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of an aerial view from a satellite that shows how close the Lopez property is to both the Hoehne and the Persin backyards. She noted that while there are 12 other two--story additions in the Val Vista development, not one is situated as close to another backyard as the Lopezes' proposed addition is. She indicated that the Lopezes' proposed second-story addition would create a looming presence in her parents' backyard that no other home in Val Vista has been forced to accept. Ms. Graham then referred to a second picture showing a ground-level view of her parents' kitchen table. She stated that both her parents are retired and that her father likes to watch the Giants game with a view of the blue sky behind. She noted that should the Lopezes add a second story, her father would be looking directly onto concrete. Ms. Graham stated that her parents have hosted countless barbeques, birthday parties, christenings, anniversaries, and outdoor get together’s in their backyard. She indicated that the Lopezes’ second-story addition would convert their backyard into a courtyard instead of the open, airy space it now is. She noted that the Italian Cypress suggested to stripe the concrete uprising would cause it to look like a 1960’s apartment building. She asked the Commissioners if they would prefer a view of tall columns of shrub or open blue sky from their own backyards and why they would wish any less for her parents. Ms. Graham then referred to page 13 of the staff report regarding General Plan consistency to “Preserve and enhance the character of the existing residential neighborhoods.” She noted that while 12 of the houses do have second stories, it is 12 of 900 homes in the development, which is not 25 percent, 15 percent, or 10 percent, but less than 1.5 percent of the homes. She added that if one stands in the middle of Robin Court and slowly turns 360 degrees, one would see the ridge, blue skies, and trees; not two-story houses. Ms. Graham concluded by stating that in the staff report, the Zoning Administrator, Steve Otto, indicated that he likes to work out a win-win situation but it does not always work out that way. She asked if, in a case when both parties have legal and civil rights, democracy then takes into account what is for the greater good. She noted that three families will be impeded negatively by one family’s need for more space. She added that while the Lopezes did not know when they purchased their home that they may someday need office space or that their children may grow in number or that their parents may age, it is entirely unfair and irresponsible of them to impose on the neighbors for those reasons. She asked the Commission to deny the Lopezes' application to impose on their neighbors. Commissioner Pentin suggested that Chair Olson ask Ms. Graham the same question he asked of the Persins. Chair Olson noted that the three appellants, in their July 15, 2010 letter, proposed a possible solution to this issue of building on the front western quadrant of the home PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 25, 2010 Page 11 of 38