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ITEM 3.2
- TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS October 6, 2016
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
SUBJECT: APPEAL OF A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPROVAL FOR A
REQUEST FOR A NEW 6,689 SQUARE FOOT NEW TWO STORY
RESIDENCE (MAXIMUM HEIGHT 23') WITH A 2,955 SQUARE FOOT
PARTCIAL BASEMENT (1,540 SQUARE FEET OF ADDITIONAL
BASEMENT INCLUDED IN FLOOR AREA TOTAL), A 978 SQUARE FOOT
SECOND UNIT (MAXIMUM HEIGHT 12') AND A SWIMMING POOL;
LANDS OF NASHASHIBI; 28008 LAURA COURT; FILE#42-16-ZP-SD-GD.
FROM: Genevieve Fernandez,Assistant Planner
APPROVED: Suzanne Avila,AICP,Planning Director
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission:
Uphold the Fast-track approval of the Site Development Permit for the new residence with a
basement, second unit, and pool subject to the conditions in Attachment#1.
BACKGROUND
The subject property is located on the north side of Laura Court near Quarry Lake. The applicant
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is proposing to construct a new:5,654 square foottwo story residence with a 2,327 square foot
partial basement, a 978 square foot secondary dwelling unit and a 560 square foot swimming pool.
The lot is currently vacant with the exception of an AC driveway along the eastern property line
leading to a former building site.
On January 7,2010 the Planning Commission reviewed the previously proposed project and voted
3-2.to_approve the project which included a 6,313 square foot two story residence with a 3,264
square foot basement,a 591 square foot bunker,a 648 square foot swimming pool,a grading policy
exception and the removal of a.heritage oak tree. The project was then appealed to the City
Council. On February 18, 2010 the City Council reviewed the project and continued the project
with direction to redesign in order to meet the Town's Grading Policy,modify the house design to
minimize the three-story façade, and incorporate green building features into the project. On June
17, 2010 the City Council denied the project.
CODE REQUIREMENTS
Pursuant to Section 10-2.301 of the Site Development Ordinance, a Site Development Permit is
required to construct a new residence. The project qualified for the Fast Track process based on
its conformance to setbacks,height requirements,allowable MDA and MFA,and compliance with
the Fast Track Guidelines.
LANDS OF NASHASHIB1
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Pursuant to Section 10-2.1305.1(b)(12) of the Municipal Code, any interested party may appeal a
decision of the Planning Director to the Planning Commission by filing a written notice of appeal
within 22 days of the decision. The Fast Track approval was appealed on August 29,2016 by Vice
Mayor Gary Waldeck(see Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
Site Data:
Gross Lot Area: 2.019 acres
Net Lot Area: 2.019 acres
Average Slope: 26.62%
Lot Unit Factor: 1.300
Area Maximum Proposed Existing Increase Remaining
Development 11,898 11,545 9,630 1,915 995
Floor 6,720 6,689* 0 6,720 1
*excludes 2,955 sq.ft. basement
Site and Architecture
The project includes a 3,987 square foot two story residence including a 651 square foot attached
garage, 2,955 square foot partial basement (1,540 square foot daylighted and counted as floor
area), a swimming pool and a 978 square foot second unit. The proposed residence complies with
all setbacks, floor area, development area, and height requirements as well as the Grading and
Outdoor Lighting Policies.
Exterior materials for the new residence and second unit include cement plaster, steel, wood and
IB membrane roof (see elevations on sheets A2.1, A2.2 and A4.1 of the development plans,
Attachment 6).
The residence will be 23 feet at its highest point where a maximum of 27 feet is allowed. The
second unit will be 11 feet-10 inches. Story poles were installed prior to the August 9, 2016 Fast
Track meeting and remain in place for the Commission's consideration.
Driveway&Parking
A total of five parking spaces are required for the new residence and second unit.The plans include
an attached three car garage with a side facing entry, and two uncovered guest adjacent to the
garage (see sheets A1.0 and A2.1 of the development plans).
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Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting locations are shown on the floor plans (sheets A1.1 and A1.2 of the development
plans). Condition 8 requires that fixtures be down lights, shielded and/or have frosted or opaque
glass. The applicant will be required to submit landscape lighting details with the required
landscape screening plan.
Grading&Drainage
The Engineering Department reviewed the engineering plans for the proposed project and
determined that the proposal complies with the Grading Policy and the Town's drainage standards.
Grading quantities include the following:
• 2,370 cubic yards of cut
• 440 cubic yards of fill
• 1,930 cubic yards export
Geotechnical Review
Geotechnical peer review was completed for the proposed project as required for all new
residences with an average slope exceeding ten percent.
The applicant has provided a Geologic Hazards Evaluation and Geotechnical Engineering Study
prepared by Murray Engineers Inc. dated January 6, 2016. The report was peer reviewed by the
Town Geotechnical Consultant; Cotton, Shires, and Associates. Cotton Shires recommendations
have been included in the Condition 20.
Trees &Landscaping
The site is currently landscaped with a mix of native and imported trees. The existing site is
relatively untouched as there is no home currently located on this property.Native coast live oaks
dominate the property with Monterey pines, redwoods and eucalyptus trees also on the property.
There are three heritage oaks on the property, two non-heritage oak trees (less than 12 inches in
diameter) and three pine trees are proposed to be removed in addition to the six eucalyptus trees.
Condition#4 requires the applicant to submit a landscape plan once the new residence has been
framed. The need for replacement trees and landscape screening will be evaluated by staff at that
time.
Green Building Ordinance
The applicant has submitted a GreenPoint checklist in compliance with the Town's Green Building
Ordinance. The project is designed to achieve a minimum of 78 points (50 points is required for
certification).
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Fire Department Review
The Santa Clara County Fire Department reviewed the plans and has required that the buildings
be equipped with fire sprinklers as stated on sheet CO. The property is located inside the Wildland
Urban Interface Zone. Fire Department requirements have been included as conditions 33 through
38.
Sanitation
The new residence will connect to the existing sewer line. No additional easements are required.
Committee Review
Pathways Committee requested the applicant to dedicate a pathway easement along Laura Court
and construct a native path within the easement(included as Conditions 31 and 32).
The Environmental Design and Protection Committee commented that an energy dissipater is
proposed beneath an oak tree, as Condition 6) The Committee also commented that the front
wall will require screening which staff will address this at the time of the landscape screening
application.
APPEAL
The appellant has stated that an error in citizen notification occurred in this project that precluded
neighbors from participating in the hearing process. The original notice sent out on July 22, 2016
stating an incorrect hearing date of August 22, 2016 rather than August 2, 2016. Staff
acknowledged this error and re-noticed the project the following week on July 29, 2016 for a
hearing date of August 9, 2016. All noticing requirements were met for the Fast Track hearing on
August 9, 2016.
The applicant's complete appeal statement is included as Attachment 2.The four eucalyptus trees
at the driveway entry are planted under utility lines and have been topped several times as stated
by the arborist report (Attachment 4). The applicant has agreed to retain the two pine trees
previously proposed for removal. The applicant is also willing to retain the eucalyptus trees until
the new landscape screening has been installed. The eucalyptus trees are required to be removed
prior to final stated in Condition 3 per Town Code requirements (Section 10-2.802g). A variance
would be required to deviate from Town Code requirements.
Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 10-2.802 (g)Eucalyptus Trees.All existing Blue Gum (E.
globulus), Pink Ironbark(E. sideroxylon rosea), River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis), Swamp Gum
(E. rudis), Honey Gum (E. melliodora), and Manna Gum (E. viminalis) eucalyptus trees shall be
removed at the time of construction of a principal residence or at the time of the construction of
any structure, combination of structures, addition or alteration to structures which individually or
cumulatively equal or exceed twelve hundred (1,200) square feet of floor area. Exceptions shall
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be made for eucalyptus trees greater than one hundred fifty (150)feet from any roadways or
structures.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Notice of the Planning Commission hearing was mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the
subject property. Other than the appellant's statement, no other written comments have been
received.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE(CEQA)
The proposed single family residence and secondary dwelling unit are categorically exempt from
the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15303(a)which allows for
the construction of a new single family residence and secondary unit in a residential zone.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recommended conditions of Approval
2. Appeal statement received August 29,2016
3. August 9,2016 Fast Track Hearing Report
4. Arborist Report dated April 27,2016
5. Eucalyptus Tree Removal Ordinance Staff Report
6. Environmental Design and Protection Committee Comments
7. Development Plans
t
LANDS OF NASHASHIBI ATTACHMENT 1
File#42-16-ZP-SD-GD
October 6,2016
Page 6 of 14
ATTACHMENT 1
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS FOR A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
FOR A NEW RESIDENCE WITH A BASEMENT, SECOND UNIT,AND POOL
LANDS OF NASHASHIBI: 28008 LAURA COURT
FILE#42-16-ZP-SD
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
1. No other modifications to the approved plans are allowed except as otherwise first reviewed
and approved by the Planning Director or the Planning Commission, depending on the scope
of the changes.
2. The project is subject to the Town's Construction Time Limit Ordinance (Chapter 10, Title
VIII of the Municipal Code). The maximum time for completion of the new residence shall
be 36 months from the date of Building Permit issuance. Failure to complete the project in the
allotted time may result in substantial penalties and fees.
3. All existing Blue Gum(E.globulus),Pink Ironbark(E. sideroxylon rosea),River Red Gum(E.
camaldulensis), Swamp Gum (E. rudis), Honey Gum (E. melliodora), or Manna Gum (E.
viminalis) eucalyptus trees on the property located within 150' of any structures or roadways
shall be removed prior to final inspection of the new residence. Removal of eucalyptus trees
shall take place between the beginning of August and the end of January to avoid disturbance
of nesting birds protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act(MBTA)and California
Department of Fish and Game Code Section 3500 et seq unless a nesting bird survey is first
conducted and there is a determination that there are no active nests within the tree.
4. After completion of rough framing or at least six (6) months prior to scheduling a final
inspection,the applicant shall submit landscape screening and erosion control plans for review
by the Site Development Committee. The application for landscape screening and erosion
control shall be accompanied by the applicable fee and deposit. The plans shall be reviewed
at a noticed public hearing. Attention shall be given to plantings which will be adequate to
break up the view of the new residence fromsurrounding properties and streets. All
landscaping required for screening purposes and for erosion control(as determined by the City
Engineer) must be installed prior to final inspection of the new residence. The landscape
screening plan shall comply with Section 10-2.809 (water efficient landscaping) of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code.
5. A landscape maintenance and water use deposit of$5,000.00 shall be posted prior to final
inspection of the new residence. An inspection of the screening plantings to ensure adequate
establishment and maintenance shall be made two years after installation. Prior to deposit
release, the property owner shall also furnish to the Town the second year(months 13-24
following receipt of the Certificate of Completion) of water use and billing data from the
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subject property's water purveyor. If the site water usage exceeds the calculated PWB, the
deposit will be held for an additional 12 months. At the end of the additional 12 month
period, the property owner shall provide the Town with the previous 12 months (months 25-
36) of water use and billing data from the subject property's water purveyor. If the water
usage still exceeds the estimated PWB, the deposit shall be forfeited to the Town, in full. All
Town staff time and materials expended to ensure compliance with this condition will be
deducted from the deposit.
6. Prior to beginning any grading operation, all significant trees, particularly the heritage oak
trees, are to be fenced at the drip line. The fencing shall be of a material and structure (chain-
link) to clearly delineate the drip line. Town staff must inspect the fencing and the trees to be
fenced prior to commencement of grading.The property owner shall call for said inspection at
least three days in advance of the inspection. The fencing must remain throughout the course
of construction. No storage of equipment, vehicles or debris shall be allowed within the drip
lines of these trees. All energy dissipaters shall be relocated to outside of all heritage oak tree
driplines. Existing perimeter plantings shall be fenced and retained throughout the entire
construction period.
7. No new fencing is approved. Any new fencing or gates shall require review and approval by
the Planning Department prior to installation.
8. Outdoor lighting is approved as shown on the plans. Exterior light fixtures shall have frosted
glass, be down lights or utilize fully shielded fixtures. No lighting may be placed within
setbacks except two driveway/motor court lights. Any additional outdoor lighting shall be
reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to installation.
9. Prior to requesting the final inspection, a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor
shall certify in writing and state that"the location of the new residence and roof eaves, are no
less than 40' from the front property line and 30' from the side and rear property lines." The
elevation of the new residence shall be similarly certified in writing to state that"the elevation
of the new residence matches the elevation and location shown on the Site Development plan."
The applicant shall submit the stamped and signed letter(s) to the Planning Department prior
to requesting a final inspection.
10.Prior to requesting the final inspection, a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor
shall certify in writing and state that "the height of the new residence complies with the 27'
maximum structure height, measured as the vertical distance at any point from the bottom of
the crawl space or basement ceiling if excavated below natural grade,to the highest part of the
structure directly above (including roof materials)." The overall structure height shall be
similarly certified in writing and state that"all points of the building(including chimneys and
appurtenances) lie within a thirty-five (35') foot horizontal band based, measured from the
lowest visible natural or finished grade topographical elevation of the structure along the
building line and the highest topographical elevation of the roof of the structure."The applicant
shall submit the stamped and signed letter(s)to the Planning Depat talent prior to requesting a
final inspection.
