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area still appears semi-rural in character and closely connected to open space. Many sections of Foothill Road are narrow and follow natural contours. Hills and riparian corridor trees approach the roadway in many locations. The road is generally elevated in height above the rest of the city and provides at several locations a broad overview of the green valley below. Along Foothill Road, homes of varying size and style sit back substantially from the road and contribute to the impression of lower density development integrated with the adjacent natural environment. The southern edge of the city retains a strong rural flavor, with narrow roads, white open-rail fences, farm structures and animals, considerable open space, and many views of undeveloped hills. Historical names such as "Happy Valley" and "Chicken Alley" assist in identifying the area's uniqueness and past land uses. The Southern Hills area provides a major visual backdrop for South Pleasanton as well as for the entire city. In Pleasanton's largely undeveloped eastern edge, quarry lands and the towering equipment at the sand-and-gravel operations dominate. These quarry lands, along with the livermore Golf Course and livermore Municipal Airport, currendy provide a major separation between Pleasanton and the adjacent City of livermore. Interstate 580 (I-580) freeway defines Pleasanton's northern edge, as described in more detail in the City Entryways section below. Streets capes and Patterns The general street patterns of the city vary widely from the traditional grid of the Downtown to more typically suburban subdivision cul-de-sac patterns in newer housing developments. A much larger- scale road pattern exists within the business parks. The Bernal Avenue / Valley A venue loop loosely defines the older inner core of the city, centered on the Downtown. The city's main arterial streets all lead to the Downtown, reinforcing that area as a major community focus. Pedestrian pathways connect neighborhoods to parks, such as those in the Pleasanton Meadows and Birdland neighborhoods. However, few exist that connect to other neighborhoods or to schools, thus limiting the walkability of the city as a whole. To reach their destination, residents, including children walking to school, often use sidewalks along major arterials designed primarily for vehicle use. The "Y' form of the former Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroad corridors has influenced street and subdivision layouts in the past, and continues to exert a strong influence on the character of the community. Most noticeable are the vistas to distant hills and Mount Diablo provided at road crossings of the railroad corridors. The railroads also influence perceptions of the community by focusing vehicular and pedestrian traffic along specific streets leading to the crossings. The East Bay Regional Park District and the City of Pleasanton are constructing portions of the Iron Horse Trail on the former Southern Pacific right-of-way in Pleasanton. Community Character 011607 clean 10-3 1/3/2{XJ7