A letter to friends of Redwood Grove

By Keith Gutierrez,

As I pack my belongings, I reflect on what I was told when I first interviewed for this job at Redwood Grove in 1993: “In Los Altos, the community holds a high standard in its programs.”

I believe I held that standard and beyond. I am proud as an individual to provide some of the most popular programs in the Bay Area. With the community’s support, I was able to share my talents and make a difference in your children’s lives.

To watch a 4-year-old girl hold a tarantula in her hand for the first time, to see a 7-year-old boy hit the bull’s-eye with an arrow, to share with 20 third-graders how to start a fire with two sticks and to hear 70 summer camp children sing the banana slug song is the greatest reward anyone could have.

I was blessed to be a part of it for 15 years. Some of these children have grown up to work with children themselves as teachers and run their own summer camps – “That is awesome, opossum.”

It has always been a tall order for one person to run 10 different programs and maintain a 5.7-acre property, but I did it with heart.

Well, I am OK with not being a part of the city’s vision for Redwood Grove’s future. I will move on to another community somewhere and continue my good work. But Los Altos will always hold a special place in my heart.

I took pride in providing very safe and educational programs to more than 5,000 children a year.

Los Altos is truly an outstanding community. Although I leave as poor as when I arrived, I am rich in memories. Thanks to all.

Gutierrez has served as manager and program director of Redwood Grove nature preserve since 1993. He is leaving the preserve this month. His programs have ranged from archery and guitar to

a history of the Ohlone Indians.