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11. Exterior finish colors of all buildings shall have a light reflectivity value of 50 or less and roof
materials shall have a light reflectivity value of 40 or less,per manufacturer specifications. All
color samples shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval prior to acceptance of
plans for building plan check. All applicable structures shall be painted in conformance with the
approved color(s)prior to final inspection.
12. Skylights, if utilized, shall be designed and constructed to reduce emitted light (tinted or
colored glass, or other material).No lighting may be placed within skylight wells.
13. Fire retardant roofing(Class A)is required for all new construction.
14. At time of submittal of plans for building plan check, the applicant shall submit one of the
following checklists to demonstrate compliance with the Town's Green Building Ordinance:
a. A GreenPoint Rated checklist with the building permit application to indicate that the
project will achieve a minimum of fifty(50) points. The checklist shall be completed
by a qualified green building professional and shall be attached to the front of the
construction plans. The construction plans shall include general notes or individual
detail drawings,where feasible,showing the green building measure to be used to attain
the required points.
b. A LEED for Homes checklist with the building permit application to indicate that the
project will achieve a minimum of forty-five (45) points or LEED certification. The
checklist shall be completed by a qualified green building professional and shall be
attached to the front of the construction plans. The construction plans shall include
general notes or individual detail drawings,where feasible,showing the green building
measure to be used to attain the required points.
15. Prior to final inspection and occupancy, a qualified green building professional shall provide
documentation verifying that the building was constructed in compliance with GreenPoint
Rated or LEED®certification.
16. Standard swimming pool conditions:
a. Lights shall be designed so that the source is not visible from off-site.
b. Drainage outfall structures shall be constructed and located to the satisfaction of
the City Engineer.
c. Equipment shall be enclosed on all four sides with a roof for noise mitigation and
screening.
17. For swimming pools, at least one of the following safety features shall be installed to the
satisfaction of the Town Building Official:
a. The pool shall be isolated from access to the residence by an enclosure(fencing).
b. The pool shall be equipped with an approved safety pool cover.
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c. The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms on those doors providing direct
access to the pool.
d. All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool shall be
equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed
no lower than 54 inches above the floor.
18. The pool equipment shall be completely enclosed with a roof structure prior to final inspection.
The shelter shall be modified to include sound attenuation material on the inside and the
exterior of the shelter shall utilize exterior materials and colors matching the existing residence.
19. All properties shall pay School District fees to either the Los Altos School District or the Palo
Alto Unified School District, as applicable,prior to acceptance of plans for building plan
check. The applicant shall take a copy of worksheet #2 to school district offices (both
elementary and high school in the Los Altos School District), pay the appropriate fees and
provide the Town with a copy of the receipts.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT:
20. As recommended by Cotton, Shires & Associates, Inc., in their report dated February 26,
2016, the applicant shall comply with the following:
a. Geotechnical Plan Review—The applicant's geotechnical consultant shall review and
approve all geotechnical aspects of the project building and grading plans (i.e., site
preparation and grading, site drainage improvements and design parameters for
foundations and retaining walls) to ensure that their recommendations have been
properly incorporated.
The results of the plan review shall be summarized by the geotechnical consultant in a
letter and submitted to the Town Engineer for review prior to acceptance of plans for
building plan check.
b. Geotechnical Construction Inspection—The geotechnical consultant shall inspect, test
(as needed), and approve all geotechnical aspects of the project construction. The
inspections shall include,but not necessarily be limited to:site preparation and grading,
site surface and subsurface drainage improvements, and excavations for foundations
and retaining walls prior to the placement of steel and concrete.
The results of these inspections and the as-built conditions of the project shall be
described by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to the Town
Engineer for review prior to final inspection.
For further details on the above geotechnical requirements, please refer to the letter from
Cotton, Shires &Associates, Inc., dated February 26, 2016.
21. Peak discharge at 28008 Laura Court, as a result of Site Development Permit 42-16, shall not
exceed the existing pre-development peak discharge value of the property. Detention storage
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must be incorporated into the project to reduce the predicted peak discharge to the pre-
development value. Provide the data and peak discharge hydrologic model(s)utilized,as well
as, the calculations of the peak discharge value prior and post development. Determine the
design peak runoff rate for a 10-year return period storm and provide detention storage design
plans to reduce the predicted peak discharge to the pre-development value. All
documentation, calculations, and detention storage design (2 plan copies) shall be submitted
for review and approval to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to acceptance of plans
for building plan check.
22. The Engineer of Record shall observe the installation of the drainage system, construction of
the energy dissipators, and completion of the grading activities and state that items have been
installed and constructed per the approved plans. A stamped and signed letter shall be
prepared and submitted to the Town prior to final inspection.
23. All hydrant use is strictly prohibited by the Purissima Hills Water District. A permit for
obtaining water for grading and construction purposes must be obtained from the Purissima
Hills Water District, and submitted for approval to the Town Engineering Department prior
to acceptance of plans for building plan check. The permit will authorize the use of water
from specific on-site or off-site water sources.
24. Any, and all, changes to the approved grading and drainage plan shall be submitted as
revisions from the project engineer and shall first be approved by the Town Engineering
Department. No grading shall take place during the grading moratorium(October 15 to April
15)except with prior approval from the City Engineer. No grading shall take place within ten
feet of any property line except to allow for the construction of the driveway access.
25. All public utility services serving this property shall be placed underground. The applicant
should contact PG&E immediately after issuance of building permit to start the application
process for undergrounding utilities which can take up to 6-8 months.
26. Two copies of an Erosion and Sediment Control plan shall be submitted for review and
approval by the Engineering Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan
check. The contractor and the property owner shall comply with all appropriate requirements
of the Town's NPDES permit relative to grading and erosion/sediment control. The first 100
feet of the driveway shall be rocked during construction and all cut and fill slopes shall be
protected from erosion. All areas on the site that have the native soil disturbed shall be
protected for erosion control during the rainy season and shall be replanted prior to final
inspection.
27. Two copies of a Grading and Construction Operation plan shall be submitted by the property
owner for review and approval by the City Engineer and Planning Director prior to
acceptance of plans for building plan check The grading/construction operation plan shall
address truck traffic issues regarding dust, noise, and vehicular and pedestrian traffic safety
on Laura Court and surrounding roadways, storage of construction materials, placement of
sanitary facilities, parking for construction vehicles, clean-up area, and parking for
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construction personnel. A debris box (trash dumpster) shall be placed on site for collection
of construction debris. Arrangements must be made with the GreenWaste Recovery, Inc.
for the debris box, since they have a franchise with the Town and no other hauler is allowed
within the Town limits.
28.The property owner shall inform the Town of any damage and shall repair any damage caused
by the construction of the project to pathways, private driveways, and public and private
roadways,prior to final inspection and release of occupancy permits and shall provide the
Town with photographs of the existing conditions of the roadways and pathways prior to
acceptance of plans for building plan check
29. The driveway shall be required to be fully constructed and to be roughened where the pathway
intersects,to the satisfaction of the City Engineer,prior to final inspection. An encroachment
permit shall be required by the Town's Public Works Department for all work proposed
within the public right of way prior to start of work.
30. The property owner shall be required to connect to the public sanitary sewer prior to final
inspection. A sewer hookup permit shall be required by the Town's Public Works Department
prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check An encroachment permit shall be
required for all work proposed within the public right of way prior to start work.
31. The property owner shall dedicate a 10'wide pathway easement from Laura Court, along the
southern and eastern property lines,going above the water tank and continuing to the property
boundary with 25398 Laura Court. The property owner shall provide legal description and
plat exhibits that are prepared by a registered civil engineer or a licensed land surveyor and
the Town shall prepare the dedication document. The dedication document, including the
approved exhibits, shall be signed and notarized by the property owner and returned to the
Town prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check
32. The property owner shall construct a native path along Laura Court (formerly Stonebrook
Drive) and continue along the new pathway easement to the property boundary with 25398
Laura Court prior to final inspection.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
33. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system approved by the Santa Clara County Fire
Department shall be included in all portions of the building. Three sets of plans prepared by
a sprinkler contractor shall be submitted to the Santa Clara County Fire Department Fire
Prevention Division (16795 Lark Avenue, Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032) for review and
approval. The sprinklers shall be inspected and approved by the Fire Depal.talent,prior to
final inspection and occupancy of the new residence.
•
34. The project is located within the designated Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area. Building
construction shall comply with the provisions of California Building Code (CBC) Chapter
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) 7A. Vegetation clearance shall be in compliance with CBC Section 701A.3.2.4 prior to final
inspection.
35. An approved fire turnaround shall be provided with a minimum radius of 36 feet outside and
23 feet inside. Installations shall conform with Fire Department Standard Details and
Specifications D-1.CFC Section 503.
36. Potable water supplies shall be protected from contamination cause by fire protection water
supplies. The applicant and any contractors shall contact the water purveyor supplying the
site of such project, and shall comply with the requirements of that purveyor. These
requirements shall be incorporated into the design of any water based fire protection systems,
and/or fire suppression water supply systems or storage.
37. All construction shall comply with applicable provisions of the CFC Chapter 14 and Standard
Detail and Specifications SI-7.
38.Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a
position that it is plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the
property. Numbers shall be a minimum of four-inches high with a minimum stroke width of
0.5 inch
(12.7 mm) and shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic
numbers or alphabetical letters.
CONDITION NUMBERS(11,19,20,21,23,26,27,28,30 AND 31) SHALL BE COMPLETED
AND SIGNED OFF BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND THE ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PLAN
CHECK BY THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
Project approval maybe appealed if done so in writing within 22 days of the date of the
approval. The building permit cannot be issued until the appeal period has lapsed. The applicant
may submit construction plans to the Building Department after the appeal period provided the
applicant has completed all conditions of approval required prior to acceptance of plans for
building plan check.
Please refer to the Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein. If you believe that these
Conditions impose any fees, dedications, reservation or other exactions under the California
Government Code Section 66000, you are hereby notified that these Conditions constitute written
notice of a statement of the amount of such fees, and/or a description of the dedications,
reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby further notified that the 90-day approval period
in which you may protest such fees, dedications, reservations, and other exactions, pursuant to
Government Code Section 66020(a), has begun. If you fail to file a protest within this 90-day
period complying with all of the requirements of Section 66020, you will be legally barred from
later challenging such exactions.
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Upon completion of the construction, a final inspection shall be required to be set with the
Planning and Engineering Departments two weeks prior to final building inspection approval.
NOTE: The Site Development permit is valid for one year from the approval date (until October
6, 2017). All required building permits must be obtained within that year and work on items not
requiring a building permit shall be commenced within one year and completed within two years.
L:\planning\PROJECTS\Laura Court 28008\42-16-ZP-SD-GD New Residence\Laura Court
28008-PC Report.docx
ATTACHMENT 2
Genevieve Fernandez
-om: Deborah Padovan
`sent: Thursday, September 15, 2016 3:01 PM
To: Genevieve Fernandez
Subject: FW:Appeal of Approved Project(Nashashibi)
Original Message
From:Gary Waldeck[mailto:gcwaldeck@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday,August 29,2016 11:53 AM
To: Deborah Padovan<dpadovan@losaltoshills.ca.gov>
Cc:Carl Cahill<ccahill@losaltoshills.ca.gov>;Suzanne Avila<savila@losaltoshills.ca.gov>
Subject:Appeal of Approved Project(Nashashibi)
I appeal the approval of the Nashashibi project approved on 8/9/2016.
An error in citizen notifications occurred in this project that precluded neighbors from participating in the hearing
process.
Thank you
Gary Waldeck,Vice Mayor
Los Altos Hills,CA
'ary Waldeck
CWaldeck@gmail.com
(650)739-8823
Brevity,Typos and Incorrect Words! are courtesy of this iPhone's AutoCorrect feature
1
ATTACHMENT 3
Town Of Los Altos Hills August 9, 2016
Fast Track Hearing Fact Sheet
Project Description: New Residence, Second Unit, and Swimming Pool
File Number: 42-16-ZP-SD-GD
Site Address: 28008 Laura Court
Owner(s): Ahdi and Ibtisarn Nashashibi Trustee
Staff Planner: Genevieve Fernandez,Assistant Planner
Site Data
Net Lot Area: 2.02
Average Slope: 26.62
Lot Unit Factor: 1.3
Floor and Development Area(square footage):
Area Type Maximum Existing Proposed Increase Remaining
Development 11,898 0 11,545 11,545 353
Floor 6,720 0 6,689* 6,689 31
*Excludes 2,955 square foot basement
Height: Maximum Proposed
On Vertical Plane 27 ft. 23 ft.
Lowest to Highest 35 ft. 29 ft.
Setbacks: Minimum Proposed
Front 40 ft. 114 ft.
Sides/rear 30 ft. 30 ft.
