By Editorial

Say this for Los Altos Hills: The affluent town of 8,000 has no shortage of controversies. It serves as the poster community for today’s struggles between those wanting to keep what they have versus people who want to do what they want as long as they can pay for it.

However, there is at least one issue townsfolk seem unified on: protection of town-owned open space.

Concerned residents are leading an initiative drive that would ensure that 157 acres of the town’s 168 undeveloped acres remain as open space. The effort stems from discussions within town government channels about selling off some town-owned properties, particularly Westwind Barn. Such talk was immediately met with vocal opposition, especially from those who have run a program at Westwind the past 25 years that allows disabled children to ride horses.

Despite town officials’ assurances that such land would likely not be sold, open space supporters realized such agreements were not ironclad. So the initiative serves to prevent future councils from having a change of heart and selling off the land.

We support this effort to preserve the land. The charm and the lure of Los Altos Hills is its natural beauty. The vast majority of people seem to know this and are fully behind the initiative, which would secure such beauty for generations to come.

Some say why bother with the initiative if there is such widespread support? Is the open space initiative being used for mainly political purposes? Is it really aimed at retaining a dry-rot infested Westwind Barn and programs that address a small faction of residents?

We also understand that the town does not draw significant revenues due to the lack of commercial development. So are the town’s hands tied if officials need money for services and the reserves are drained?

We believe reason throws all of these doubtful questions aside. Smart budget planning, not a sell-off of town properties, is what’s needed to keep the town in good financial shape. And we find it hard to imagine an ulterior motive behind saving open space and Westwind Barn, which many residents consider to have historic significance.

The initiative may have strong support now, but not having one leaves the door open - even a crack - that could allow less far-sighted councils an opportunity to sell off the land. Such actions would make the town become less than what residents envisioned when they moved here in the first place.

So, would such an initiative hurt anyone? Not as far as we can see. Will it help? Yes. It is helping even now, uniting residents toward a common goal. Let’s hope contrary politics does not interfere with this effort.