Stanford Open Space Alliance

P.O. Box 19742, Stanford, CA 94309 • (650) 223-3333 • SOS_Alliance@yahoo.com

In response to a draft 10-year development plan released by Stanford University on September 20, a new organization has been formed to encourage the University to set aside permanent open space in the foothills. Stanford Open Space Alliance (SOSA) -- a network of students, faculty, alumni and neighbors -- will coordinate a petition drive and letter writing campaign targetting the Stanford Trustees. SOSA is urging permanent protection of Stanford's undeveloped lands in the foothills southwest of Junipero Serra Blvd.

"The foothills are one of Stanford's most valuable resources," said Caneel Fraser, an undergraduate student. "Many students go there to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus life. The foothills are so precious to Stanford students because they are undeveloped and because they are open space."

SOSA points out that the University ignored Santa Clara County's request for an academic growth boundary. Stanford's plan calls for extending its "core campus" southwest of Junipero Serra Blvd, and allows for development in the foothills.

"I'm disappointed in the direction Stanford is taking," said David Smernoff, a PhD in Biological Sciences. "As a world class university, Stanford should be taking a lead in solving urban environmental issues, not making them worse."

SOSA will emphasize the two faces of Stanford - a world-class university, and the Stanford Management Company which oversees Stanford's vast land holdings. By focusing on converting land into money-making real estate, the Management Company often overlooks the importance of open space in an increasingly urbanized region.

"Stanford Management Company needs more guidance from the educational components of the University," said Nils Nilsson, a Professor Emeritus in the Computer Science Department. "Academics should have more influence on Stanford's business practices. Unfortunately, too often it's the other way around."

By asking the question, "Who is Stanford?," SOSA will raise the issue of representation in the decision-making process on campus. Though Stanford functions like a city, its internal governance is not open to any public process, and only the Trustees have the right to make critical land use decsions.

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