Critical decisions are being made by our local elected and appointed county and city officials regarding accessibility to trails and fire roads in Pogonip.

 Pogonip, which is located in the City of Santa Cruz, is undergoing a planning and use process spearheaded by the City Parks and Recreation Department. Recently, the City Council voted against allowing interim bike and equestrian access until the final planning and use process, including review of an environmental impact report, is completed. This action was taken even though an overwhelming majority of city residents attending city-sponsored focus groups voiced their approval to allow bike and equestrian use on the century-old, fifteen foot wide, rock-based Rincon and Spring Creek fire roads. These roads have been in use for decades by horse and wagon, autos and service trucks. It is quite appalling that bike and equestrian riders are required to wait so many years to access Pogonip.

 Even more appalling is the fact that the cost of Pogonip, $15 million, was raised through a statewide bond act, approved by the majority of voters in California. There were no city funds used for the purchase of Pogonip. The City Council should consider who made the decision to pay for this beautiful property, and include their desires in this process, as well as collaborating in trail planning with other agencies, all of which are open to multi-use trail systems.

 The City Parks and Recreation department has indicated that there are 8.5 miles of trails and fire roads being recommended for some form of recreational access. Bike riders and equestrians, many of whom are hikers, walkers and runners, have never requested access to single track trails in Pogonip, only to three miles of old fire road. It is truly amazing that a handful of hiking advocates can be so mean-tempered and adamant that they want all of Pogonip just for themselves. They are truly a minority, yet may have enough influence over the city council so as to restrict access to the majority.

  Opening the Rincon and Spring Creek fire roads to equestrians and bikes makes good sense. Doing it will allow all of us ‚ hikers, bikers and equestrians ‚ to enjoy Pogonip in our own way. Doing so will allow the overwhelming majority of trails (5-1/2 miles) to remain "hiker only"

  Opening up Pogonip fire roads to bikes and equestrians will allow a safe route for those who live in the San Lorenzo Valley to access the university, west side, Gray Whale Ranch and Wilder Ranch State Park via a safe route. Currently, there are no bike lanes or shoulders on Highway 9 south of the railroad tracks right below Rincon fire road. There have been numerous bike accidents on Highway 9 in this area. County Supervisor Jeff Almquist has indicated his support to open up fire roads in Pogonip to allow safe access to the university and adjoining areas. Opening up Pogonip fire roads to bikes and equestrians will allow a continuous route for riders from the Rincon fire road located in Henry Cowell State Park through to the University and ultimately Gray Whale Ranch. Currently no such linkage exists. These fire roads are the critical piece of the puzzle that binds all of these natural open spaces together. To restrict this access would truly be a catastrophe.

  Finally, opening up Pogonip fire roads to bikes and equestrians will allow city and county residents a beautiful park to ride with friends and family in a local, "low-key" environment, free from city traffic and above the hustle and bustle of the city. The minority should remember, due to physical limitations and disabilities, not all of us walk/hike/run through Pogonip, even if we wanted to. Some of us ride because that is the only mode of transportation available to us to access open space.

 You can make a difference in this process! Please write letters to the city council, Santa Cruz Sentinel, San Jose Mercury News, Mid County Post, Good Times and to any other entity you feel will hear/print your message. Addresses follow:

  City Council
  809 Center Street
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  FAX 459-9359

 EditorăGood TImes
 1205 Pacific Avenue
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  FAX 458-1295

  EditorăSanta Cruz Sentinel
 207 Church Street
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 FAX 429-9620

  Editor‚Mid-County Post   1840 41st Avenue

  Capitola, CA 95010
  FAX 476-5023

  Editor‚San Jose Mercury News
 750 Ridder Park Drive
 San Jose, CA 95190
 FAX 271-3792