Exterior Materials: Cement plaster,wood siding, steal
Parking: Required spaces: 5,out of setbacks
Proposed: 5, out of setbacks
Green Point Rated: 88.5
Fast Track Point: 10
Grading: Cut: 2,370 Fill: 440 Export: 1,930
Sewer/Septic: Sewer
Environmental Design and Protection Committee:No Comments
Pathways Committee: Dedicate a pathway easement along Laura Court and construct a native path
(included as condition of approval).
ATTACHMENT 4
Kielty Arborist Services LLC
Certified Arborist WE#0476A
P.O. Box 6187
San Mateo, CA 94403
650-515-9783
April 8, 2016
Nashashibi Family
28008 Laura Court RECEIVED
Los Altos Hills, CA 94024
Site: 28008 Laura Court, Los Altos Hills, CA APR 2 7 2016
Dear Nashashibi Family, TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
As requested on Thursday, March 31, 2016, I visited the above site to inspect and comment on
the trees. A new home is planned for this site and your concern for the future health and safety
of the trees has prompted this visit.
Method:
All inspections were made from the ground;the trees were not climbed for this inspection. The
trees in question were located on a map provided by you. The trees werethen measured for
diameter at 54 inches above ground level (DBH or diameter at breast height). The trees were
given a condition rating for form and vitality. The trees condition rating is based on 50 percent
vitality and 50 percent form, using the following scale.
1 - 29 Very Poor
30 - 49 Poor
50 - 69 Fair
70 - 89 Good
90 - 100 Excellent
The height of the trees was measured using a Nikon Forestry 550 Hypsometer. The spread was
paced off. Comments and recommendations for future maintenance are provided.
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (2)
Survey:
Tree# Species DBH CON HT/SP Comments
1 Coast live oak 19.8 60 30/25 Fair vigor, fair form, leans slightly north
(Quercus agrifolia) poor location underneath utilities, 1 foot
from existing driveway, well maintained,
multi leader at 12 feet with-good crotch
formations, minor deadwood.
2 Coast live oak 10.9-9.9 55 25/20 Good vigor,poor form, codominant at 3 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with poor crotch formation, included bark,
directly under utilities.
3 Monterey pine 11.9 10 20/10 Poor vigor,poor form, nearly dead.
(Pinus radiata)
K4 Red gum 21.9 30 20/15 Poor vigor, poor form,topped for utilities,
(Eucalyptus fccifolia) large leader failure. To be removed as per
Town of Los Altos Hills.
5 Monterey pine 7.7 30 20/10 Poor vigor, poor form, under utilities,
(Pinus radiata) drought stressed, nearly dead.
•
6 Red iron bark 10.5 40 20/8 Poor vigor, poor form, topped for utilities.
(Eucalyptus sideroxylon) To be removed as per Town of Los Altos
Hills.
7 Flowering plum 7.3 20 15/10 Poor vigor,poor form, in decline,
(Prunus cerasifera) suppressed by vines and surrounding trees,
abundance of water sprouts.
8 Red iron bark 13.0 40 20/15 Fair vigor,poor form, topped for utilities.
l\ (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) To be removed as per Town of Los Altos
Hills.
9 Monterey pine 16.4 40 25/20 Poor vigor,poor form, topped for utilities, in
(Pinta radiata) decline.
10 Monterey pine 14.3 45 25/20 Fair vigor, poor form, topped for utilities.
(Finns radiata) To be removed
X 11 Red iron bark 16.2-4.1 30 15/8 Fair vigor, poor form, topped for utilities.
(Eucalyptus sideroxylon) To be removed as per Town of Los Altos
Hills.
f
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (3)
Survey:
Tree# Species DBH CON HT/SP Comments
12 Flowering plum 6.1 30 20/10 Poor vigor,poor form, topped for utilities, in
(Prunus cerasifera) decline.
13 Red iron bark -13.7 40 15/15 -Fair vigor;poor forum;topped for-utilities,in
(Eucalyptus sideroxylon) decline. To be removed as per Town of
Los Altos Hills.
14 Coast live oak 17.5 70 40/30 Good vigor, fair form,pruned on one side
(Quercus agrifolia) for utilities, multi leader at 8 feet with good
crotch formations, 5 feet from fence
property line,may need 1 large 10-inch limb
removed to accommodate walkway.
15 Monterey pine 14.2 45 40/20 Poor vigor, fair form, drought stressed, in
(Pinus radiata) decline, 8 feet from property line.
16 Coast live oak 9.2 60 30/20 Good vigor, fair form,poor location under
(Quercus agrifolia) utilities, 3 feet from property line fence.
17 Monterey pine 6-8-9est 40 20/15 Poor vigor,poor form, multi leader at 2 feet,
(Pinus radiata) topped for utilities, drought stressed, in
decline.
18 Monterey pine 12est 45 20/20 Fair vigor,poor form,topped for utilities.
(Pinus radiata)
19 Monterey pine 12.0 45 20/20 Fair vigor,poor form,topped for utilities.
(Pinus radiata)
20 Monterey pine 9.1 0 20/10 DEAD, failed tree.
(Pinus radiata)
21 Coast live oak 8.9 55 25/15 Fair vigor, fair form,poor location under
(Quercus agrifolia) utilities, leader failure at 4 feet.
22 Blue gum 14.2 45 20/15 Fair vigor, poor form,topped, large leader
(Eucalyptus globulus) failure at 5 feet. To be removed as per
Town of Los Altos Hills.
Coast live oak 19.1 85 30/30 Good vigor, good form, good location, good
(Quercus agrifolia) crotch formations.
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (4)
Survey:
Tee# Species DBH CON HT/SP Comments
/24J Coast live oak 12.5-6.1 65 25/20 Good vigor, good form,poor location, under
��// (Quercus agrifolia) utilities.
0 Coast live oak 50.2 55 45/45 Good vigor, fair form, multi leader at 8 feet
Ozterczrs agrifolia)
__-. with fair crotch formations; heavy decay in
leaders, over extending heavy lateral limbs,
needs pruning to maintain safety, history of
limb loss, aesthetically pleasing mature tree.
gipCoast live oak 10.9-9.8 70 15/15 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 2 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formations, raised canopy,
1 foot from existing driveway.
illCoast live oak 30est 45 45/40 Good vigor,poor form, decay at 4 feet and
(Quercus agrifolia) at 15 feet, codominant at 18 feet,heavy into
property, lighten heavy laterals to lower risk
of failure,history of limb loss.
28 Coast live oak 17.9 70 25/25 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 8 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formations, sycamore
borer at base, canopy raised in past.
0 Valley oak 24.8 70 50/40 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 7 feet,
(Quercus lobata) well maintained through proper pruning,
heavy into property.
30 Coast live oak 20.7 75 45/30 Good vigor, good form,raised canopy, 1
(Quercus agrifolia) foot from existing driveway.
sCoast live oak 14.2-23.4 60 35/40 Good vigor,poor form, codominant at 2
(Quercus agrifolia) feet, heavy into property, over pruned on
opposite side of the property.
0 Coast live oak 13.5 45 20/30 Fair vigor,poor form, leans heavy at a 45-
(Quercus agrifolia) degree angle, suppressed.
33 Coast live oak 8.5 50 15/10 Fair vigor, fair form, suppressed by#32,
(Quercus agrifolia) raised crown. To be removed for
providing fire truck turnaround.
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (5)
Survey:
Tree# Species DBH CON HT/SP Comments
09 Coast live oak 9.2-10.7 45 20/20 Fair vigor, poor form, codominant at 2 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with included bark, bleeding on trunk, heavy
sycamore borer at base. To be removed for
providing fire truck turnaround.
35 Coast live oak 17.3 65 20/20 Good vigor, fair form, multi leader at 6 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formations, large amounts
of sycamore borer and carpenter ants on
trunk.
36 Monterey pine 19.0 45 55/30 Poor vigor, fair form, drought stressed.
(Pinus radiata)
37 Monterey pine 14.2 45 55/15 Poor vigor, fair form, dead top, drought
(Pinus radiata) stressed.
38 Monterey pine 12.7 45 50/15 Poor vigor, fair form, drought stressed.
(Pinus radiata)
39 Black walnut 26.1 55 45/45 Poor-fair vigor, fair form,minor die back in
(Juglans nigra) canopy.
0 Coast live oak 15.4-14.8 75 30/25 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 4 feet,
(Quercus agrifolia) with fair crotch, raised canopy.
6Coast live oak13.2-11.3;12.8 60 20/20 Good vigor, poor form, multi leader at 4 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) • with included bark.
diCoast live oak 17.8 70 35/20 Good vigor, fair form, multi leader at 5 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formations.
411) Coast live oak 13.2-12.8 30 30/20 Good vigor, poor form, split crotch from
(Quercus agrifolia) included bark failure, hazard.
44 Coast live oak 15.5 70 35/25 Good vigor, good form, codominant at 5 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formations, raised canopy.
45 Coast live oak 13.1 55 30/20 Good vigor, fair form, suppressed by#44,
(Quercus agrifolia) codominant at 6 feet.
46 Redwood 18.4 40 55/20 Poor vigor, fair form, drought stressed,top
(Sequoia sempervirens) dead, in decline.
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (6)
Survey:
Tree# Species DBH CON HT/SP Comments
8 Coast live oak 17.2 80 30/30 Good vigor, good form,raised crown.
(Quercus agrifolia)
48 Coast live-oak
0 — 15.0 80 35/35 Good vigor, good form; good crotch
(Quercus agrifolia) 15.0
raised crown. . _
v 6 Coast live oak 8.4-8.1 70 25/20 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 3 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formation.
6 Coast live oak 10.0 50 25/15 Good vigor,poor form, codominant at 4 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with included bark.
Coast live oak 50est 50 55/45 Good vigor,poor form, multi leader at 5
(Quercus agrifolia) feet,heavy decay in leaders, history of limb
loss, on creek bank.
6( Coast live oak 14.3 60 50/30 Fair-poor vigor, fair form, abundance of
��// (Quercus agrifolia) dead wood.
6), Coast live oak 14.3-10.9 55 30/25 Fair-poor vigor, fair form, codominant at
(Quercus agrifolia) base, abundance of lower deadwood.
V Coast live oak 9.5 60 30/20 Fair vigor,poor-fair form, codominant at 8
(Quercus agrifolia) feet with poor crotch formation.
55 Coast live oak 13.1 55 30/20 Poor-fair vigor, fair form, abundance of
(Quercus agrifolia) dead wood.
66 Coast live oak 15.6 55 30/20 Good vigor, fair-poor form, codominant at 7
(Quercus agrifolia) feet with included bark, leans east,
suppressed by#55.
57 Valley oak 14.7 60 45/30 Fair vigor, good form, minor dead wood in
(Quercus lobata) canopy, codominant at 8 feet.
58 Coast live oak 18.4 65 40/30 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 5 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with good crotch formation,poison oak to
15 feet.
59 . Coast live oak 11.7 50 30/20 Fair vigor, poor form, heavy lean to the
(Quercus agrifolia) north, suppressed by #58.
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (7)
Survey:
Tree# Species DBH CON HT/SP Comments
0 Coast live oak 14-19est 45 20/35 Good vigor,poor form, topped in past,
(Quercus agrifolia) codominant at 3 feet, heavy lean at a 45-
degree angle to the east, covered in poison
0. Coast live oak 12.6 70 40/25 Good vigor, fair form, slightly suppressed.
(Quercus agrifolia)
62 Toyon Best 65 15/15 Good vigor, good form.
(Heteromeles arbutifolia)
63 Coast live oak 17.8 60 35/30 Good vigor, fair-poor form, codominant at 4
(Quercus agrifolia) feet with included bark.
64 Monterey pine 18.4 45 45/20 Poor vigor, fair form, abundance of
(Pinus radiata) deadwood, drought stressed, in decline.
65 Coast live oak 9.2 70 20/15 Good vigor, good form, young tree.
(Quercus agrifolia)
6 Coast live oak 26.4 75 35/30 Good vigor, fair form, codominant at 4 feet
(Quercus agrifolia) with fair crotch formation,raised crown.
67 Redwood 15.5 30 40/15 Poor vigor, fair form, drought stressed, dead
(Sequoia sempervirens) top, in decline.
68 Redwood 15.8 30 45/15 Poor vigor, fair form, drought stressed, dead
(Sequoia sempervirens) top, in decline.
Summary:
The trees on site are a mix of native and imported trees. The existing site is untouched as there is
no home located on the property at this time. Native coast live oaks dominate the property. A
majority of the oaks are in fair conditions with a few exceptions. The oaks on site should all
have their root crowns exposed to discourage root rot._ Tussock moth caterpillars were observed
on the property. These caterpillars have caused some defoliation of the oak trees on site. If the
caterpillars defoliate more than 50% of an oak tree on site, I would recommend to have the oaks
sprayed to remove the caterpillars. The defoliation of the oaks caused by the tussock moth
caterpillar can leave the trees open to sun scald. Generally they do not harm the tree unless total
defoliation occurs.
