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Written Communications PRC Meeting June 3, 2021 Written Communications Item 2 Update on the Extension of the Dog Off-Leash Area Trial at Jollyman Park Jollyman Dola • Only one Little League team uses Jollyman Park's one mixed- use athletic field. Wilson Park is the preferred park with 3 _ athletic fields for most of the other Little League teams. This has been an long ongoing pattern and preference of the teams over several years • The City has staff maintaining the fields throughout COVID. The DOLA was outdoors, the public was safe and allowed to use it. The City position that the city field staff could not observe Yellow_ requested DOLA is hard to understand inlight of this. area(220x 120 ft) • Starting July 1 2021 there will be an hourly fee per person is '' alea policy (instead of prior sport activity team per season). - fenced Groups are expected to only reserve the space they require. 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Mary Ellen Chell Group admin I � - Hey there!I am using WhatsApp. +1(408)203-0... -Vinutha -{. r \ +1(408)314-0... crap admin = `q �, Here is the picture of the girl for Hey there!... -samyukta Ramprasad the previous message 9:13 AM A PRC Meeting June 3, 2021 Written Communications Item 3 Blackberry Farm Golf Course Feasibility Study Options From: Wayne Wang To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Re: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday, May 20,2021 1:57:57 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please keep the Golf Course. Wayne Wang From: Peter Wang To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: June 3rd discussion on the future of Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday, May 20,2021 2:25:08 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. The Blackberry Farm Golf Course serves a useful function to the community. It is utilized by many beginner golfers and alleviates the load at Deep Cliff Golf.I support retaining the Blackberry Farm Golf Course and would suggest the city pave the short trail connecting the parking lot up to Byrnes Ave. Sincerely, Peter Wang From: Ken Ena To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,May 20,2021 2:27:28 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I recommend to KEEP and renovate Blackberry Farm Golf Course for the citizens of Cupertino and the community. It is a very interesting and challenging course for beginners and novice golfers. Golfing has become increasingly popular, due to the health and mental aspects of this sport, especially after this pandemic. Our schools have been increasingly adding and promoting this important sport for all ages. Thank you for this consideration. Blessings, Ken En6 From: Samuel Feldman To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Gold Course Date: Thursday, May 20,2021 9:00:52 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Comment for June 3 2021 meeting: I have been a user of both the golf course and the Stevens Creek Trail for many years. My strong desire and request is to maintain and improve the golf course. It is a gem, and provides a wonderful recreation opportunity in a spectacularly beautiful setting. Thankyou Samuel Feldman From: nancv canter To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: Jenny Koverman Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Friday,May 21,2021 6:54:13 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Response to letter received for property owners on future of Blackberry Farm Golf Course As a 20+year resident of Cupertino I strongly suggest you maintain the existing golf course and improve the golf course by adding a larger putting green and driving range. If you care at all about equity and access to all residents you will support keeping a public golf course. During this pandemic(Covid 19)golf was one of the few sport activities allowed and the increase use of the Blackberry golf course was the result.Having a public golf course is a much valued asset of Cupertino and a beautiful green space. I wish the commission would improve Memorial Park which sorely needs attention. Respectively submitted Dr.Nancy Canter From: JIM WEHRLY To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Friday,May 21,2021 11:48:14 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Jenny, It is always tempting to support expanding our city's natural habitat, especially, in support of the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail. However, I believe Blackberry Farm Golf Course offers a valuable community recreation facility for our senior citizens who enjoy golfing on a compact course and for young golfers to learn and improve their golfing skills with affordable green fees. From a personal experience, this golf course provided my son a great opportunity to develop his golfing skills; and, his pairing with senior citizen golfers by the golf pro provided not only support for the development of his golfing skills; but, a great cross- generation experience. SAVE the Blackberry Farm Gold Course for the benefit of our communities seniors, youth, and golfers who cannot afford the high cost of membership fees and green fees at other golf courses! Keep this community gem! Respectively, Jim Wehrly Oakdell Ranch Resident Cupertino From: Chih-Kai Chena To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: The future of Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Sunday,May 23,2021 2:59:28 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Commission members, I am writing this email to support the plan to return the course to natural habitat for the following reasons, 1. Deep Cliff Golf Course is right next to the park. Golfers do have options. 2. Golf course is not a very environmental option. It takes lots of more water and chemicals to maintain the course. 3. The young population are playing less and less golf nowadays. I am sure a natural habitat connecting to Stevens Creek Corridor will be enjoyed by more Cupertino citizens. All of our 5 family members strongly recommend this option of a greener Cupertino for future generations. Chih-Kai Cheng From: Matthew Miller To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: Thomas De Natale; L.T.Guttadauro; Mike Kedell; Subject: RE: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Tuesday,May 25,2021 1:16:43 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. The following is the comment I wish to submit regarding BBF Golf Course for your meeting on June 3,2021 at 7 p in.: I am Matthew R.Miller,Sr., Cupertino,CA 95014, My history goes back a long way with BBF Golf Course.In 1975 six of us"young"male golfers decided to start a "mixed"league, as a way for us single guys to meet women.We made it a beginners league and called it The Blue Pheasant Hackers. Today the term hackers means something entirely different,but back then,to Hack"up the golf course meant one was not a very good golfer.It was not until 1976 that we really got the league organized,with officers,and our unique set of rules for playing BBF Golf Course.The Blue Pheasant Hackers golf league is still playing today 45 years later on Tuesday afternoons with three"away"tournaments from the first Tuesday in April until usually the first week in October.Over the years our membership has varied from somewhere around 90 members to today's around 25 members,but growing. Speaking for our current membership,we feel it would be a shame to loose our home course to your option of complete removal.True,we could move to Deep Cliff Golf Course,but our association with the Blue Pheasant restaurant and bar would also then be gone.Traditionally,we have assembled at the BP on the first Tuesday of each month to hand out the prizes for the previous month's games, where we also usually have orders from the restaurant and drinks from the bar.Granted,we have not been able to carry on that tradition during this pandemic,but we look forward to doing the same,hopefully later this season for our league. We truly hope that one of your options of renovation,both for the golf course and for the BP will prevail.Over the years our league has improved the golf game of many,both young and old golfers,and has provided a social setting where many a friendships and even marriages have flourished. You also must take into consideration the number of people the golf course employs,whose jobs would be terminated.The current Parks&Rees. staff and before the golf course was owned by the city,that independent staff and all the employees of the BP have been great supporters of our Blue Pheasant Hackers golf league.At my current age of 82 years,I'm not sure how long I'll be hitting them,but for our younger Hackers we hope you will enable us to continue our tradition into the future. Sincerely, Matthew R.Miller,Sr. From: Alice Bautista To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Re:The Future of Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Friday,May 28,2021 7:24:15 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Parks and Recreation Commission, Blackberry Farm Golf Course should be renovated and continued to be used as it has been for many,many years. It is a beautiful course and is the only 9 hole course in Cupertino.It is used by many members of the community; especially people just learning to play the game and many seniors who enjoy this short course. I have seen many families playing together. Cupertino already has a natural habitat connected to the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail at McClellan Ranch Park.This area provides plenty of space for the little creatures who reside along the creek. What is especially concerning to some of us who live along the creek,are the unkept grounds in the preserve. Piles of dry branches,leaves,down fallen trees and branches that are trimmed and left under the existing trees.This is all very serious during these times of high fire danger. Please do not create any additional danger to our residents and neighbors. Please leave Blackberry Farm Golf Course as it is today. Why not offer it to our local schools to be used as a facility for an after school sport where students can learn the wonderful game to golf.It is a beautiful,open,green site which is so rare in these days of nothing but dry vegetation. Alice Bautista Sent from my iPad From: jimcourtright To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: comments concerning Blackberry Farm golf course Date: Saturday,May 29,2021 5:05:31 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. In my opinion we should always keep the golf course. This course, being short and only 9 holes, is ideal for older golfers, ladies, kids, and all beginners. There are not many courses around like this, and I feel it is a treasure our city has to offer the area. It has been around a long time and is loved by many. Years ago some bunch tried this nonsense and when I walked in the golf shop to pay there was a table in the room with a stack of blue prints with all the ideas to replace the golf course, such as a whole bunch of volleyball courts! This was a waste of money! Spend the money on fixing up the course! You have a good thing here, Cupertino, please don't blow it! P.S. Some say"Measure T", a tax measure from 1992, promised