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Christine Ellis, 3219 Belvedere Court, president of the Laguna Oaks Homeowners Association, said she has always been impressed at how Pleasanton has preserved the ridge and an almost undeveloped area. It seemed, as though Foothill Road was the edge of the city and from there on it was farmland and the Ridge Park. The Association recently learned that nine properties west of Foothill Road might be considered for development. She had assumed the Foothill Corridor Overlay would protect these areas. She hoped the Council and Planning Commission would continue to deter development in these areas west of Foothill Road, especially regarding the Austin property, in order to maintain the unspoiled rural beauty. Margaret Tracy, 1262 Madison Avenue, Livermore, speaking on behalf of the Preserve Area Ridgelands Committee, complimented the city planning staff for the well-organized staff report. She wondered which of the listed properties had been under the Williamson Act and their current status. She believed the Lester property was one. The Committee supported the proposal to exclude slopes over 25% from the density calculation. In addition, there is support for not having more housing west of Foothill Road. The USGS information on Alameda County has maps showing landslide potential on Pleasanton Ridge. Most of the eastern side of the Ridge indicates landslide potential and she urged the planning staff to consult the USGS information regarding landslide potential west of Foothill Road. She felt it was important to the liability of the city for approving development with known landslide potential and known seismic activity. She believed the city assumed financial liability for any effects from an earthquake. Mayor Hosterman noted that Mrs. Tracy was part of an organization that was founded years ago in an effort to save the ridge lands. If it were not for her good work and the other members of the organization, the ridge might not look like it does today. Edwin Bogert, 4170 Angela, member of the Evangelical Free Church, agreed there had been problems in the past with trying to build relationships with the neighbors. The church has tried to make amends. It has a small congregation and it is difficult to maintain the nine acres of church property. He commented the church wants to keep three acres for public and institutional uses, including a private school or other services for the community. He wanted to be able to sell six acres to provide proceeds to build necessary new buildings for the church. Dan Skinner, 2916 Yorkshire Court, said the Evangelical Free Church wants to stay in Pleasanton and serve the community. There are currently youth activities, a private school, piano recitals, and community childcare. He asked for the Council and Commission support for the church goals. Jim Rowse, 860 Bonita Avenue, also a member of the Evangelical Free Church, said the church has been working on this for a long time and has tried to keep the neighborhood advised of the plans. The Property Ministry Team has spoken to various parties about the property. Ponderosa is an organization that has worked well in Pleasanton and is aware of the needs of the city in regard to homes. He felt they could develop the property in a way that would fit well with the neighborhood and provide funds for the church to grow its ministry. He believed that the proposed 25 homes on the church property would increase the value of the homes in the surrounding area. There is no plan for town homes or condos. Richard Martinetti, 3640 Hawaii Court South, said Pleasanton is a popular place in the Bay Area and is well talked about. Everyone likes a nice place, but want to keep it small. However, if it is a nice place, people want to move there. He noted the increase in housing prices over the years. He talked about his work at the church with children. He has seen how Joint Workshop City Council/Planning Commission 8 03/01/06