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (8)
Y ' ; �' The town of Los Altos Hills is requiring a
�� t pedestrian pathway to be constructed on the
* 41}-- 1: _ '' fi . . _ south side of the property between the
,�� {��. ,4� �- 4p,� .r„,,�.��,�g k property and the adjacent neighbors property.
r t { Z �. r '-'ick S; b
The pathway is proposed near the property
.. �.�V k K- �c ,? - � .- 16-.74, x h
P xm. ,s } ;k. r }s lbh --line.--Near the property line in-this section of
44 ,,�,,. , 4%1.4_
. 3 , the property is an abundance of imported trees
rgrigi-W;:„...1,.A:t,,,,Otrilermcites.„.'1:..c,,i'.;
. � x-.r .4 �.. ry{ P'a"��, .' . L rf� z +N consisting of eucalyptus trees, and Montere
� '��'� lfi �i a4�. Y,,� °� ; pine trees. They have all been planted directly
r t�� = x r,�,� r �(r �+�,1:!-.70)!.7;11N,'
,��� underneath utility lines and as a result have
'f, ,,,�W 1 4;.f x 1 ,; ? m .i:.., been topped multiple times to control their
l ,,`'' ; r �� ' ' ,, ;'7`' .A ' 14A , j' height. Topping trees is never recommended
s ' ; s "'?,' , . 7 ',j k14` ;,,41 as it leads to watersprout growth and poor
�{ 4 i,. = ,'r 'trl-=_ • forms. Watersprouts are weakly attached
�. n�fk z . t.,k _ ; } fit,*;A X- , limbs that do not develop proper branch to
:r `. , ,s y .i- I ''' "1r trunk unions and can easily fail in normal
4 ;1�, r '4 �� 1'<s ti weather conditions. Failures in this section of
y_4 :4 :t. .. .4-' ,,'e ; NT tai the property were observed on both eucalyptus
Showing topped trees underneath utilities trees and Monterey pine trees. The Monterey
pines on the property are all in poor condition
as they do not receive any supplemental irrigation. Bark beetles were present on site. Monterey
pines throughout the bay area have been suffering from the drought and bark beetles. The town
of Los Altos Hills encourages the removal of Monterey pines and eucalyptus trees as they are
declining and pose as a fire danger. The Los Altos Hills fire district will usually remove these
trees at no cost. A few of the these trees may need to be removed to facilitate the construction of
the pathway. If trees in this section of the property are to be removed the owner will replant in
order to maintain screening. All the pines to be retained should be heavily irrigated twice a
month in order to try and reverse their health to a better state. Coast live oak tree#14 is in close
proximity to the proposed pathway. One large 10 inch diameter limb will need to be removed in
order to maintain vertical height for equestrian clearance. Impacts to this tree are expected to be
minor.
The pathways in Los Altos Hills are specified as a native path. This will allow the trees to
receive annual rainfall as the material is porous. When excavating in this area near protected
trees,hand tools should be used in order to excavate to the required depth. Roots shall be left
intact for the site arborist to inspect. Where possible the pathway material should be packed
around the roots so that root cutting can be kept at a minimum. If roots over 2 inches in diameter
are to be cut they need to be inspected by the site arborist. At this time mitigation measures will
be put in place. The grade can be raised at a maximum of 6 inches above natural grade in order
to save roots if needed.
1
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (9)
Coast live oak#25 has a diameter of 50.2 making it the largest oak tree on the property. This
tree is aesthetically pleasing as it has large over extending limbs. A large amount of decay was
located in the lateral limbs of this tree. This tree should be pruned to reduce the heavy end
weight of the limbs, in order to reduce the risk of a large leader failure. Past limb failures have
occurred on this tree. A cable could also be installed to offer extra support to the over extending
limbs.
There are 3 redwood trees on site. These trees are in poor condition. Redwood trees are not
native to this area and will require supplemental irrigation when planted. Because no irrigation
has been implemented they are all in a state of decline. An irrigation system shall be set up
immediately if these trees are to be.retained.
` ° Some of the oaks on the propertyhave poor forms
�aY involving included bark. Included bark forms in the
A °5 junctions of codominant stems where there is a
..
ry , .3fL ,' narrow angle union,meaning the junction looks like
tif. hz ... �, ` ' a V rather than a U. As the tree grows the
narrow union will essentially fill with bark and
° , r - y�g3• , create a growing area of structural weakness in the
!t4..,,%1,:.-i1.1.-4.44.:1/4,44,4';; tree. Even in young trees, when you notice a very 4 ' ' narrow angle(creating a"V" at the junction of
1` °' aa`r� r ,i° � branches) it is likely that stress put on the either of
f � .L the codominant stems can cause splitting, or even
�Ar; �: cause the stem to break off at the junction. Coast
live oak tree#42 is a good example of the what can
;1- „ f e happen in the presence of included bark. This tree
,: _ ��,,pp has failed in the past from structural weakness
�- - created by included bark. The tree has formed new
Showing failed crotch (#42) callus tissue to try and close the wound. All the
oaks with included bark on the property should be
periodically inspected and maintained. Maintenance
involves lightening of the limbs to reduce stress on
the weak crotch of the tree. Also cabling the two
codominant leader together is often done to reduce
the risk of failure.
The architect has done a great job in designing a home with the least amount of impacts to the
surrounding trees. At this time only one tree, coast live oak#34, is proposed for removal to
facilitate the construction of the home. This tree is codominant at 2 feet with included bark. The
tree is relatively small with 2 leaders measuring 9.2 and 10.7 inches in diameter. The trunk of
this tree is also bleeding indicating internal rot from a variety of fungus species and is never a
good sign. Impacts to the remaining trees on site are expected to be non-existent to minor. The
following tree protection plan will help to insure the health of the retained trees on site.
ti
28008 Laura court 4/8/16 (10)
Tree Protection Plan:
Tree protection zones should be established and maintained throughout the entire length of the
project. Fencing for the protection zones should be 6 foot tall metal chain link type supported
my 2 inch metal poles pounded into the ground by no less than 2 feet. The support poles should
be spaced no more than 10 feet apart on center. The location for the protection fencing should be
as close to the dripline as possible still allowing room for construction to safely continue. Signs
• should be placed on fencing-signifying"Tree Protection-Zone-=Keep Out":-No materials or
equipment should be stored or cleaned inside the tree protection zones. Areas outside the
fencing but still beneath the dripline of protected trees, where foot traffic is expected to be heavy,
should be mulched with 4 to 6 inches of chipper chips. When work is to take place underneath
the dripline of a protected tree on site, hand tools should be used in order to first expose what
roots may exist where construction is to take place. The site arborist must be called out to the
site to inspect all work done underneath the driplines of the protected trees on site.
Root Cutting
Any roots to be cut shall be monitored and documented. Large roots (over 2" diameter) or large
masses of roots to be cut must be inspected by the site arborist. The site arborist, at this time,
may recommend irrigation or fertilization of the root zone. All roots needing to be cut should be
cut clean with a saw or lopper. Roots to be left exposed for a period of time should be covered
with layers of burlap and kept moist. The over dig for the foundation should be reduced as much
as possible when roots are encountered. The site arborist will be on site for all excavation when
within the dripline of the protected trees listed above.
Trenching
Trenching for irrigation, drainage, electrical or any other reason shall be done by hand when
inside the dripline of a protected tree. Hand digging and the careful placement of pipes below or
besides protected roots will significantly reduce root loss,thus reducing trauma to the tree. All
trenches shall be backfilled with native materials and compacted to near its original level, as
soon as possible. Trenches to be left open for a period of time (24 hours), will require the
covering of all exposed roots with burlap and be kept moist. The trenches will also need to be
covered with plywood to help protect the exposed roots.
Irrigation
Normal irrigation should be maintained for the imported trees. Irrigation will consist of flood
type irrigation with enough water to wet the trees entire root zone. Trees should be irrigated two
times per month for the entire warm season. Some irrigation may be required during the winter
depending on seasonal rainfall. The oaks on site should not require warm season irrigation
unless their root zones are traumatized as watering oak trees during the dry season encourages
root rot.
The information included in this report is believed to be true and based on sound arboricultural
principles and practices.
Sincerely,
Kevin R. Kielty David P. Beckham
Certified Arborist WE#0476A Certified Arborist WE#10724A
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°-., � •
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J
■
• Eucalyptus
Trees
•
in Los Altos
Hills
DOCUMENTATION ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD
ESTABLISHING THE DANGER AND LIABILITY •
OF EUCALYPTUS TREES
SUBMITTED BY
ALEXANDER ATKINS
OCTOBER 19, 2006
INDEX
Section 1 Eucalyptus Ordinance No. 503 and
Supporting Arborist Report
Section 2 Newspaper Articles about Dan Plummer Killed by
Eucalyptus Tree on Natoma Road
Section 3 Town Council Meeting Jan. 12, 2006
Discussing Death of Dan Plummer
Damage Caused by Eucalyptus Trees
Section 4 Staff Notices to Askari Properly on Natoma Road
Section 5 Newspaper Articles on Storm and
Eucalyptus Ordinance as Public Process
Articles from the Internet on Dangers of Eucalyptus Trees
Section 6 The Eucalyptus Tree in Politics
Section 7 Townwide Tree Survey Report and Findings
Sec ' Newspaper Articles on Liddicoa Fire-Caused
ucalyptus Trees
Section 9 PGE • •.' u6 = - ees
Section 10 ucalyptus Trees on the Berry ° •.-
Se Eucalyptus Trees on the Andrews Property
SECTION
e
ORDINANCE NO. 503
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
AMENDING SECTION 10-2.802 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
WITH REGARD TO LANDSCAPING POLICIES
WHEREAS,the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills("Town") wishes to
preserve the rural qualities of the Town, to insure that structures, as viewed from off-site, blend
harmoniously with the natural landscape and are unobtrusive; to maintain soil stability, to abate
noises; to protect wildlife habitats; to retain aesthetic quality; and to protect properties against
fire and other natural forces.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills ("Town") has
determined that eucalyptus trees are invasive, nonnative tree species which are not suitable
within the vicinity of structures and roadways because they are potential safety and fire ha7srds.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does
ORDAIN as follows:
1. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Section 10-2.802 of Article 8 (Landscaping) of
Chapter 2 (Site Development) of Title 10 (Zoning and Site Development) of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 10-2.802.Landscaping policies
(f) Tree preservation. Every feasible attempt should be made to preserve existing
trees except those trees identified in the Los Altos Hills Landscape Guidelines
invasive plant list.
(g) Eucalyptus Trees. All existing Blue Gum (E. globulus), Pink Ironbark (E.
sideroxylon rosea), River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis), Swamp Gum (E. rudis),
Honey Gum (E. melliodora), and Manna Gum (E. viminalis) eucalyptus trees
shall be removed at the time of the construction of a principal residence or at the
time of the construction of any structure, combination of structures, addition or
alteration to structures which individually or cumulatively equal or exceed twelve
hundred(1,200) square feet of floor area. Exceptions shall be made for eucalyptus
trees greater than 150' from any roadways or structures.
2. EFFECTIVE DATE AND PUBLICATION. This ordinance shall take effect
thirty (30) days after adoption. Within fifteen days after the passage of this ordinance the City
Clerk shall cause this ordinance or a summary thereof to be published once, with the names of
those City Councilmembers voting for or against it in a newspaper of general circulation in the
Town of Los Altos Hills,as required by law.
INTRODUCED: July 13, 2006
PASSED: July 27,2006
AYES: Mayor Warshawsky,Mayor Pro Tern Jones, Councilmember Kerr,
Councilmember Mordo and Councilmember O'Malley
NOES:None
ABSTENTIONS:None
ABSENT:None
BY: (
Mayor .1"-4)-1-1)26
ATTEST:
ed„,"/ 42/
City Clerk 4
APPROV- : AS TO FORM:
w-X
City Attorney
§rte 'r' ---1Alifim tiralal } �iialitleTt .�€"..° :
i '44V a i.I._._- i Y ._X^K.' ' K'4--, rn c.0 .1-.'w.�M.. .iii_,.- ?' _3._ _iF..�,:_.t-t- .c
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT •
am very honored and thrilled to begin my new position as the Planning Director. Over the last few months,we have corn-
pleted a number of significant projects: _
.rte ,3
INCENTIVES FOR SOLAR PANELS-For those of you thinking about installing a photovoltaic - E.
system for your home,the Council has recently adopted several ordinances to promote energy
conservation through the use of solar panels. ' -,. s
•Free Building Permits(Reso. 1.-06)-Building permit fees are waived for the construction or TVA:*.
installation of solar energy generation equipment. s1
•Development Area Exemption(Ord.446)-If you install a ground mounted photovoltaic system, SAM-$.3t7," \+
' up to 500 sq.ft of the solar panels may be exempt from development area calculations. vg _F..,. , ti:-.::-..t
Debbie Pedro,
•Development Area Bonus(Ord. 500)-If you install a roof mounted solar system,you may qualify PlanningPeDirectordro,
for up to 500 sq.ft.of bonus development area.
•
To find out more,please contact the Planning Department at(650)941-7222.
