[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577448,"mediaKeyId","3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd","parentId",3141800,"title","Mountain View'Whisman School District presents plans to add shade, native planting and outdoor learning spaces at 11 campuses","audioSeconds",2609,"startMs",10045000,"endMs",7436000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd&start=10045&end=7436","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd/thumbnail_10045000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577448/Mountain-View/Santa-Clara-County/California/Mountain-ViewWhisman-School-District-presents-plans-to-add-shade-native-planting-and-outdoor-learning-spaces-at-11-campuses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577448-2a444be98a0572b96801b957dba5b119/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753010&Signature=l4FyyyutuxBOb2vs9X46jmdCJeszo0xdJ~TN5YQ3nlZkDteSAu3emt8aNDZ5uSdhn-xyuxqr03DGsUUNn1vhkfMpGG3a6tJBIeB2LWltgfQylcOLCNewQTZfVZA1IIPsKZA-GHz-B-6X82ZGC5xQPaAMy4CLeDbxTdYIIDp2QZG2mQwizCGGeWjkLIARi~NCs0xxH2ytW-2nWA7n9GJwASTB-uu6gBuT3tV509ionDa9fhLKbIMeyvJitc65V0yYlgcRU6y5hob48SyTdsQPsMYy3n84jzcPnbgel5IcdrAC8ACdy1wTNpH2EEBcNwBTlAaGILQeqWVRjB8uHNoIDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Coty of Mountain View","date","2025-04-29T00:48:58.363Z","article","Landscape architects for the Mountain View'Whisman School District presented schematic concepts April 9, 2025 for an \"Outdoor Learning Project\" on 11 school sites, describing a program to replace asphalt with natural materials, increase canopy cover, create outdoor classrooms and adapt field layouts to support both school use and youth sports.

The project: Carducci Associates presented designs developed after multi-year outreach with teachers, principals, parents and Living Classroom, an education nonprofit. The district identified Vargas as a pilot site already moving toward construction and shared schematic plans for the remaining 10 sites (8 elementary and 2 middle schools). Proposals include expanded living-classroom gardens, nature-play areas, more shade structures, accessible pathways, and selective regrading of fields to improve drainage and utility for youth leagues.

Why it matters: The effort aims to increase student outdoor learning opportunities, reduce heat-island effects by removing asphalt where feasible, and maintain compatibility with community recreational needs. City staff said they had shared field-size requirements supplied by local youth leagues so designs preserve areas necessary for organized play.

Notable design moves:
- Castro/Mistral: Shared campus improvements include expanded living-classroom beds, activated between-classroom planting, and regrading of a low-lying lawn into a usable field where drainage and supervision can be improved.
- Landels: The community requested relocation of a baseball backstop to improve campus supervision and allow a central reorganized landscape; the design will prioritize moving the diamond and reusing that area for integrated nature/play spaces.
- Middle schools (Crittenden, Graham): Concepts emphasize social and shaded gathering spaces, natural paving and new trees that support varied group sizes and outdoor instruction; Graham was proposed to get a new shade structure for lunch.

Coordination and constraints: Several sites have Division of State Architect (DSA) emergency-vehicle access lanes or solar canopies that limit what can be removed. Designers noted those constraints on the plans and identified where asphalt can be removed without infringing on regulated access lanes. The district and consultants have begun coordinating with city recreation staff about youth sports impacts.

Board and public response: Commissioners and public commenters were broadly supportive, praising plans to add trees and remove asphalt. City staff said the school-district team has generally incorporated earlier staff feedback and would continue coordination on field impacts and maintenance responsibilities. Community speakers encouraged maximizing native planting, avoiding artificial turf, and ensuring long-term maintenance.

