Alexander paulsen

The Guadalupe River Trail

Written and Designed by Alex Paulsen

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my parents because of their interest in my school work. They make a constant effort to know what is going on in my classes. They especially stayed updated on this Documentary Project, knowing that it was the biggest project of the year. I appreciate their focus, support, and assistance in my academics.

Table of Contents Page 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreward Page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction Page 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 1: A Different Tier Page 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 2: Underrated Value Page 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 3: An Inside Look Page 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conclusion Page 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Works Cited

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Foreword At a first glance, doing a documentary on a biking/commuter trail didn’t seem very attractive.

After telling my mom about our future documentary unit at Freestyle, she first came up with the idea. My mom has a personal connection with the trail’s project manager, Connie Gazaway, which made me feel confident about the project. Furthermore, after having a lengthy conversation with Connie over the phone, I knew there were many different possible angles I could take on this, increasing my confidence. She explained the various applications: flood control, connector to the bay trail, San Jose’s green vision, interpretive signage, and simply being an open, public preservation of nature. After this conversation with Connie, I knew there were many possibilities to explore and different directions I could form this project.

The design book is a major piece of the documentary. It displays the information in an entertaining and clear way, while giving a glimpse of what the actual trail looks likes. I wanted to capture scenic images of the trail and really highlight the fact that it runs right through downtown San Jose.

Much of my most interesting research came from my interviewees, specifically Yves Zsutty and Connie Gazaway. Connie was able to illustrate the long process of coordinating with state and federal agencies in each step of the building process. Her firm, CH2M Hill, had to follow many environmental agencies’ regulations in terms of where and what her team could construct. The Trail Manager, Yves Zsutty, really emphasized the commuter aspect of the trail, talking about how many people biked as an alterna-

tive way to get to work.

This whole process has been nothing short of a valuable learning experience. Through just talking to people, random users on the trail, and my interviewees, I’ve learned how to extract the information I wanted, explore new leads, and in general, ask the right questions. Technically, I’ve learned that much more goes into audio recording than just plugging in a mic. Factors such as environment (inside vs outside), room noises, and voice levels all need to be considered when recording. More than anything, my organization, planning, and communication skills have been tested and strengthened by contacting new people, arranging interviews, and meeting deadlines. With new knowledge, I have become an improved student after completing this documentary.

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Introduction

S

weat, pain, and unbearable boots. As a child, these were the thoughts that sprung into my head if my parents mentioned the word “hike” or “trail”.

Without experience, nor understanding, my impatient young self would cringe, and proceed to throw a fit whenever my mother and father announced the weekend plans to go for “a fun nature trek”.

I specifically remember this arrogant mindset when hiking the Palo Alto Dish trail in my earlier years. Then, it seemed no more than a physically draining and mentally unstimulating task; a similar feeling of dreadfulness to my present junior-student-self, dreading to take standardized tests. Trudging through the whole Dish trail then, utterly contrasts with my feelings when recently revisiting the Dish trail in the past months. When at the peak of the trail, we overlooked a stun-

ning view: the Stanford campus in the foreground, the South Bay in the background, with nature intertwining through all the land.

Questions materialized: What was the cost of a trail like this? Who was willing to devote time and effort to build and maintain such a piece of land, without any personal return to them? That day, a friend and I decided to go to the Dish Trail for a fun activity, and that motive, right there, plainly shows how I’ve changed.

Reflecting on my personal growth, I’ve developed an understanding and appreciation for nature, the beauty of it, and preserving it.

Until very recently in the history of mankind, civilization has been encroaching on nature unregulated. Now I can partially grasp why 18th century European romanticists withdrew themselves from industrial society, why Indians fought to the death in defense of tribal lands, and why individu-

als such as John Muir and others, have devoted their life to conservation of nature. Civilization cannot take steps back, and the integration of nature in an urban landscape is most definitely a step in the right direction. And, the San Jose Guadalupe River Trail accomplishes just that.

This route, traveling from South San Jose, through downtown, and ending in the community of Alviso, is more than just a place for people to enjoy nature. The Guadalupe Trail also operates as a commuter channel that, while educating people along the way with historical signage, allows workers to bike to work in a healthy and green way. This innovative passage is only a piece of the puzzle, that will eventually lead to the all encompassing Bay trail, while also adding to the City of San Jose’s Green Vision.