the residents that the golf course would STAY! If the nonsense continues, this will have to be checked out. Sincerely, James R. Courtright From: To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Sunday,May 30,2021 9:57:09 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please keep and or improve the course. It is a city and area treasure that young and old enjoy and one of the very few in the area that is resonabley priced, convenient and does currently serve more than just golfers by offering a soccer type of golf. From: Indira Abhyanker To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Statement of Support Date: Sunday,May 30,2021 12:20:44 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, This is a statement of support for Blackberry Farm Golf Course. I started playing golf last year and I love this course because it brings together golfers of all skill levels while providing scenic and relaxing surroundings. Thank you! Sincerely, Indira Abhyanker From: sonal abhyanker To: City of Cuoertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save BF Golf Course Date: Sunday,May 30,2021 12:53:19 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Parks and Recreation commission, I am sending a statement in support of saving our B1ackBerry Farm golf course. Having a golf course in our neighborhood is good for the folks who want to get a little bit of exercise and sunshine at the same time.I know you could argue that somebody could just go for a walk or go for a hike however golfing offers a little bit more of a mental challenge which is good for mental health. It is sad to see so many things in Cupertino disappearing one by one. Please consider a vote in favor of keeping our golf course. Warm regards, Sonal Sent from my Whone Please excuse typos From: Sharmd Sharma To: CM of DlceNno Parka and Recreabon Commmaon subject: Blackberry Fans For Course Date: Sunday,May 30,20211:06:41 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Recreation Commission, I am writing in support of keeping the Golf Course open and operational. Every Saturday, week after week, I have been getting together with three of my friends to play golf for over twenty years (since 2001) and it has forged my strongest friendships. It is such an integral part of our lives. My son and daughter grew up learning the basics of Golf at Blackberry. It is a suitable course for all skill level. The pro shop and the staff working are professional and working. The Blackberry Golf Course is part of the history of Cupertino and you must not close or consider reducing the size. Further, you have done a great service by keeping it affordable and maintaining it . I would argue that you should consider investing more and if necessary, increase the green fee. Keep Blackberry Golf Course Open" Sharad Sharma Address: Cupertino, CA 95014 (Previous) Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Current) From: Bryce Haboian To: City of Cuoertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Sunday,May 30,2021 4:06:57 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the City of Cupertino Parks and Rec.Commission, This is a statement of support for the B1ackBerry Farm Golf Course.I love this golf course because it is great for seniors,children,beginners and experts.It is affordable,scenic,and always lovely to meet new people at. Thank you for providing and affordable place for us to golf! -Bryce Haboian Sent from my Whone From: David Kamnitzer To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: SAVE BLACKBERRY FARMS GOLF COURSE! Date: Monday,May 31,2021 9:48:19 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am writing to save Blackberry Farm Golf Course. My boys and I have so many wonderful memories of playing there as the kids were growing up, and we still go to enjoy a quick round of golf. It has a special charm you don't often see in other short courses. Please save this wonderful treasure for us, and for future generations. Golf is expensive and access is limited for many in the Bay Area. This is a special place and is refreshingly accessible and affordable. Sincerely, Dr. David Kamnitzer, DC Activate Stem Cells Safely and Affordably! https://www.lifewave.com/dravid My GIFT to Truth Students Everywhere: http://www.cuttingedgedoc.com/13-hour-list/ Take a look at this orientation video of the most powerful approach to customized programs for nutrition, herbs,and homeopathy that I know(less than two minutes!)--MORPHOGENIC FIELD TECHNIQUE: httI2S7ay0utu.be/mgCkn2BJMsc More about me and my work at http://www.cuttingedgedoc.com (our podcast series) and http://www.davidkamnitzer.com [J Virus-free. www.avast.com From: Villafana To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 12:56:16 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I understand that the city council is considering closing or changing the golf course and I need to express my deep concern.This course is home to many seniors and players of all ages.It keeps the community healthy as well as socially strong.It would be a grave mistake to close this facility.I hope that you consider keeping the course the way it is. Dave Villafana Sent from my iPhone From: Sandra Jones To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 1:28:01 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is a statement of support for Blackberry Farm Golf Course. Our senior groups from Cupertino Senior Center and Saratoga Senior Center have been golfing every Monday and Friday morning for over 10 plus years. We also often enjoy a gathering in the attached restaurant after golf in prior Covid times. The Golf course staff is warm, friendly, considerate and helpful to all of us. We also see many parents with children, during the summer hours, playing golf. Please do minimal repairs necessary to keep this special place of beauty available for us to enjoy. It is indeed our sanctuary in a busy city and a necessity for our well being to be out of doors and moving freely. Thank you, Kent & Sandra Jones Cupertino, Ca., 95014 From: Paul Rhee To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 1:46:14 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Sirs, The golf course helps me exercise while enjoying the scenic and surroundings,of course,this golf course helps the community because it attracts people to Cupertino who then dine or shop afterwards. We should keep it! Regards, Paul Rhee Rancho DeepCliff Community From: Wolfgang Pieb To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry farm golf course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 2:35:27 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi, I am writing in support of keeping Blackberry farm golf course open and available to the public as an excellent recreational opportunity for people of all ages.I have played many a round there and was looking forward to playing many more in retirement.If part of the Blue Pheasant could be used to make a proper club house and provide a place to socialize for golfers after their round it would add great value and bring other golfers from the surrounding areas to spend money in Cupertino. Thank you for your consideration. Wolfgang Pieb From: Brody Cormier To: City of Cuoertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farms Golf Course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 2:37:43 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello Commissioners, I wanted to speak in support of the excellent golf course that is Blackberry Farms. I took up golf at the beginning of the pandemic and have spent the majority of the last year playing dozens of courses searching for the most enjoyable places to golf and I keep coming back to Blackberry Farms. It is one of the most unique courses I have played. The shorter layout allows for quick rounds (the longest I have ever played here was 1 hour and 45 minutes) which is often the opposite at many short courses because the disparity in player skill can mean a lot of waiting around for less experienced groups of players. But this problem doesn't occur at Blackberry because of the unique layout and placement of the two par 4s to space groups out. It is an excellent place to play as a beginner, but the tight course through the trees is an equal challenge for experienced players as well. This is not to say that the course is perfect,but it is so good in its layout I will continue to play here frequently. I am evidence that the golf boom that happened during the pandemic was not a fad, and that a fun and challenging course like Blackberry Farms will keep all of those new players coming back. I do have a couple of suggestions that could improve revenue, course value, and lower maintenance costs along with the basic minimum repairs. The first is the use of the dry pond bed. Instead of trying to replace the land with more plants that will take water, line the pond with sand to make a large playable bunker. This will make the play more enjoyable for beginners whose ball now trickles into a playable area instead of unplayable dirt or scrub brush. This will also provide an opportunity for advanced players who now have a unique challenge to play from. A feature like this would also certainly improve the course's local fame. I personally know many players who would play the course just to see a feature like that. The second item is to sell light-up golf balls in the pro shop and offer night golf. This is currently extremely popular with younger players who aren't able to make it to the course during day hours during the week and would extend revenue-generating hours as well as the course's fame as I mentioned earlier. I hope you will take some of my suggestions into consideration, but if not I still look forward to playing such an excellent course at an excellent price point for many years to come. Best Regards, Brodric Cormier From: ie� ff lille To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: blackberry golf Date: Monday,May 31,2021 3:01:58 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I see that you are discussing the future of Blackberry golf course. I would like to encourage the city to keep Blackberry golf course open as a casual course open to the public. I have been using the course since 2001 as an easy outing to enjoy my local area. Please suggest an upgrade to the watering system as I now see that it is outdated. thanks Jeff Lille From: Younasook Rhee To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 3:34:23 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I love this golf course..It's great for seniors like me,children,beginners and it brings together golfers of all skill levels and this golf course helps the community because it attracts people to Cupertino who then dine or shop afterwards.We need this golf course! Regards, Rosa From: H Yonezawa To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry golf course Date: Monday,May 31,2021 4:34:11 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Commissioners, I heard B1ackBerry golf course may be removed. I enjoy to play golf almost everyday at Blackberry with friends since few years ago.This course is 9 holes and relatively very short compared to regular 18 holes course.Therefore it is very convenient to the people who has not enough time or family