Attachment 2
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
41 Miles Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-399-5770
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PARKS COMMISSION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/03/2017
ITEM NO: 5
DATE: MARCH 29, 2013
TO: PARKS COMMISSION
FROM: MATT MORLEY, PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: UPHOLD A TREE REMOVAL PERMIT FOR TREES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF
WAY ON WINCHESTER BOULEVARD.
RECOMMENDATION:
Uphold a tree removal permit for trees in the public right of way on Winchester Boulevard
adjacent to 17274 Verdes Robles.
BACKGROUND:
In early 2016, PG&E met with the Town to discuss the need to remove trees that potentially
create safety concerns around high pressure gas lines. The Town manages the tree inventory
closely and reviewed the proposed tree removals critically at all levels of the organization. In
2016, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) informed the Town that it planned to remove a
number of trees in Los Gatos as part of its Pipeline Safety Initiative project. Town Staff closely
reviewed every tree proposed to be removed by PG&E to determine if it the tree poses a safety
concern and on June 9, 2016 the Town issued a tree removal permit (Attachment 1) to PG&E
for the removal of trees in several locations in the public right of way. PG&E paid for the tree
removal permit and paid into the Town’s tree replacement fund at a level higher than required
by the Town’s fee structure. Over the course of several months, PG&E has removed most of
the trees requested after posting the trees for public notice and conducting outreach to
adjacent property owners. The trees at Verdes Robles are the only remaining trees within the
Town jurisdiction that require removal.
Chapter 26 of the Town Municipal Code (Attachment 2) provides for the removal of trees where
safety is a concern (Sec. 26.10.063 (5)). Decisions on the issuance of a permit are appealable to
the Parks Commission and the City Council. An adjacent property owner, Mr. Vivek Correia, has
appealed the removal of 20 trees, identified in attachment 3. Of the list in the attachment, the
trees identified as T2, T22, and T23 will not be removed.
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: UPHOLD A TREE REMOVAL PERMIT FOR TREES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
ON WINCHESTER BOULEVARD.
MARCH 29, 2017
N:\PPW\COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES\Parks Commission\AGENDAS and packets\2017\04-03-17\Tree Permit Appeal - Staff report.docx
3/31/2017 10:04 AM
DISCUSSION:
In light of risks identified to high pressure gas infrastructure subsequent to the San Bruno
pipeline exposure, PG&E implemented a program called the Pipeline Safety Initiative. The
scope of the Pipeline Safety Initiative project centers around protection of gas transmission
pipeline and public safety. PG&E has indicated that they are focused on improving community
safety by addressing potential risks to gas transmission pipelines from issues caused by certain
trees, brush, and structures. This is supported by studies that indicate that tree and brush roots
can damage underground pipelines over time by impacting the pipes’ protective coating,
leading to corrosion. Trees and brush can also block first responders’ access during emergencies
and prevent PG&E crews from performing critical safety and maintenance work.
PG&E operates and maintains its utility facilities under the regulatory o versight and jurisdiction
of the California Public Utilities Commission. They have provided the Town with the
Discretionary Permit Statement (attached) that summarizes the rights and abilities to protect
their utility facilities. This includes removal of any incompatible vegetation or structures located
within the right of way. According to State Regulations, the CPUC’s oversite authority preempts
discretionary Town tree removal ordinances with respect to natural gas projects. In summary
PG&E is not required to apply for discretionary permits nor do they have to adhere to the
regulation in the Town’s tree related ordinances when it comes to tree removal.
Regardless of this exemption, PG&E has been committed to work with the Town for this project
as they realize the impacts that tree removal will have on the community and has complied
with the Town requirements for tree removal and the appeal process allowed under out Town
Code. However, In this case, issuance of a tree permit is non-discretionary – the Town does not
have the authority to deny the request at the staff level or upon appeal. Additionally,
attempting to retain the trees could shift significant risk to the Town in the way of safety should
the trees ultimately damage the gas pipeline.
PG&E has conducted outreach to adjacent residents and the Town and PG&E have posted the
trees for removal in accordance with the Town code. PG&E continues to be willing to work with
the property owner towards mitigating the impacts of the tree removal outside of the safety
zone.
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: UPHOLD A TREE REMOVAL PERMIT FOR TREES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
ON WINCHESTER BOULEVARD.
