This is Oak trail, one of the main trails leading to the upper portion of the park.

Speak Out to Save Trails at Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Target:

Orange County Supervisors;Officials of Harbor, Beaches and Parks

Sponsored by:

Santiago Oaks is one of Orange County's finest parks with challenging trails that make the park legendary. The trails have been used for decades without much maintainence. Now the county is considering closing 44% of the trails that draw equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers.

The park trails and habitat have co-existed for decades. Without expressed public opposition to this plan Orange County officials may move to close these trails.

One minute of your time can make a difference today - Send a quick message to Orange County officials.

The public recently learned about the proposed plans to close 44% of trails and re-route 9 miles of the current trail system that make Santiago Oaks Regional Park the unique and challenging park it has been for decades.

A recent fire in Santiago Oak Regional Park, Orange County, California left the park denuded. After the fire county officials closed all interior trails. The public has been patient and cooperative while waiting for a report. This report has recommendations that total $445K worth of repairs that not entirely necessary. These are trails that have been used by all user groups for decades and stand the test of time.

Prior to the fire, the trails had been shared by all. The habitat has thrived, the trails have been intact and used for decades with minimal maintainence or interference by others. All user groups respect each other and stay on trails. Since the trails have not been used for almost a year they have exhibited deterioration that was not present when they were used daily.

I urge you to keep the trails system intact so the uniqueness and challenging qualities of Santiago Oaks Regional Park are protected for generations to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

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The Santiago Oaks Regional Park has opened most of the trails that all users requested. SORP 10 remains closed until further review. The decision will be made in the next two weeks. This is a trail the public uses and has paid for. Please consider sending a message to sorptrails@rdmd.ocgov.com to let them know you would like this trail that connects two areas of the park to remain open as it has in the past.
The Orange County Harbors, Beaches, and Parks took a bold step in the right direction and listened to the people in the community. Thank you for your support and interest in local issues that affect all of us.

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We signed the "Speak Out to Save Trails at Santiago Oaks Regional Park" petition!

# 369:

12:25 am PDT, Apr 19, Julia Tawyea, Pennsylvania

# 368:

7:17 am PDT, Apr 11, Michael Yuska, New York
We support Lynn and believe the charges should be dropped. There is no one else, that we know of, who would do this type of work, giving feral cats a chance to live out their lives and not have death hanging over there heads.

# 367:

1:07 am PDT, Apr 7, Can Atik, Turkey

# 366:

10:51 pm PDT, Apr 6, Kim Cerioni, California
Let's remember what the public park system is for -- the public. The new philospy of low impact, limited access, and habitat preservation is the vision of a few enlightened special interest groups and does not serve the needs of the general public.

# 365:

3:30 pm PDT, Mar 31, Matt Erion, California
I've been going here since i have been little from riding mountain bikes with my dad/bro to hiking with girlfriends here. The park will never be the same with closing down of the trails, it will be like losing part of your home you always went to when in need. The future of part of trails us mountain bikers hold so dear would be loss to politics and greedy real estate. We are in need to hold onto more of our nature escape to get away from our hectic lives. Santiago canyon trails provided plenty of couple and family fun for me if its trails were to be closed down it would be just a memory, not a part of my spirit. Meaning that riding my mountain bike here on santiago was so good on giving that mini-vacation we all need, that it saved me from deep-depression at times.

# 364:

10:20 pm PDT, Mar 23, Dennis Gates, California
The rugged nature of the trails in Santiago Oaks is what makes the park such a treasure, especially considering its location near urban areas. Let's not turn it into just another urban park containing only smooth, easy walking trails. In fact, the park is large enough to have a good variety of trails to suit all types of users. It already has such a variety, and it should be left alone for the most part. I suspect all users enjoy the fact that the park gives the feeling of being far away from the urban environment.

# 363:

4:05 pm PDT, Mar 23, Gordon Yee, California
For more impact, add a personal comment here

# 362:

3:15 pm PDT, Mar 22, Jessica Lizotte, Canada

# 361:

1:55 pm PDT, Mar 20, Barbara Schiano, New York

# 360:

2:06 pm PDT, Mar 19, D.J. Arends, California

# 359:

10:11 pm PDT, Mar 15, Kelsey Turk, Texas
"Only through our efforts, can we truly make a difference." -Kelsey Turk [www.myspace.com/kelseyturk]

# 358:

8:20 pm PDT, Mar 15, James A. Halpin, California

# 357:

3:26 pm PDT, Mar 11, Name not displayed, California
Dear Officials: I have used the trails for several years, and i am very concerned that you are proposing to close some of the trails that people come to this park to enjoy. Please listen to the concerned citizens signing this petition and do not close or re-route the trails. Thank you.

