A stable environment: Los Gatos equestrian facility to remain open amid needed repairs

MORE THAN 60 PEOPLE, some who traveled all the way to Los Altos from San Martin and Woodside, piled into a packed meeting recently, decked out in multi-colored plaid, cowboy hats and boots. They anxiously wrung their hands and wiped away tears as they advocated to save Bear Creek Stables from the threat of closure. For now, they’ve done it.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space board of directors voted 5-2 on Nov. 20 to keep Bear Creek Stables open, with Director Yoriko Kishimoto and President Margaret MacNiven voting no. The stables, located in Los Gatos within the 1,430-acre Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, need up to $10.5 million in repairs after falling into disrepair over the last decade. The stables are boarding 12 horses, but can hold more than 70, according to Midpen officials.