Next steps: The district aims to present revised plans to the Board of Education for approval (target: May 22) and move into construction documentation. Several projects will require DSA review and permitting; the district expects several sites to start construction in summer 2025 and continue through 2026 depending on permitting and budgets. The district's total program budget is roughly $15.5 million and allocations per site vary, with middle-school work generally larger.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 9, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board","oneSentenceSummary","Mountain View'Whisman School District presented schematic designs April 9, 2025 to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board for an Outdoor Learning Project across 11 campuses, proposing more trees, outdoor classrooms and removal of asphalt where feasible.","taxTitle","Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California","taxId",2861,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577449,"Board grants appeal to remove two heritage liquid-amber trees at 573 Carla Court after safety and structure concerns",4458,5377000,9835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd&start=5377&end=9835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd/thumbnail_5377000.jpg","/articles/6577449/Mountain-View/Santa-Clara-County/California/Board-grants-appeal-to-remove-two-heritage-liquid-amber-trees-at-573-Carla-Court-after-safety-and-structure-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577449-f8f2254ff137c88f7642dcd6b60981e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753010&Signature=Debm~9ItBHzikXs2K~kA6zVYaP32UNLVL9m4iksmPVHchxS4sk1D-9CdaB2Xp7LHKVueJDSCwgcZ6oom-r395f6ptB9OK9dkbwpRZdtPm6nBwXsu9fdqYYIkNg6H7PSnd3nEjpyUmm-YlVZghJd5NeHxFAsLinOM7aHwvZSm-u7n30bJjuj3mQmFzK3iR2hMVuX9a~AaxNF520Tc9FS9ALmrjHi9bfkYxk5fWaDvrNNrZpQHb8nGcsxe6ixFADK7kV9yjv86bIAtE1rrffKnM~pKrRwjC~BeqjP5qHznSDdHBeulvwt~9rR3xz1GijZOyshZHgi4br1glYzCXbJsHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urban Forestry Board on April 9, 2025 granted a homeowner's appeal and authorized removal of two heritage liquid-amber trees at 573 Carla Court, finding that the trees''maturity, shape and structure in that location no longer met the criteria for mandatory preservation.

The appellant, whose family moved to the house in late 2021, presented three incidents of large limb failures (January 12, 2023; March 14, 2023; and October 20, 2024), including one event captured by a doorbell camera that showed multiple large limbs falling within seconds. The homeowner said repeated limb failures — including one that struck a vehicle — posed an ongoing safety risk. \"I was walking on the driveway 10 minutes before the limbs dropped,\" the appellant said, describing the most recent event.

Staff assessment and Board deliberation: City staff and the Urban Forest Manager, Russ Hansen, documented prior limb failures but rated the trees as generally \"good health and good structure.\" Staff advised that the trees could be managed through pruning and that not all limb-failure risk could be eliminated even with careful work. Staff also noted the trees are planted unusually close together and one had been previously heavily pruned, which limited interior growth and resilience.

After substantial discussion about the trees' condition, neighborhood character and public safety, the Board concluded the removal criteria in the municipal code could be met in this circumstances. Commissioners referenced Municipal Code Section 32.35 in their deliberations and debated the balance between preserving canopy and mitigating localized safety risks. Several commissioners said the cedar on the prior agenda item and other trees in the meeting were worth preserving, but this specific pair at Carla Court presented a different case.

Board action: A motion to grant the appeal under Municipal Code §32.35 (finding the trees' maturity and shape/structure did not meet the preservation standard in this location) passed on roll call (Commissioner Bridal: no; Commissioner Filios: yes; Commissioner Summer: yes; Vice Chair Michener: yes; Chair Davis: no). The motion carried 3-2. The Board recommended that replacement trees be planted as determined by the Director in consultation with the City arborist.

Next steps: The Board's action authorizes removal under conditions the Director will set, including replacement requirements. Staff noted that replacement species, quantity and size will be determined according to the code and the arborist's recommendation. The homeowner may move forward with removal once required permits and conditions are satisfied.