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Chapter 1: A Different Tier

A

s a junior in high school, there is something ominous looming in the distance: college applications. Hearing students, teachers, advisors, and parents talk about the subject, one point has stuck: it is best to separate yourself from the rest. To be unique and distinct only adds to your significance, and the Guadalupe River Trail does just that.

This commuter passage holds so much more than just an ordinary walking path. It is a predominant path in San Jose’s Green Vision, a vital piece of the future Bay trail, and manages to educate its users with interpretive signage along the way. The San Jose Green Vision is a program based on the 2000 Green Print of San Jose. The Green Print stated how the city would

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develop parks, community centers, and 75 miles of trails (“Elements of Green vision”). The Green Print was upgraded to the Green Vision in 2011 and the mileage goal was changed to one hundred. Yves Zsutty, who manages trails for the city, holds the vision in high regard “It’s also part of this 100 mile trail network … one of the largest trail networks in the country, so San Jose just continues to be a stronger trail city.” Basically, the Green Vision is an improved version of the Green Print. At a distance of 9 miles, the Guadalupe River trail is a substantial gain in the city’s vision (“Guadalupe Trail”). San Jose goes further by trying to create a large interconnected trail system, so bikers can easily access multiple paths.

Connie Gazaway, project manager of the Guadalupe River trail, and Civil Engineer at CH2M Hill, describes this vision “We like to work with the city to build these trail networks out… you can bike from the south part of the bay to the north where a lot of industry and businesses are.” Gazaway stresses the commuter aspect of this path, saying most people use it to commute back and forth to work. Focusing on the Green Vision shows San Jose’s dedication to being a leader in parks and trails.

Another aspect of this major trail is its role as a connector segment to the future Bay trail. When thinking, what does the Bay Area look like, it is difficult to pin down one image. This venture plans to pair a visual with the ‘Bay Area.’

As Gazaway puts it, “The Bay Trail is a vision of a network of trails that go around the entire San Francisco Bay, and each city is going to be responsible for building their own little piece.” In order for this project to work, every city surrounding the bay must have a trail that funnels users directly to the bay, and San Jose has already done their part. Gazaway continues, “It kind of ties the community together… you have a network of roads to connect people from point A to point B... we want to have a network of trails that allows people to walk or bike from place to place.” In other words, Gazaway really believes the importance of the linkage between each city’s system, to the entire Bay Area community, creates a visual identity for the bay.

Furthermore, the Guadalupe River trail incorporates colorfully paved trail heads, and historic Yves Zsutty, Trail Manager, City of San Jose

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educational signage. Yves Zsutty, Trail Manager, speaks fondly of these characteristics, “I feel really proud of the fact that… you’re going to find a paved plaza with multi-colored pavement and... the form that you see there is a

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giant compass that guides you… it makes it much more special than the typical band of asphalt.” These extra creative bits make you feel that you are on more than just a trail, making the Guadalupe one of San Jose’s most

innovative projects. Moreover, there are five educational panels scattered along this commuting passage. Zsutty summarizes each sign, “(the) panels... talk about the ecology of the river, the Hetch Hetchy pipeline, the species of

birds you find on the waterway, and the community of Alviso, which is San Jose’s old port town, and the fifth element is a mammoth fossil that was found.” The idea here is to add an educational facet, that increases a sense of

community. Perks such as these are the reason why the Guadalupe is in a higher tier than ordinary trails. This innovative path has been recognized as Zsutty mentions, “We recently got the Bikeways and Trails project of the

year award from the American Society of Civil Engineering in their San Francisco section.” With its connections to the future Bay project, Green Vision, and historic overviews, the Guadalupe rises above the standard asphalt path.

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“You’ll never have to cross a street, you’ll pass under all the major roadways, and you’ll find signage and restaurants along the way. So it’s a completely great opportunity to be with nature and also be in civilization and experience San Jose in a new way” (Zsutty).

