”
I’d like to know what’s going on with the trees. Last spring
they cut down trees on Uvas Park Drive behind the brick wall the
city built and never replaced them. Now it’s just an ugly fence.
I’d just like to know what’s going on with that. Take a look into
that. Thanks.
”
“I’d like to know what’s going on with the trees. Last spring they cut down trees on Uvas Park Drive behind the brick wall the city built and never replaced them. Now it’s just an ugly fence. I’d just like to know what’s going on with that. Take a look into that. Thanks.”
Dear Chopped,
Red Phone contacted Carla Ruigh, operations services manager, who said the trees that were planted in that area failed and either fell down or were removed by staff to prevent hazards.
“The dirt area between the wall and the sidewalk is extremely narrow, and the narrow dirt strip is very steep,” she said. “All the plantings along this area are mature and have not been irrigated for some time. Staff will explore the possibility of replanting some of the area, possibly with shrubs instead that could grow without damaging the sidewalks. However, the narrowness of the planting area and steep slope along with the possible need for costly repairs and changes to the old irrigation system, may not allow for new plantings at this time.”
So good caller, looks like the area just isn’t viable for trees. Perhaps you’ll be seeing shrubs in the near future.
Time to replace the trees
“Why hasn’t the city replaced the trees that it took out over one year ago in the mow strip of a house located at the corner of Westwood and Third Street? The only thing that is left is three or four ugly stumps. It truly is an eyesore. Why is the process of grinding down the stumps and replacing the trees taking so long?
Dear Stumped,
Carla Ruigh said the trees were removed by the property owner with a permit.
“The property owner is responsible for grinding the stumps and re-planting the trees,” she said. “Staff will contact the property owner and remind them of their responsibility to replace the trees.”
So keep an eye on the area good caller, and let Red Phone know if nothing is done.
Disappointed with Gilroy
“Red Phone, reading the paper, I wanted to share some thoughts. Our family has been in Gilroy for 60 years and has seen the town change. One of the things that disappoints me is the rising level of crime. The sounds I hear at night are car alarms, gunshots and house alarms. Really does not bode well. When I tell people from other parts of the Bay Area that I live in Gilroy, I get this stigma, that ‘ooh, you live in Gilroy?’ It’s really disappointing. Gilroy is known as a drug town, a gang town and a crime town. Gilroy is a town that is small enough that it should be a town with no crime, no problems, no issues. It should be a wonderful place to live, but it’s not and it’s absolutely disturbing. It’s unacceptable and I don’t want to become a former resident. What can we as residents do?”
Dear Disturbed,
Red Phone hears and understands your concerns. It is a huge problem that most towns face. Crime is on the rise, though why even city and police leaders aren’t sure. The factors that go into the woes of a community are as vast and diverse as the community itself. An economy in the dumps, high unemployment, gang problems and budget deficits are just several. Red Phone does disagree in one aspect, however. Although Gilroy is relatively small, living in town with no crime is unrealistic. There will always be crime, and municipalities like Gilroy need to find the funds to fight that crime. It is sad that about 70 to 80 percent – and sometimes more – of most city’s general funds go to police and fire departments, yet the problems not only persist, they are on the rise. What can residents do? Good question. Get involved. Become a volunteer in policing, mentor a teen, tutor a child. While that won’t solve all the problems, it can make an impact.
Need a correct number
“Hey Red Phone, that number to report graffiti in the county is not right.”
Dear Corrected,
Red Phone got some bad information, but has found the right number. To report graffiti in unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, call Waste Management at 282-3166.
