Snow on Mt. Hamilton

Dr. Filippenko (Chair - University of California Observatories) --

Greetings (from: ID deleted)

Seeing snow on Mount Hamilton via your hamcam, I recently thought I would rent a car and visit. I formerly lived in San Jose, so I know the road gets closed, but thought I would be able to park and hike up the hill.

Unfortunately, I got a late start, and arrived shortly after sundown. Even more unfortunately, I encountered a UC security guard (badge 812 - McDonald?) who was one of the rudest people I have encountered in recent memory. I had not entered the closed portion of the road, I had driven a long distance, and needed to get out and stretch my legs and go to the bathroom. This security guard threatened that if I got out of the car, he would write a citation. He told me that I would have to drive back over the hill to go to the restroom. He repeatedly told me "get out of here."

His behavior was inappropriate, unprofessional, and a poor representation of the mission of the University of California in serving the public. Furthermore, his advice would result in increased road hazards from someone tired of driving looking for a place to pull over on the winding portion of the road. It would be more suitable for me to stretch my legs on the flat area where the encounter occurred.

I recognize that perhaps the university wants to discourage people from traveling over the hill in the inclement weather that produces snow in the area. However, it is counterproductive to hire a bulldog to yell at people after they have already driven over the hill. Much more appropriate would be to post prominent warnings on the hamcam site, as well as better informational signs where the road leaves San Jose. "Road Closed 14 miles ahead," does not give the driver information whether they will be able to stop and hike. Considering there is a county park and plenty of parking space near the area where the road is closed, I believe posting a rude security guard is not the best public relations strategy regarding a curious public.