I am usually not one to get involved in public issues. But I firmly believe that in the case of Gold Rush Ranch, there is simply too much at stake for many of us to sit back and remain part of the silent majority. Gold Rush Ranch is the best project that will ever be proposed for that site. The developer is saving 300 acrs of open space, and that's not even including the land for the th golf course.

I am not a golfer and I am not interested in buying a home at Gold Rush, but I amattracted to the project's new public hiking and bicycling trails. There currently are no recreational options akin to this proposal; in fact, th nearest off road cycling trails are 40 miles away from Sutter Creek. I would like to be able to hike that property and get exercise there if the project is built. I hope the Sutter Creek City Council has the wisdom to approve this plan and to include the public trails. They are an important benefit of the Gold Rush plan.