","After a detailed hearing with photo evidence and multiple public comments, the Urban Forestry Board on April 9, 2025 voted to grant a homeowner's appeal and allow removal of two heritage liquid-amber trees at 573 Carla Court, citing concerns about the trees' structure and public-safety risk in that specific setting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577455,"Board denies appeal; preserves cedar heritage tree at 745 Norla Lane after staff finds health and mitigation options",27,3231000,3258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd&start=3231&end=3258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd/thumbnail_3231000.jpg","/articles/6577455/Mountain-View/Santa-Clara-County/California/Board-denies-appeal-preserves-cedar-heritage-tree-at-745-Norla-Lane-after-staff-finds-health-and-mitigation-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577455-c8e8fff954609c14d68409689d6ceab6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753010&Signature=UxwRYw~LqDwoLOhCjkEkINYX9Xyyp6sNmyISi~D28~66WEzavxVJwBiqYPNBO1QTDHkkp64ahUU7c6mb1vJtRjOeM79mJfH8usK1VRrDB5FnXLNijsRKToq7Ce8v~mtTYD80vUHPkLBlVYFeiH0fcktYRcukAlpENPMmWsYTi2vRPS4sfhqzOG-OzVm3bYn67f6Rhm9tbOs7nFU9AybCDqXG-pxyg4M36gSWxZ02YlwM4rsUMwcpPW9oxDeelVMrhLOvNtzNEi9Kovb4zA~03Vpcavv2W2DhlogVIYFic7QUULZLOlRx2d1QA6zJvgKKj-9SNQWCjkw~jSNmLxOZ6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urban Forestry Board voted April 9, 2025 to deny an appeal seeking removal of a heritage cedar at 745 Norla Lane, following staff findings that the tree is in generally good health and that limb-failure risks can be reduced through corrective pruning and maintenance.

Why it matters: The cedar is designated a heritage tree under the city code and the Board emphasized preservation where feasible. Staff noted prior limb failures but said the tree's condition and structure could be managed without removal.

What staff found: Russ Hansen, Urban Forest Manager, told the Board the cedar had been rated in \"good health and good structure\" and that prior limb failures appeared localized to end-weight issues. He explained that cedars and other conifers tend to develop heavy end weight and that \"end weight reduction\" and targeted maintenance could reduce the risk of future failures, though it might take several years for interior growth to regenerate.

Appellant's case: The homeowner and online appellant described repeated limb drops in 2022'23 and in October 2024, including one incident they said occurred under calm weather conditions. The appellant showed photos and said trimmed limbs fell again within a year, and that tree failures had struck vehicles on the driveway. The homeowner said professional pruning firms could not guarantee the risk would not recur and asked the Board to allow removal on public-safety grounds.

Public comment and Board view: Members of the neighborhood and a fellow property owner said they appreciated the canopy and urged preservation. Several commissioners said the tree is visually significant to the neighborhood and that the heritage designation and staff report supported retention. The Board ultimately agreed with staff that corrective pruning and other steps should be tried before removal.

Board action: A motion to adopt staff's recommendation and deny the appeal was approved by roll call (Commissioner Bridal: yes; Commissioner Filios: yes; Commissioner Summer: yes; Vice Chair Michener: yes; Chair Davis: yes). The denial leaves the tree in place; staff recommended improved pruning and monitoring and noted that removal could be revisited if future evidence showed persistent hazard that could not be mitigated.

Next steps: Staff and the homeowner were directed to coordinate pruning and monitoring plans. If subsequent limb failures or new structural evidence arise, the homeowner may reapply with that documentation.

