Dear Supporters,
Tonight is a crucial moment in the fight to save the Girouard family's home. The MidPen Board of Directors meeting is happening TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 PM. This is our opportunity to show MidPen that the community stands behind the Girouards.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
- 🗓️ Date & Time: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - Join at 6:55 PM! See the Facebook Event.
- 📍 In Person: 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA
- 💻 Via Zoom: https://openspace.zoom.us/j/87832569930
- 📞 By Phone: Dial (669) 900-6833 or (346) 248-7799 and enter Meeting ID: 878 3256 9930
If you cannot attend, you can still help by sending an email to MidPen to voice your support!
MAKE A STATEMENT - PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
🔷To Speak at the Meeting (Oral Comment):
- In Person: Fill out a comment card and submit it to the District Clerk BEFORE 7:00 PM.
- Via Zoom: Register by submitting a public comment form here BEFORE the meeting starts at 7:00 PM.
- Oral comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker!
🔷To Submit a Written Comment:
- Submit a public comment form online at least 2 HOURS before the meeting.
- Comments submitted after this will be read after the meeting.
WHAT TO SAY?
We know public speaking can be intimidating, so we’ve prepared a sample statement that you can personalize:
Sample 3-Minute Comment:
“Good evening, Board Members. My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your City]. I am here to express my support for the Girouard family, who have been dedicated caretakers and neighbors of the Rhus Ridge area for over five decades.
I urge the Board to recognize the Girouards’ occupancy rights and resolve this matter by granting them a long-term lease. Doing so aligns with MidPen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment while offering opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment. It also serves as a model for creative, community-oriented land use, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and equitable solutions. Providing a long-term lease to a low-income family aligns with California’s broader goals of addressing housing inequality while preserving natural resources. At a local level, it demonstrates Los Altos Hills’ commitment to sustainable, equitable solutions that support diverse community members.
This is more than a home - it is a historical and environmental legacy. Just as MidPen has taken steps to honor the Alma Cultural Landscape and other historically significant sites, allowing the Girouards to remain would reinforce the district's commitment to conservation and community.
Thank you."
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MID-WEEK RECAP: WHERE WE STAND
📢 BREAKING NEWS: The Los Altos Town Crier published an article today: “Caretaker in Danger of Losing LAH Home to MidPen”!
🚀 Momentum is Growing:
- Over $8000 raised on the Girouards GoFundMe to directly support the family and close to $3000 raised on change.org to support the platform!
- Approaching 400 petition signatures, both online and in person!
- Nearly 5,600 petition views and over 200 shares - thank you for spreading the word!
- The Mountain View Voice has also taken an interest in the Girouards’ story - stay tuned!
📍Community Action:
- Close to 100 flyers distributed around Los Altos and neighboring towns.
- Signage posted at Rhus Ridge trailhead to spread awareness.
- Physical petition book available for hikers and neighbors to sign.
- Donate and share the Girouard GoFundMe
NEXT STEPS - THE FIGHT CONTINUES
Every signature, share, and public comment strengthens our case. The Girouard family has given so much to this land and our community - let’s show up for them tonight!
Thank you for standing with us. We couldn’t do this without you.
The Rees, Schroeder, and Girouard Families