IMPROVED WIRELESS COVERAGE AT TOWN HALL-As you walk or drive by Town Hall,you may have noticed a new '_,
"tree"that has sprung up next to the Heritage House.The wireless communications facility consists of Cingular's wireless panel
antennas as well as the Town's emergency communications antennas. The 70'tall tower is disguised as a pine tree to help it blend in
with the surrounding environment and will improve the cell coverage for Cingular customers within an approximately 3/4 mile
t
radius.
EUCALYPTUS TREE ORDINANCE-The City Council has just adopted an ordinance requiring removal of eucalyptus trees •
, that are within 150'ofany structures or roadways. The ordinance will apply to additions or remodel totaling 1,200 sq.ft.or more.
;. Eucalyptus trees are invasive,non-native trees that are potential fire hazards. In addition,the shallow root structures of these tall
trees make them unsuitable around the vicinity of structures or roadways. The following six species of eucalyptus are known for _
their propensity to drop limbs and susceptible to pest attacks and are subject to removal at the time of site development approval:
1.Blue Gum(E.globulus)
2.Pink Ironbark(E.sideroxylon rosea)
3.River Red Gum(E.camaldulensis)
• 4.Swamp Gum(E.rudis) •
• 5.Honey Gum(E.melliodora)
' 6.Manna Gum(E.viminalis) }
h- _
r Fk_
_ ulj
l'T*OIt AMBIGUOUS+T RMINOLOGzi'(HIGHLY'VIS1 E L TS)RtM1 V1✓b FROM TOWN CODES Ar
tF ggti*E1IlHG,Tf C;t -COfJNCILDETERIVIDVED`CHA'C`tElI(,III>YVISIB*:$i"yWCC]IfRiist REFERENCED'Il'tSECIIONIO-
ldi.oFTI ETO[i'NS kPgYELOPa ..,W,•'3OTBEACCURA'TE1 DEFII DTI°IECOUNCILORDE.k2EIYtUEAIviBIGU
;*- ...EFERENCMIV":.1vI0`RED-ROritTiRCODE 'T0�7EWQR 1:4*#OJ L7tESTRI 010,4 O SWER 415:1 VEt):
e <j,..,,, •.... .. .. __...., _.
Looking ahead,our department has a number of significant long range projects on the agenda,including the comprehensive
_; General Plan update,and several ordinance amendments.Additionally,our staff will continue our commitment to provide efficient
and effective services to applicants and residents in the development permit process.
•
I look forward to hearing from you in the days and months ahead. Whether you have any comments,concerns,or just want to say
hello,please feel free to contact me by email at dpedro@losaltoshills.ca.gov or by phone at 650-941-7222.
—Debbie Pedro,Planning Director
: . CIL'-�NEVYMEEx'11V�CC
T : ..., ci y,C _n . : . .:.,.. _g M th`at:will :e� 'n,wiith:tate Si.plemb.er meetings. F_,', '3
The LAH•City Council has establYshed a new m�eunb time(6.30 P ) h .. , b.•,g,-,, ,.�. -. p b 1:� ��
Public Hearings and'PFesentatuons from the Floor.will start at 7PM . '�.•., ,.)y
� u BAREE Da COATE
::. mil ASSOCIATES
Hectic:aural Consultants
M535 Stlfl'trnitRGHd
Loc Gatos,CA 95033
4081353-1052
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING CONTROL
OF
EUCALYPTUS TREES
•
IN
LOS ALTOS HILLS
Prepared at the request of:
Debbie Pedro
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Prepared by:
Barrie D. Coate
Consulting Arborist.
March 7t,2006
Job#03-06-051
RECOMMENDATIONS RE:CONTROL OF EUCALYPTUS IN LOS ALTOS BILLS 2
Large specimens of Tasmanian Blue Gum(Eucalyptus globulus)may be seen throughout
the parts of California in which winter temperatures remain above 26T.
This species occurs naturally,however,only in the southeastern portion of Tasmania and
in a few small areas on the southern coast of New South Wales on the mainland of
Australia in areas of 1,000 foot elevation or less,with an average rainfall of 35"annually.
In nature,it can reach 180 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 7 feet.
Unfortunately,the higher nitrogen and phosphorous levels of the soils in many parts of
the world where it has been planted,such as the Nilgire Hills of India,many parts of
Portugal and California,have resulted in trees of 250'tall and 90' wide canopies.
A specimen in the Alma Bridge Road area above Los Gatos reached a documented size
of 130' in height and 30"trunk diameter in 35 years.
This species has many characteristics which make it a nuisance or even dangerous when
it is near human habitation.
It re-seeds into almost any soil, and then grows so rapidly that it produces a dense canopy
over-topping the native trees,shading them out.
As Tasmanian Blue Gum specimens reach 2' or more in trunk diameter,they are
voracious feeders,commonly using all available water and nutrients resulting in the
common complaint that"nothing will grow under a Eucalyptus".
By the time specimens reach this size, the thousands of seed pods,each containing
hundreds of tiny black seeds produce so much viable seed that many seedlings appear
within a hundred feet of the parent tree. By this means,a grove of Tasmanian Blue Gums
can become the dominant species in a large area within a period of a few years,reaching
30-50' tall in 10 years.
This species,like many other very large Eucalyptus species such as E. camaldulensis, E.
viminalis, E. cladocalyx seem genetically predisposed to dropping 3-6"diameter, 15-20'
long branches on a regular basis and an occasional 6-12"diameter limb which can weigh
several hundred pounds.
The unfortunate practice of over thinning the interior of trees by uninformed arborists
when applied to large Eucalyptus species merely exacerbates the likelihood of limb drop
by forming more and heavier end weight growth.
The other unfortunate pruning procedure often used on large Eucalyptus is stub cutting in
which whole tops of trees are removed down to 12"and 24"stubs.
The trees response to this butchery is the production of water sprouts which often grow
10' per year,and are highly vulnerable to breaking off.
PREPARED BY BARRIE D.COATE,CONSULTING ARBORIST MARCH 7TH,2006
RECOMMENDATIONS RE:CONTROL OF EUCALYPTUS IN LOS ALTOS HILLS 3
In other words,there is no"right place"for one of these trees within falling distance of
human habitation.
All of that being said, all Eucalyptus species should not be considered.equivalent to
Tasmanian Blue Gums. There are 700 species of Eucalyptus, some of them producing 4'
high groundcovers, and many maturing at 35-40' tall and serving as important increments
of the street tree and ornamental tree inventory.
All Eucalyptus species should not be vilified because Tasmanian Blue Gum is such a
poor neighbor.
It should also be pointed out that many of the non-Eucalyptus species we commonly use
in landscaping drop limbs,especially when not well cared for.
Redwood trees commonly drop 3"diameter, 20' long branches,and mature American
Sweet gum trees often drop one or two major limbs each winter.
It deserves note that our venerated Coast Live Oak provides more tree failure reports for
the Tree Failure Report System managed by the University of California Cooperative
Extension Service than any other species,but that is possibly because of the large
numbers of specimens which we encounter.
In summary,Tasmanian Blue Gum, especially large specimens, or those which have been
badly pruned are not suitable candidates for retention in the average property and the
costs of remedial pruning are often so high that some owners cannot,or will not,have
pruning done which can reduce(note,this is not remove)the danger.
Prepared by Barrie D. Coate
ISA Certified Arborist
Registered ASCA Member
BDC/phlg
SECTION
Cy . • .,..._, ..:.. a.1.1%-,‘..
TUESDAY e
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS1 s'+ FF &-- 5'i' .
JANUARY 3,2006 11 1:—.• _ '`. x .
identified -
RESEARCH SCIENTIST 39,
STRUCK BY FALLING TREE
By Sandra Gonzales • "People€ride.there all the
.Mercz-r.ilvcitfirri.E=;' Sa`lt-ziXian said. 'We •
Eric-Saltzman heard a loud snap rode;tgef her-several times
as he and a friend rode their bikes •a:•we`ek;tar'id..that was•one-of
on a familiar narrow road in the Los ourga l
7 ar areas,' •
Altos Hills. He turned around and :?Plt miner^had:a distin- .
saw a eucalyptus tree hit an electri- g t Yred r aca 'emit pedi-
cal wire- '-g#'ee:.. li'e_t;;l l d::badh-elor's
When .Saltzman went back, .he ' .° ai`dt'naster s degrees-fr'om
��:-;..�.•,ems
found his friend, Dar.Pl.i'imer,un- .s, owii ,Ujfive slty:and a
• derneath the tree. He went to get, - -jft&oi ate tid.'thie Univer-
help,but it was too late. . , slay' i3.0 eli'fornia'--Sari Die-
Plummer, 39,-a champion cyclist : • •:.go wheVhe:also served on
and research scientist from•Red- . the-l'atiiltyofzthir School of
wood City, died instantly Sunday : Mui tie:'.'- •
morning on the Natoma Road route its:I'i'ography on the cy-
they-rode.at.least.once a week —•a ..61 :'•C tib'4::Veb site lists •
victim of the wet wild=weather that photography writing, read
socked the Bay AL ea during the past frig.2 '..variootis-technolo-
gy'geek-stiff"'as his inter-
„,;;€ew:day -.. . eats, . '
4... It's' u believably freak- . . MO,his.-real•love was c
ish;..•said,'Colin-Cooper, an-•
cling,,triends:say. •
---oilier:frieid>who regularly "He lved`for. it:It was his
rae'ed':-With Plummer on • life The cycling.tearri:_was
Teapit.Opine, .a Northern • his family.out here,” Coo-
:_ :'Cali&rnia. amateur road- per said. He wasincredi-
•:'racin 'eanm, ''`It's an abso- bly,dedicated to the sport."
ltite ti agedy You're always Plummer,originally from
•.wor`rifd„about getting into Massa liusetts had been
iSik6rifetk,, about getting cycling ':competitively for
• hi {,by,c:a'ear, but nobody • aboutl0•years."He was in-
. •wouhd-tthink about a tree credibly •smart, witty and
falling;ion_,}�ou: That's the frieridtly Everybody's really
-•last.thingg'you would think I devastated by this,” Coo-
of." p i Said .
c'i
:The Santa:Clara County i • The team planning a
i•.Coroner s Office couldn't memoriat ride for him, left
• confirm:the identity Mon- a tribute on its Web site:
day:nigt'because authori- Our friend, our team
ties ,fiad ::yet to 'reach any s mate; our brother we'll
n 'oIkm • miss you. .Every pedal
•• . Risa`clie8 by.telephone at stroke`you: are with us, in
,.lis Menlo• cPark home, our hearts•and forever on
.Saltzrian`sad•he was still the team."
s'fiaken. .
. Plu`mmer. "was a great contact Sandra Gonzales at
gtiy a gi:.eat•friend, some-
. sgonzales@niercwynews.
body--we•:will all miss very coin or f4.08)920-5778.
much',".he said. "We are
still struggling to come to
grips with this." I
Neither of them were
riding very fast on the hilly
street near Black Moun-
tain Road because it was
wet and windy, Saltzman •
said. •
TOY PHOTO IVEHMI RVIREN FUND ._ • in a long time, but mat uueai
RIGHT.PHOTO COURTESY OF SGMPERV.IRENS FUND q;, ^1
mean it's-not.happening.
•
• • • The DA's investigation is
'u;, , ',,. }oxFp •..a{ � s. what he. loved among a.series of developments,
, / ' � . P cyst died doing
capped by the recent adoption of
�• x/'b + .:,t tea 'a { ;' i� •.
"It was tragic and freakish. It was very, the city's sewer master that
1 �a By SumanheMn Crier a ver unusual;'"said friend and Team Spine point to problems with t plan that 1• •
t 4 , , £ f? Special to the Town Crier member Eric Saltzman,who was riding ahead' system and the city's need to ad
Flowers n' ,qtt °' ` 5`"� 1 �F dress them.
F t ,V,--37r �� aniel Plummer once wrote to a news of Plummer. Fioretta told the Town Crier
mark the r'r , . to r; ,'-,,11 'f a er editor that he wanted•to die The odds of such an accident occurring
y,:•,;‘;-.e,:,..e� e ,I 10:,.-,404,4� = ;, p. p „p y " Saltzman said. "It that part of the reason he dropped
spot wherera • ? - y� , .•while cycling• are "phenomenally.low, .
Dan Plum- �s1; "it �! d : the investigation was because it Sadly; that 'statement.became aself-.ful- was over'in a frapction:of a.sey nd:"Plummer was. his. understanding that the
mer wasb ;;° r`,' +�'1, t t , p, hec Plummer,• 39, a.Redwood could have esca ed'the deadly tree if'.he were
r fillingprophecy. Adobe Creek spills and code•vio-
afalli by "�'rt .; Ci based-research scientist:,.died.Jan. 1 on just a second faster'ora second slower, he
a falling . ��. `'Lw' ' ' :�� • ty talions had been brought to the
tree Jan.1Z';',),',-,'''°* ,, rfi - Natoma Road in Los Altos Hills when a eu- added. •
• attention of the public and the
on Natoma ,`,f• �" ' n :.' ` 1 �r• calyptus'tree branch fell on him while he.was Saltzman met'Plummer i,n Team• Spine city council during hearings held
�� three�years ago. ':We spent a lot of time rid-
•
Road in r {t">* riding.his bike. "he said.
a a " "He died.doing what he loved to do, said ing and traveling.in races together., this fall concerning the city's new
��� `
Los Altos ..r, � ,1% �..a �a '_ See SEWAGE,Page 7
, � t� �r N� �• John Ford';who'rode••with Plummer on.T.eam 'Plummer was "a thoughtful person witha
Hills. •;-...',,,:v.„• t” 4 See CYCLIST,Page 7
y � "Ty� ,�P� § '''''21:'t" Spine, a Northern California amateur road
;xi r f' ;Mrd t ' 6 '�`tv.'iy43Y'4'�Z'. ?' ci
IOE HU/ Lam. '. ,',fit,'. b�~ •t'~. .racing team.