# 356:

10:41 am PDT, Mar 11, Allan Gibbel, California
We live in Serrano Heights, adjacent to the park, and use the trails on a regular basis. From a nieghborhood perspective Santiago Oaks presents an incredible opportunity to explore nature in our own backyard, without the need to drvie miles to gain access to high quality open space. Why mess with perfection? If maintenance is needed than why not consider using volunteers that use the park? I am confident that many users would gladly give up a weekend to help contribute their time to restore the park to its pre-fire condition.

# 355:

5:45 am PDT, Mar 10, Natalie Van Leekwijck, Belgium

# 354:

9:40 pm PDT, Mar 9, Shirley Lofton, Louisiana

# 353:

8:35 pm PST, Mar 8, TAYLOR WEIDNER, Colorado

# 352:

1:21 pm PST, Mar 8, Mary Orbison, New York

# 351:

10:24 pm PST, Mar 7, Todd Nydam, California
Santiago Oaks has got to be one of the most versatile parks in the area. It offers hikers, mountain bike riders & horseback riders the opportunity to engage in short, mid, and long activities. The possible variation to the challenge is enjoyable and contributes to better health. I love this park, and urge that we be given the opportunity to continue to benefit from its many miles of trails. Isn't it the volunteer groups that perform much of the maintenance anyway? Sincerely, Todd Nydam

# 350:

5:14 pm PST, Mar 7, Stela Vasques, Portugal

# 349:

1:37 pm PST, Mar 7, Bruce Brantley, California
Keep this park open for everyone to enjoy!

# 348:

8:59 am PST, Mar 7, Name not displayed, California
There is no logical reason to change the park, Only to gain money in the pockets of developers.

# 347:

12:38 pm PST, Mar 6, Joel Giacomino, California

# 346:

8:30 am PST, Mar 3, Name not displayed, California
Please leave the Santiago Oaks trial network as is. This trial system is well balanced for all riding types as well as equestrian and pedestrian recreation. I urge you to please SAVE THE TRIALS!

# 345:

6:50 am PST, Mar 3, Clifford Eveleigh, California
Santiago Oaks currently provides much needed trail access for multiple user types. Converting it into any other form will destroy everything that makes it attractive to all current users.It would be a step in the WRONG direction. There already exists plenty of easy-to-access trails suitable for walking in the OC. Ad on top of that the miles of jogging paths connecting the mountain to the sea in the same area. DO NOT SOLVE A PROBLEM THAT DOES NOT EXIST.

# 344:

7:15 pm PST, Mar 2, Zachary Skochko, California

# 343:

10:16 pm PST, Feb 29, Dustan Baker, California
Please don't touch santiago Oaks! The trials are much needed as they are. I don't use a health club, I stay inshape with Single track and rutted trails!!!

# 342:

8:12 pm PST, Feb 29, James Leist, California
I dont get to ride my mountain bike all that much during the week. But when I do, I almost always ride the Oaks area for the lack of groomed trails. The trails are just like they are supposed to be, and should not be changed one bit.

# 341:

9:39 pm PST, Feb 28, Lein Jenkins, California
There's no reason why the trail can't be shared. Please do not close this trail as we are slowly running out of great riding areas such as this one.

# 340:

8:35 am PST, Feb 28, Jeana French, California

# 339:

9:44 pm PST, Feb 26, JOCELYNE ANNIE STROKOWSKI, Canada

# 338:

6:04 pm PST, Feb 26, Keith Parsons, California
Please keep all current trails open to all users, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians. I have enjoyed this beautiful park for many years along with many other Orange County residents. If it is help that is needed send out a notice and we will be there for trail maintenance, signage, etc.

# 337:

1:33 pm PST, Feb 26, Angela S, California

# 335:

4:48 pm PST, Feb 25, Jody Sidebotham, California
Please save our trails!