or beginners.Also it is very valuable to see such great space with lots of trees in the crowded residential area. If maintenance cost is concerned,please either increase a golf fee some degree and/or reduce maintenance level to reduce cost. Hiroshi Yonezawa Sent from my iPhone From: Stephanie Karic To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 9:55:32 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom This May Concern, I have been golfing here for 6 months. I come to play with my family. Here is what I like about the golf course, it's perfect for my two young boys learning to play golf. We've even gotten their grandparents involved too, it has been a family affair. It's great for seniors, children, beginners and it brings together golfers of all skill levels. The course helps my family exercise while enjoying the scenic and relaxing surroundings. We have made this a weekly outing for my family. Thank you for providing an affordable place for us to play golf! We love Blackberry Farm Golf Course. Sincerely, Stephanie Karic From: Lionel Kirton To: CM of OIDerbro Parks and Reneabon Cnmmistion subject: Fad: Failure Notice Date: Tuesday,June 1,202112:19:15 FM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Begin forwarded message: a e: une a :12:12 PM PDT Sony,we were unable to deliver your message to the following address. <12ukandrecreationcommission&cWertino.org>: 550: 5.4.1 Recipient address rejected: Access denied. AS(201806281) [M W2NAMO4FTO64.eoo-NAMO4.prod.protection.oudook.com] ----------Forwarded message ---------- From: Lionel Kirton- Subject: Please leave Blackberry farm Golf Course alone Date: June 11 2021 at 12.12:06 PM PDT To: parkandrecreationcommissionCcDcuoertino.org I have played golf at Blackberry farm since 1966. My wife, son and 2 grandsons all it. My wife died in August 2020 of pancreatic cancer very suddenly. The only way I could see people was to play golf outside because the course handled the Covid Pandemic very well. So I did my grieving on Blackberry Farm golf course. It is a great course to seniors (I am 85) since it is good for walking,but still a fair test of our golf game. Thank you for providing an affordable place for us to play golf. It is a credit to the Cupertino society. Please do not change this course it is a significant attraction to people of all ages as it is. Lionel Karen and family Form: Mike Kedell To: C"of OroeNno Parks and Recreabon Commisaon Cc: subject ME Rrounie Date: Tuesday,June 1,202112:36:18 PM CAUTION:This email originated form outside of the organization.Do net click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the Content is safe. Enclosed is a comment I wish to submit regarding Blackberry Farm Golf Course for your meeting on June 3, 2021 at 7 p.m Hello, My wife and I have been long-time homeowners of Cupertino for over 30 years. I have played and continue to do so at this city's golf course numerous times. I also belong to the Hackers golf group that plays this course on Tuesdays and after the game we meet for drinks & food at the Blue Pheasant restaurant. Being a patron of the golf course and the restaurant I would like to see that the golf course stay as an asset with the city and the use and enjoyment for the residences and others. I believe we have enough open space in this area, I live very close to the Stocklmier walking trail and Blackberry Farm and enjoy using the open space and trails that it provides. The golf course itself "provides open space". Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. Michael & Barbara Kedell Cupertino, CA 95014-1068 From: Rose Ann Woolpert To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 1:56:07 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear commission members, I am a 33 year resident of Cupertino who golfs at blackberry Farm golf course two or three times a month.This is the only City recreational facility I use.I urge you to retain the course so that Cupertino residents,especially senior citizens whose sports opportunities are limited,can continue to have easily accessible fun and recreation in our city. Sincerely, Rose Ann Woolpert Cupertino Sent from my Wad From: Louisa Roberts To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm golf course Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 2:37:52 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is a statement of support for Blackberry Farm golf course.I've been enjoying golfing here for several years and was my first golf playing experience! It is a perfect course for beginners,seniors,kids,and even experienced golfers. I love playing here as it is close by and affordable,and I would be very upset if the course is closed.Please,please keep the golf course open for our community. Sincerely, Louisa Roberts. Cupertino. From: Marlys Whiteside To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: blackberry farm golf Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 3:45:40 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Our family of 5 plays very week and we wish to vote to minimal repairs and get the golf course. Marlys whiteside tamara whiteside greg whiteside ben dom vine dorn WE have been plaing every week for the past 5 years. WE are multigenerational Grandmother son and daugher and grandson.WE love the course please do not close the course. Tahnk you. From: minmei liu To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry farm golf course!! Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 5:53:04 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Councilman, I have been a Cupertino residence for 30 years and have enjoyed Playing golf at Black berry farm. Please save the course as it is good for The city as seniors like me can enjoy outdoor playing. Thank you for Continue to provide an affordable place for us to play golf. Sincerely, Minmei chao From: mario kiefer To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry farm golf course Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 6:08:05 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Park Commission:I hope you will not close down or alter Blackberry golf course. Please keep it as it is. I have been buying senior passes for 7 years and really enjoy the course for the exercise and the relaxing surroundings.I would be very dismayed if course was changed to anything other than exists now. Sincerely, Mario Kiefer From: Bill-Jo Taylor To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 6:20:10 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission: Please save Blackberry farm golf Course. I vote for Minor Repairs. Do not shorten the course and do not remove it. I have been playing this course for 20 years and I enjoy its location and beauty. We see deer,foxes,brids,skunks, squirrels and gophers. We usually play twice a week and we play with family and friends who visit us. It is just the right size course to be able to walk and pull my cart. Please do not shut it down. I need the exercise and enjoy meeting other people playing there. The workers are very pleasant. You have a gem here. Please keep it. Jo Ann Taylor Palo Alto,CA 94306 From: Peter Lam To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Farm Golf Course! Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 6:53:06 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Joanne, My name is Peter Lam and my wife Concepcion Lam,are Cupertino residents and own the home since February 1982.We received a flIer"SAVE BLACKBERRY FARM GOLF COURSE!"just before starting our daily exercise,one round of 9 hole golf game.We have the annual passes able to play every weekdays since we retired in December 2001 and June 2010 from Cupertino Union School District respectively.The reason why I picked the golfing instead of YMCA or Cupertino Sport Center,because I don't like the indoor trail mill,nor bicycle going no where atmosphere.In 2001,the Blackberry Farm Golf course was maintained very well,having one small pond,creek,and a big pond with big carp and small fishes,frogs,baby lobsters...some time there were deers passing across the fairways.Although,we are not crazy about golfing but exercise.Therefore,we would like to express our wishes not to remove golf course and restore land to"natural habitat"in your next meeting Thursday,June 3,2021 agenda. Your expeditious action in this matter will be highly appreciated. Sincerely, Peter Lam From: Brandon Ge To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry golf course Date: Tuesday,June 1,2021 8:54:07 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Hope this email finds you well. My name is Brandon, and I wish to keep blackberry golf course as it is. I feel like it is a great place for beginners to try playing golf, and if we remove it and give it back to mother nature, many people would be deprived of a convenient way to learn a new sport. I hope that blackberry stays, but I will respect the decision the committee makes. Cheers, Brandon From: H Yonezawa To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry golf course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 5:41:34 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Cupertino recreation commissioners, We enjoy Blackberry golf course very much. We heard 9 holes course may be shrunk to few holes course or removed. Many people who enjoy this course would like Cupertino will keep as it is. We do not mind to increase fee and reduce maintenance level of it is kept. Zawa Sent from my iPhone From: Hiroshi Yonezawa To: City of Cuoertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: BlackBerry Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 5:49:58 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi We are enjoying to play golf at Blackberry very much. We hope Cupertino keeps this space as 9 holes golf course for ever. Sent from my iPhone From: Steve Bradford To: CM of OIDerano Parks and ReeesMon Commi eion subject: Blackberry Fenn Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,20217:2 32 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do net click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning, I wish to register my opposition to the idea of closing Blackberry Farm Golf Course. A few years ago I took my wife for her first actual golf game at the age of 72 to your beautiful course after she had spent two years in practice at a driving range. As I told her, this was the big-time. We had to alleviate her apprehension. It was important for her to start in a place with the right mindset. Golf is a mindful practice best experienced in peace, tranquility and natural beauty. Blackberry has all of these attributes, on the creek, with the quiet and mature foliage, and its lack of pretension. There is no other such place in Silicon Valley. It is one of the crown jewels of Cupertino. Please leave it as it is. Its loss would be profound for the ancient game of golf and the opportunity it gives to people of all ages and genders to appreciate it in an urban environment with no other such setting. Sincerely yours, The Bradfords Steve Bradford From: Gladvsm Houston To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course possible closing Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 8:10:20 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the above