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Message: <br /><br /> If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view this article online at: http://www.jweekly.com/18608/full/18608/jcc-installs-boulders-planters-on-its-campus-for-better-security/ <br /><br /> <b>JCC installs boulders, planters on its campus for better security</b> <br /> Friday, October 11, 2002 | by <p>JOE ESKENAZI </p> <br /><br /><p>Strolling through the parking lot at the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center one day, executive director Bruce Landgarten came to a stunning realization: "You can essentially drive through the front door."<br /><br /> Well, not anymore.<br /><br /> After pondering the idea since mid-June, Landgarten had dozens of planters and huge boulders placed around the Walnut Creek center's campus last month, ensuring that no careless—or ill-intentioned—driver has a chance to plough into the building.<br /><br /> "If somebody unintentionally or intentionally decides to drive through our building, this creates a deterrent," he said.<br /><br /> "If somebody makes a mistake—hits the gas instead of the brake—[the front door] is so close to the parking lot. And, for security's sake, it sends a nice message, and it's very subtle, though some people may not think so, with boulders around the perimeter of the agency."<br /><br /> The center added 16 large planters and 54 three-quarter ton boulders at a cost of $17,000. While many seniors and children utilize classrooms only five or six feet from the parking lot, the boulders and planters now prevent any car from coming within roughly 20 feet of the building.<br /><br /> Landgarten stressed that the installation of the planters and boulders was not a response to any specific or general threats, but a pre-emptive move. He said feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far.<br /><br /> "It's been well-received. We had this in place by the first day of school for the fall and people were really happy," he said.<br /><br /> "There are no threats. We're just being prudent about what we do. Security here goes far beyond boulders and planters. This just sends a nice message to parents and folks in the agency that they're safer."<br /><br /> Landgarten also said he believed the planters and boulders were more aesthetically appealing than the alternative: large concrete or steel "bollards" planted into the ground with steel rods. In fact, Landgarten said he planned to soften up the planters' image when young JCC students plant trees and flowers inside them as an agricultural project.</p> <p> </p>

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