MARCH 29, 2017
N:\PPW\COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES\Parks Commission\AGENDAS and packets\2017\04-03-17\Tree Permit Appeal - Staff report.docx
3/31/2017 10:04 AM
CONCLUSION:
Staff Recommends that the Parks Commission uphold a tree removal permit for trees in the
public right of way on Winchester Boulevard adjacent to 17274 Verdes Robles. The decision of
the Parks Commission is appealable to the Town Council.
Attachments:
1. Tree Removal Permit and Supporting Documents
2. Town Municipal Code Chapter 26
3. Property Survey
4. Public Comment
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Chapter 26 - TREES AND SHRUBS
Footnotes:
--- (1) ---
Cross reference— Buildings and building regulations, Ch. 6; garbage, refuse and weeds, Ch. 11; grading, erosion and sediment control, Ch. 12;
nuisances, Ch. 17; parks and recreation, Ch. 19; planning, Ch. 20; sewers and sewage disposal, Ch. 22; streets and sidewalks, Ch. 23; subdivision
regulations, Ch. 24; utilities, Ch. 27; zoning regulations, Ch. 29.
State Law reference— Authority of town to cause shade trees to be planted and set out in public streets, etc., Gov. Code § 40401; injury, etc., to
shade trees, Penal Code § 622; tree planting act of 1931, Streets and Highways Code § 22000 et seq.
ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL
Footnotes:
--- (2) ---
Editor's note— Ord. No. 2240, § I(Exh. A), adopted June 2, 2015, amended Art. I to read as herein set out. Former Art. I, §§ 26.01.010—26.01.070,
pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Code §§ 31-1—31-5, 31-8—31-13, 31-15, 31-16; Ord. No. 1817, § I, adopted Mar. 19, 1990; and
Ord. No. 2018, § III, adopted Aug. 5, 1996.
Sec. 26.10.010. - De
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Sec. 26.10.015. - Purpose of chapter.
It is for the best interests of the Town that a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance and
removal of trees in, or which may overhang, public streets within the Town should be developed and
established; and this chapter is adopted for the purpose of developing and providing for such a plan and
program, and for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations relating to the planting, maintaining and
removal of such trees.
( Ord. No. 2240, § I(Exh. A), 6-2-15 )
Sec. 26.10.020. - Applicability of chapter.
This chapter is intended to give, and does hereby give, full and complete authority to the Director, or
the Director's authorized agent, over all trees planted and growing, or to be planted and grown, upon or
overhanging any streets, public places and parkways in the Town. The provisions of this chapter are not
superseded by Chapter 29 of this Code.
( Ord. No. 2240, § I(Exh. A), 6-2-15 )
Sec. 26.10.025. - Enforcement of chapter.
The Director shall have jurisdiction and control over the planting, setting out, location, selection and
placement of all trees in the public streets of the Town, and shall likewise have supervision, direction and
control of the care, trimming, removal, relocation and replacement thereof.
( Ord. No. 2240, § I(Exh. A), 6-2-15 )
Sec. 26.10.030. - Master street tree list.
A Master Street Tree List shall be established by resolution of the Town Council.
A copy of the Master Street Tree List shall be kept on
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(b)
( Ord. No. 2240, § I(Exh. A), 6-2-15 )
Sec. 26.10.040. - Planting procedure-generally.
No person shall plant or set out any tree in or along a public street without
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( Ord. No. 2240, § I(Exh. A), 6-2-15 )
Sec. 26.10.060. - Maintenance and removal of trees.
The Department of Parks and Public Works is responsible for inspection, maintenance, removal and
replacement of all trees in public places and parkways. No person shall trim or prune any tree in the
public right-of-way without written authorization from the Director. When a tree in a parkway does not
constitute an immediate danger to persons or property, the Director shall not remove it without giving
at least ten (10) days' written notice to the owner of the property, or if the tree is located on a parkway
owned in fee by the Town, to the owner of the nearest abutting property, and posting notice of removal
on or near the tree.
Maintenance of trees, as authorized in subsection (a) of this section includes, but is not limited to, root
pruning to prevent damage to sidewalks and curbs or to permit repair of such damage, and pruning of
limbs to compensate for root removal.
The Director may remove limbs from any tree regardless of the location of the tree upon a
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(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
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(1)
(2)
(3)
Sec. 26.10.062. - Standards of review.
