Save the West Valley College Running Track! Mercury Discovered and A Historic Moment
The Issue
Superior court of California findings today: WVC attorney admits that Mercury Was Found in the Track Demo during questioning today. This known neuro toxin was exposed to a bustling campus of students and faculty in September .... Mercury, once airborne seeps into the lungs and quickly moves into the brain causing multiple negative and long term side -effects. Workers were given hazmat suits and masks and as they continued to uncover toxins while students and faculty strolled nearby on campus. Where was the Environmental Report ???
The WVC Track, the Only One of its Kind in the World, Olympic grade bull-dozed. Distinctive 3M Tartan Track ConstructionThe facility featured a 3M Tartan synthetic running surface, representing an important period in the evolution of competitive track construction. The introduction of synthetic surfaces transformed track and field by providing more consistent, durable, all-weather running conditions, ideal not only for training but for physical rehabilitation.
Most synthetic track installations were done over existing dirt tracks. The track at WVC was designed and engineered from scratch. The drainage system, gravel base and asphalt base were all copied from the 1968 Olympic track. There was an additional thickness of asphalt applied because the first layer did not quite meet the slope specifications. The general foreman had a steel rod with a pin at 3/8 of an inch measuring the depth in front of the machine pouring the track surface, The track is not only pure polyurethane but is over 1/2 inch think. It is the only track in the world with those added enhancements!
The track's original construction materials, design specifications, and surviving physical features deserve professional evaluation given its unique one of a kind construction. Its reported Olympic-grade design and unusual characteristics distinguish it from other running tracks not only in the surrounding area but the world.
Historic Athletic Achievement — Bill Rodgers, 1979 Renowned American distance runner and Olympian Bill Rodgers reportedly established a significant distance-running record at West Valley College in 1979. This achievement, including the precise event and record, deserves historical documentation and verification.
The track’s role in developing world-class competitive athletes.
Khrystal Carter, Verified WVC competitor
Carter competed for Valley Christian High School at the March 24–25, 2006 West Valley Relays, winning the varsity girls' 100 meters in 11.86 seconds. World Athletics identifies her as a World Under-18 champion and NCAA champion.
Documented student-athletes
Bob Ingram, WVC student athlete , became a NCAA champion, under coach Bill Campbell , trained and competed on the WVC track winning many titles.
Bob Ingram provides a compelling example of a West Valley College athlete who advanced from community college competition to national NCAA prominence.
Student-athlete Schoo Year Performance at WVC
Daniel Sikiric
Leland High School
1996
Won boys' 1500m in 3:54.78
Enrique Torres
Silver Creek High School
1996
Second in 1500m, 4:00.23
Ricardo Dominguez
Overfelt High School
1996
Third in 1500m, 4:03.11
Jon Stevens
Mission San Jose High School
1997
Won boys' 1500m in 4:04.38
Leo Balderas
Silver Creek High School
1997
Second in 1500m, 4:07.15
Gary Passanisi
Aptos High School
1997
Third in 1500m, 4:08.17
A Unique and Irreplaceable Community Resource For decades, the track has served not only college athletes but also local running clubs, competitive runners, students, families, and residents of Saratoga and neighboring communities.
It has provided a place for athletic training, organized competition, recreation, social connection, and community gatherings. Its value extends well beyond its original educational purpose.
Potential Eligibility for Historic Designation Taken together, the track's association with prominent athletes, distinctive construction, historic sporting achievements, and longstanding role in community life provides proof fort its eligibility for recognition under Saratoga's heritage preservation standards and potentially applicable state historic-resource .
QUESTIONS posed to the Chancellor and the board on Transparency , Accountability and Trust
- Why is the District withholding Environmental Reports on the 3M track from the public ?
- Multiple requests have been sent to WVC, under the California Information act, electronic copies should be made available within 10 days. None have been sent . 3M tartan tracks built in the 1960s and 70s were shown to be made of mercury , a known neural-toxin when airborne , along with asbestos . The track is partially demolished with these elements exposed. This is 1/4 mile of what could be a very dangerous toxinogen. See “The Mercury Problem “ in health and safety reports.
- Mercury Found in the Track during Demo: Revealed by the WVC attorney today in Superior Court --exposing its campus of students and faculty to a known neuron-toxin....once airborne it invades the lungs and moves into the brain causing multiple negative and long term side -effects. Once again, the district shows its lack of concern for the community it serves.
- How is the demo a community decision ?
- Residents attended a Protest March opposing the Track demo in August, Mercury News article , local TV coverage
- There is no other like- track nearby . This track is an Olympic quality track meant to be used by the members of community .
- Measure W funds were meant for a state of the art Stem facility , no mention of demolition a track : a track replacement is what was promised. This quarter-mile Olympic grade track will be replaced by pavement.