# 334:

3:12 pm PST, Feb 25, Carrie Harden, California
I beleive the trails can be maintained by volunteers as long as we have the support of the County. We do it for Cleveland, we will do it for Santiago. Please consider keeping the trails open to the folks who enjoy them, you will have the resources to keep them in shape!!! Keep them open please!!! Mtn bike

# 333:

1:15 pm PST, Feb 25, Chris Miller, California
I have enjoyed the existing trails in Santiiago Oaks for years. While the trail system evolves doue to natural events, I niether understand nor endorse the need for an expensive, uneducated and self-benefitting trail maintenance project from this external provider. Trail maintenance has always been successfully managed by a group of users. Paying an external party, who does not understand the sports' enthousiasts who use the land, and will only profit monitarily by escallating the project is non-sensical. Sinceley,

# 332:

11:25 am PST, Feb 25, Name not displayed, California

# 331:

10:37 pm PST, Feb 24, Nola Cannon, California
Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers alike urge Orange County Officials to leave the trail system in Santiago Oaks intact. We appreciate the challenge of these trails, and the unspoiled beauty of the wilderness. These places are so important as a get-away here in busy Southern California.

# 330:

12:16 pm PST, Feb 24, Gary Shadowen, California
please leave the trails the way they have always been. With the help of mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers the trails can be maintained. Please don't destroy the trails. They are fine the way they are.

# 329:

8:27 am PST, Feb 24, Eva Wood, California

# 328:

6:02 am PST, Feb 24, Jill Maxwell, California
It is vital that we keep these valued trails open. Please remember that if it weren't for horses, the west may not have been settled. I truly believe that horses should be considered one of our national treasures for the sacrifices they have made throughout our history as Americans in literally giving their lives bringing us from East to West. It is important for not only our enjoyment but for the enjoyment of future generations that we preserve our riding trails especially in California. Development has turned our beautiful, green, lush hills into concrete jungles and we really are loosing the visual essence of natural beauty. There is something very therapeutic about riding your beloved horse after a long day at work or a long week and being able to enjoy that oneness with a beautiful animal that brings such joy. Please, I emplore you to consider very carefully the requests of each of us who enjoy the beauty and tranquility of these open trails. Sincerely, Jilly Maxwell

# 326:

8:00 pm PST, Feb 23, Shauna Hart, California

# 325:

5:33 pm PST, Feb 23, Justin White, California
Santiago Oaks has been a wonderful place to enjoy all nature has to offer for both hikers, bikers, and equestrians riders alike. Closing trails in this wonderful piece of nature would be a poor choice for all involved.

# 324:

10:35 am PST, Feb 23, Elaine DeSon, California

# 323:

6:01 pm PST, Feb 22, Gerrit Slingerland, California
PLEASE do not close these existing trails. As a Cyclist, a trail runner, and a hiker, I have seen all users enjoy these trails over the last 38 years. At the meeting I attended, the trail builder kept saying, "These trails are too steep." FOR WHOM? Horses, hikers, runners, and cyclist all use these trails. Yes, some are steep, but let the user decide that, not the "saftey patrol" thanks for listening, Gerrit Slingerland, User of these trails since 1970

# 322:

4:47 pm PST, Feb 22, Kevin Nadeau, California

# 321:

4:19 pm PST, Feb 22, WALTER LUCHINGER, California

# 320:

8:48 am PST, Feb 22, Chris Regan, California

# 319:

11:15 am PST, Feb 21, Kelly Ihde, California

# 318:

10:01 am PST, Feb 21, Mike Bynum, California
It really saddens me that the open land, enjoyed by it's residents, is under constant attack and risk of closure here in California. When will it stop? I guess when we have nothing left to do in CA but pay our tax bill and reminisce about how it "used to be fun to travel those hills".

# 317:

6:46 am PST, Feb 21, Gina Adelman, California
These trails are a vital poart of the parks and as trails for horseriders and hikers disappear we must maintain what we have. LEAVE THE PARK AS IT IS!!!

# 316:

3:00 am PST, Feb 21, Olaya Garcia, Spain

# 315:

10:18 pm PST, Feb 20, Elizabeth Zarkos, California
We have so few places to go to enjoy nature, and I am appalled that the governor would choose to close off places where we can exercise, enjoy the scenery, walk with our family, etc. instead of cutting back some of his outrageous spending. WHY DO THE TAXPAYERS HAVE TO SUFFER FOR THE LEGISLATIVE'S INABILITY TO RUN THE STATE? Why do I have to pay the price because the governor can't get the assembly to balance the budget? How many more people do we have to recall?

