HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-2016 Public Comment, TrenevCOUNCIL M - - 1NfG: 0*6 1 b 7-0110
ITEM NO.: lt"�
To: Price, Lee
Subject: RE: Hours re: Hiking on Bishop Peak or Madonna Mountain
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From: "V Trenev" < 016
Date: Sat, Aug 13, 2016 at 4:02 PM -0700Subject: Hours re: Hiking on Bishop Peak or Madonna Mountain ����To: "E-mail Council Website"<emailcouncil(c�r..slocity.org>
Dear Honorable City Council Members,
My name is Valerie Trenev and I am a teacher from Santa Maria. Each Thursday evening, my friends and I
meet at the base of Madonna Mountain or Bishop Peak to hike. I have been hiking on those two mountains for
about 25 years. My ex-husband owns a house in San Luis Obispo and contributes to the property tax base in
your community. Many people enjoy using the trails in San Luis Obispo. I consider my hikes there a
wonderful way to see my friends, exercise my dogs and stay in shape. After the hike we enjoy a meal in one of
your fine restaurants. During the spring to early fall hours, we are able to climb the mountain, enjoy the
scenery, enjoy each others' company and return to the bottom safely within about two hours and fifteen
minutes. We start the hike at 5:15 p.m. because we all work during the day. During the late fall, and winter, it
is extremely difficult to get back down to the bottom of the mountain before the deadline put in place last
year. The new rule is to be off of the mountain by one hour after sunset. There is a huge fine if people do not
respect this rule. Generally, we hike on Bishop Peak before the time change and then on Mount San Luis
(Madonna Mountain) after the time change. We really have to hustle down the mountain now, because of this
new rule. It is kind of scary because we don't want to twist an ankle or somehow fall in our rush to get down
the mountain. It is rocky, steep terrain. We are experienced hikers and use headlamps for the part of the hike.
am asking if there can be some sort of permit process or exception to this rule of being off the mountain so
early, perhaps extending it one more hour, so that we can safely descend and meet the deadline. As mentioned
by a friend of mine, who is also giving you input, perhaps there can be an "educational video" trail enthusiasts
can view as part of being qualified to be exempt from the rule.
We understand your concerns with dogs off leash, trash, noisy groups descending late into the night and all. We
want to preserve the mountains as well. We are responsible professionals and share the same concerns for the
mountain and neighborhood that you do. I always have my dogs on -leash, pick up the dog waste, carry it out,
and are respectful of the neighbors wherever I hike. If you can perhaps some how establish a way for us to
safely continue our hikes during the winter, we would greatly appreciate it.
I would also like to say thank you for the installation of the trash can (for dog waste) at the bottom of Bishop
Peak on Patricia Drive. This has really helped to keep dog waste off the hill and I appreciate the convenience of
being able to dispose of the dog waste there on site. Perhaps one could be established at the base of Mount San
Luis Madonna Mountain) as well. I would like to ask also, if some more lights could be installed at the base of
Mount San Luis (Madonna Mountain) to help prevent vehicle break-ins. My friend had a rock thrown through
the window of her vehicle parked there, about a year ago. Parking under the lights can help prevent this and it
is safer to have more illumination in parking areas. In conclusion, thank you for your leadership. I appreciate
the opportunity to give you input.
Very sincerely yours,
Valerie Trenev
4623 Marlene Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 266-2340
(805) 266-2340