Neighborhood fence art on the greenbelt path between Cottrell and Vernier. (If you know who we should thank for this, let us know!)
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SCRL News is a quarterly publication for the Stanford Campus Residential Leaseholders ("SCRL") membership that includes the homeowners of over 850 homes on the Stanford campus, on land leased from Stanford University. SCRL is an independent, non-profit community organization.
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From the Executive Director
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Hi Neighbors,
Here we are at the beginning of another academic year. I’m sure all of us hoped the pandemic would be fading into memory by now. I certainly believed we would be gathering together to celebrate a return to normalcy in person. But, as it is, we’re not there yet.
I continue to be thankful for neighbors who wave from behind masks, or across the distance; for the promise of Fall Curb-side Clean up (October 16th); and open windows, when the air quality allows.
Hope your fall is filled with the excitement of the new academic year, in whatever form it takes.
Best to each of you,
Cindi Kingsley
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In response to the current drought, the university has set a goal of reducing overall campus water use by 15% (compared to 2019). The Stanford Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure group has tips and information about water conservation in campus homes, including an explanation of why your water bill may go up as you save water. Read more>>
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Spring election adds four new board members
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In May leaseholders elected new board members Jerome Hastings, Mark Jacobstein, Anica John, and Dan Edelstein along with incumbents Bruce Clemons, Cheryl Foung, Larry Horton, and Tanya Luhrmann. (Blair Hoxby was also reelected but has since resigned.) In addition to their professional accomplishments, the new board members add expertise in technology, community building and planning, and sustainability, and for the first time in a while, there will be board members with school-age children–and new babies. Read more>>
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Community Board on Public Safety rejects leaseholders’ request for survey, offers alternatives
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In an August 31 letter to President Mark Tessier -
Lavigne and Provost Persis Drell, the SCRL board urged that an independent, professional survey of leaseholders be conducted before the Community Board on Public Safety engages a consultant specializing in implementing changes to policing operations. The university responded that “we will not be proceeding with a survey” but plans to provide SCRL members with other opportunities to discuss policing at Stanford. Read more>>
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SCRL Parks: The Jewels in the Crown
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SCRL’s four neighborhood parks have always been a welcome haven for walking and birding, and wonderful play spaces for children of all ages. But as any longtime resident can tell you, they weren’t always as accessible, functional, and well-cared for as they are today. In the thirty years since SCRL was incorporated, a commitment to beautiful and accessible neighborhood parks has been one of SCRL’s hallmarks. Read more>>
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Back to school means back to extra caution on Stanford Avenue
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With the start of the school year, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages everyone to be aware and observant for children on their way to/from Nixon Elementary School (1711 Stanford Ave.) and Escondido Elementary School (890 Escondido Rd.) by bicycle and on foot. We also ask that drivers obey the posted speed limit on the routes to/from the schools, obey traffic lights and stop signs, and do not make a turn at an intersection until children and others are no longer in the crosswalk as required by the vehicle code, especially on Stanford Avenue where it intersects with Raimundo, Peter Coutts, Bowdoin, and Escondido Road.
Most children are on their way to/from school between 7:30 and 8:15am
and between 2:30pm and 3:15pm (Wednesdays 1:00pm to 2pm).
In partnership with the schools, DPS promotes safe bicycle riding and walking. Parents are also encouraged to reinforce safety tips with their children. When we ALL obey traffic laws and practice safe driving, biking, and walking, everyone can reach their destination safely!
Bill Larson, Public Information Officer, Department of Public Safety
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No Ground Rent Increase Until FY25
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The university has accepted the proposal of the Ground Rent Task Force appointed by provost Persis Drell to keep ground rent charges at the current level for the next three years. Olmstead Terrace residents will also see the elimination of the separate subdivision fee they had been
paying. SCRL board member Larry Horton chaired the task force, which included
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“Who says we don’t want coyotes!”
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Tolman resident Marilyn Adler recently captured this shot of a coyote enjoying a tasty rat in
Ryan Park, just outside her backyard. “I was watching this coyote walking up and down the path. He stopped by one of the gopher holes and within minutes grabbed a rat.” It’s a reminder that coyotes, like owls, provide free pest control. For more on coyotes in the neighborhood, you can revisit
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Owl boxes coming in October
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In a true community partnership, four owl boxes will be installed in October in Lathrop and Frenchman’s Parks, near the Mayfield playing field, and near
Gerona Road. The project is
a joint effort of the SCRL sustainability committee, headed by Tanya Luhrmann, working with Cheryl Foung, Audrey Gold, and Katie Shoven, and with advice from University Biologist Alan Launer. The installation by Hungry Owl is being funded
by an anonymous neighborhood birder. Attracting more owls, who
prey on rodents, is a part of the sustainability committee’s efforts to reduce the number of rodents while also reducing use of rodenticides in the
SCRL neighborhoods.
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Safe sidewalks are everyone’s job
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While our friends at LBRE (Lands, Buildings, and Real Estate) keep neighborhood sidewalks in good repair,
they want to remind us that
it is the responsibility of
leaseholders to make sure
that plants from their yards do not obstruct walkways. Overgrown plants are annoying for everyone, but are especially perilous for those in wheelchairs, using walkers, or navigating baby strollers.
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No decision yet in tax challenge
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As of mid-September, the university was still awaiting a decision in their challenge of Santa Clara County property tax assessments that are substantially above home
purchase prices. The assessor had originally indicated that a decision could be expected by July 1. Watch your email for news of the decision.
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County Announces guidelines for Historic Significance Assessment in
building permit process
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Santa Clara County’s Department of Planning and Development presented their finalized Building Permit process with regards to the specific conditions where a Historic Significance Assessment (HSA) would be needed at a public zoom meeting on September 29. Look for an analysis of the changes and how they will affect leaseholders in the next issue.
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More neighborhood fence art on the greenbelt path between Cottrell and Vernier. (If you know who we should thank for this, let us know!)
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- ADUs (Auxiliary Dwelling Units) in the SCRL neighborhood
-
County’s new building permit guidelines when a Historic Significance Assessment is needed
Updates:
- Tax appeal decision – if there is one
- SCRL’s engagement with the Community Board on Public Safety
- Emergency Plan
- Ground Rent Task Force
Anything else you’d like to hear about?
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Stanford Campus Residential Leaseholders
105 Littlefield Center, P.O. Box 18146 Stanford, CA 94309
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