Mediation for Ladera Oaks lighting dispute Mediation for Ladera Oaks lighting dispute (September 22, 2004)

A simmering dispute between Ladera Oaks Swim and Tennis Club and its neighbors over increased lighting for six tennis courts did not erupt before the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on September 14.

More than a dozen people -- including Portola Valley Mayor George Comstock, Councilman Ted Driscoll, and Planning Commission Chairman Craig Breon -- went home without speaking after Ladera Oaks spokesman Tom Moore announced the issue would go to mediation.

The club, on Alpine Road across from the Ladera Professional Center, has applied for permits to increase the lighting from six to eight units on each of six tennis courts. According to the county's staff report, the club believes existing lights are inadequate for recreational tennis, and have caused accidents.

Neighbors, on the other hand, want to keep Portola Valley and Ladera as dark as possible, and oppose the additional lighting.

Supervisors are scheduled to revisit the issue on November 9.

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