In creating the cover to this issue of Metro, designer Conor Mangat skillfully merged that image with one of the huge satellite dish that welcomes southbound visitors to Santa Clara County on highway 280. Like the face that smiles over the bay and electronic systems that watch the skies above, this newspaper's staff annually scans the valley for the interesting, the unusual and the noteworthy. And even though we've been at it for a dozen years, we never fail to be amazed by just how many cool things this area has to offer. We modestly hope it's our best effort as well. Just 2000 paces up from where Alpine Road meets Piers Lane, right off the Portola Road exit on Interstate 280, is a moderately steep trail paved in broken asphalt.
Many locals walk or jog here, ignored by jays, coveys of doves and the odd woodpecker.
A cyclone fence with three strands of barbed wire surrounds a square of scotch broom and wild oats. There's one other thing in the yard. You can't miss it. It's seven stories tall. For all of its presence, the Parabolic Reflector Antenna doesn't have a proper name.