Willow Glen Resident
News
El Rio resident praises firefighters but feels burned by city of San Jose
By Emilie Crofton
Willow Glen resident Jeff Haskell had planned to spend a quiet Saturday at home. It turned out to be anything but, when he grabbed a garden hose to a battle a fire that raced up the Guadalupe River creek bed. The fire burned just a few feet from the home he had purchased three months earlier.
The grass fire started on July 14 around 9:30 a.m. and scorched property along the Guadalupe River right behind Haskell's home on El Rio Drive. The blaze destroyed his trees, fence, electrical system, plants and landscaping.
Although Haskell estimates the cost of damages at $10,000, he considers himself lucky because the fire never reached his house.
"The fire was just a couple feet from the neighbors' trees, and if those caught fire it would have been a lot worse," Haskell says.
His neighbors also suffered damages to their fence and backyard landscaping.
The properties back up to the Guadualupe Rive creek bed.
Haskell worked to tame the fire, soaking down his fence to keep the blaze from spreading while firefighters were on their way.
Haskell says the firefighters were amazing, and it was their fast action that minimized the damage.
San Jose Fire Capt. Antoinette Igno and Fire Station No. 6 firefighters did a "fantastic job," he says. "I had 12 to 15 firemen here in just a few minutes. They were extremely responsive. A few hours later there were a few hot spots, and they came back right away to take care of it."
According to San Jose Fire Department spokesman Alberto Olmos, the origin of the blaze is unknown.
Although Haskell is thrilled with how the fire department handled the situation, he is frustrated with the city over a larger problem that is emanating from the creek and its surrounding area.
The river behind his property contains a vast amount of trash, including bottles, plastic bags, containers and jugs, fast-food wrappers and cups. There is even a basketball among the debris.
In the past few months, Haskell has contacted San Jose Code Enforcement, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, field operations administrator with Santa Clara Valley Water District Dale Honda, and his District 6 Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio seeking help.
Only Oliverio and Honda have responded, but according to Haskell, both say that "the city's hands are tied."
Haskell legally owns the land behind his house and one half of the width of the river, according to the city. He acknowledges this and understands he is responsible financially for taking care of the trash problem, but says he needs help.
"It's a hazard down there," Haskell says.
Denelle Fedor, director of public policy for District 6, says, "It's hard for the city to get involved with the litter problems since the city is not legally allowed or responsible for it."
Fedor recommended Haskell talk to volunteer organizations and see if he can round up student volunteers from local schools to help clean up the debris in the creek.
Haskell says the problem began about a year ago when a large tree fell into the river. This created a small dam, which over time has collected a lot of debris and water-polluting trash.
He wants to have the tree removed but is worried about all the trash flowing down the river once the tree is unbridled. He wants to remove the trash first.
Haskell plans to begin the cleanup himself but could use some help. "It's an eye-sore," he says.