referenced commission: Dear Commission Members, Please consider the community value this wonderful course has provided over the years. It is open to all comers,it is affordable,it is beautiful,and it provides a unique social interaction with diverse members of our community.There is nothing like it in our entire area,and to lose it would be an irreplaceable loss to many-even to those who don't currently use it but wish their children to take up golf at some point. Blackberry is a beacon of non exclusivity,of teaching patience,respect for other players, and adherence to a gentle set of rules.It represents fine civic values which can be applied to other aspects of a community life. (litter disposal,respect for greenspace,quiet, etc.). I sincerely request that you maintain this unique resource to our community. respectfully, Gladys Houston Sent from my iPhone From: william schumacher To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 9:10:38 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. This is a statement of support for Blackberry Farms Golf Course.I have been golfing at Blackberry Farms for 6 years and it was the first golf course I played when I moved here from Florida.It is a challenging course for all golfers and puts a premium on your iron shots as well as your chipping and putting.The natural beauty of the course and seeing the deer and listening to the birds creates a very peaceful setting. Please continue to keep this course open and available to the public.I have missed having The Blue Pheasant Restaurant open to enjoy a lunch,dinner or a beer after the round and hope it will reopen soon.Perhaps your Proof of Vaccination can be your entry card! Long live Blackberry Farms Golf Course! Thank you, William Schumacher Sent from my iPad From: Ron Fairchild To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Keep Blackberry Farms Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 9:52:25 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. June 3, 2021 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, My wife and I moved to Cupertino in 1970 and have experienced the growth and development of a wonderful community. We live near Blackberry Farms Golf Course and love what it offers to the greater Cupertino community. It would be a tragedy to eliminate the recreation opportunities this golf course provides. We have seen so many families use this beautiful resource for playing golf and soccer golf. We are personally acquainted with many Cupertino residents who feel as strongly as we do about maintaining the golf course for our community. We are sure that there is an abundance of parks in our area and see no need to sacrafice Blackberry Farms Golf Course to add more. Please do not do harm to a valuable recreation resource by making unneeded changes to Blackberry Farms Golf Course. Sincerely, Ron Fairchild Cupertino From: Bill-Jo Taylor To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm golf Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 10:08:53 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please do NOT close Blackberry Farm Golf Course. I have been golfing here for over 20 years,normally two times a week,meeting friends there early in the morning. This is a gem in the area. It is great for me as a senior in that I can still walk it. It is well maintained and the staff are friendly. Please do not consider closing it or downsizing it. Bill Taylor From: Lisa Giefer To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: Mark Lee Subject: Blackberry Farm Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 1:00:53 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, We saw your notice posted at Blackberry Farm Golf Course that you were going to study use of Blackberry Farm. We support keeping Blackberry Farm Golf Course as a golf course.It's the only City owned golf course in the City of Cupertino.It makes golf accessible to entry level players,seniors on fixed incomes,families and lower income residents.Players at all levels play the course without the intimidation of playing at a more challenging golf course. We already have Blackberry Fann Park that is a naturalized park along the Stevens Creek corridor.If you are looking for more opportunities for naturalized parks along the corridor take a look at Linda Vista Park.It has at least an acre of manicured grass.The lower field grass is already been killed.Hopefully you can convert this to a native plant garden.Or convert the grass field near the swimming pool at Blackberry Farm to native plants.On the west side of Cupertino we have so many school/City partnership green fields for the communities enjoyment.Take a look at converting some of them before you convert a unique recreation facility like Blackberry Golf Course.We have baseball diamonds,football fields,cricket pitches that all serve segments of the community.Blackberry Farm Golf Course also serves a segment of our community and encourages an active lifestyle and sense of community.We see many families playing on the course teaching their kids to golf.Because Blackberry Golf Course is affordable we can afford to take the whole family allowing us to enjoy family time.When our children took golf lessons through the City,they were held at Deep Cliff.I always wondered why youth golf lessons were not at Blackberry Farm Golf Course? Other golf courses in Cupertino are on private land.At some time in the future,if Deep Cliff decides to convert the land to housing there would be no golf in Cupertino.Keeping Blackberry Farm future proofs golf availability for our residents. We have the Quinlin Center,Community Center,Recreation Center,and many other satellite facilities available throughout the City.We don't need more gathering spaces for the community that are City owned.You would put the remaining businesses who are struggling due to the pandemic at further risk by creating more public City owned facilities.I'm sure that businesses in Cupertino would appreciate the bookings for family events such as graduation parties,weddings,etc...If you want a better revenue stream from the Blue Pheasant update the kitchen.The quality of the facility has been an issue as long as we have lived in Cupertino and we've lived here a very long time. A quick intemet survey of near by public golf courses indicates that Blackberry Golf Course is the lowest priced public golf course available(thank you).If your issue is economic,raise your price 10%.It will still be very affordable and still a good value.But make it better,don't get rid of the golf course.Improve the driving range. There is a deficit of driving ranges in the area. We need Blackberry Farm Golf Course in our community to continue to provide recreational opportunities that the City doesn't provide in other locations. Thank you for your consideration, Lisa Giefer and Mark Lee P.S.Would you please acknowledge receipt of this email and read our email into the public record? From: Thomas De Natale To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Golf Course please keep footprint and improve Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 2:09:25 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To commissioners, My history with Blackberry Farm and its golf course goes way back to the 1950's when I as a young boy attended with my parents large picnic events from San Francisco. I was too young to play golf with the adults but that came later. When I was in my early 20's my wife and I became residents of Cupertino on Valley Green Dr. I was finally able to enjoy playing golf at Blackberry. We moved and kids were born and finally about 2010 1 was asked to play at Blackberry and join the Blue Pheasant Hacker's league for the last 11 years. I've been playing the course once a week for at least half of the year, and sometimes the whole year ever since. My wife and I rented a Blackberry Farm picnic area for about 100 of our closest relatives on Labor Day weekend a couple of years ago, and some enjoyed playing golf just like the old days,in spite of the heat that day. The only drawback that day it was 109 degrees, the swimming pool was life saving, and we need places like this golf course to help stop global warming. We also have had several events at the Blue Pheasant Restaurant celebrating our Anniversary and our grandchildren's baptisms. Blackberry Farm and Golf Course in short has many fond memories, and should continue preferably near it's current or improved state. It is a unique place almost a retreat in the busy place with live, and I am much in favor of continuing its history. I would recommend that it be considered a Historical Landmark, instead of changing it significantly. I for one, want to see the golf course remain an opportunity for all to play golf at a reasonable price. It's greater popularity during the COVID epidemic once again showed its worth as a refuge as one of the few places able to operate and be enjoyed. It truly is a gem. I am in support of keeping Blackberry Farm Golf Course Thanks, Tom Tom DeNatale From: Mike Gooding To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Save Blackberry Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 2:36:20 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I urge the city of Cupertino to continue the operation,support and excellent maintenance of Blackberry Golf Course. I have played this course for several years,mostly on a weekly basis as a member of the Blue Pheasant Hacker's Golf Club(btw,named after the restaurant on the course).This club has played this as their home course for decades.It allows us seniors a way to play 9 holes at low cost and with friends to get some exercise as well.We see regular players enjoying this course by families with some very early stage golfers. --Mike Gooding From: Wing Law To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: Georgia Law;Wing Law Subject: In support of Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 2:36:36 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear sirs/Madam, This is a statement in support for B1ackBerry Farm Golf Course.I have been golfing there 4 days a week to keep healthy and enjoy Cupertino's excellent weather in the last 4 years. I come to play with family and friends,and especially when we have out of town guests. Sometimes them are coworkers all the way from China where Golf was considered a very special treat. The Blackberry Farm Golf course is very special-it is very scienic and well maintained,on par with the best in the world,yet small enough to have only 9 holes so that non-golfers can learn the game and enjoy easily. A lot of my friends learned golf at Black Berry Farm and became very attached to the fun of it after a few games at the Blackberry Farm.They formed a very good impression of Cupertino at the same time. Some of my friends came to Black Berry Farm to golf,then spend time with local restaurants for brunch and do some shopping. Some of my friends work for Apple overseas and they used Blackberry Farm to enjoy the free time after work when they travel here for meetings. Thank you for providing an affordable yet excellent place for us to play golf. My 2 daughters also learned golf and enjoyed the game very much too. With warm regards, Wing Law Cupertino, Ca 95014 From: John Y. Lin