March 27, 2008

ValleyViewpoints

Responding to the “Alves cares for land” letter

Editor,
As neighboring communities of Mr. Alves and (Rodney and Marci) Lake Trust’s property, we agree with the point the “anonymous writer” of last week’s letter to the editor, that indeed this is “Valley of the Heart’s Delight.” If Mr. Alves and (Rodney and Marci) Lake Trust eventually want to build his (their) dream home on this land (as claimed and advertised) we are certain that the city would accommodate them with the appropriate permits and the right channels to make this “dream” come true.

What remains, is whether the owners are willing to go through the normal processes imposed on such a fragile and eco-sensitive land, by first allowing the officials to have a look at the property to evaluate what damage has been done to the land and Los Alamitos Creek that runs through the property.

It is indeed “sad” that instead of welcoming a neighbor to the community, the surrounding communities are forced to engage in watchful monitoring of the actions of Mr. Alves and (Rodney and Marci) Lake Trust and their crew, only to report violations to the authorities on a constant basis. Therefore, the idea that “Mr. Alves is a neighbor that cares about the land and will preserve the valley land as it should be,” can only be evaluated through owners’ willingness to abide by the regulations that govern the use and activity on the land, and, at minimum, allow the appropriate officials entry to the property to inspect and verify compliance. Instead, the current owners have chosen the path of relentlessly, systematically and covertly altering this fragile land.

We have watched the property mature naturally for over 22 years to an enclave in the Almaden Valley that is not just a bird sanctuary, but also home to a variety of animals such as wild turkey, quail, deer, bobcat, coyote and skunk to name a few, only to see it torn down to a struggling habitat by the new owners. When a neighboring community finds native bird chicks on asphalt abandoned by their parents, and when quail that flocked the neighborhing community every morning disappears, it is alarming! This eco-sensitive area must be protected by the appropriate Riparian Zone, and the FEMA flood zone criteria.

We have watched as Mr. Alves and his incognito crew relentlessly bulldoze, plow and cut down hundreds of native plants in the name of “fixing up the property.” We have witnessed Mr. Alves and his workers destroy the habitat in the name of “Alves Cares for Land.” To say the least, we are shocked to see the land change so dramatically with what appears to be little or no regard for the resident animals and ecosystem of Alimitos Creek.

According to the city of San Jose, there must not be any movement of earth anywhere on this property, yet many residents have witnessed Mr. Alves' operatives not only move earth on this property, but apparently bring truckloads in to systematically alter the property.

Being a good neighbor usually means respecting your surrounding neighbors and habitat. Unfortunately, Mr. Alves doesn’t seem to be interested in being respectful of either one, as indicated by the constant barking of his dogs, day after day, and night after night, or the relentless bulldozing and movement of dirt, and destruction of habitat to say the least.

Since the ownership has changed on this property, we have witnessed guns fired on the property late at night and police helicopters flying over the property at 2:30 a.m. The anonymous writer is correct to say that the neighboring communities are apprehensive, indeed, the land has been systematically altered and habitat destroyed and the serenity vanished after Mr. Alves and (Rodney and Marci) Lake Trust took over this property. Isn’t it time to open up this property to authorities for a comprehensive inspection so we can all get along in a tranquil environment?

The neighboring community in Almaden

An open letter to Tony…

Editor,
This letter is directed to Tony, a local teenager from our neighborhood, who went door-to-door along Almaden Road on Saturday, March 22. He was delivering a very apologetic letter in regard to his recent speeding and reckless driving on our street. I wanted to let him know how much we appreciated his efforts and that our hope is that he sets a new example for the multitudes of others who continue their obnoxious driving habits down our street.

My husband and I bought our home on Almaden Road in 1991, the section that is bordered by Timbercrest and Mt. Holly Drives. Since that time, we have fought without success to have those who live in the area recognize their speed and slow down. On multiple occasions, we have yelled at drivers to slow down, only to have them flip us off or hit the accelerator to prove they didn't care for our request.

We have been passed by people who felt we were traveling too slow in the neighborhood, honked at by others who felt that 25 mph was not fast enough and have realized that our daughters will never be allowed to ride their bikes down the street. During the morning and evening commute hours, and all weekend, you can easily mistake our stretch of roadway for a quarter-mile time trial at the local racetrack. There are only 12 houses on our street but we all value our children, our homes and our sense of community, while wishing for some level of safety when we are outside.

After reading Tony's letter, I wished I knew where he lived so that I could send him a proper thank-you in person. I would let him know that his letter was very heartfelt and mature, and that it took a lot of courage to walk through the neighborhood to apologize. I would let him know that we recognized his efforts and that it meant more to us than he might have realized. And finally, I would let his parents know that they are raising a responsible and conscientious young man, that they should be very proud of him as a son, and of their own efforts in raising him so well.

Karen Tarasco
Almaden Valley

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