are
used by many of the creatures to roam and secure food.
Hiking through a nature preserve at night is also filled with unseen risks. Not only are
some of the trails irregular, they provide perfect places for human predators to hide.
There has been a rise in crime and in personal assaults in San Luis Obispo. The trails
provide a perfect place to mug unsuspecting residents. It also gives criminals a perfect
opportunity to vandalize the unattended vehicles of hikers.
Living in the Bishop Peak neighborhood, I have witnessed more than a dozen emergency
rescues over the last few years. Our emergency services should not be plagued with that
increased responsibility. Also, I can attest to the fact that some night hikers have been
seen hiking up at sunset with mini barbecues in hand. Most often these individuals are
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looking for a memorable dinner at the top of the mountain. However, some young
people do not realize the fire dangers that accompany that idea.
Residential neighborhoods abutting nature preserves do not desire to hear hikers' voices
at night. The residents who purchased property in those locations deserve serenity that
they are accustomed to.
Thank you.
Mila Vujovich-La Barre
San Luis Obispo, CA
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