This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Public Joins Discussion about Mt. Umunhum

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is considering restoration of and access to nearby mountain that has long been out of reach.

Just three miles southeast of Los Gatos lies Mt. Umunhum, one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3,486 feet. For decades, access has been forbidden due to military activity and hazardous materials. Last year, however, steps officially began to bring about the environmental restoration of the site, which could be a potentially fabulous new destination for locals.

In December, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District , a public agency whose mission is to ensure that enjoyment of open spaces remains ecologically sensitive, met at the Historic Del Monte Building in Sunnyvale to hear responses from surrounding communities about the proposed plan to re-establish the peak's original topography using methods that are environmentally and financially sustainable.

The MROSD incorporated Mt. Umunhum, with its trademark radar tower, into the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in 1986 after purchasing it from the federal government, whose abandoned Almaden Air Force Station (AFS) holds dangerous materials soon to be removed due largely to the lobbying efforts of Reps. Mike Honda and Zoe Lofgren. This breakthrough has allowed the MROSD to draft a plan to make Umunhum public, broadly accommodating  and culturally educational—this last as relating to the Ohlone tribe, whose word for "hummingbird" gave the mountain its current name.

Find out what's happening in Los Gatoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Senior planner Meredith Manning gave a detailed presentation of the review process, which begins with a professional analysis of environmental consequences and takes into consideration the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. The preparation timeline stretches through next year, with opportunities for more public input occurring in April and August.

The possibility of permitting dogs, despite the efforts of board member , was discarded. The larger the plan's scope, the longer the review process will take—pushing the ultimate goal of public access farther away. Additional components that have been left out, such as a visitor center, could potentially be phased in as financial and procedural constraints allow. Primary concerns are the impact on natural resources, cost of infrastructure, and general capacity.

Find out what's happening in Los Gatoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A controversial talking point is the fate of the abandoned radar tower itself, known colloquially as "the cube." Residents at the December meeting called the ruins "embarrassing" and "an eyesore." Others referenced its Cold War significance and pleaded for respect for those who lived and served on the Air Force services between 1957 and 1979. Estimated costs for maintaining and safeguarding the tower are $700,000, while demolishing it is figured at $300,000.

It's unsurprising that the San Jose Water Company, Umunhum's closest neighbor, is a stakeholder, as the plan will affect headwaters of Los Gatos and numerous locals creeks. A spokesperson raised concerns regarding the introduction of pathogens from equestrian waste and the fire hazards of establishing a campsite–risks that, according to him, are "too high to withstand."

More than a dozen hang-gliders attended the meeting to support Tom Low, who represented local club the "Windy Hill Skyriders" and its appeal for a launching pad on Mt. Umunhum. Claiming that other mountain-goers would enjoy watching them, he disclosed that Skyriders carry hefty insurance policies in case of accidents with landowners. He said their 19-year track record is flawless. Members would wear helmet stickers, and only minimal vegetation would be removed for the zone, he said.

Lars Thomsen, a Los Gatos native who now owns a bike shop in San Jose, Trail Head Cyclery, wanted to "represent all the cyclists looking for long distance." Frustrated with the forbidden Mt. Umunhum being a barrier to the best trails, he is anxious to open up his route exponentially, and will organize a group ride from his shop all the way to Aptos—by his estimate, using less than one mile of pavement.

Rounding out the spectrum was retired mathematician Dan Zuras, who offered his telescope–fourth largest in the state, the result of a 22-year project by his nonprofit, Group 70–to the people of California. The lens itself was crafted in 1938, and Zuras is eager to donate their hard work to the peak and public.

Appreciative of all input, the board reiterated that the plan is young and remains primarily environmentally-focused. "Right now," said board member Larry Hassett, "We just want to keep as many options on the table as we can."

In a few short years, Los Gatos residents may be able to enjoy a peak with viewpoints, paved roads, picnic tables, bicycle racks, hitching posts, a 911 callbox, a landing zone for emergency aircraft, vault toilets, signs, increased trail connections, a ceremonial space for contemplation, and possibly even a historical interpretive center and rustic backpack camp. The greatest perk, however, will be a spectacular panoramic view of the entire South Bay.

The MROSD welcomes public input to assist in the shaping of the final plan. For more information, visit: www.openspace.org.

Correction: This story has been revised. An earlier version stated incorrectly the maintainance and demolishing costs for Mt. Umunhum's tower. Everybody makes mistakes ... even us! If there's something in this article that you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, give Local Editor Sheila Sanchez a ring at 408-391-8725 or shoot her an e-mail at sheila.sanchez@patch.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?