","The Urban Forestry Board on April 9, 2025 upheld staff's denial of a removal application for a heritage cedar at 745 Norla Lane, concluding the tree is in good health and concerns about past limb failures can be managed through pruning and other measures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577460,"Urban Forestry Board upholds staff, denies removal of two heritage liquid-amber trees at 1851 Apple Tree Lane",1823,561000,2384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd&start=561&end=2384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141800-36da5054f586651645f4287eed822cbd/thumbnail_561000.jpg","/articles/6577460/Mountain-View/Santa-Clara-County/California/Urban-Forestry-Board-upholds-staff-denies-removal-of-two-heritage-liquid-amber-trees-at-1851-Apple-Tree-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577460-aeb1e8d9fd1912bfb0c8dcc75167ecd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753010&Signature=iJji1ZlokoDMICoyrNSl2KWLuKHAQNoO5lbhJH3dJfhOXefmYKpLC28NiWP2zzNuWCWFGZRSCcrJtKkHifcnk0sxs7pCGBhD5rtjTH9ieJlAZBF8CNoxVpWEk9BR9IQ7hOh5llDCPaf0JVklhohcBSqXoj~G5kWNkqr7FwL8x1HnyiJOPz5GtxJFCQ8jUZ2~zexwft8uw7~NVDgvzMelN8mCrL77ThIzzQN9XqU3E1tbZE0c97MfgDxFWYygEznBTgHrZ4v0056NHMPgBy8534fquKMwRincx69Wj-nQ~GMhWbS-Mr9Q~VkR5aZsM1csj1VdjLPtf3CoIvIw4QSz9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Urban Forestry Board on April 9, 2025 voted to deny an appeal from the homeowner of 1851 Apple Tree Lane seeking removal of two heritage liquid-amber (American sweetgum) trees, upholding staff's recommendation that the trees be preserved.

Board members and staff said the trees are healthy and that removal was not yet justified because alternatives exist for the homeowner's driveway repairs. Russ Hansen, Urban Forest Manager for the City of Mountain View, told the Board the two trees were rated in \"good health and good structure\" and that staff could not confirm the size or number of roots lifting the driveway without removing the concrete first. \"We weren't able to determine if that's sufficient enough that requires removal of the tree,\" Hansen said.

Why it matters: Removing heritage trees requires meeting city criteria intended to favor preservation. The Board noted that if the homeowner exposes the roots while repairing the driveway and discovers a change in condition, staff will accept a new application and re-evaluate removal.

Details of the case: Hansen said the property owner reported lifting and cracking along a driveway and submitted a removal application listing insufficient growing space, interference with utilities and damage to structures as reasons. Staff inspected both trees and identified surface roots in some spots but said they could not determine overall root size without demolition of the driveway and walkway. Hansen told the Board that \"without seeing [the roots], I just can't make an educated or informed decision.\"

Homeowner David Charles said the issue was not an attempt to expand the driveway but to address repeated lifting that has made parts of the driveway difficult to use and costly to repair. \"If I spend lots of money in fixing the driveway and fixing this side walkway, what's the guarantee that same problem is not gonna happen 5 years from now?\" Charles asked the Board.

Neighbors and advocates spoke against removal. Patrice Horvath, who lives next door at 1843 Apple Tree Lane, told the Board the trees have been on the street for decades and that cutting healthy trees would alter the street's character. Bruce England of Green Spaces Mountain View urged the Board to avoid removals where trees are healthy and to preserve the neighborhood canopy.

Board action: A motion to adopt a resolution denying the homeowner's appeal and uphold staff's decision was approved by roll call (Commissioner O'Brien: yes; Commissioner Filios: yes; Commissioner Summer: yes; Vice Chair Michener: yes; Chair Davis: yes). The Board therefore denied removal; the homeowner may submit a new application if removal becomes necessary after root exposure during driveway work.

What happens next: Staff said the denial does not prevent the owner from repairing the driveway; if excavation during a repair reveals large structural roots that change the condition, the owner can return with new evidence for reconsideration. The Board and staff encouraged the owner to coordinate with staff about timing and testing to avoid prolonged permit suspensions.

Ending note: The decision preserves the two heritage trees for now while leaving a clear administrative path for re-evaluation if the physical evidence changes.

","At its April 9, 2025 meeting the Board denied a homeowner's appeal to remove two heritage liquid-amber (American sweetgum) trees after staff said the trees were in good condition and alternatives existed for driveway repairs. The Board's decision preserves the trees but leaves the homeowner the option to reapply if conditions change.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mountain View'Whisman School District presents plans to add shade, native planting and outdoor learning spaces at 11 campuses

Board grants appeal to remove two heritage liquid-amber trees at 573 Carla Court after safety and structure concerns

Board denies appeal; preserves cedar heritage tree at 745 Norla Lane after staff finds health and mitigation options

Urban Forestry Board upholds staff, denies removal of two heritage liquid-amber trees at 1851 Apple Tree Lane