The city should ensure that developments are designed to protect those views. There should be hiking trails and benches along the escarpment, allowing continued enjoyment of the view after the land now covered in broccoli and other row crops is covered by buildings and parking lots.

Instead, the city is in the process of approving a development that will cover the upper area of the escarpment with commercial buildings and parking between the freeway and College Drive.

Although over the last four months we have asked the city to require or otherwise provide a modest trail along the escarpment, the Planning Commission denied our requests last week. Instead, the top of the escarpment is to be devoted only to delivery access to the backsides of the stores.

Still, we should not give up. Nothing is built yet. A pathway need not be in conflict with delivery access. A short wall or fence would deter people from walking into paths of delivery trucks. The plans show a 10-foot greenway with ground cover and trees separating the delivery area from the edge of the escarpment — plenty of room for a modest pathway.

Designs can be redrawn to accommodate the wishes of the residents of the city. Perhaps the developers will do this willingly, but residents have to speak out. If you agree some of the views should be preserved, speak out. Let the City Council know how you feel. It is not too late for the city to convince, if not require, the developer to preserve some of this view for our residents.

At the very least, as plans are developed for the proposed park at the bottom of the escarpment below what is known as Bradley West let’s plan for some paths or stairways to let people get up off the floor of the park and get a bit of a view. Maybe even sit on a bench or at a picnic table with a view.

Just across College Drive from Bradley West there are a few acres both on top of and below the escarpment, and south of the cemetery district known as Enos Ranchos Mercado. which are yet to be developed. Previously-prepared plans took advantage of the views from the escarpment. The city should not miss this opportunity.

Meanwhile, between the Santa Maria Valley Railroad and Blosser Road north of Betteravia, the city is considering approval of Betteravia Plaza, a mixture of retail, offices and residential uses. In this case, consideration is being given to providing a pedestrian/bike path along the top of the escarpment. This would provide good opportunities for people to get some exercise, enjoy the view, or actually get around without getting in a car.