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“It’s a way to get to point A to point B if you’re walking or biking and its safer than being on the streets, which is kind of great. And, it’s just a beautiful natural area… that’s the thing, you are in the middle of the city and when you go to the trail, it’s an amazing gift of greenery and space” (Easton).

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Chapter 2: Underrated Value

5

.7 million dollars. This 9

River project should receive fund-

and operates as an instrument of

mile stretch of pavement

ing. Not surprisingly, the positive

flood control.

received 5.7 million dol-

effects of the trail go way beyond

lars of federal funding (Zsutty).

just a place to take a stroll. The

city in California, and has one of

With the problems of poverty and

Guadalupe Trail maintains nature

the most extensive trail systems in

crime San Jose and most cities

in a growing urban environment,

the country. Just like New York’s

face, many people question why

promotes San Jose’s amenities,

Central Park, all great cities pre-

a trail project like the Guadalupe

supplies a healthy way to exercise,

serve and exhibit portions of na-

San Jose is the third largest

ture. On the south side of the trail, downtown is easily accessible. All along the trail, food options are pointed out by signs at trailheads, and this is especially emphasized in the southern downtown section.

Promotion of San Jose goes further by advertising other notable places, such as the Tech Museum of Innovation. In the northern por16

tion of the trail, many offices are

located off both sides of the trail, effectively making the path into a green, commuter passage. This is an attractive factor to busy workers trying to fit exercise into their weekly routine. It allows people to get out in the sun as well, after spending long hours indoors, sitting in an office. A study of Vitamin D states “Vitamin D sufficiency is required for optimal

office workers, who are very sus-

help your cardiovascular system

health. The conditions with strong

ceptible to vitamin D deficiency,

work more efficiently. And when

evidence for a protective effect of

to get out into the sunshine. The

your heart and lungs work more

vitamin D include several bone

health benefits don’t stop there.

efficiently, you have more energy

diseases, muscle weakness, more

According to Mayo Clinic, an on-

to go about your daily chores”

than a dozen types of internal

line health website, “ Exercise and

(Mayo Clinic Staff: Exercise: 7

cancer” (“Vitamin D Deficiency

physical activity deliver oxygen

Benefits of Regular Physical Activ-

and Depression in Adults”). The

and nutrients to your tissues and

ity”). Many people bike back and

Guadalupe allows a population of

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forth to work, and thus perform with greater productivity.

Zsutty also highlights the large percentage of bikers on the trail “Over 50% are commuting to and from Silicon Valley employment.” Besides the large biking population, the overall usage has almost tripled since 2007 (“Guadalupe River”). Furthermore, the Guadalupe not only serves commuters, it reduces traffic, and saves fuel and unnecessary fossil fuel emissions, all while providing a more enjoyable way to get to work. And not only can workers who are fortunate enough to live near the trail burn calories, they are also provided with a safer bik18

ing route to work.

A rather unknown ele-

ment of this path is its function as a flood barrier. In the recent great storms in San Jose, the river, and its surrounding V-shape, has directed and held dangerously high rain water to the bay; therefore, protecting the city and it’s inhabitants, and collecting, conserving, and transferring water to the South Bay. Project manager Connie Gazaway also specializes in flood control and storm drain projects, and explains the complexity of the Guadalupe’s birth “CH2M Hill (her company) was selected to assist the Santa Clara Valley Water District in 1999 19

20

with a flood control project along

city hall, and high tech compa-

in times of weather emergencies,

the lower Guadalupe River… they

nies.” So the construction of flood

operates as flood control. Nature,

wanted… to widen the river and

walls increased the river’s capac-

exercise, education, and flood

put floodwalls in so they could

ity to holding water. Ultimately,

control create a manifold of roles

move storm water flows from the

the Guadalupe has a double edge,

that the Guadalupe River takes on,

Santa Cruz mountains out to the

being an ingenious invention that

proving itself worthy of federal

Bay without flooding businesses,

creates a trail for enjoyment, but

funding.