The Director or deciding body shall review each application for a tree removal permit required by this
division using the following standards of review. The standards of review are intended to serve as criteria
for evaluating tree removal requests and provide the basis upon which the Director will subsequently
determine whether or not one (1) or more of the required
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(5)
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(7)
(8)
(9)
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(12)
The retention of the tree restricts the economic enjoyment of the adjacent property or creates an
unusual hardship for the adjacent property owner by severely limiting the use of the property in a
manner not typically experienced by owners of similarly situated properties, and the applicant has
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that there are no reasonable alternatives to
preserve the tree.
The tree has, or will imminently, interfere with utility services where such interference cannot be
controlled or remedied through reasonable modi
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(a)
(b)
Decisions of the Director under the provisions of sections 26.10.055, 26.20.010, 26.20.015, and
26.10.060(a) and (c) (in instances involving trees located on private property only), and 26.10.060(e),
and 26.30.010 concerning notices to cut down, trim or remove a tree, only, are appealable to the Parks
Commission. Appeals shall be commenced by
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As a condition to the issuance of any permit to remove any trees, the Director may require that the
person to whom such permit to remove is granted either deposit per tree an amount established by the
Council from time to time by resolution with the Director, who shall then plant approved trees in the place
of those removed, subject to the control of the Director as provided in section 26.10.025. Whenever such
trees have been removed in accordance with such conditional permit, it shall be a violation of this chapter
for the holder of such permit to refuse or neglect to plant another tree if such conditional permit shall so
specify.
(Code 1968, § 31-7)
Sec. 26.20.020. - Public utility installations.
All permits, which are hereafter needed for the installation of public utilities, shall be issued by the
Town Engineer and reviewed by the Director. The Director shall be responsible for issuing permits to any
telephone, telegraph, electric power or other public utility company, to trim or perform other operations
a
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The notice mentioned in section 26.30.010 may be given by delivering a written notice personally to the
owner or to the person in possession of the property, or by mailing a postal card, postage prepaid, to the
person in possession of such property or to the owner thereof at the owner's last known address as the
same appears on the last equalized assessment rolls of the Town.
(Code 1968, § 31-13.2)
Sec. 26.30.020. - Contents of notice; Town may do work if owner fails to do so.
The notice provided for in section 26.30.010 shall particularly specify what work is required to be done
and shall further specify that if the tree is not cut down, trimmed or removed within ten (10) days after
notice, the Director shall perform such work and the cost of the same shall be a lien on the property upon
which such tree is located.
(Code 1968, § 31-13.3)
Sec. 26.30.025. - Removal by Town.
If the tree coming under the provisions of this article is not cut down, trimmed or removed as required
by the notice, the Director shall forthwith perform such work.
(Code 1968, § 31-13.4)
Sec. 26.30.030. - Notice of cost and time or objections or protests.
Upon completion of the work, the Director shall cause notice of the cost thereof to be given in the
manner speci
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Sec. 26.30.040. - Hearing; con
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(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
The State Legislature has found that the limited supply of State waters is subject to ever increasing
demands; that California's economic prosperity depends on adequate supplies of water; that State policy
promotes conservation and e
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(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
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Director of Parks, Forestry and Maintenance Services: The Director of Parks, Forestry and
Maintenance Services or the Director's designee.
Ecological restoration project: A project where the site is intentionally altered to establish a
de
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(23)
(24)
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(26)
(27)
(28)
(29)
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(33)
purposes of this ordinance is 0.625. Greater irrigation e
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(34)
(35)
(36)
(37)
(38)
(39)
(40)
(41)
(42)
(43)
(44)
(1)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Reference evapotranspiration or ETo: A standard measurement of environmental parameters
which a
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(1)
(2)
(3)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(4)
(1)
(2)
(a)
Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or any project
with a landscaped area less than two thousand
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(3)
(a)
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(a)
MAWA = Maximum Applied Water Allowance (gallons per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
0.8 = ET Adjustment Factor
LA = Landscaped Area
0.62 = Conversion Factor (to gallons per square foot)
Two example calculations of the maximum applied water allowance are:
Project Site One Landscaped area of 50,000 feet in Fresno.
MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62)
= (51 inches) (0.8) (50,000 feet ) (0.62)
= 1,264,800 gallons/year or 1,691 100-feet per
year (1,264,800/748 = 1,691)
Project Site Two Landscaped area of 50,000 feet in San Francisco.
