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her employer, and for ownership and pride. She indicated that high rises do not belong in town and that this type of development would decrease house values. She expressed concern about safety and escalating crime in the area, stating that people no longer ride their bikes or walk along the trail between Sienna and Valencia developments and the apartment complex because a man was recently held at gunpoint along that trail and his wallet taken. She stated that bringing in an additional 1,100 units of low income near the BART station is an added invitation for more family members and friends to visit. She urged the Commission to keep Pleasanton safe. Chaitali Wagh, a senior at Foothill High School, stated that her family moved from Walnut Creek to the Sienna neighborhood last year because they found it to be a safe environment where they can go out at night without being afraid. She echoed the comments of speakers and noted that her school's class size has increased from 35 to 45 students. She stated that some students in her English and History classes sit on the floor because there are not enough desks due to budget cuts. She added that more houses will bring in more students, which would mean a greater ratio between students and counselors who are needed to discuss college plans. Debora Sanders stated that she moved to Valencia in 2007 and that she agrees with the comments of earlier speakers. She indicated that she attended the neighborhood meeting a week ago to learn about the plans. She noted that because only eight residents attended the workshop, she walked the Valencia neighborhood and informed the residents, a majority of whom were unaware of the rezonings proposed. She stated that she understood that growth needs to take place; however, the residents need opportunities other than staff reports to understand the impacts this rezoning will have on them. She reiterated the concern that the joint task force has not been set up. Shaivali Parekh, a senior at Foothill High School, stated that there are not enough desks for students in some classrooms because the class sizes have increased from 35 to 45 students, and teachers are not able to pay attention to students. She indicated that she and her family moved to Pleasanton from Fremont a year and a half ago and that she likes living in Pleasanton and wants to raise her children here. She added that her grades have also improved since she moved to Pleasanton. She stated not everyone who lives in Pleasanton works in Pleasanton and that the BART station argument was not a valid reason to build more apartments. Makarand Walimbe stated that Pleasanton is a fabulous city and that he has been lived here for seven years. He concurred with the comments made by earlier speakers and disagreed that additional housing would create a better Business Park. He indicated that he felt more housing will tax the local resources such as police, hospitals, schools, and water. He added that Valley Care Hospital and schools are already crowded, and that there will be more pollution and safety concerns. He asked that the Commission to reconsider the proposal and questioned if bringing this to the Commissioners' neighborhood would be acceptable to them. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 9/23/2009 Page 6 of 18