From: Mary Gourley
To: Mary Gourley
Cc: Oriana Hart; Erik Billing; Torran Korman; John Jay; Jane Riley; Victoria Henkel Subject: FW: Apple Blossom Trail
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 8:47:09 PM
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Mary Gourley
City Manager
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-----Original Message-----
From: Lauralee Aho
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 8:35 PM
To: Mary Gourley <[email protected]>
Cc: Susanne Wilson ; Phill Carter <[email protected]>; Sandra Maurer <[email protected]>
Subject: Apple Blossom Trail
Hi Mary,
Will you make sure all the city council members get a copy of this letter? I am writing to express my dismay that the Apple Blossom Trail is again proposed to cut through the Burbank Heights and Orchards property. The last time it was proposed, we objected strongly. Now there is another proposal that covers even more of our property!
As stated before, the proposed trail goes along an already busy street within our community; in fact it bisects the Orchards and the Heights, traveling along an already very busy thoroughfare. Daily we have hourly buses, delivery vans, and many days emergency vehicles that park on the street. Also residents are driving in and out of the property at all hours on this street.
Many of our residents utilize the proposed trail area for daily exercise; we love our privacy and the sense of quietness within our place. Even though we are bordered by the Luther Burbank Farm, we still believe in the serenity of our intact community.
I propose that cyclists utilize the new bike lane just installed on Bodega Avenue. If walkers want a quiet street, they can utilize Washington Avenue (which parallels Bodega Avenue); it goes from Ives Park all the way to Libby Park, with safe sidewalks for all walkers. It’s only a few blocks further (on safe streets) to Ragle Park. This route is already established and will cost no additional money.
Sandra Maurer came to Burbank; we walked around the property and discussed the proposal of the trail; I think she understands our objections.
Please do not approve a trail that will interrupt our serenity. We are elders who need a slow pace; we are vulnerable and do not want any other activity through our grounds.
Thanks, Lauralee Aho