These are our tax dollars .
Safe the Track: Support this worthy cause : https://gofund.me/2f80569ec
Preserve an important piece of history in Saratoga
Community colleges should be Open To All
Please provide your email address to receive valuable updates. Bulldozers have arrived but there is strong support opposed!
- Important Update: Cease and Desist Letter to the City and City Council to Halt ALL demolition!
- According to a local running club president : "The WVC proposal for a new track is a 200m track, rectangularly shaped with rounded corners, completely unsuitable for running . "
- Huge Turn out to Protest March: Saturday August 15. Local News Coverage , TV coverage
- Save the Track Supporters Ask Saratoga City Council Members to Stop the Demo 8/17 council meeting
Please be respectful when posting .
The WVC running track is more than an athletic facility. It is a shared community space with deep historical significance. Legendary marathoner Bill Rodgers set a world record on this track in 1979. It also represents the legacy of longtime coach Bill Campbell, who built West Valley into a community-college cross-country powerhouse, including a state championship and 16 consecutive conference titles.
Longtime Saratoga resident Don Bowden was the team leader for the 3M Company group that helped construct the track, working alongside architects Reid and Tarics. Dezső Tarics was a member of Hungary’s Olympic water polo team who came to the United States following the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. As an Olympian himself, he envisioned creating an exceptional, multimillion-dollar track-and-field facility for West Valley College.
The track’s value is not limited to famous athletes or past achievements. For decades, it has brought together students, runners, walkers, seniors, families, neighbors, local clubs, and people intent on staying healthy. It is one of the few safe, level and accessible places where people of different ages and abilities can exercise side by side. The track in itself is a Wellness Center.
The track a true community resource: it does not serve only one team, one program, or one generation. It belongs to the broader community that has supported West Valley College for decades, the residents who voted Yes for the $700 million bond, Measure W, now poised to eliminate an asset treasured by local residents.
Bulldozing the track would remove a public resource and restrict access for the very residents whose tax dollars and bond payments are funding this project. Community members should not be asked to pay for a development that excludes them from a space they have long used and supported.
Once this historic and inclusive gathering place is destroyed, it cannot be replaced. West Valley College should honor its athletic legacy, respect its taxpayers, and preserve the track as a place where the college and community continue to come together.
Sign the petition: Save the Track! Let’s preserve this cherished community asset and gathering space.
518
The Issue
Superior court of California findings today: WVC attorney admits that Mercury Was Found in the Track Demo during questioning today. This known neuro toxin was exposed to a bustling campus of students and faculty in September .... Mercury, once airborne seeps into the lungs and quickly moves into the brain causing multiple negative and long term side -effects. Workers were given hazmat suits and masks and as they continued to uncover toxins while students and faculty strolled nearby on campus. Where was the Environmental Report ???
The WVC Track, the Only One of its Kind in the World, Olympic grade bull-dozed. Distinctive 3M Tartan Track ConstructionThe facility featured a 3M Tartan synthetic running surface, representing an important period in the evolution of competitive track construction. The introduction of synthetic surfaces transformed track and field by providing more consistent, durable, all-weather running conditions, ideal not only for training but for physical rehabilitation.
Most synthetic track installations were done over existing dirt tracks. The track at WVC was designed and engineered from scratch. The drainage system, gravel base and asphalt base were all copied from the 1968 Olympic track. There was an additional thickness of asphalt applied because the first layer did not quite meet the slope specifications. The general foreman had a steel rod with a pin at 3/8 of an inch measuring the depth in front of the machine pouring the track surface, The track is not only pure polyurethane but is over 1/2 inch think. It is the only track in the world with those added enhancements!
The track's original construction materials, design specifications, and surviving physical features deserve professional evaluation given its unique one of a kind construction. Its reported Olympic-grade design and unusual characteristics distinguish it from other running tracks not only in the surrounding area but the world.
Historic Athletic Achievement — Bill Rodgers, 1979 Renowned American distance runner and Olympian Bill Rodgers reportedly established a significant distance-running record at West Valley College in 1979. This achievement, including the precise event and record, deserves historical documentation and verification.
The track’s role in developing world-class competitive athletes.
Khrystal Carter, Verified WVC competitor
Carter competed for Valley Christian High School at the March 24–25, 2006 West Valley Relays, winning the varsity girls' 100 meters in 11.86 seconds. World Athletics identifies her as a World Under-18 champion and NCAA champion.
Documented student-athletes
Bob Ingram, WVC student athlete , became a NCAA champion, under coach Bill Campbell , trained and competed on the WVC track winning many titles.
Bob Ingram provides a compelling example of a West Valley College athlete who advanced from community college competition to national NCAA prominence.
