Committee formed to save Alpine Road

Residents of some 300 homes who depend on upper Alpine Road, now closed by slides, as one of only two access roads to their homes, have banded together to form a new Committee to Save Alpine Road.

"Continued closure is unsafe, unfair, and unacceptable," they said in a recent statement. "It is one of only two routes for access through the town for fire protection, sheriff's patrols and medical help."

About a dozen families in upper Portola Valley, as well as residents of the unincorporated communities of Los Trancos Woods and Vista Verde got a scare during recent storms after upper Alpine Road failed, and Los Trancos Road, the other access, flooded and was almost undercut by Los Trancos Creek.

Some homeowners in the area are considering petitioning for a reduction in property taxes due to the loss in value of their homes.

"We hope Alpine Road can be restored through cooperation rather than confrontation," said spokesman Don Lee.

Mr. Lee can be reached at 851-8855.