HomeMy WebLinkAboutExtended Open Space Public Comment, Horowitz
Christian, Kevin
From:kristinallout@gmail.com on behalf of Kristin Horowitz <
Sent:Wednesday, October 18, 2017 2:39 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Night access to open space? YES PLEASE.
Members of Council and Mayor Harmon,
I have tried every time this has come on the docket to be there in person, even if it meant severely impacting my life
(thanks to having infant twins to care for and two businesses to run). This is an issue that is important to me
personally and also because I feel I represent a large swatch of individuals who both live in the area and come here
to recreate in its fantastic open space.
I am currently Executive Director of SLO Op Climbing (and CEO of The Pad Climbing, we are changing structures)
as well as owner of All Out Events. My membership and client base makes use of your open space for hiking,
running, mountain biking, and climbing. They are devoted individuals of the highest caliber - we've been a
successful pilot program for 24/7 unstaffed access to indoor bouldering because of this. We have a membership
base that currently exceeds 1000 area residents, and for the good and bad, I am sure that our activity has boosted
use of open space by encouraging more college students, young professionals, and families to enjoy our green
spaces.
My event business mailing list is over 16,000 past event participants on it, and we've been fortunate to utilize many
city resources over the years to expose event goers to the area and its well managed properties. We are proud of
our track record with all of the management agencies that our use has only positively affected the city and its
constituents despite increased use at times, thanks to our investment in impact mitigation and restoration.
As someone who has a strong interest in preserving the integrity of the open spaces in this community, as well as a
strong belief in the majority of people's ability to utilize it responsibly, I urge you to go ahead with the pilot program
for expanded hours on Cerro San Luis, as well as in the future consider expanded winter hours in the Irish Hills
open space as well.
I have personally utilized the open spaces at night since 1998 when I moved here to attend Cal Poly. I have fond
memories of submitting all of the trails, joining my friends for picnics at the top, enjoying the Madonna family's light
displays during holidays, and simply enjoying something I love in a new and respectful way. I am fortunate to have
never worked a job that required me to only enjoy these trails at night during the winter, but I know that limiting use
for those who no option is a poor decision. The people that want access are responsible members of this
community.
I realize that there is a preservationist attitude within a certain demographic of the city, that once access was shut
down, it should always be, out of "respect for the wildlife" and also to mitigate irresponsible use and rescues. I feel
that ultimately these preservationists would prefer no responsible use of the spaces at all - and any limitation they
can get a foothold on is a win.
My friends who perform such rescues (both on SAR and on the various fire departments that respond to such
cases) are supportive of leaving the open spaces open at night because they do not feel that the limited use that
occurs will mitigate that concern. Whether it's legal or not, the people who go unprepared or to use the space
inappropriately will do so. Laws do not always protect people, sometimes they simply limit them.
With regard to the wildlife, I feel you have very strong resources within your city in the forms of the rangers and
biologists. I also believe that the argument that it adversely affects wildlife is silly. First, open space has been
accessible for the 20 years that I've been a resident until recently, so wildlife in these areas is already acclimatized
to the minimal use that occurs. Second, it's been well documented that animals in urban areas adapt readily (here's
1
an article by National Geographic: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160418-animals-urban-cities-
wildlife-science-coyotes/). Our wildlife is abundant and it is a joy to see it.
There is a balance to being a human - a balance of risk and reward and impact on the land vs enjoyment of it. I
know that SLO has a unique challenge to figure out where it lays, but it has a long history of making good choices. I
hope that you consider my points and that your ultimate vote is also a good choice. :)
Thank you Council for your consideration into this matter.
Kristin Horowitz
All Out Events
SLO Op Climbing
The Pad Climbing
--
Right-click or tap and hold here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download
of this picture from the Internet.
All Out Events
Do more fun stuff.
Kristin Tara Horowitz / Event Production Manager
kristin@all-outevents.com / 844.7.ALLOUT x 701
All Out Events http://www.all-outevents.com
1241 Johnson Ave #128 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (mailing only)
2