MAWA = (ETo) (0.8) (LA) (0.62)
= (35 inches) (0.8) (50,000 feet ) (0.62)
= 868,000 gallons/year or 1,160 100-feet per year
(868,000/748 = 1,160)
Portions of landscaped areas in public and private projects such as parks, playgrounds, sports
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(iv)
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(ii)
(c)
The estimated total water use for the entire landscaped area equals the sum of the estimated
water use of all hydrozones in that landscaped area.
EWU (hydrozone) = (ETo) (PF) (HA) (0.62)
(IE)
EWU = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
ETo = Reference Evapotranspiration (inches per year)
PF = Plant factor
HA = Hydrozone area
0.62 = Conversion factor (to gallons per square foot)
IE = Irrigation e
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(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(6)
(a)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Landscape design plan speci
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(b)
(i)
(ii)
(c)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(7)
(a)
(b)
(i)
Valves. Plants which require di
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(f)
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(a)
(b)
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(10)
Include run time (in minutes per cycle), suggested number of cycles per day, and frequency of
irrigation for each station; and
Provide the amount of applied water (in hundred cubic feet, gallons, or in whatever billing units
the local water supplier uses) recommended on a monthly and annual basis.
The total amount of water for the project shall include water designated in the estimated total
water use calculation plus water needed for any water features which shall be considered as a high
water using hydrozone.
Recreational areas designated in the landscape design plan shall be highlighted and the irrigation
schedule shall indicate if any additional water is needed above the maximum applied water
allowance because of high plant factors (but not due to irrigation ine
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Sec. 26.40.035. - Public education.
Model Homes.
At least one model home in each project consisting of
From: Nik Krishnamurthy [mailto:nikhilesh.krishnamurthy@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 9:00 PM
To: Town PPW; Council
Cc: winchesterredwoods@gmail.com
Subject: Winchester Redwoods
As a resident of Verdes Robles close to the redwood trees that PGE is planning to cut, I would like to
express my objections and concerns about the cutting of these 18 redwood trees.While I recognize the
objective expressed by PGE about gas line safety what is not clear is what other less drastic actions have
been explored to meet that objective. I am told the trees need to be cut to provide access in case of an
emergency but has PGE shared details with the Town Council or PPW as to what access they require?
Have other options been explored to getting that access? Would trimming of the branches work?
I would like to request that PPW and the Town Council investigate this further and agree to PGE cutting
these mature trees only if there are no other viable options.
The trees of Los Gatos provide a key differentiation and identity to the Town. Every effort should be
made to save the trees - after all 18 trees is substantial.
Regards
Nik Krishnamurthy
17269 Verdes Robles
Los Gatos
From: Nick Talesfore
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 5:44 PM
To: Town PPW
Cc: Joanne Talesfore
Subject: tree removal on Winchester btwn Buena Vista & Verdes Robles
Importance: High
To Whom it May Concern,
It has been recently brought to my attention PG&E is scheduled to remove about 18 Redwood & Oak
trees on Winchester in and around Buena Vista & Verdes Robles.
PG&E recently removed other trees along Winchester some in this general area. If this removal is due to
possible root ingression into the main gas line which, I understand, runs down Winchester then by all
means I am in favor of these trees being removed. If this is not a safety concern then by all means I am
against it. E.G. Power Lines can be undergrounded to save these trees.
If PG&E does remove these beautiful heritage established trees I respectfully request they be required,
as all HO are required to do if permitted to remove trees, to plant 2 “appropriate” replacement trees for
each removed along Winchester. My request is to PLANT replacement trees and not to give money to
some LG tree replacement program. I also request the replacement trees be planted in the same general
area of these and past tree removals – not in other areas of LG.
Unless these trees are replaced on Winchester, a main gateway to LG, it will turn into just another
barren road and Los Gatos will again loose a little more of its charm along with its removed landscaping.
Thank you for this consideration.
Regards,
Nicholas F. Talesfore & Joanne M. Talesfore
Bersano Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
From: Melissa Gramstad
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 10:59 AM
To: Matt Morley
Cc: kimball@me.com
Subject: Winchester Redwood
Matt Morley,
Please do NOT cut down the redwood and oak trees on Winchester blvd between Buena Vista & Verdes
Robles.