§ a •
r' TOWN ,,.,. r t _ _ --- • _ .
•
1f1 —
.,9; .,,:. ! I;?,;:,;;,:011,,'; R 'ts r I r�� . r z r i. 7:c'.
--`^- sat x� <
--7.7.-:::-:=7.-...--..-7=-:_-_-_:_-_-__:==....._- _ -- ------ --
- .-.--. .. said, adding that with eucalyptus, Y `, e1, t`?0,\ � a? �- , a� €, .r ...:! +x i':
LIST <' y r��esn't ha en.But .:`S\ ‘LN !/j 0. 1. ''r• rltit 'dy s A , 4 1 , ' .7 ,
CYC We "usually this PP w>~ V.1 w r� _•. 3 , r r• p4
"We are a family.. there are t- •ariables." F<i'`i•`•��e\\y" is,,z*:','`r t &d ` t•y 1I,
From Page 1 t o , ; = , k ,, ;
lost a brother. We are all Somle. may come 11:,r• ;;:rt,i6> {Y)%1+ l i,ls._' ' '. fi .
• sal"rte"/l,AAI i 0 t• ° '` •:1,.•••:..,,,1,5);',4:64T'
7�4s 4 1 4 +j
intellect.He was some- devastated and off due to aecay load improve- h�,�, sq , �x ,s t'n�t t.'� .1 :, i
very keen n ,:m '.. hI \a c
one you enjoyed spending time meat work. "But,"Morneau said, tm g 10� +r � y �/ _,� 'x..2„i. - ,�'sfI
with;' Saltzman said. way was a
heartbroken." "we need to take into account �e Or.:,,,,..,, ,...;.i.1, Y , °'d�����y .� � §�rrri �Y k Illy,'"' �� _ ,�"• ./ nr�
—Kerri Kazala, manager specific information about the a; t . ,� p:'.. .:...:.,,,.,.:,;,1'.:',110'
„�” , t,k,R zlr! , r �� .r
very giving person, always will N c y:
ing to help others." s ecific tree and not make judg- t%t �-a •P.0 ,j+'AO� 1e, 14 +'i fi'� S ,Itof Team Spine' Daniel P �� '' meats." `,i'��+ �'�� � � � 4,st„ �l fit! I'ri,» �.-``� � ����,�;Kerri Kazala, manager of , r itsPlummer s cycling teamMost eucalyptus trees do not r ` �•� �r°la ' t r
Team Spine,said she found it hard 0.1
to talk about Plummer's death. fall,he said,but the fury of Moth- t • a - t 14 ` 1, ,}r 4, I• 44,ti t'1
"We are a family. We lost a er Nature combined with variable •• ` `,�,+r vJ.,.. �,tw; , a 1.44 4
Y left last week for Walpole,Mass., f 71 ` ,. V;h1
factors such as wind,and-the extra ✓ c' , 'fi' ' ,, ;, > 4
brother. k e are all said.
and Plummer's •
hometown, to attend r i i`t� t
weight on branches due to laces- � ,..•''.•� ' r,t 4, ;..N4-,T� r ` ,,. £ � p!' k t ����x,� , ' "�h �;�:
heartbroken,"she said. funeral services. 1.0,?...
k {
' r j 1r = 1 y,,f/I it , I i�r•- 9 !‘•,,W-A.1-4c,,,. - '`o--
Plummer rode with the team Roy Morneau, an lade cadent sant rains may have resulted in a41 ,,,i�/ � c f . , f4 ,/
P the fall of that particular tree. 3 Q r t` `n i + f t t k' "'� '.
since its inception in 2002. ,Li ';� .
arborist in Mountain View, ac- Team Spine members are plan j' ,"r r rt a - �,, TB as ;o,',-o,,Kving said theo team has been °w .� try, ,r4,',.12:1'..e' } J r 1dl'.
members the route where the ac t t 290 Dfi�3d Sttat,Lbs Pifith .4W2'0k r , ; I• Rj '
receiving supportive a mails ping a memorial ride for Plum $ t y
cident occurred. ' �§ ,1 a "'< ' r, . rsl''}t "509485L11 jtri ;t i"1�iIWO q� ,�1� ;
from the cycling community all "I haven't visited the road mer, beginning 9 a.m. Sunday at t
t t r g2�,r ,� H,tNr'4 rt(�i,�,ks7' l i �,z 'dt``�f,,,V f 6'
Foothill College. • 1s er ..r$`r+z �. .,, .lair• 1� •f ° v;,,!{
over the country. "The support is ° ` ; 3�� `n+� ,'
Y PP in the last six months. I am not ,tor more information, visit + i 'r ,JF`; til`{ ;
just phenomenal," she said. She sure about the species of the eu }` ,} 3',' �{„ ,� c„ u �r,t R Pry
„ www.teamspine. r • :1'"?* ,. ', � • $ ` 3 =i z,;
and lour other team members calyptus lining the long road, he P ), •r::;s' ,v 7 .,:A.4 -‘,4"-...t,". _,' ,4":"g• ' ' t i.oiA fi'a.-„rm
• 'k _ :January 11;2006/.Lot Altos ToWnrCr-ier/Page 7
i,
1 w t • ... -.._ %`.t. -1+- max-. -�_. f -- -• _ •-. a 4 � a .J 1 - ..r..e. . , x.v-
SECTION
Town Council Meeting
on Video
The entire public meeting that occurred on January 12, 2006 that
addressed the death of bicyclist Dan Plummer by a falling Eucalyptus on
Natoma Road, the power outages, and the damage caused by trees and
debris is hereby incorporated by reference.
The video can be found at
http://www.hills2000.org/councilvideo/council 1-12-06/
Council l-12-06.htm
Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2006
Town of Los Altos Hills
City Council Regular Meeting
Thursday, January 12, 2006 6:00 P.M.
Town Hall Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kerr called the City Council Regular Meeting to order at 6:00p.m. in the Council
Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Mayor Breene Kerr, Mayor Pro Tern Dean Warshawsky, Councilmember
Craig A. T. Jones, Councilmember Jean Mordo and Councilmember Mike
O'Malley
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Maureen Cassingham, Assistant City Attorney John Bakker,
Planning Director Carl Cahill, Administrative Services Director Sarah
Ragsdale, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Henry Louie and City
Clerk Karen Jost
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Warshawsky, seconded by
O'Malley and passed unanimously to limit the length of time for public comments to
three minutes.
2. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Superintendent Tim Justus, Los Altos School District
Superintendent Tim Justus, Los Altos School District, addressed Council. He explained
that his appearance before the City Council had a two fold purpose: to introduce himself
and to acquaint Council with the projects the District had slated for the coming year. He
offered that an issue that was most relevant to Los Altos Hills' residents was the
District's interest in reopening a regular K-6 school at the Bullis School site. Justus
noted that the expectation was to have a K-6 school operating at Bullis by the 2008-2009
school year. Justus reviewed the elements that had guided the District in their new
approach to the Bullis site that included: new District administration; majority of School
District Board members are newly elected including one Los Altos Hills resident and a
review of the history of the school's closure. Justus suggested that when campuses are
closed, a date for re-opening the school should be considered.
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Justus provided an overview of the District's current efforts to investigate the potential
reopening of the campus. Faculty committees have been created to review the type of
curriculum and instruction delivered and grade levels serviced at Bullis. He offered to
keep the Council apprised of the District's progress in the venture as they reach
appropriate benchmarks. Justus added that he viewed the Bullis campus as a wonderful
site and an important asset to the community and District.
Justus reviewed the additional factors in the District's new approach to the Bullis site:
demographic studies have shown a potential for future increases in school enrollment and
the campus could assist with maintaining an overall enrollment at each school that would
be considered "educationally sound"; funding projections have increased; and the site
offers the opportunity to offer new programs to the community. He noted that the core
curriculum would be continued at the site but the potential for a different delivery of
instruction was being investigated.
Justus added that the current program of extended day kindergarten had been slated to
continue at Bullis for the next school year and could potentially be expanded to other
sites.
Council thanked Superintendent Justus for his presentation.
Councilmember O'Malley explained that the residents of Los Altos Hills were
instrumental in the successful passage of the school bond measure that was promoted to
include the refurbishment of the Bullis campus. Residents were very frustrated to have
the school site closed shortly after the measure was passed. Council and residents felt
their interests were not considered by the District Board and have since become advocates
for the Bullis Charter School. O'Malley encouraged the District to locate the Charter
School at the Bullis campus.
Councilmember Jones thanked Superintendent Justus for his appearance and added that
open lines of communication were critical to a successful resolution of issues. He
explained that the Town was divided between two excellent school districts and residents
often feel they are in the minority in both. He had been active in the passage of the
Measure H parcel tax and the closure of Bullis School was very unsettling. The closure
was not due to a decrease in enrollment or for funding needs but because an additional
school was built in Los Altos and the result was a large geographic area of the District
(Los Altos Hills) did not have a school within its boundaries. Jones noted that he was
pleased to hear the District publicly commit to reopen Bullis. He suggested that the
Superintendent consider meeting with the Town's Standing Public Education Committee
and encouraged an open dialogue and exchange of ideas with the membership.
Justus offered that he believed the area should have an elementary school and added that
the Bullis site was a unique asset as a community resource. He agreed that it would be
beneficial to meet with the PEC.
Mayor Kerr offered that the strong stand that City Council took in opposition to the
District leasing the site to a private school was one of the reasons the school site was
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available to the District. It potentially could have been lost with a long-term lease. He
expressed his displeasure that the District was considering continuing operation of the
extended day kindergarten at Bullis noting the increase in traffic and suggested that the
program would be more appropriate at the individual school sites. Kerr added that since
the reopening of Bullis was several years away, the District was afforded an opportunity
to demonstrate their concern for fair treatment of the residents of Los Altos Hills by
reviewing the Charter School's request for renewal of their Charter with respect.
Justus responded that he had enjoyed to-date his working relationship with the Charter
School and he expected that if the school met the required criteria of the sixteen elements,
the Charter would be renewed. Justus deferred any additional comments regarding a long
term site for the Charter School due to ongoing litigation.
Council reiterated their appreciation for Superintendent Justus's forthcoming comments
and dialogue.
2.2 January 1, 2006 Communications Report—Captain John Hirokawa
Captain Hirokawa, Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department, addressed Council. He
explained that he was before Council to brief them on the bicyclist fatality that had
occurred on Natoma Road on January 1, 2006 at approximately 9:30 am. Hirokawa noted
that the responding Deputy, immediately upon his arrival, had determined that the
bicyclist was deceased. Hirokawa proceeded with a timeline and response summary for
the incident. He noted several miscommunications and procedural errors at County
Communications, including a request for the City of Los Altos to respond with a Public
Works crew. This was outside the scope of Dispatch's authority. County Communications
were under the misinterpretation that this was a rescue mission rather than a fatality and
in error used an outdated "call out list" for the Town. He explained that if it had been a
rescue or life-endangering emergency, the Deputy on site would have immediately
secured a crew (County Fire Rescue Unit and Tree Service contractor) to assist the
bicyclist. Hirokawa reminded Council that this was a very busy time for all First
Responders and emergency providers due to the severe winds and stormy conditions. He
added that there were additional concerns for public safety created by the downed power
lines and weather related issues and his Deputies had provided safe rides home for seven •
different groups of Los Altos Hills' residents that had been out walking.
Hirokawa reviewed the steps that have been taken to identify the problems and ensure
that the miscommunication would not be repeated. Several meetings had been convened
with County Dispatch and it had been determined that they did not follow procedures
during the incident. Hirokawa believed the issues have been addressed and a strict
protocol was in place. He explained that Lieutenant Calderon, Santa Clara County
Sheriffs Department and Steve Garcia, Los Altos Hills Public Safety Officer had worked
with County Communications to develop a protocol on"call out"procedures.
Mayor Kerr requested information on the signal outage at the intersection of El Monte.
Hirokawa explained that the Sheriffs Department does not use boulevard (temporary)
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stop signs during power outages, noting the issue of liability if the sign is not removed in
a timely matter. He explained that the vehicle code required motorist stop at the limit line
and then proceed if a signal light was out and the intersection was dark. Hirokawa added
that he preferred to send his Deputies to patrol the neighborhoods during power outages
to give the residents a sense of reassurance.
Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky asked what guidance the Sheriff would offer to Town
residents if a similar situation or emergency were to occur and what was the best way to
communicate.that there was a dangerous condition. Hirokawa responded that it was
incumbent upon the resident to be self-reliant and take the appropriate emergency training
courses i.e. CERT training. He noted that it was impossible for the Department to protect
all residents in the Town.
•
Council thanked Captain Hirokawa for his report.
2.3 PG&E Recap of Storm Impacts in Los Altos Hills—Darren Deffuer,
Representative Government Relations
Darren Definer, Government Relations Representative, addressed Council. He
introduced Alynn Delisle, Director of Operations, Maintenance and Construction
(OM&C) for PG&E. Deffner presented a PowerPoint presentation titled "Storm Impacts
— January 2006." The presentation included review of resource allocation for the storm
response and normal staffing; storm overview-system wide, Los Altos Hills storm outage
impacts (residents affected and the duration of the outages); review of the restoration
process; and damage assessment.
Deffner explained that the storm was one of the largest in recent years in Santa Clara
County and presented a distinct problem in the manner that it moved through the area in
waves that prevented PG&E from responding to all of the outages in as timely a manner
as they would have preferred. He noted that crews from all over the state and from
neighboring states were called in to restore power. Deffner explained that of the 5500
customers in Town that were affected by the storm, fifty percent had their power restored
within eight hours.
Alynn Delisle, Director of OM&C, reviewed the power restoration process that PG&E
follows during a major storm noting that crews work the initial thirty six hours
continuously and then on a "rest-work" schedule for the remainder of the storm. Delisle
explained the use of stand by personnel for emergency situations during major storms.
Personnel were employed in different roles, including direct calls to customers. The
storm tally included: 2500 locations with damaged equipment, 300 miles of downed
power lines and 500 downed power poles damaged or destroyed.
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky requested procedural information on the power outage
update system employed by the utility. He wondered if it would be possible for the
Emergency Communications Committee members to receive the information directly and
be used as a resource for the Town. Delisle explained that PG&E does maintain a staffed
emergency center but that the information they have was what was updated on their
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emergency computer generated automatic telephone system for customers. She noted that
the information on the automated line was accurate and up to date and if a customer
sustains power outage for longer than 48 hours, they are personally contacted with a
direct line to contact PG&E service.
Deffner explained that during a storm situation with numerous outages they respond
tcustomers who have been out the longest.
Councilmember O'Malley thanked Deffner and Delisle for their efforts during the storm.
He applauded their automated system and the continuous updates.
Councilmember Mordo concurred with O'Malley and congratulated PG&E for their quick
response during the storm.
Deffner thanked Council for their comments. He noted that in relationship to agenda
item 9.2, PG&E reviews every mile of their wires each year to ensure that the system was
potentially safe and reliable during winter storms with regard to tree growth. A regular
maintenance crew would be reviewing the Los Altos Hills system during the next few
weeks. Deffner noted that they were supportive of any effort to remove the fast growing
non native trees in the area and offered that PG&E would be willing to partner with the
Town for resources for vegetation management. He added that they would review
requests for assistance by residents (customers) on a case-by-case basis.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Director Cahill reported that the Planning Commission had not met since the
last Council meeting. At their January 19, 2006 meeting, the Commission was scheduled
to review the Cingular Wireless application for an antenna at Town Hall and an
application from Cingular Wireless for an antenna on Purissima Road.
Councilmember O'Malley suggested that the Council notification procedure for Fast
Track and Planning Commission approvals be revised. Following a brief discussion, the
Planning Director and City Clerk were directed to modify the meeting agenda face sheet
and notification mechanism for better clarification.
Councilmember O'Malley requested that the approved pathway on Lands of Malavalli be
revisited at a future meeting and suggested that a designated wildlife corridor might be
more appropriate for the terrain.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by O'Malley and
passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically:
4.1 Approval of Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting December 15, 2005
4.2 Review of Disbursements: 12/3/2005 — 1/4/2006 $210,071.44
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5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Due to the length of the City Council meeting, Mayor Kerr deferred updates on Items 5.1,
5.2, 5.3 and 5.5 to the next City Council meeting. Council concurred.
5.1 Town Goals
5.1.1 Implementation of Strategic Conservation Goals
5.1.2 Bringing Public Education Back to the Hills
5.2 Underground Project Status Report
5.3 Update on General Plan Review
5.4 Update on Improved Cell Phone Coverage
5.4.1 Request for Town Support in Development of a Request for Proposals
for a Regional Wireless Broadband Network—Joint Silicon Valley
Network, et.al.
City Manager Maureen Cassingham introduced this item to Council. She explained that
the request before Council was from the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network seeking
funding in the amount of$2,500 for the development of an RFP for a Regional Wireless
Broadband Network. The request had also been sent to other cities in San Mateo, Santa
Clara, Alameda and Santa Cruz counties. The estimated cost of the RFP development
was $45,000 with $2,500 the Town's share. All participating agencies would have the
opportunity to offer input on the RFP document.
Following a brief discussion, Council consensus was that a high-speed wireless data
network was .complementary to the City Council's goal of improving voice
communications and a great solution for broadband connections for rural areas.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Jones, seconded by Warshawsky
and passed unanimously to approve the request of$2,500 for the preparation of a Request
for Proposals for Wireless Silicon Valley from the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network.
5.5 Status of Town Pathways Projects
Item continued.
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6. NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Consideration of Solicitation of Current Email Addresses from Town
Residents for Emergency Communications and Official Notices from the City
Council
City Manager Cassingham introduced this item. She provided a brief background on the
inception of the Town's resident email database noting that they had been provided to the
Town by residents with the assurance that the email would be used for emergencies only
and remain confidential. The email database was most recently employed when the City
Clerk disseminated information on the storm debris collection program. Approximately
2500 emails were sent successfully and approximately 200 were failed transmissions.
Cassingham explained that the item before Council was consideration of re-soliciting
Town residents current email addresses for emergency communications and official
notices form the City Council.
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
John Harpootlian, Anacapa, requested that Civic organizations be included in the
database and all email mailings.
The City Clerk reported that his organization, Hills2000, had been included in the
emergency storm clean-up email alert.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
Council discussion ensued. They suggested that a letter be sent to residents with options
on how their email could be used by the Town. Suggestions included: emergency notices,
official Town notices like public hearings, Town events and the Newsletter. Council
consensus was to direct staff to move forward implementing the program. Interested
local civic groups could be included in the database.
6.2 Proposed Agreement with the City of Los Altos for 25 Sewer Capacity Rights
City Engineer Henry Louie introduced this item to Council. He explained that to provide
emergency relief to residents with failing septic systems, Councilmember O'Malley and
staff had been working with the City of Los Altos to develop an agreement to provide an
additional 25 sanitary sewer connections in the Los Altos Sanitary Sewer Basin. The
Town would accept the administrative responsibility for the additional connections The
Town and the City were currently negotiating a new agreement which would be
considered by both Councils in the next few months that would supersede the 1985 Sewer
Agreement. Louie noted that in order to objectively evaluate and prioritize resident
applications for the 25 sewer connections, staff had developed an application form to
assess the existing septic systems and would require an engineering report describing the
condition of the system with the application. Louie reviewed the additional factors in the
proposed application process including a requirement that the connection must be made
within sixty(60) days by those awarded connection rights.
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Council discussion ensued. Council thanked Councilmember O'Malley for his efforts on
acquiring the interim connections for residents. It was noted that the Town will now
receive the fee for the sewer connection. The new fee schedule would be established
following a public hearing at a future Council meeting.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by O'Malley, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to authorize and direct the City Manager to act on behalf of the
Town of Los Altos Hills in entering into an agreement with the City of Los Altos for an
additional twenty-five residential sewer connections. Resolution#2-06
7. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCILMEMBERS ON OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Councilmember O'Malley reported that the Board of Supervisors at their January 10,
2006 meeting had unanimously approved on their consent calendar direction to the
County Executive to meet with representatives and consultants from Los Altos Hills,
Cupertino, Saratoga and Monte Sereno to discuss their current Transportation Equity Act
(TEA) agreement and to explore the possibility of developing a mutual beneficial
amendment. Supervisors Kniss and Beall had sponsored the item. Council was pleased
with the progress that was being made on this issue by Consultant Greg Sellars.
O'Malley offered that the Mayors of the participating cities would be sending an email
voicing their appreciation for their assistance and requested that Mayor Kerr extend his
thank you as well. Kerr agreed.
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1 City Manager
City Manager Cassingham reported that the City of Los Altos had added a second
Councilmember to serve on the subcommittee that is charged with reviewing the draft
sewer agreement between the City and the Town. Cassingham suggested that it would be
appropriate for another Town Councilmember to join if there was interest.
Councilmember Mordo volunteered. Councilmember O'Malley offered to provide him
with all pertinent materials to date.
8.2 City Attorney
8.3 City Clerk
8.3.1 Report on Council Correspondence
The City Clerk advised Council that they had a letter before them on the dais authored by
City Engineer Henry Louie. Louie's letter was in response to a letter from resident
Maynard Stevenson that had been included in the Council correspondence.
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9. COUNCIL-INITIATED ITEMS
9.1 Discussion of Holiday Storms and Emergency Response — Mayor Kerr and
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky
City Manager Maureen Cassingham introduced this item. She noted that Captain
Hirokawa had provided a detailed report to Council earlier and she would provide a
supplemental report highlighting the Town's response to the recent storms. Cassingham
explained that the Town's contractors responded to downed branches and trees on
December 31, 2005 and their efforts extended to New Year's Day, January 1, 2006. She
offered that the Town's First Responders including the Sherrill s Department, County
Fire, PG&E and the Town's contractors performed in an appropriate manner for the
existing situation. A decision was made not to activate the EOC because the required
criteria had not been met.
Cassingham explained that the storm response commenced with the most urgent issues
being addressed first; i.e. downed power lines, debris removed to the side of roadways to
clear passage, blocked drainage culverts were cleared and failed culverts were addressed.
A Town wide storm debris clean-up collection program was activated by the Los Altos
Garbage Company and offered to Town residents on two consecutive Saturdays.
Residents were advised of the collection of storm debris via press releases, Town website
alert, email notification, mailing by LAGCo via the post office and banners at the
entrances to Town. Cassingham noted that the operation was very successful and well
received by residents.
Cassingham gave special thanks to the Town's contractors, Mc Clenahan Tree Service,
Aly's Tree and Casey Construction for their efforts.
The estimated cost of the storm was approaching $80,000. $70,000 had been incurred for
fallen tree clean-up, scheduled debris removal and the LAGCo collection program and the
storm drain inlet was estimated at $7,500. Cassingham offered that $25,000 would be
billable to residents and most costs would be supported by the Solid Waste Funds with
relatively little impact on the General Fund.
Cassingham reviewed the "lessons learned" from the storm response and the follow-up
actions taken with Council. As explained by Captain Hirokawa, the protocol required
fine tuning and had been reviewed and reiterated to County Communications. She added
that it was unfortunate that the City of Los Altos was called out and she had sent a letter
thanking the City for their efforts during the incident. In response to a question from
Council, she explained that County Communications was regularly provided with an
updated on-call list for the Town with one being forwarded on December 6, 2005 and
recently refreshed with an additional contractor. Cassingham was confident with the
recent discussions; County Communications would adhere to the proper protocol.
Councilmember O'Malley thanked staff for their efforts during the storm.
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Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky concurred that response from staff was excellent and
congratulated Cassingham on her efforts to return the Town to business as usual. He
questioned what would have activated the Emergency Operations Center. Warshawsky
suggested that the storm was very severe and with the danger of the downed power lines
he wondered why the Emergency Communications Committee was not used.
Cassingham explained that the storm was not a disaster. The Town had experienced a
series of traffic related incidents compounded by downed power lines. The incidents
were isolated. Cassingham referenced the Town's Emergency Plan and reviewed the
criteria that must be met to activate the EOC and noted that at least five general criteria
must exist to indicate when the EOC was activated. They included: 1) resources beyond
the Town's capabilities are required; 2) the emergency is of long duration; 3) major
policy decisions may or will be needed; 4) local or State emergency is declared; and, 5)
that activation of an EOC would be advantageous to the successful management of an
emergency. The City Manager noted that in addition to staff, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tern,
Hams and City Councilmembers may activate the EOC. Cassingham added that First
Responders can also activate an EOC and that no First Responder indicated that the
criteria had been met and in discussion with several of the ECC members they had
concurred.
Councilmember Mordo suggested that this was a good rehearsal for a "disaster" and it
would be appropriate for Council to understand their role in an emergency.
Mayor Pro Tem Warshawsky questioned why the ECC was not contacted during the
storm. City Manager Cassingham explained that she was in continuous contact with the
First Responders and at no time did they indicate it was necessary to call for extra
resources, including the ECC. She added it was important to rely on your experienced,
trained, professionals to assess the situation. She urged Council to participate in the
training and familiarize themselves with emergency operations.
Mayor Kerr concurred that the storm was not a disaster. He was surprised there were
communication glitches. Kerr complimented the Mayor Pro Tem for his efforts during
the storm. He questioned what actions would be taken at County Communications in
response to there errors and wondered if the Town would receive a rebate in their charges
or if an employee would be terminated or reprimanded. Kerr wanted insurance that this
would not happen during a disaster.