To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: comment for commission meeting Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 3:28:21 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. For greater utility and accessibility,I support turning the golf course into a nature area and widen the Stevens Creek Trail network. John Lin From: Barbara Davis To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: Barbara Davis; Subject: Re: Keep Blackberry Farm Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 3:46:51 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. parksandrecreationcomission@cupertino.org -----Original Message----- From: Barbara Davis > To: parksandrecreationcomission@cupertino.org <parksandrecreationcomission@cupertino.org> Cc: Barbara Davis Sent: Wed, Jun 2, 2021 3:41 pm Subject: Keep Blackberry Farm June 2, 2021 To the Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to express our opinion. We strongly support Option #1 : Minimal repairs to keep the golf course open. The Blackberry Farm Golf Course should be maintained (even if you don't improve it) as an important area for all people, especially families and seniors. There are very few outdoor activities that can involve the whole family at the same time. Also, seniors enjoy the exercise and there is very little available in the way of outside exercise for us. We have been using the golf course for many, many years. Our son learned to play there, and for the past ten years we have enjoyed the company of the Cupertino Seniors and Saratoga Seniors. It is a very special place and it's perfect for all age and ability levels. There are so many outdoor facilities in Cupertino for youth: 16 parks plus 8 elementary/middle school areas, 19 soccer fields, 11 softball/baseball fields, 6+ basketball courts, 3 locations for tennis courts , and 10 playgrounds. Except for picnics together with family and friends, all of these facilities are for youth or adults, but not both together. There is nothing in the way of outside exercise for seniors except the golf course. No to Proposal #2: Short course, hitting bays, new buildings, etc..... Where do you think all of this is going to fit? Is the proposal given to you by the consultants realistic? Greens with multiple holes is dangerous, especially for kids, There is a much higher risk of being hit by a golfball. An idea that grandparents could use this course to teach their grandchildren is a weak argument. Someone from the committee should come out to the course and see that there is already a significant amount of that happening. Seniors will not want to play on a pitch-and-putt course. Didn't a proposal similar to this get voted down a few years ago? No to Proposal #3: Return to natural habitat is unrealistic. There is already county parks and Mid Peninsula Open Space that offer so many opportunities to experience the outdoors and explore nature. McClellan Ranch is available and there are many hiking trails, too. And you know that the developers will be in there building housing and multiuse complexes shortly after it is declared a "natural habitat". Recently we have been advised that Blackberry Farm has seen a three-fold increase in usage. Originally the rational to do away with the golf course was based in part on the assumption that golf was losing its popularity. Quite the reverse has happened. Why are we just hearing about this now, and how many people have been informed that there is any discussion going on? We and others thought this issue was settled years ago. We know that the money that developers are offering is very tempting, but we need to maintain this golf course as a valuable asset for health, well-being and inclusivity in our community. Thank you for taking the time to understand our position. Paul and Barbara Davis Cupertino From: - To: Ci of Cue ino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: Michael Chano Subject: Please Keep the Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 3:54:01 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Sir or Madam, After Santa Clara golf course was shut down, we don't have too many golf courses in Bay Area. Blackberry is my home court course which is the most play golf course. I play there almost every week for seven years. I like it because it does not take one too much money and time and one can enjoy the green stuffs and exercise there. Please keep the way it is now. Thanks so much for recent improvements, like repair tee up places and change the hole#6's green. Thanks so much, Michael Chang, a resident of Fremont, CA 94539. Fmm: Jul To: C"of Oroerb w Parks and Reneabon Commmaon Cc: Jul subject Blackberry fame Got Course,comments for June 3 meeBng Date: Wednesday,June 2,20213:58 17 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the Content is safe. Dear Jenny Koverrnan and Committee Members, The Blackberry Farm park walking and cycling paths, the playground, plus the playing fields are all significantly used and enjoyed. However, the golf course is undemtilized; the number of people per acre is much lower on the golf course than in the park. Further, there are other golf courses nearby for golfers to enjoy. We urge the commission to merge the golf course into the park and make it part of the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail. Making the park larger will provide greater pleasure to more people than continuing to waste the land as a golf course. Under no circumstances should any of the land be used for housing or commercial purposes. Kind regards, Judith R. West and John S West i From: Pamela Courtright To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Fwd: Blackberry Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 4:25:03 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Pamela Courtright > Date: June 2, 2021 at 3:48:24 PM PDT To: recreationn_.cupertino.org Subject: Blackberry Golf Course Please,please don't close Blackberry golf course. There are not that many 9 hole courses left. I don't like to play big courses. I understand it doesn't make money but perhaps some cost cutting first. I played a course in Shelter Cove, CA. That didn't have a Club house;just a kiosk where you paid with credit card Please don't close Pam Courtright Cupertino resident for 28 years Sent from my iPhone From: DeNatale(AWS).Tom To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: A gem to continue investing in-Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 4:57:14 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission, Last night, my father, Tom DeNatale, told me that Blackberry Farm Golf Course is being considered for removal. Blackberry is well positioned to take advantage of macro trends of Work From Home (WFH) lifestyle that are predicted to continue in perpetuity in the bay area and the reopening of social activities (dining) post-COVID. Blackberry delivers accessible (disc)golf experiences to visitors of all skillset and has been a place I play with my dad, brother and brother-in-law for over 10 years. After golfing, we regularly dine in the Blue Pheasant Restaurant or a nearby Cupertino establishment.This is a gem to continue investing in. I'd like to write in my vote of support to keep investing in Blackberry Farm Golf Course, with greater investment the course will prove to be useful for many generations to come, and I look forward to play golf there with my three daughters in time. Thank you and best regards, Tom Tom DeNatale From: Dave Ghiselli To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 6:11:42 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am traveling out of the state but was informed that Parks and Recreation is meeting on June 3rd to discuss, among other things, the fate of Blackberry Farm Golf Course. As a 40+year resident of Cupertino I feel compelled to submit a statement in support of the golf course. I utilize and enjoy the whole Blackberry Farm complex stretching from the Blue Pheasant to McLellan Ranch. I walk the trails, picnic, enjoy the natural setting, frequently play the golf course, and would occasionally have a drink or a meal at the Blue Pheasant prior to COVID- 19. The golf course is an important component of this total package. I read with great interest the several previous proposals for this area that included eliminating the golf course. At the time I argued against inserting a new access road from Stevens Creek through the existing golf property as both unnecessary and destructive of the attractive open space and recreation. I argued against converting the golf property into play fields as there are many such fields in Cupertino; I lobbied for and helped pass the initiative that enhanced the school properties to provide fields throughout the city some 30 years ago. Please retain the golf course as a recreation destination for young and old alike, for men and women. This is a resource even non-players can enjoy as they walk the trail and constitutes a unique and essential part of Blackberry Farm. Thank you for your attention, Dave Ghiselli From: Li-Wen Chen To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 6:18:21 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Sir, This is a statement of support for Blackberry Farm Golf Course. I have been golfing here for more than 10 years. I come to play with my friends. It's great for seniors and beginners to play here. Please consider for "minimal repairs" for this course. Thanks for your attention. Best Regards, Li-Wen From: Penny Elkins To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Plans for Blackberry Farm Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 7:31:19 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. For health reasons, my husband cannot play a standard eighteen hole golf course. The opportunity to play at 8a every Wednesday with his daughter and her partner has been a constant source of joy for him. Blackberry Farm fulfills a need in the community and should remain as it is--accessible and affordable. Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android From: DeNatzle(AM),Tom To: City of OmeMano Parks and Renee i Commimon subject: A gem to continue iwem g in-&adrheny Farm Golf Course Date: Wednesday,June 2,20217:39:59 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission, Last night, my father, Tom DeNatale, told me that Blackberry Farm Golf Course is being considered for removal. Blackberry is well positioned to take advantage of macro trends of Work From Home (WFH) lifestyle that are predicted to continue in perpetuity in the bay area and the reopening of social activities (dining)post-COVID. Blackberry delivers accessible (disc) golf experiences to visitors of all skillset and has been a place I play with my dad,brother and brother-in-law for over 10 years. After golfing, we regularly dine in the Blue Pheasant Restaurant or a nearby Cupertino establishment. This is a gem to continue investing in. I'd like to write in my vote of support to keep investing in Blackberry Farm Golf Course, with greater investment the course will prove to be useful for many generations to came, and I look forward to play golf there with my three daughters in time. Thank you and best regards, Tom Tom DeNatale From: Evelyn Lane To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm golf course Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 10:11:23 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To whom it may concern Please leave B1ackBerry Farm just the way it is.The golf course is already quite short.It is a lovely park and it would be a shame to change it Evelyn Lane Sent from my iPhone From: CCHanda To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Cc: CCHanda Subject: My comment and suggestion to SAVE BLACKBERRY FARM GOLF COURSE Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 11:04:08 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. June 2, 2021 I would like to send my inputs to this subject. Name: Chuck Handa(Senior golfer) Years at Blackberry farm golf: 22 years since 1999 Title : Senior Golfer and wild life watcher -Years playing at the Blackberry farm golf- 22 years since 1999. When we started, Tim Coles (retired)was young man who managed the Golf Course. -We (My wife and I) started playing "Senior Golfers" in 1999. -And still playing in early morning everyday when weather permitted. (see a picture shown below and there are many senior groups) -We enjoy playing golf with many senior folks including many diversity groups. It is located nicely in Cupertino, so citizens , seniors and young students can join the golf course easily to learn,to enjoy and play golfing. It is nice to see happy Senior folks are enjoying golfing. From wonderful memories Young folks started golfing at Blackberry and moved on to play NCAA College golfing (Pac-10, Big-5).. This 9-hole blackberry farm golf course is perfect place to provide outside opportunity to enjoy golfing among diversity folks. Best Regards, Chuck Handa _ .�. DSCF5635-4a From: Linda Rov To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course--Please Keep AS IS! Date: Wednesday,June 2,2021 11:12:58 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Commissioners, Thank you for inviting public comments regarding the future of Blackberry Farm Golf Course! As a Cupertino resident for 31 years, I have greatly enjoyed the beauty of our local family-friendly golf course. I started playing golf at Blackberry Farm while attending P.E. classes at De Anza College years ago. I organized a golf group of students which brought together both young and old people from varied cultural backgrounds, all with a common interest in golf. We enjoyed the game while sharing stories about our diverse life experiences. I discovered how golf can bring together people from different walks of life and build a strong sense of community. Now when I go to the golf course, I see families with children playing there as well as a lot of seniors, including many who play multiple times per week. Their social support system revolves around this golf course. Blackberry Farm is a great place for beginners, but also for skilled players looking for a short and affordable game. This course is a real asset to our community, but it also attracts people from all over the area who also dine and shop in Cupertino thus bringing in tax revenues. Apparently you are considering three options for the course. I strongly urge you to implement option #1, that is to repair the irrigation system and greens. Please do not change the design of the course. It is PERFECT just the way it is! I know that a consulting firm told you to shorten the course, but I have never, ever talked to any golfer, not even one person, who agreed with that idea. I have asked multiple golfers the question, "Do you think the golf course should be shortened?" Every single one of them said, "What? It's already quite short! If you made it shorter a lot of golfers would stop playing here!" Several people said, "It's PERFECT just the way it is!" We do not want or need new buildings, meeting spaces, or driving ranges. Our golfers can find those amenities elsewhere. Please just do the minimal repairs. Again, I sincerely appreciate your interest in improving the golf course and your willingness to consider public feedback. Respectfully, Linda Roy Monta Vista Resident From: JEFF PISERCHIO To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 1:12:26 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Jeff Piserchio,PGA Professional Blackbe Fann Golf Course ---Forwarded message--- From: Jeff Piserchio Date: June 2,2021 6:15:28 PM Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course To: parksandrecreationcommision@cupertino.org Hello,and I am happy to be writing to you about Blackberry Farm Golf Course. I am a part time employee at the course and enjoy working with the players who are our customer base. While the number of Cupertino residents that play here might not be a large number,it still is a source of pride for those who do. Many seniors play the course and are quite pleased with the product that is offered. I just wanted to lend my voice to those who wish to keep Blackberry Farm Golf Course as it is and hopefully to improve the infrastructure to some degree. Respectfully, Jeff Piserchio Jeff Piserchio PGA Member Blackberry Farm GC From: To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Please keep Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 9:23:19 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello. I am writing to support the Blackberry Farm Golf Course. My wife Eva (86) and I (88) golf there every Monday and Friday with a group of seniors (The Right Side of the Grass Gang). We have lived in the area since 1957, and since I can't play basketball or softball anymore, this allows us to achieve a low-impact workout with one another. The course is just the right size for us and it is affordable. I worked for the Cupertino School District for 61 years, including supervising a junior high for 900- 1200 students. Didn't give me time for golf. I now have the time and a wonderful place to enjoy it. Please don't take this away from us. Respectfully, Andy and Eva Garrido From: MaOhery Miller To: CM of OIDerfirn Parks and Reaeabon Commmaon subject: Fwd: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Bate: Thursday,June 3,202110:00:"AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Begin forwarded message: From: Matthew Miller— Subject: RE: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: May 25, 2021 at 1.16:32 PM PDT To: arksandrecreationcommission cu ertino.or Cc: Thomas De Natale >, "L.T. Guttadauro" >, Mike Kedell The following is the comment I wish to submit regarding BBF Golf Course for your meeting on June 3, 2021 at 7 p.m.: I am Matthew R. Miller, Sr.,—Cupertino, CA 95014,- My history goes back a long way with BBF Golf Course. In 1975 six of us "young"male golfers decided to start a"mixed" league, as a way for us single guys to meet women. We made it a beginners league and called it The Blue Pheasant Hackers. Today the tercet hackers means something entirely different,but back then, to Hack"up the golf course meant one was not a very good golfer. It was not until 1976 that we really got the league organized, with officers, and our unique set of roles for playing BBF Golf Course. The Blue Pheasant Hackers golf league is still playing today 45 years later on Tuesday afternoons with three"away" tournaments from the first Tuesday in April until usually the lust week ni October. Over the years our membership has varied from somewhere around 90 members to today's around 25 members, but growing. Speaking for our current membership, we feel it would be a shame to loose our home course to your option of complete removal. True, we could move to Deep Cliff Golf Course,but our association with the Blue Pheasant restaurant and bar would also then be gone.Traditionally, we have assembled at the BP on the first Tuesday of each month to hand out the prizes for the previous month's games, where we also usually have orders from the restaurant and drinks from the bar. Granted,we have not been able to carry on that tradition during this pandemic, but we look forward to doing the same, hopefully later this season for our league. We truly hope that one of your options of renovation,both for the golf course and for the BP will prevail. Over the years our league has improved the golf game of many, both young and old golfers, and has provided a social setting where many a friendships and even marriages have flourished. You also must take into consideration the number of people the golf course employs, whose jobs would be terminated. The current Parks &Recs. staff and before the golf course was owned by the city, that independent staff and all the employees of the BP have been great supporters of our Blue Pheasant Hackers golf league. At my current age of 82 years, I'm not sure how long I'll be hitting them, but for our younger Hackers we hope you will enable us to continue our tradition into the future. Sincerely, Matthew R. Miller, Sr. From: Parks and Recreation To: Whitney Zeller subject: FW: Blackberry Fann got came Date: T u slay,June 3,202110:97:51 BM Rachelle Sander Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation RachelleS@cupermm.org (408)777-3131 ---Original Message--- From:AmCleaver Sent:Wednesday,June 2,2021 8:29 PM To:Pinksand Recreation<Fec tion@cupertino.mg> Subject:Blackberry Farm golf course CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open atfachme arts unless you recognize the sender and know the contort is safe. I playwith a foursome every,week at Blackberry. It is such a form;for Cupertino residents to have this facility. I can't drink of better use for the land. I live on the other side of Stocklmeier Orchard. I hope you get lots ofcommuoication about what a benefit it is to have a community golf course. I can't think of a better use. Please make plans to keep it a golf course fin all of the golfers that enjoy it. Am Cleaver Sent from myiPad From: To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 11:30:44 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Ladies and Gentlemen, PLEASE do not close Blackberry Farm Golf Course! I am 69 years old and I have Peripheral Artery Disease. Playing and walking this great course, at least twice a week for the past year during the pandemic, has been excellent affordable exercise and recreation for myself and my friends, in a beautiful setting, where wildlife abounds! Blackberry is used by a wide range of age groups, not just seniors. I frequently see small children, with scaled-down versions of clubs, smacking the ball, then walking down the fairway holding their parent's hand. Teens and young adults are there every day. I have heard talk about possibly shortening the Blackberry Farm course... excuse me? It is a nine-hole course, with only two par-4 holes! What would it be shortened to, a Putt-Putt course, with windmills and clowns? But seriously - as urban open space becomes more scarce, muni courses like Blackberry Farm continue to prove their value. In a 2019 report, the National Golf Foundation stated, "We don't believe that making money is always the primary motivation that drives a municipality to offer golf as recreation for its residents. Community amenities created and/or operated by local governments commonly subsidize recreation, whether it is the county pool, adult basketball program, the local senior center, the tennis facility, and, yes, the local golf course. The reality is that an estimated 