Thanks,
Melissa Gramstad
From: Kimball Brown
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 11:14 AM
To: Council
Subject: Winchester Redwood
Town Council,
Please do NOT cut down the redwood and oak trees on Winchester blvd between Buena Vista & Verdes
Robles.
Thanks,
Kimball Brown
From: cwtripp@comcast.net [mailto:cwtripp@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 12:00 AM
To: Town PPW
Cc: Matt Morley; Council
Subject: Winchester Trees
Please save the Winchester redwood and oak trees. Los Gatos wouldn't be the same without these. I
understand PG&E is rushing to complete this work without full an proper consultation.
Charles Tripp
15241 Oak Ridge Way
Los Gatos, CA 95030
From: VIVEK CORREIA
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2017 11:20 AM
To: Matt Morley
Cc: Attorney; Rob Moulden; Robert Schultz
Subject: Re: a plea to you Re: PG&E - safety work planned for Winchester Blvd -
Dear Mr Morley,
I believe you received my email last night after my meeting with PG&E . for a brief recap. they
are just waiting for you to Ask them to stop or put on hold the project and they will respect
your wishes.
Im also writing to you this morning TO question the permit paperwork you sent me yesterday. Please
correct Me if Im wrong, however the permit you sent me Seems to be expired, And the
check for $30,000 has already been cashed.
In addition I have not received any Notes from you on the the towns arborist view on this, Nor a Town
of Los Gatos Community development department Environmental Checklist Form , Both of which I
believe are usually required when such a s project occurs.
Please Reply as soon as possible as the time is ticking and We only have a finite amount of time to save
these trees.
Vivek Correia
On Mar 15, 2017, at 4:33 PM, Matt Morley <MMorley@losgatosca.gov> wrote:
Mr. Correia
Please find the attached permit in reference to this project as requested.. The Town was not excited
about the number of trees being removed and consequently worked closely with PG&E to reduce the
trees removed significantly from their original proposal. Only those trees that create a significant safety
hazard are included in the permit.
PG&E is regulated by the PUC and manages their infrastructure according to PUC laws, which supersede
the Town. The Town cannot prohibit PG&E from removing trees that cause a safety problem. PG&E
has, however, been very willing to mitigate the impact and I recommend you inquire on their ability to
do so in this situation as well.
Thank you,
Matt Morley ● Director
Parks and Public Works ● 41 Miles Ave, Los Gatos CA 95030
Ph: 408.399.5774
www.losgatosca.gov
From: VIVEK CORREIA
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 9:56 AM
To: Matt Morley
Cc: Attorney
Subject: a plea to you Re: PG&E - safety work planned for Winchester Blvd -
Dear Mr Morley & Mr. Shultz,
Im writing to you this morning as a plea for help. As of yet PG&E has been unable to give me any
insight of there exact plans and dates and i dont feel this is right.
This particular Cluster of trees along Winchester isa asset both to the immediate neighborhood,
as well as the town as a whole. These trees should be deemed a asset by the town and I would like
your help in doing so.
Because PG&E has been unable to give me any documents or timelines or basically any information, I
request your assistant in supplying the paperwork that pg&e filed with the Including but not limited
to tree removal permits and town arborist response letter.
I would like to also ask you to Submit a stop work order against the removal of the trees until PG&
E can provide me with and the town of why cutting down these trees is the only solution to
their problem.
Sincerly,
Vivek Correia
On Mar 14, 2017, at 9:29 PM, VIVEK CORREIA wrote:
joe,
Im attaching pictures of the location , incase you have not been to our beautiful town and seen first
hand the destruction you are about to cause.
On Mar 14, 2017, at 9:26 PM, VIVEK CORREIA wrote:
Hello joe,
Just a quick note to confirm our appointment for tomorrow (wed 3/15/17) at the location where you
plan on killing the trees.
17274 verdes robles los gatos ca 95030.
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2478911,-
121.9715,3a,75y,183.35h,96.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV2ceKFKPPkSI1-
1l4Fn2gA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1
Additionally You had mentioned that you / your outreach team would be reaching out to the tenants
there
I spoke to them shortly after receiving your original email march 3rd, and have communicated with
them every few days since. As of today , they have notheard from you or anyone at your company
and or your outreach team.
Im sure this is the same for any of the neighbors. However if you have documented proof that you
have spoken to them please send that over.
