Publication Date: Wednesday, December 03, 2003
The Pearson Preserve?
The Pearson Preserve?
(December 03, 2003) Council members want to rename Arastradero Preserve after former councilwoman
by Bill D'Agostino
A no-nonsense former councilwoman who pushed to preserve parkland -- even when such a position was politically unpopular -- might see her name lent to one of Palo Alto's largest expanses of public open space.
Four current council members are asking that the 609-acre Arastradero Preserve be renamed after former Councilwoman Enid Pearson, an avid hiker and the mother of a law that places strong protections on parkland.
"She changed the face of Palo Alto," said Councilwoman Yoriko Kishimoto, who initiated the renaming.
In 1971, Pearson led the council in purchasing 510 acres of the Arastradero Preserve for $7.4 million. That seemed like a huge sum at the time, but is a bargain by today's standards -- currently, the council is trying to purchase 13 nearby acres for $3.56 million.
All proposals to rename parks are reviewed by the Palo Alto Historical Association. The council was expected to forward the proposal to the association Monday night.
Immediately prior to her council election in May 1965, Pearson chaired a committee that pushed successfully for voters to approve a law protecting parkland. The law still requires that any changes to existing parks be accepted by voters. Some thank it for the vast expanse of parks and open space the community's residents enjoy, despite the high value of land and pressures to develop.
"She was a visionary who had the courage to fight for what she thought should be done," Betsy Allyn, Pearson's long-time friend, said.
A Montana native, Pearson fought for smaller neighborhood parks, in addition to the larger open space preserves, during her 10 years on the council. More then 46 acres were added to Palo Alto's neighborhoods during her tenure. Five new parks were created and seven were expanded.
At the time, deep divisions existed in the community -- and on the council -- over real estate proposals. Some wanted to transform Palo Alto into the "Wall Street of the West," while Pearson was in the camp known as the "residentialists," which opposed oversized developments.
For instance, Pearson fought against a proposal to place high-rises on El Camino ballpark.
Despite her partisan views and feisty style, Pearson was respected by many on both sides. In 1967, after the entire 13 member council was recalled, Pearson was one of only two "residentialists" to get re-elected.
Parkland wasn't Pearson's only passion. Youth issues also had a place in her heart.
In 1970, Pearson reached out to the community's young people after riots broke out downtown. One of those who received a phone call was former councilman Gary Fazzino, who was 17-years-old and the president of the Paly senior class at the time.
"It really meant something to me that a member of the City Council, a community leader, would take the time to call me," Fazzino said. "For the first time I felt engaged" in local government.
"That was a very powerful gesture on her part."
Before Pearson joined the council, there were numerous backroom decisions by the nearly all-male council. Pearson was among those who helped turn the tide, Fazzino noted.
"She always pushed real hard for openness in city government -- the need to get different parts of the community involved in the decision making," Fazzino said.
Pearson was not available for comment. After leaving the council, she formed an accounting services company, in addition to staying involved in city affairs.
Earlier this month, Pearson sent a letter to the city reminding them of their requirement to not trade parkland without a vote of the people.
E-mail Bill D'Agostino at bdagostino@paweekly.com
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