# 314:

8:18 pm PST, Feb 20, Sally Wooldridge, California
Keeping mountain bikes off the trails would lessen the damage. Horses and hikers have been on these trails for over 80 years...Orange Park Acres, an equestrian community depends on its access. Keep the trails open and redirect them to lessen the damage. Mother nature has a way of repairing herself. I ride my horse in the park and speeding downhill mountain bikes should not be in this beautiful and bucolic setting.

# 313:

7:26 pm PST, Feb 20, Judy Foster, California
The trails and personal gratification of riding is so important to our equistrian community. Please don't take them away from us.

# 312:

7:12 pm PST, Feb 20, Dolores Caringella, California
I am an Equestrian and we struggle to have enough trails to ride now. Thank you for your consideration.

# 311:

6:33 pm PST, Feb 20, SONYA MAHONY, California
Open spaces are few and far between. Please don't take this one away!! I am an equistrian and enjoy the out doors more then the mall stores.

# 310:

5:25 pm PST, Feb 20, JUDITH SMOKE, California
I HAVE 2 HORSES THAT I KEEP IN SAN JUAN CAP. BUT I HAVE RIDDEN THE OAKS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, FOR YEARS. THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE WAS IN OCT 2007. PLEASE KEEP IT OPEN. I AM A VOLUNTEER FOREST RANGER WITH CLEVELAND N. F.

# 309:

4:42 pm PST, Feb 20, Michele Rosenblum, California
Dear Board of Supervisors, Our trails are being built over at an alarming rate. Please reconsider your stand on the Santiago trails. We use these trails. As trails go, they are not what I would consider steep. We love the chance to be in nature in such beautiful surroundings. Please save our trails.

# 308:

4:14 pm PST, Feb 20, Nick Powers, California

# 307:

2:13 pm PST, Feb 20, Kathi Sterling, California

# 306:

1:43 pm PST, Feb 20, Barbara Chapman, California
My husband and I ride these trails every week on horse back. I have never had any concern that you have not been maintaining the trails. Without these trails there will be very few places to ride our horses. Thank you for not closing the trails.

# 305:

1:13 pm PST, Feb 20, Name not displayed, California
As an equestrian and hiker, I value all the existing trails in the Southern California area. We need continued access to park trails, and I'd like to see even more available and preserved for our future.

# 304:

12:43 pm PST, Feb 20, Scott Neales, California
Riding a mountain bike on these trails, on a weekly basis, has saved my life. It has become a way of life for me, that would be greatly missed. Sincerely, A recovering alcoholic and drug addict.

# 303:

12:43 pm PST, Feb 20, Martha Millet, California

# 302:

11:14 am PST, Feb 20, Julie Maurer, California
I have read many of the comments listed here and can add nothing new. I can agree that the answer does not lie in closing the substantial number of trails proposed. It is extremely important that county officials listen to the voice of the users. "Don't close our trails!"

# 301:

10:33 am PST, Feb 20, Renee Ritchie, California
I live in the town of San Juan Capistrano and am on a commitee which some concerned residents and city officials formed to preserve our trails, it is called the Community Trails Committee. I am also on our Open Space committee which is an Ad Hoc group to preserve San Juan's open space and looking at a possible bond to purchase more Open Space for our community. So when I hear that trails are CLOSING rather then trying to preserve them for all to enjoy I am disheartened. We have hundreds of miles of trails and maintenance is very low. Are they used all the time, no. However, they are used and always OPEN to all except on a few occasions when maintenance needs to be completed. I ask you to support our cause, as well as many others in Southern California, and keep ALL trails open. If it is a matter of expense the overhead is low and if you would like, our committee can meet with you to form a plan of keeping these "steep" trails open. If you ride San Juans's trails we are use to steep. As a matter of fact most enjoy them for the exercise benefit and once you reach the peak of these hills you not only feel better about yourself but most of them, once on top, have a beautiful view. I ask that you consider another plan and again, we would be happy to meet with you. Respectfully, Renee Ritchie

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