67 percent of all public-agency golf facilities make enough revenue to cover all on-site expenses." If Cupertino is having difficulty covering the costs of operations at Blackberry, there ARE alternative sources that can be approached. A group of like-minded golfers formed National Links Trust, a non-profit with a mission to protect "affordability, accessibility, and engaging golf course architecture at municipal golf courses throughout the U.S." The First Tee of Metropolitan New York is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after school and in school programs, First Tee helps shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. And it's making a difference. Ed Brockner, executive director of First Tee, says. "Combined with education/community programs like The First Tee and historic preservation/improvement efforts, munis can make this case as being an important, inclusive place open to all. The public will always frequent courses that are well maintained and run, expertly designed, and conveniently located, and offered at an affordable price." Similar stories are taking root across the country. The San Francisco Golf Alliance defeated opponents in court and has saved Sharp Park from closing. Course advocates are raising around $12 million to restore Sharp Park to its original design and secure its long-term health. While not on the same scale as San Francisco and it's standard 18-hole courses, Blackberry Farm serves its community, and its purpose, quite well. Please don't take it away from us. Christopher Tigh From: Norma Traynor To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 11:39:58 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am sending this message as a statement of support for Blackberry Farm Golf Course. There are very few golf courses in the Cupertino area. This is a shame,as golf provides a healthy outlet for people of all ages and incomes to enjoy a lifelong sport. Our Autistic grandson who is 16 started golfing at Blackberry during the pandemic. He is in love with the game and we now take him to Blackberry Farm Golf Course every weekend. We then go out to dinner in Cupertino.He was very sad when he found out the city may take out the course or shorten it. Golf has become very popular in the last year and will continue to be popular,as people develop a real love of the game. These same people bring money into the city of Cupertino after golf. The golf course is beautiful and peaceful. Please do not remove the golf course and restore it to natural habitat. It already is natural habitat. Please do not shorter the course either. It is wonderful the way it is right now. Don't take away a place of joy that people can afford. It is not in the best interest of the community to change Blackberry Farm. Please just do minimal repairs and allow the public to enjoy the sport of golf at this great course. Thank you, Norma Traynor Mountain View From: John Nail To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 11:54:29 AM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I love this golf course because it is truly a hidden gem of a course.The course is far more challenging than other muni courses in the area.The greens are in great shape with lots of small undulations and crowning.Every putt is a challenge.The fairways are in good shape considering the continuous drought conditions. It would be a tragedy to remove this fine course.It is one of the friendliest,relaxed golf courses I've ever played, and I've been a golfer for 60 years. Do not shorten the course,do not remove the course.All it needs are a few maintenance items,and re-open the restaurant at the course.Golfers would enjoy a nice area to socialize after playing,thereby spending more money at the course. Thank you for providing an affordable,relaxing place for the public to enjoy the game of golf. John Nail From: Cindy Elkins To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farms Golf Course is amazing !!! Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 12:59:12 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. All-I heard only yesterday that there are discussions going on about the future of blackberry farms golf course. I'll share my story.My dad is a 71 year old cancer survivor and we play together at Blackberry Farms every Wednesday morning and then go have a coffee together.He was the former two time New Mexico State Golf champion in college and I too played in college,at UCLA. Because of his health issues,this is the only course we can play together. We also play often with my twin daughters,so three generations in the same group,all enjoying some time together Blackberry Farms golf course is the right length,it's so easy to get to,the staff is so friendly, the course is in really good shape. I'm sure there are 1000s of stories like mine that include multiple generations being able to come together at Blackberry Farms and play golf. Please don't make any changes that would take that away from everyone. Cindy Elkins Sent from my iPhone From: Georgia Law To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Fw: In support of Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 12:59:46 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear sirs/Madam, This is a statement in support for BlackBerry Farm Golf Course. I am a long time resident of Cupertino. I have been golfing there 4 days a week to keep healthy. My doctor said my health index has been improving steadily I come to play with family and friends, and especially when we have out of town guests. Sometimes there are coworkers all the way from other countries where Golf was very expensive. The Blackberry Farm Golf course is very special - it is very scienic and well maintained, on par with the best in the world, yet small enough to have only 9 holes so that non-golfers can learn the game and enjoy easily. The personnel were extremely nice and warm and give us a feeling of community and family. This is rare in the middles of the world's tech center. A lot of my friends learned golf at Black Berry Farm and became very attached to the fun of it after a few games at the Blackberry Farm. They formed a very good impression of Cupertino at the same time. Some of my friends came to Black Berry Farm to golf, then spend time with local restaurants for brunch and do some shopping. Some of my friends work for Apple overseas and they used Blackberry Farm to enjoy the free time after work when they travel here for meetings. Thank you for providing an affordable yet excellent place for us to play golf. My 2 daughters also learned golf and enjoyed the game very much too. With warm regards, Georgia Law From: Dean Schiavone To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Future of Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 1:50:04 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. In repsect to the letter I received dated May 18,2021,I wish to make a statement in support of the option to renovate/upgrade the golf course rather than convert the area to some other use. As a long time,near neighbor to the course,myself and my children have used it frequently and,from what can see, it is in continuous use from early morning to evening. I believe the presence of this low cost course in such an attractive and open space is a huge benefit to the community and should be preserved and improved. The need to encourage outdoor activity for general health and social reasons is especially important now,emerging from the pandemic, but ongoing in an area with especially high social,academic and work pressures.A permanent interest in golf has been instilled in i my family and others we know as result for the opportunity to play on this entry level,low cost public course. If there are questions about the numbers of people benefiting from it,I might suggest that co-ordination be stepped up with local schools to encourage golf as a sport.Improved facilities and an upgrade of the club house/ blue pheasant would go a long way to attracting even more residents to make better use of the area. Dean Schiavone Cupertino Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, We, the undersigned members of the Mid-Peninsula Senior Golf Club, respectfully request that you allow the Blackberry Farm Golf Course (BBF) to continue to operate. Our members, ranging in age from mid 70's to mid 90's, have enjoyed golf at this facility for more than 25 years. We are not only local golfers, but some of our members travel from the Santa Teresa area of San Jose and from as far north as Pacifica. We have enjoyed,and continue to enjoy, playing 3 days a week at BFF. Just during the two months of April and May, we competed 186 rounds. But, BBF is more than just a course for seniors. On any given day, you will find golfers of all ages enjoying a pleasant round in a beautiful setting. We ask that you please not take BFF Golf Course away from, not only the residents of Cupertino, but from people all over the Bay Area who love playing here. Respectfully, Ca � t � c; From: Whitney Zeller Cc: Subject: FW: Daniel O'Keef Written Communications Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 2:30:11 PM Dear Commissioners (Bcc'd), Below is written communication provided by Daniel O'Keef for tonight's Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Item 3. Best, Whitney Zeller Administrative Assistant Parks and Recreation ®❑ hitn z rtin r - 2 4 *-N] ®❑ ®❑ I ®❑ ®❑ ®❑ From: Whitney Zeller<whitneyz@cupertino.org> Sent:Thursday,June 3, 2021 2:23 PM To: Whitney Zeller<whitneyz@cupertino.org> Subject: Daniel O'Keef Written Communications Dan O'Keefe 6-3-21 Madame, Please accept my best thanks for graciously understanding my need for your able assistance. As cited once again my failing vision prevents me from using my computer, the four month work of five Stanford University Ophthalmolosist notwithstanding.This is the reason why I am asking you to transmit my believe to the Park and Recreation committee. I will argue that the Blackberry Golf Course must be preserved. The BlackBerry Golf Course (BGC) has a seventy year long place in the landscape of Monte Vista. It has also established a relationship with the citizens of Cupertino. People identify with it. It offering them a variety of values. Open space, recreational use, and enhanced property values. A property's worth is measured by the diversity of its recreational programs just as public safety. Zoning Integrity, and traffic flow management is configured. BGC has a sense of place and is part of our city's cultural landscape that dates back to the 1950's. It also has a dollar and cent value. It would cost well over a million dollars to be replace. There are other harms to be considered if it were to be bulldozed. Historic figures built quality homes around it. I refer to the Roy Adzi ch family and his four sons who are still actively doing what his father did for Cupertino, creating a quality city with distinctly build homes, all of which focused on someway on BGC. Needless to say Mr Stocklemier, the City's historian cite the sense of place when he mentioned BGC. I will close by two references.The first is a line taken from Nikos Kazakis' "Zoba the Greek."This sense of place invigorates me when I breath in the cool breeze flowing toward me from the