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comments from previous speakers and stated that she has noticed more crime and violence since more apartments units constructed behind her complex. She added that her Lexus was recently stolen from her driveway and that a lot of crimes have been occurring around the WalMart and apartment areas. She expressed concern that friends and relatives of the renters of the proposed 1,100 units will add more traffic and more crime to the area and urged the Commission not to approve the application. Mary Keck stated that she moved with her seven-year-old daughter from San Francisco to the Sienna development in Pleasanton, mostly for its school district, relocation with 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. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 23, 2009 Page 8 of 34