Student-athlete Schoo Year Performance at WVC
Daniel Sikiric
Leland High School
1996
Won boys' 1500m in 3:54.78
Enrique Torres
Silver Creek High School
1996
Second in 1500m, 4:00.23
Ricardo Dominguez
Overfelt High School
1996
Third in 1500m, 4:03.11
Jon Stevens
Mission San Jose High School
1997
Won boys' 1500m in 4:04.38
Leo Balderas
Silver Creek High School
1997
Second in 1500m, 4:07.15
Gary Passanisi
Aptos High School
1997
Third in 1500m, 4:08.17
A Unique and Irreplaceable Community Resource For decades, the track has served not only college athletes but also local running clubs, competitive runners, students, families, and residents of Saratoga and neighboring communities.
It has provided a place for athletic training, organized competition, recreation, social connection, and community gatherings. Its value extends well beyond its original educational purpose.
Potential Eligibility for Historic Designation Taken together, the track's association with prominent athletes, distinctive construction, historic sporting achievements, and longstanding role in community life provides proof fort its eligibility for recognition under Saratoga's heritage preservation standards and potentially applicable state historic-resource .
QUESTIONS posed to the Chancellor and the board on Transparency , Accountability and Trust
- Why is the District withholding Environmental Reports on the 3M track from the public ?
- Multiple requests have been sent to WVC, under the California Information act, electronic copies should be made available within 10 days. None have been sent . 3M tartan tracks built in the 1960s and 70s were shown to be made of mercury , a known neural-toxin when airborne , along with asbestos . The track is partially demolished with these elements exposed. This is 1/4 mile of what could be a very dangerous toxinogen. See “The Mercury Problem “ in health and safety reports.
- Mercury Found in the Track during Demo: Revealed by the WVC attorney today in Superior Court --exposing its campus of students and faculty to a known neuron-toxin....once airborne it invades the lungs and moves into the brain causing multiple negative and long term side -effects. Once again, the district shows its lack of concern for the community it serves.
- How is the demo a community decision ?
- Residents attended a Protest March opposing the Track demo in August, Mercury News article , local TV coverage
- There is no other like- track nearby . This track is an Olympic quality track meant to be used by the members of community .
- Measure W funds were meant for a state of the art Stem facility , no mention of demolition a track : a track replacement is what was promised. This quarter-mile Olympic grade track will be replaced by pavement.
These are our tax dollars .
Safe the Track: Support this worthy cause : https://gofund.me/2f80569ec
Preserve an important piece of history in Saratoga
Community colleges should be Open To All
Please provide your email address to receive valuable updates. Bulldozers have arrived but there is strong support opposed!
- Important Update: Cease and Desist Letter to the City and City Council to Halt ALL demolition!
- According to a local running club president : "The WVC proposal for a new track is a 200m track, rectangularly shaped with rounded corners, completely unsuitable for running . "
- Huge Turn out to Protest March: Saturday August 15. Local News Coverage , TV coverage
- Save the Track Supporters Ask Saratoga City Council Members to Stop the Demo 8/17 council meeting
Please be respectful when posting .
The WVC running track is more than an athletic facility. It is a shared community space with deep historical significance. Legendary marathoner Bill Rodgers set a world record on this track in 1979. It also represents the legacy of longtime coach Bill Campbell, who built West Valley into a community-college cross-country powerhouse, including a state championship and 16 consecutive conference titles.
Longtime Saratoga resident Don Bowden was the team leader for the 3M Company group that helped construct the track, working alongside architects Reid and Tarics. Dezső Tarics was a member of Hungary’s Olympic water polo team who came to the United States following the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. As an Olympian himself, he envisioned creating an exceptional, multimillion-dollar track-and-field facility for West Valley College.
The track’s value is not limited to famous athletes or past achievements. For decades, it has brought together students, runners, walkers, seniors, families, neighbors, local clubs, and people intent on staying healthy. It is one of the few safe, level and accessible places where people of different ages and abilities can exercise side by side. The track in itself is a Wellness Center.
The track a true community resource: it does not serve only one team, one program, or one generation. It belongs to the broader community that has supported West Valley College for decades, the residents who voted Yes for the $700 million bond, Measure W, now poised to eliminate an asset treasured by local residents.
Bulldozing the track would remove a public resource and restrict access for the very residents whose tax dollars and bond payments are funding this project. Community members should not be asked to pay for a development that excludes them from a space they have long used and supported.
Once this historic and inclusive gathering place is destroyed, it cannot be replaced. West Valley College should honor its athletic legacy, respect its taxpayers, and preserve the track as a place where the college and community continue to come together.
Sign the petition: Save the Track! Let’s preserve this cherished community asset and gathering space.
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Petition created on July 20, 2026