HomeMy WebLinkAboutExtended Open Space Public Comment, Holton
From:Cindy Holton <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Support for Hiking After Dark
Honorable Council Members:
This is to express support for allowing night time hiking on Cerro San Luis Mountain.
Some friends and I have been hiking the Cerro San Luis trails on Thursdays as an after-work, end-of-week ritual
for many years. We are all middle-aged+, responsible people. Prior to the decision to enforce on no hiking
after dark, we began as close as possible to 5pm at the end of our work days, and came right back down,
usually off the mountain by 7:10-7:15pm. In late 2015, we were disappointed to receive a citation one
evening – at a stinging $561 fine - at that time unaware of the recent decision to enforce on the ordinance
that was in place against this. We were taken back at the lack of recourse, i.e., that a warning couldn’t have
been issued, as well as that there was no visible signage to warn against hiking after dark. It was a most
unfriendly reception after our normally enjoyable Thursday hike, on trails that we love and enjoy with all
appropriate respect to the wildlife and habitat. Over the years, we observed many other individuals exercising
the same 'ritual', respectfully enjoying the trails.
I sincerely hope that the council considers revisiting the ordinance to:
1) restructure the hours of allowable hiking to be more reasonable for average working individuals who just
may end up still on the trail after dark (as we did) during certain months; if enforcement continues, I suggest it
2) include a clause allowing for the issuance of a warning for first-time offenders, and
3) adjust the fine to something that makes more sense and fits the crime. Some speeding citations (which
potentially kill people) carry a fine of less than $561.
The main emphasis here is my hope that you allow the public use of the trails after dark. It's a beautiful
experience, and most of the individuals on the trails are simply getting exercise and enjoying the privilege of
living in this lovely county.
Thank you for your consideration,
Cindy Holton
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