Help save the Stanford foothills!
Write a letter to the Stanford Trustees.

Below is a sample letter you may use to send to any or all of the Stanford Trustees. There is a downloadable sample (Word 6.0 PC) or copy and paste the text below. Also, use the link at left for a complete list of Trustees including mailing addresses.

SAMPLE LETTER

(Date)

Chairman Isaac Stein and Stanford Trustees
c/o Patty Cheng
Building 310, Main Quad
Stanford, CA, 94305-2060
Pcheng@leland.stanford.edu

Dear Chairman Stein and Stanford Trustees:

As a (student, faculty member, staff member, alumnus, resident or neighbor) of Stanford University, I strongly urge the Board of Trustees to dedicate Stanford's undeveloped lands in the foothills as permanent open space. I believe it is in the long-term interest of the University to enhance the quality of life on campus and in surrounding communities by protecting open space and wildlife habitat while slowing urban sprawl.

I'm disappointed that Stanford's draft general use plan calls for extending the "core campus" into lands southwest of Junipero Serra Blvd., allowing for 20,000 square feet of development in the foothills over the next 10 years (in addition to 21,000 square feet for the Carnegie Foundation). By renaming 154 acres of the foothills "Lathrop District," and then stating there will be no development in the "Foothills District," the University is misleading the public.

Stanford's request for 4 million square feet of development over the next decade would increase the size of the campus by 35% -- an area the size of three Stanford Shopping Centers. This is twice as much development as that which took place during the last decade. As mitigation for the impacts created by this development, Stanford should agree to conservation easements in the foothills.

I'm concerned about the direction Stanford is taking. The University appears to be focusing more on profits than education, and its extensive development program is alienating many members of the Stanford community. Overdevelopment is also blemishing Stanford's otherwise positive reputation in the surrounding communities.

Stanford is, and should remain, a world-class university. Rather than contributing to environmental problems, Stanford should take a lead in finding new ways to balance development with open space preservation. Current and future needs for housing and academic facilities can be met within the existing core campus area.

I care deeply about the future of the Stanford Foothills. Please use your power as a Trustee to ensure the foothills are protected in perpetuity.

Sincerely,

(Your name and address)

TIP: Include articles, editorials, letters to the editor, and other support materials with your letter.