Serpentine / Memo to the Save Kensington’s Future Faithful
Subject: The Kensington Park
Date: 06/22/2023
From: The Memo Desk
The Kensington Park is the “serpentine” jewel in Kensington’s crown.
As you know, the 18-acre Kensington Park is the only open space remaining in our secluded hillside hamlet. It is owned and maintained by the Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District. Blake Garden doesn’t count as open space because it is owned by the University of California and besides it is only open on week days.
As the KPPCSD searches for a new location for the police building they had considered sites in the park. The Community Center parking area that is shared with the Arlington Community Church was brought up as a possible location for a new police building. This alarmed the folks who staunchly believe there should be no new building in the park. It is an article of faith for the park originalists.
Because of the struggle to create the park, there is a dedicated group of park originalists who have vowed to mount a fierce resistance to any new construction in the park. Years ago, they successfully defeated an attempt to locate a proposed new Public Safety Building in the southwestern corner of the park. This time around, the SKF folks want to see the park protected in perpetuity from any new construction.
Of course, that limits what future KPPCSD Directors may choose to do with the park. It is similar to the so-called “Dorroh Ordinance” / ”Voting Rights Ordinance” of yore in that it binds the hands of future boards and it is hard to undo. Unclear if no new construction applies to the existing annex building upgrades and/or mitigation of the serpentine rock (the California State Rock) outcroppings that may have naturally occurring asbestos. (Uh-oh…)
The SKF folks have successfully gained majorities on the KPPCSD and Kensington Fire Protection District Boards by pledging their commitment to protecting the park in perpetuity for recreation, children’s programs and open space. Preserving the park based on the idea it is the last open space in Kensington with natural beauty and dramatic views sounds like a worthy endeavor. Who would oppose that?
Add in the threat of losing recreational space for children and you have a winning proposition. But it turns out, the perceived threat to recreation, children’s programs and open space was mostly a ginned-up issue. A real serpentine proposition.
“In politics, an organized minority is a political majority.” (Jesse Jackson)
Note: Satire alert, serpentine propositions may be toxic, best to proceed with caution.