Kindly update me on my previous information request.
Thanks and please drive safe.
vivek correia
On Mar 13, 2017, at 12:38 PM, Echols, Joe wrote:
Good afternoon,
How does 1pm work for you, I can meet you anywhere that works best for you. I will be coming from
San Ramon. I am working on your information request and will send you an update as soon as I can.
Thanks
Joe
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 13, 2017, at 12:12 PM, VIVEK CORREIA < >> wrote:
good morning Joe,
please let me know what time wed as well ad the status aon my other request.
vivek
Vivek Correia
On Mar 10, 2017, at 12:19 PM, VIVEK CORREIA wrote:
Hello Joe,
Thank you for the reply,
Yes, I will rearrange my schedule to meet with you wed. Please let me know a time that works best.
In the meantime, Kindly send me All your meeting notes with the city in regards to these tress
specifically as well as plans and supporting documents ( including Town arborist input ) on why
cutting down these trees is the only solution you have, and how every other possible remedy has
already been look at and Why those remedies have been denined.
Sincerely,
vivek
Vivek Correia
On Mar 10, 2017, at 10:36 AM, Echols, Joe wrote:
Mr. Correia,
I am sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Are you available Wednesday at 1pm to meet and
review the survey?
Thanks
Joe
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 10, 2017, at 10:21 AM, VIVEK CORREIA wrote:
Good Morning, Joe,
Im disappointed that I have not heard back from you RE: your proposed work As of yet you have not p
supplied any details to me about what you are planning on doing you have my email addresses and cell
phone contact info.. And from what it sounds like, I belive a community meeting is in order prior to
any work being doen.
I understand that you may have met with the town lawyer and public works director, and i would like
to also see the minutes from those meetings as I would like to see what other options you had
proposed.
You cannot cut down these trees in the name of profits disguised by “safety” the towns beauty is as
stake here and I belive that the ciztzens and property owners will not / did not approve of this.
vivek correia
On Mar 6, 2017, at 4:03 PM, Echols, Joe >> wrote:
Dear Mr. Correia,
We would be happy to meet with you to review the survey results and discuss any other questions you
may have regarding the planned safety work. Please let me know if there is a time this week that would
work for you. Also, as requested, our primary town contacts for this work have been Parks & Public
Works Director Matt Morley (408-399-
5774; mmorley@losgatosca.gov<mailto:mmorley@losgatosca.gov><mailto:mmorley@losgatosca.gov>)
and Town Attorney Robert Schultz (408-354-
6880;attorney@losgatosca.gov<mailto:attorney@losgatosca.gov><mailto:attorney@losgatosca.gov>).
Speak soon,
Joe
From: VIVEK CORREIA [
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2017 7:38 PM
To: Echols, Joe
Subject: Re: PG&E - safety work planned for Winchester Blvd
you are being very vague. and you are choosing your words very wisely to try and fool me.
Please show me a picture of exactly which trees you plan on cutting and exactley what you plan on
doing to them
Any tree on that block affects my property and the beauty of the neighborhood. We will not let
you kill trees in the name of profits.
Vivek Correia
Mr. Correia,
Thank you for the quick response. Our crews will be working on city-owned trees, we will not be
preforming any work on your property. I will follow up with you tomorrow and provide you a contact
with the city.
Thank you
Joe
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 2, 2017, at 7:12 PM, Echols, Joe
<JxEv@pge.com<mailto:JxEv@pge.com><mailto:JxEv@pge.com>> wrote:
Dear Mr. Correia,
I hope this message finds you well. My colleague Kathy Harper asked that I reach out to you regarding
the gas safety work planned for Winchester Blvd near your property in Los Gatos. The purpose of this
work is to create a safer community for everyone by addressing trees that are located too close to the
gas transmission pipeline and could block emergency access or cause damage to the pipe. Starting mid-
March, our crews will be working on city-owned trees that are above the pipeline and pose a safety
concern. The ownership of these trees was confirmed by a survey we conducted in January. As part of
our outreach efforts, we will reach out to your tenant before starting any work.
The survey also identified one tree on your property near the gas pipeline. This tree is far enough away
from the pipeline that it can remain in place with regular monitoring. We will not be moving forward
with any work on your property at this time.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Joe Echols
Manager, Land Management
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
925-270-5827