Aegean. I would suggest the same since of place and its importance occurs when you are at the BGC and breath in the cool breeze visiting us from Half Moon Bay. There is nothing worse to my mind than destroying any part of a city's heritage. I refer to the work of Robert Moses' done at New York City, Collins' attempt to convert Carnegie Hall to a parking lot, O'Malley's seizure of Chavez Ravine for The building of Dodger Stadium. No matter how small nor how large a culturally important sense of place must be preserved From: Patrick Banks To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Black Berry golf course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 2:32:11 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello my name is Pat Banks.I've been playing golf for 13 years and learned how to play at Black Berry.I join the hackers league and playing every Tuesday I've made a lot of friends there and continue to play with them on a regular basis.It would be a shame to lose the golf course to open space scene is how there's plenty in that area. Every Tuesday I show up to play golf there's always a line of people waiting to play.Family is young people learning how to play.I think you should consider keeping that golf course open it services a lot of families and young people thank you Sent from my Whone From: Unmesh Rathi To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Gold course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 2:42:48 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I could not find any information about the current use and costs of the golf course. How many people benefit it from it per day, or any other stats. This will be helpful to know. A golf course is intrinsically limited to those who want to, know how to and can play golf. Compared to that, an open area natural habitat/park is accessible to a far larger audience. I presume it will cost less to maintain a natural habitat compared to a golf course and of course there are the environmental cons of a golf course (water) vs benefits of a natural habitat. It would be good if the city has a website where these options are listed and pros/cons described so that the meeting can be more productive. Unmesh Rayhi From: Roxanne-Rich Parker To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 2:52:17 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please keep Blackberry Farm golf course as it is with minor repairs. It is a gem. Rich Parker,40 year Cupertino resident From: Zhaoyun Xing To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Blackberry Farm Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 2:56:39 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom It May Concern: Please keep BlackBerry golf course! My family moved to Cupertino in 2010. My son and I love to play golf and I am an annual club member. We used black berry constantly as practice course which is very well maintained compared to other municipal courses. The course fits very well with the neighborhood and makes Cupertino one of most desirable urban communities in Bay Area. Many people passing by the course on Stevens Creek Boulevard are impressed by the beautiful courses with sun light passing through pine trees and fall on the ground, not mention for the people playing on the course! With pandemic, the course becomes pretty busy so it should not be issue to keep it profit. Some improvement suggestions: 1. Install some shields on hole 6 tee box 2. Make fence on hole 9 higher 3. Clean the dead woods on hole 2 4. Make green flatter, now it is too dome like, and also make it faster Thank you for keep the course to make Cupertino an attractive high end high tech urban city. Jason (Zhaoyun)Xing From: alysa sakkas To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Future of Blackberry farm golf course-meeting on 6/3/21 Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 4:30:12 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission, I am writing to express an opinion about the future of the Blackberry Farm golf course. For several reasons, I believe the best use of this land is to return it to natural habitat. - Golf courses take a great deal of water to maintain-water that is scarce and expensive. Native plants will not require the great amounts and expense of water. For golfers there Deep Cliff Golf Course very close by - so they can still enjoy this recreation. -Being a longtime frequent visitor to the McClellan-Blackberry farm area- it seems like there has been an increase in visitors enjoying the nature preserve in recent years. Extending this nature preserve would be enjoyed by potenitally many more people than those using the same area for golf recreation. - Converting this land to its natural habitat will create a extention/expansion for the Stevens creek trail and also expand the habitat for the wildlife that live along Stevens creek. Thank you for your consideration of this important topic. Alysa Sakkas From: K Ho To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Future of Blackberry Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 4:54:13 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, I am K.Y Ho and I live at for over 20 years. Blackberry Farm Golf Course is one of the best facilities in Cupertino that the residents are proud of. It offers affordable and convenient entertainment for residents and non-residents alike. If I remember right, it used to generate net positive income for the city. Returning the golf course back to natural habitat like those poorly maintained areas around the Stockkimeir orange farm or the McClellan Meadow before the community garden was constructed is highly undesirable for the neighborhood. I strongly urge the commission not to go that route. The back of my house is next to the second hole of the Blackberry Golf Course. Stray golf balls do hit my house occasionally and break my windows once in a while. I have made a claim for the broken windows and am still debating how to proceed with that. Some of the possible improvements that can be made to prevent the stray balls can be something like reconfigure the holes or installing net next to the second Tee area, similar to the one taken down next to 8th hole sometime ago. Replacing trees that have been taken down is also a possible solution. Thank you very much, K. Ho From: Ryan Taylor To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Future of Blackberry Farms Golf Course Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 5:00:39 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To whom it may concern, Thank you kindly for taking the time to read this email. I have been a Park Ranger for Blackberry Farms & McClellan Ranch Preserve for the past five years, a guest-instructor for McClellan Ranch Preserve since 2011, & a frequent visitor of both parks, since 2006. Over the years, I've come to realize how profoundly positive these two nature-gems truly are, within our community. In addition to the vast community& environmental benefits of Blackberry Farms, it upholds a rare & sacred status. 98% of preserved parks &wilderness areas,within the Bay Area, are amongst the foothills &mountains (land that is difficult& costly to develop). And due to the value of land, nature-parks on the flat valley floor are incredibly rare. Blackberry Farms & McClellan Ranch Preserve, are amongst the rare few, within the Bay Area. Although our two parks are relatively small, these rare preserved-valley-floors hold an incredible amount of native diversity. And in many cases, these native species are in great decline, due to the lack of habitat within our flat valley floors. One of those species is our native & endemic California Valley Oak. An oak species that is facing a difficult future, and that many have all but stopped regenerating (naturally reproducing), due to habitat loss & invasive species. Many leading & local botanists' research has recently revealed the Valley Oak's troubling future &how it could easily be an endangered species within the next decade or two. Blackberry Farms & McClellan Ranch Preserve currently&proudly support old- growth&juvenile Valley Oaks, in addition to the countless native flora& fauna species who depend upon Valley Oak habitat. The Great Horned Owls, Black-tailed Deer, Pacific Gopher Snakes, Steelhead, & countless other native species, within the riparian forests & oak-savanna grasslands of Blackberry Farms & McClellan have become an icon of beauty, wisdom, & community within Cupertino. Since I started visiting these parks in 2006, I have seen an incredible increase in the number of visitors & community involvement. From the viewing of nesting Red-shouldered Hawks, to tracking the comings-and-goings of our native Dusky-footed Woodrat, there is nothing that brings me greater joy than sharing these nature-treasures & education with our visitors. Daily bird-updates &viewings with hundreds of birders,plant-tours for our countless plant- enthusiasts, creek-tours, wildlife-tracking, & conservation-days for thousands of families annually, to kid's educational-adventures in the Native American Restoration Village,Nature Museum, & Blacksmith Shop, we have proudly become a beacon of community involvement. The positive environmental & community impact, from expanding the nature-parks would be limitless. And although much of our native wildlife thrives, it constantly runs into habitat space issues. For example, we have a pair of Great Horned Owls that nest in a Blue Gum Eucalyptus, every year. These owls have created a large community of folks that come to view them every year. Unfortunately, for the first time this year, both baby Great Horned Owls did not survive, due to a lack of nesting space. A pair of Red-shouldered Hawks unknowingly made their nest in the Owl's tree this year, due to lack of old growth trees to nest in. The much larger Great Horned Owls kicked the hawks out of their territory. And in the name of energy- conservation, the owls raised their young in the much smaller Red-shouldered Hawk nest. This nest which was too small resulted in both baby owls falling to their death. I believe that as we continue to expand& enhance Cupertino's natural environments, that we'll continue to bring our community together, to share in the beauty &teachings that our native forests provide. Thank you greatly for your time. Sincerely, Ryan Taylor Cupertino Park Ranger From: Connie Cunningham To: City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission Subject: Return to natural habitat Date: Thursday,June 3,2021 5:34:21 PM CAUTION:This email originated from outside of the organization.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Parks and Rec Commission: I regret this is late.I am traveling so have spotty access.I urge the Commission to recommend return of the Golf Course to natural habitat.It is perfect for a few reasons. 1)flood plain,2)adjacent to creek with native fish,and 3) adds to natural area for teaching young and adult alike the benefits of nature to physical and mental health.4)This would enhance bird habitats in Cupertino and the Pacific Flyway. Sincerely, Connie Cunningham 34 year resident Long time Audubon Society User of Stevens Creek Trail and Mc Clellan Ranch for walking and nature activities. From Connie's iPhone