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Chapter 3: An Inside Look

N

othing is more meaning-

In a friendly manner I explained

efits of Ecotherapy”). Scientists have

ful and direct than per-

what I was doing and while the

found that not only being outside

sonal connections. The

woman was camera-shy, the man

increases well-being, but fights off

Guadalupe River Trail serves many

gave a sort of ‘why not’ answer. He

mental diseases such as depression.

purposes for its surrounding com-

said that lunch break is usually the

Sheldon clearly sees the value in the

munities: a commuting passage, a

time he goes out, which he was doing Guadalupe “It’s nice to have a pub-

biking and walking trail, a method

that day. Being in an office all day,

lic access area that people can use

of flood control, and a preservation

it makes sense that he wants to “Get

anytime without paying a fee… In

of nature. But, I wanted to reveal the

out and stretch my legs, ya know, sit-

my opinion more Americans should

personalized feel of the Guadalupe,

ting under fluorescent lights all day,

take advantage of what is available

answering the question: What does

especially when the weather is nice, I

to them.” Handling the interview as

the Guadalupe River Trail mean to

just wanna get outdoors” (Sheldon).

business, he was quick to return to

you? On a sunny and clear after-

Seems like this is a part of his day

his walk after I was finished asking

noon, I stood out on the northern

that he looks forward to, more than

questions. Being an occasional user

portion of the trail, by Tasman Drive, the ordinary coffee break. This feel-

of the trail, Sheldon still emits an

randomly asking pedestrians if they

ing of wanting to go outside could

understanding of the value that the

would mind answering a few ques-

be much more than Sheldon knows.

Guadalupe holds.

tions about themselves and their

According to an article on Medical

My next interviewee came along ap-

knowledge of the trail.

Daily “ reconnecting with nature can proximately 40 minutes later, look-

About thirty minutes into my ven-

help lift depression, improve energy,

ing like he was in the middle of an

ture, a tall man and woman were

and boost overall well-being and

intense bike ride. His name was Ed

approaching my interview position.

mental health” (Bushak, Lecia: “Ben-

Little, and had no problem jump-

22

ing into foreign situations

during the day betters his

as he was very outgoing.

mood, a mental health bonus

Little worked in the area,

of the Guadalupe. Writers

and was biking on the trail

from Mayo Clinic concur:

that day during his lunch.

“Physical activity stimulates

More regular than Sheldon,

various brain chemicals

Little bikes the trail four days

that may leave you feeling

a week only from work, as

happier and more relaxed”

he is a resident from Gilroy.

(Mayo Clinic Staff: “Exer-

Mr. Little is very aware of

cise: 7 Benefits of Regular

all the benefits of the trail.

Physical Activity”). Little

He said “Well, it improves

seems to love biking, and

the quality of life for me

the Guadalupe Trail allows

because I really enjoy doing

him to indulge in his hobby,

this at lunch. It’s good for

and increase his well-being.

me, for getting exercise, for

Furthermore, Little praises

my health.” Little continues,

the location of the trail, “It

“But it also perks me up in

makes Silicon Valley, work-

the afternoon and I love get-

ing here, even more attrac-

ting outside. I love being able

tive.” Little highlights all the

to ride and to fit that into my

advantages of Guadalupe’s

work day.” Getting outside

location, earning himself the 23

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title of “veteran trail user.”

and Little. I inquired how often he

used this trail as part of his recu-

Luckily, shortly after Little left, I

walks along the trail and Hensley

peration and was the only one to say

spotted another person walking

decisively said, “Daily… well I try

anything about nature, He remarks,

along the trail, a retiree named

to bike. I have a back injury, I broke

“The wildlife through here is abun-

Matthew Hensley who lived only a

my back six years ago and this has

dant. If you actually walk through

mile and half from the trail. Hensley

been pretty much paramount for my

here on a quiet morning or evening

had a different story than Sheldon

recovery.” Interestingly, Hensley has

you can see it all over the place.” He

notices and respects the nature along amazing gift of greenery and space.” terviewees, variety is well shown the trail, and is not the only one with She also appreciates the preserva-

among them. From a person’s fourth

this perspective. The Public Director

tion of nature right in the city. In the

time, to daily use, the usage and

of Art, Jennifer Easton, agrees with

end, Hensley proves to be unique in

reasons for using the trail is unique

Hensley “It’s just a beautiful natural

his knowledge and personal use of

to each. Effectively these series of in-

area… you are in the middle of the

the trail.

terview shows how the trail attracts

city... You go to the trail and it’s an

From only a small sample of in-

a large pool of people.

