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ATTACHMENT 6 4054 School Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 October 23, 2015 Mayor Jerry Thorne,Vice Mayor Karla Brown, and City Councilmembers Kathy Narum,Arne Olson,Jerry Pentin; Director of Community Services Susan Andrade-Wax I've deeply appreciated the City's planning and improvement process for our Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery. However, recently I was startled and distressed to see the scale of the proposed veterans memorial—7, no 8, flagpoles- plus memorial— for the circle at the top/focal point of the cemetery. We have been grateful, involved Pleasanton residents and teachers for over 50 years. Sadly, my wonderful husband Richard died in 2014 and is buried at Pioneer. I stop by the cemetery several times a week, and our children/grandchildren visit to remember Dad/Grandpa. I've come to love Pioneer, even in its rustic condition,appreciating its peace and serenity,the quiet and reverent friendliness of others visiting loved ones,sharing the challenge of keeping our few plants going while dodging ground squirrel holes and gopher mounds. Even I,an informed citizen and frequent visitor to Pioneer,was unaware of the scope of these plans until signs were posted [Thanks!]. And I fear others with a personal stake in the appearance and spirit of this cemetery may be unaware or emotionally unable to process/voice concerns about the proposal. Initially, I assumed the veterans groups might be helping with the general improvement/maintenance of this cemetery for all, but apparently not. I mean no disrespect;the City should acknowledge the good intentions of veterans groups for honoring veterans. But this plan seems way out of proportion,the scale too large for our small, historic cemetery. Yes, we respect the service of veterans, but also the contributions of the majority of residents and their families here who have also served their community and country in other ways by their lives here. We purchased our cemetery plots in 2010 at Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery,valuing its tranquil, small, historic nature. If you haven't had a chance to visit before your vote, I encourage you to take a walk or drive up and around the narrow loop road—admiring the trees and Italian cypress, appreciating the variety of markers, headstones, mementos honoring our citizens who have served this community in a variety of ways—not just military. As the Vision Statement says: we seek to preserve its history.... My husband Richard Del Tredici was a teacher at Amador, Foothill,and Valley High Schools(principal) for 38 years. This proposal seems over-the-top, more suited to a Veterans Cemetery. Please don't overshadow the lives and service of all "residents"of Pioneer with this out-of-proportion memorial. Judith Del Tredici 925.846-4008 rjde113@sbcelobal.net