By It's no mystery why Keith Gutierrez is so respected and well liked. In his 10 years as the caretaker and program director at Redwood Grove preserve in Los Altos, he has expanded and improved programs that have inspired and thrilled visitors. "Ranger Keith" has opened many young minds to the joys of nature, the history of the Ohlone indians, the discovery of the gold rush days and skills of guitar and archery.

It is a mystery, however, why the city is taking so long to solidify a job description so that Gutierrez can make the shift from longtime independent contractor to full-time employee. With the clear support of the city council and dozens of parents who have written in on his behalf, it seems the wheels of city government could turn a bit faster to secure his position. However, Gutierrez is facing the same uncertainty about his Los Altos future as he did in October when allegedly told his position would be part of the city staff.

Creating the staff position means establishing a job description that outlines what the duties are, then advertising for applicants, of which Gutierrez would be one.

Clearly, council attempted to narrow the field in favor of Gutierrez by stipulating that the employee would have to live on the grounds of Redwood Grove. Gutierrez lives in a small 1930s-era home on the property.

We agree that the Redwood Grove position should be a staff position and that it should be advertised as any other position would. But we would be as frustrated as Gutierrez certainly is if we were waiting months just for the hiring process to begin. This is a man with a wife and three young children to support.

The city is short staffed and facing budget shortfalls from the state, as are most municipalities. There are other positions remaining unfilled. But we feel priority attention should be given to someone who is already here, who has done an outstanding job and who most likely stands to fill the newly created Redwood Grove position.

One of Los Altos’ city mottos includes the word “responsive.” The city should take this word to heart in the case of Redwood Grove’s wilderness teacher, Keith Gutierrez. Finish the job description, get the process over with and end this man’s uncertainty. If and when the city brings Gutierrez on, staff can be assured of the program’s continued success.

We agree that the Redwood Grove programs shouldn’t be dependent on one particular employee and that the job description brings permanence and purpose to the programs. But this “applicant search” should be a no-brainer. Let’s get on with it.