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Conclusion The Guadalupe Trail holds so much value, and is often overlooked or unknown to a portion of the surrounding residents in the area. The City of San Jose’s efforts to preserve nature must be appreciated, as we are in an increasingly urbanized world.

Not only does it maintain nature, it ingeniously combines many functions into one: commuting to work, flood control, and brief historic education. And with the abundant functions of the trail comes various users. From walkers, runners, bikers, and roller bladers, you might catch someone out for an afternoon stroll, lunch break, or getting exercise.

Parents are out with their kids, and employees are out with their co-workers. On a sunny day, the 26

scene on the Guadalupe Trail is nothing short of scenic and uplifting.

With this new knowledge of what the Guadalupe represents, I am left with further appreciation and understanding of why preservation of nature is important. I will no longer cringe when my parents decide to take a family hike on the weekend. I can acknowledge the significance of other trails, such as the Dish. I hold nature in higher regard, and recognize that nature is in our roots, but is quickly being lost. A possible, dark future looms overhead, as human industrialists could expand into every square foot left of nature, destroying the true state of our planet. Or another outcome is possible, we can make a serious effort to main-

tain and integrate nature into our civilization. In the end, it may simply come down to numbers - how many greedy, resourcethirsty industrialists versus how many pragmatic conservationists will succeed?

In reality, the Guadalupe Trail, isn’t making a world of change, but it is making a small, subtle change, that is just as vital. This subtle change goes to the workers on their lunch break, wanting to stretch their legs. It goes to the runners, choosing a more scenic route. And, it goes to the families, deciding to get outdoors together. Wherever it goes, the Guadalupe trail makes a definite impact on the community, the pure, and wholesome impact, that nature holds.

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Works Cited Anglin, Rebecca E.S., Zainab Samaan, Stephen D. Walter, and Sarah D. McDonald. “Vitamin D Deficiency and Depres

sion in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” The British Journal of Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.

Bushak, Lecia. “Benefits Of Ecotherapy.” Medical Daily. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.

Easton, Jennifer. Personal interview. 12th Mar. 2014.

Ed Little. Personal interview. 6th Mar. 2014.

“Elements of Green Print.” City of San Jose. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.

Gazaway, Connie. Personal interview. 6th Feb. 2014.

Grant, William B., and Michael F. Holick. “Benefits and Requirements of Vitamin D for Optimal Health: A Review.”

Thorne Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Mar. 2014.

“Guadalupe River.” San Jose, CA. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.

“Hiking.” Gale Student Resources in Contect. St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, 2000, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.

Lewis, Thomas T. “Sierra Club vs Morton.” Gale Virtual Reference Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.

“Macro-Linkages between Health and Outdoor Recreation: The Role of Parks and Recreation Providers.” Journal of

Park and Recreation Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.

Matthew Hensley. Personal interview. 6th Mar. 2014.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity.” Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.

Mugerauer, Robert, and J. Waston. “U.S. National Park Service.” Gale Virtual Reference Library. N.p., n.d. Web.

24 Mar. 2014.

“Parks & Trails.” San Jose, CA. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.

“San Francisco Bay Trail.” San Francisco Bay Trail. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.

Rosenberger, Randall S., Terry R. Bergerson, and Jeffrey D. Kline.

Sheldon. Personal interview. 6th Mar. 2014.

“Trail Impact.” City of San Jose. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.

Zsutty, Yves. Personal interview. 11th Feb. 2014.

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The Guadalupe River Trail The Guadalupe River Trail

Alex Paulsen is a junior attending Mountain View High School. He loves to play Water Polo year-round. During the winter, Alex enjoys snowboarding in Tahoe with his friends and family. When he’s not busy, you can find him playing pickup basketball or fifa with his friends. He’s always liked watching movies, and joining Freestyle has increased his interest in film. Alex plans to study film or business in college, hopefully at a school on the west coast.

Alex Paulsen

Written and Designed by Alex Paulsen