Position Paper: Stanford Trails
Posted November 7, 2001 / Updated September 12, 2010

Endorsed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Committee for Green Foothills, Stanford Open Space Alliance, Sierra Club, Acterra, Mid-Peninsula Action for Tomorrow (MPACT), and the Portola Valley Planning Commission (C1).

• Background
• Potential for Bay-to-Ridge Trail Connections
• Problems with Stanford's Proposed Alignment for Trail S-1
• Problems with Stanford's Proposed Alignment for Trail C-1
• Specific Suggestions for Improved Alignments

Background
On December 12, 2000 the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor approved Stanford's General Use Permit (GUP) and Community Plan, granting the University approximately 5 million square feet of development over the next ten years. In exchange for this development entitlement, Stanford agreed to meet all the conditions of the GUP as set by the County. One condition is:

"Stanford shall dedicate easements for, develop, and maintain the portions of the two trail alignments which cross Stanford lands shown in the 1995 Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan (Routes S1 and C1)…"
Stanford University GUP, page 21

This means Stanford must dedicate two trails, in accordance with the Countywide Trails Master Plan. These trails are to provide important regional trail linkages, connecting the valley communities with open space areas in the foothills. The GUP requires Stanford to dedicate both trails by December 12, 2001.

If Stanford fails to follow through on any of the conditions of the GUP, the County has the authority to take corrective action, including suspending any future development. The GUP states:

"If at any time the County Planning Commission determines that Stanford is not in compliance with one or more conditions of the General Use Permit, it may take corrective action as provided in the County Ordinance Code including, but not limited to, suspension of any future development approvals until such time as the conditions are met."
Stanford University GUP, page 4

back to top

Potential for Bay-to-Ridge Trail Connections

We are excited by the opportunity to create two beautiful recreational trails on Stanford lands that would serve as vital links in the Bay-to-Ridge Trail. To be consistent with the Countywide Trails Master Plan, these trails should be:

• Located on Stanford lands in Santa Clara County.
• Connected to existing trails, have no gaps and provide connectivity with planned trails in the surrounding communities.
• Safe and designed to avoid busy intersections such as the Highway 280 underpasses.
• Away from riparian corridors and other sensitive ecosystems.
• Designed for recreational use rather than transportation.
• Dedicated in their entirety by the GUP's required December 12 deadline.
• In conformance with Santa Clara County trail standards.

back to top

Problems with Stanford's Proposed Alignment for Trail S-1

We believe Stanford's proposed alignment for Trail S-1 is unacceptable for the following reasons:

• It does not provide connectivity with trails at the Arastradero Preserve as designated by the Countywide Trails Master Plan.
• The Arastradero/Highway 280 underpass is an undesirable detour. People would use the unsafe crossing at Page Mill/Highway 280 to save time and distance.
• It would require two creek crossings that would encroach on Special Conservation Areas and red-legged frog habitat.
• It would be inconsistent with Portola Valley's Path Plan, and difficult to integrate with Palo Alto's trail objectives.
• It would include an unsafe, undesirable road crossing at Coyote Hill Road.

back to top

Problems with Stanford's Proposed Alignment for Trail C-1

We believe Stanford's proposed alignment for Trail C-1 is unacceptable for the following reasons:

• It would not comply with the conditions of the GUP, because it would not be located on Stanford lands, nor within Santa Clara County.
• Its proximity to Alpine Road and use by bicyclists would make it a poor recreational trail.
• It crosses private property that does not belong to Stanford, making it difficult to secure easements.
• It would be difficult to widen the trail to bring it into conformance with County trail standards since there is not enough room between the Happy Hollow neighborhood and Alpine Road. Potential future widening of Alpine Road would make conditions even worse.
• It would be too close to San Francisquito and Los Trancos Creeks, potentially causing harm to the riparian ecosystem.
• The crossing at the Highway 280 offramp on Alpine Road is unsafe.
• Between Highway 280 and Ladera the trail would be too narrow for its intended use and could not be widened without harming Los Trancos Creek. Furthermore, the stretch along Ladera Oaks Tennis Club also would be too narrow.
• Because of the numerous property owners and jurisdictions, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to dedicate the entire trail all at once, or even at all.

back to top

Specific Suggestions for Improved Alignments

We are confident trail alignments exist on Stanford lands that would meet all the standards of the Countywide Trails Master Plan. In addition to the general criteria listed above, we believe the trails should:

• Utilize existing cow tunnels under Highway 280. Not only would these be the safest crossings, they also would create easy connections with trails at the Arastradero Preserve.
• Utilize existing trails and gates. Specifically, Trail S-1 should pass through the gate at the intersection of Stanford Avenue and Junipero Serra Blvd. The trail should then run down Stanford Avenue to El Camino, and should become part of the Bay-to-Ridge Trail.
• Be the most direct routes to the Arastradero Preserve trails so as to provide for an effective regional trail system.
• Be entirely on Stanford's land in Santa Clara County.

back to top

Speak up for good trails—act now!