The Willow Glen Resident

Letters

PG&E does a hatchet job of trimming trees

When PG&E tried to excessively trim the trees on Ellis and Louise avenues last year, District 6 Councilmember Frank Fiscalini's office coordinated a community meeting between PG&E and the residents. PG&E admitted that its trimming over there was too much and said it would institute a tree-trimming program less "radical."

Then, a few months later, the trees in my neighborhood were butchered. One big chunk was cut out on one side of each tree, exposing bare-cut branches that look disastrous, while the other side was left untouched, making the trees unbalanced and maybe hazardous.

Fiscalini's office announced that there would be another community meeting, but when I contacted his aide and PG&E I was told that no meeting was planned. I contacted the mayor and was assured that Fiscalini actively worked with PG&E on this problem. But according to a letter I received from Fiscalini, nothing was done.

I have contacted the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco, and they stated that they require a minimum clearance [between a power line and a tree]. If PG&E does not meet it, they will take action, but if PG&E cuts too much and damages the trees, it is not the commission's problem.

Trees in our neighborhood have been trimmed by PG&E contractors for years without any problem. It is the excessive way they trim our trees lately that has led to so many complaints from the residents.

I believe this is a local problem that only the city and our councilman can help us address it with PG&E.

Every time a small business in our neighborhood like Willow Glen Billiards and Brew gets complaints from neighbors, the city and Fiscalini always make sure that small businesses solve the problem to the satisfaction of the neighbors.

PG&E is doing business in our neighborhood, and one of their business practices damaged the value of the residents' property. I expect Councilmember Fiscalini and the city to treat PG&E no differently than the small businesses.

Phuong Malkin
Vernon Avenue

According to Councilmember Frank Fiscalini's office, the city of San Jose does not have regulatory control over public utilities.--Editor

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