City Manager Cassingham responded that a protocol error was made and lessons were
learned and a better system was in place because of the error. The response was
appropriate but an unfortunate chain reaction of miscommunications lead to some
confusion but did not affect the First Response.
Councilmember Jones offered that he gleaned from Captain Hirokawa's report that there
was a mistake made at the Emergency Communications Center but because the Sheriff's
Office was dealing with a fatality the situation was not a true emergency. A different
response would have been activated if it was a rescue situation.
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Kerr questioned if the Town was relying too much on contract services for it's after hours
emergencies and if using 911 for all emergencies was appropriate.
City Manager Cassingham clarified the 911 call-out protocol for Council and noted that it
was very incident specific. She explained that County Communications had a list of
contact staff that could respond quickly to any situation. Safety Officer Steve Garcia is
first on the list. During business hours, residents should contact Town Hall and after
hours, call 911 and they would contact the appropriate staff and vendors. Cassingham
noted that the vendors were better equipped, had more man power and it was more cost
effective to use these resources for after hours emergencies. She added that there has
been an on-going effort since she came to the Town to improve the Town's emergency
response.
Mayor Kerr suggested that he would like another option for residents to call after hours
other than 911. O'Malley noted that he would be against having residents contact staff
directly after hours relating a past experience of a resident who logged 331 calls to 911.
City Manger Cassingham offered that the Town's after hours phone message has contact
information for residents according to their particular situation.
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
Dru Anderson, Emergency Communications Committee Chair, concurred with the First
Responders assessment of the storm that it was not a disaster. The ECC was prepared to
offer assistance if it was needed. Rick Ellinger, ECC member, drove the Town and
reported that the streets were passable. Anderson suggested that the missing link during
the storm response was communication and offered that a call liaison to the Committee
might be an appropriate addition to an informal protocol. She suggested that a joint
training session with the City Council and Emergency Communications Committee
would be productive.
Scott Overstreet, Emergency Communications Committee, explained that the ECC was
chartered to gather information and to provide communication from the Town to the
County, hospitals, and Hams in the'Town who are called to mobilize and assist where
needed as directed by staff. The Committee members are not rescuers but emergency
communicators during a"time of need." He defined a "time of need" as a situation when
communication systems are not functioning. If telephones and the intemet are working,
they are the preferable means of communication. Overstreet noted that the ECC would be
very valuable when telephones are not functioning similar to the 1989 earthquake.
Nancy Ginzton, Natoma Road, explained what she experienced was a storm. Her street
had been impacted but she questioned why it was being discussed as a disaster.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT
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9.2 Discussion of Controlling Potential Issues with Eucalyptus Trees in Los Altos
Hills—Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky
Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky explained that following the recent storm and the numerous
comments from residents regarding Eucalyptus trees, he had requested this item be
agendized for Council discussion. During the investigative process for the pilot
undergrouniing project, he had acquired information on the non-native, fast growing
trees that are extremely brittle, grow very large, prone to losing branches, susceptible to
fire and collect in groves. Warshawsky reviewed options for discouraging eucalyptus
trees, including: arborist evaluation of the Town's trees; consideration of a Town
requirement that the trees be removed with the issuance of site development or building
permits; potential incentives to residents to remove the trees; and,joining with PG&E in
their vegetation management program to review the trees on a case by case basis.
Mayor Kerr explained that this was a general discussion of the item and that Council
would only be giving direction to staff on the subject or scheduling it for further
discussion.
OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT
Jitze Couperus, Page Mill Road, cautioned the Council in taking action against all
eucalyptus species, noting that the Blue Gum variety also known as the Silver Dollar was
an excellent landscape-screening tree. Couperus added that the pine tree was also
troublesome and suggested that the problem trees be identified as a"tree of interest".
Nancy Ginzton, Natoma Road, explained that she has been concerned about the dangers
of very large eucalyptus trees for years and suggested they be removed or heavily pruned.
She would like to see all"unhealthy"trees receive the same consideration.
Richard Simko, Black Mountain Road, stated that he was before Council at the
suggestion of Councilmember Mordo. He had reported the leaning Eucalyptus trees on
Natoma that may have been a factor in the bicyclist fatality to PG&E and to the Town on
two different occasions. Simko spoke with Steve Garcia who explained that notices had
been sent to the property owner. PG&E had returned his calls and left a message and he
had retained the message tape. He suggested that the Town should move forward with a
reasonable process to mitigate dangerous trees possibly by using an arborist to identify
hazardous trees. Mr. Simko added that some responsibility was with the bicyclist for
riding in the high wind conditions. He believed this was ill advised.
Judy Anderson, W. Sunset Drive, shared her experience with a falling eucalyptus tree
branch onto her car at Chapin and Burke Road. She provided photos of the incident to
Council. She reported her concerns regarding hazardous trees in Town to Public Safety
Officer Steve Garcia_ She sited additional incidents that had occurred over the past three
months. Anderson would like to see dangerous large trees removed or cut to a minimum
of ten feet.
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Dru Anderson, Saddle Court, offered that it was not only eucalyptus trees that were a
hazard. During the recent storm, a large pine fell on her property. She suggested that a
program similar to weed abatement that required tree pruning for residents on ridge lines
or on major roads in Town might be an appropriate solution.
Scott Overstreet, Encinal Court, applauded the work by PG&E to restore the lines during
the recent storm and noted that the issue had not been just eucalyptus trees during the
high winds but oak and pine trees were also impacted. He suggested that any requirement
not be specific to species but should be"attributable to hazardous trees. The tree
management should be the responsibility of the homeowner.
Tom Turner, Liddicoat Circle, shared his experience with the devastating 1985 fire in his
Los Altos Hills neighborhood that had destroyed eleven homes. The fire had been started
by an arsonist but was augmented by the groves of eucalyptus trees in the area. Turner
offered that the trees were instrumental in spreading the fire. The trees were the
responsibility of Palo Alto and he had personally reported issues to the City. Following
the fire, he was successful in litigation with Palo Alto.
Alexander Atkins, Orchard Hill Lane, shared his concerns about eucalyptus trees on his
neighbor's property. He believed they affected his quality of life and there was a moral
and legal obligation of the Council to end the threat to residents created by the dangerous
trees.
Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, reported that they
regularly comment on eucalyptus trees on sites when reviewing them for permits. She
requested that when tall trees were slated to be removed, other tall trees due to their
importance to nesting raptors replace them.
Duffy Price, Anacapa Drive, noted she was in agreement with comments that had been
made during the discussion and concurred that corrective action was needed. Price
offered that the Los Altos Hills County Fire District, of which she was a Commissioner,
had a proactive weed abatement program and she encouraged that a similarly strong
mitigation plan for eucalyptus trees be developed.
Councilmember O'Malley suggested that it would be beneficial to have a positive
comment on such a program from the District Commissioners.
Resident, Hilltop Drive, suggested that the Town consider working with the City of Los
Altos and promote a campaign for the citizens to review and manage vegetation on their
respective property.
CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT •
Council discussion ensued. Councilmember O'Malley suggested that the staff contact
similiar rural neighboring Towns (Woodside, Portola Valley) to investigate what policies
were in place on this issue and return to Council with their findings.
•
13
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
•
Planning Director Cahill suggested that the review of tree procedures and policies should
be approached to consider two distinct issues; 1) trees in a public right-of-way; and 2)
trees on private property and any requirements that the jurisdictions might have during
the site development permit process for the removal of existing eucalyptus and the
planting of new ones. Councilmember O'Malley added that any requirement to trim trees
should be included in the investigation.
Councilmember Mordo agreed it would be beneficial to learn what was being practiced in
other communities but regardless of what was being done, he believed the Town should
take the initiative on hazardous trees noting that eucalyptus were a particularly dangerous
species. Mordo suggested that it would be appropriate for the Town to investigate a
method to assist residents with the cost on a case-by-case basis possibly by working with
PG&E and offered that this was not a total subsidy because falling trees/branches do
cause damage and debris clean-up whose costs are borne by the Town. In conclusion,
Mordo suggested this would be a positive way to honor Mr. Plummer.
Councilmember Jones thanked Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky for suggesting the timely
discussion. He concurred with Councilmember O'Malley that it would be appropriate for
staff to investigate the policies of surrounding communities. Jones suggested that the
Environmental Design and Protection Committee or an Ad-Hoc Committee might also be
a tool for in depth exploration on the topic and provide direction and guidance to the
staff. He offered there were several issues he would like included in the review: 1)
proposed ban on any planting of blue gum eucalyptus in the future; 2) potential site
development condition of approval to remove existing blue gum eucalyptus; 3) strengthen
the ordinance of resident responsibility with regard to dangerous trees or tree limbs on
their property; 4) Town sponsored annual program of tree trimming on major roads in
conjunction with PG&E's vegetation management program; and 5) the removal of blue
gum eucalyptus trees on Town owned property.
Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky thanked the audience and Council for their participation in
the discussion. He concurred that all trees should be reviewed but suggested that the
eucalyptus be considered as a priority noting that they were a fire danger and presented a
real hazard from falling. He noted that Eucalyptus trees that were pruned still presented
a danger. Warshawsky suggested that he would prefer staff begin the initial process and
return to Council with their findings and draft ordinance and at some future time have the
Environmental Design and Protection Committee refine the ordinance.
Mayor Kerr suggested that the he was of the opinion that there were two aspects to the
discussion: 1) the issues outlined by Councilmember Jones and he concurred that they
should be referred to staff; and 2) the existing leaning eucalyptus trees as a result of the
recent storm that were throughout Town. Kerr offered that the Town should move
forward with a cursory inspection by an arborist of trees on major roadways to identify
dangerous trees. He suggestedthat the Town move forward with some immediacy on the
inventory and take corrective action on an emergency basis noting that it was appropriate
to simultaneously review the development of an ordinance or modify the landscape
guidelines but that this could be a lengthy process.
14
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
•
City Manager Cassingham noted that the Municipal Code does have provisions for
requiring property owners to take action on identified dangerous trees under their control.
She added that the Town could proceed with the inventory.
Mordo suggested that the existing code was not broad enough and does not include trees
that were deemed dangerous by their height and he,would like to see a revised ordinance.
•
City Engineer Henry Louie reported that he was scheduled to meet with PG&E to review
trees near power lines throughout the Town.
Following a brief discussion, Council directed the City Manager to move forward with an
inventory of trees (tree condition) on the major thorou•hfares. Due to the urgency of the
issue, by consensus of Council, the signature authority of the City Manager was increased
to $10,000 to hire an arborist/consultant for the study.
Planning Director Cahill reviewed the direction given to staff by Jones. He reviewed the
current existing code enforcement for tree issues and suggested that one possible solution
might be an ordinance similar to the view ordinance. Cahill suggested that any program
that offered financial assistance to the property owner for tree maintenance would be
under the purview of the Finance Deparmtment. City Manager Cassingham added that
staff would need to provide Council with costs associated with the recommendations
offered by Council and whether the Town's liability and insurance premiums would be
affected.
Councilmember Jones suggested that an incentive approach might be an appropriate
solution to a Town financed program. Councilmember O'Malley added that the solid
waste fund might be a source of funding for any tree management program.
9.3 Preliminary Report from Ad Hoc Committee on Parks and Recreation Facility
Oversight—Councilmember Jones
Councilmember Jones explained that he was before Council to present a preliminary
report from the Council Ad Hoc Committee that was chartered to study the management
of Parks and Recreation facilities broadly and to focus initially on Westwind Barn. Jones
proceeded with a PowerPoint _presentation. He reviewed the areas of study that the
Committee was tasked noting that a separate committee had been formed to determine the
physical plant plans for the Barn whose meetings would be convened following the
receipt of the renovation consultant's report. Jones identified the principles of the Ad
Hoc Committee for Westwind Bam and other Town recreation facilities as transparency,
accountability, accessibility and visibility by the City Council. The Committee's
members included: Councilmember Jones-Chair, Mayor Kerr, and Parks and Recreation
Standing Committee members Steve Johnson and Val Metcalf. The Committee had met
twice and interviewed Friends of Westwind, Supporters of Westwind Community Barn
and additional active participants at Westwind.
The Committee identified certain current facts about the Barn. The existing governance
structure had been in place since 1977 and was created for its simplicity and minimal
15
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
involvement of Town staff and Council and it limited the Town's liability. Community
interest in the Barn had been historically relatively low, however, the current
demographics of the Town have changed and there was an increased interest in Parks and
Recreation programs at the Barn. The Committee has also determined that riding was a
major recreational asset in Los Altos Hills and Council and residents believe that it was
appropriate to maximize the valued asset for the.greater community.
The Committee had defined four objectives for the Barn: 1) to continue the
accommodation of current users including the borders and 4H program; 2) expand the
riding Parks and Recreation programs at the Barn; 3) to allow access to funds for
renovation; and, 4) to maintain and enhance a viable revenue model in terms of ongoing
revenue at the Barn. Jones assessed the current facts as they related to the noted
objectives that included: the barn was in need of renovation and funding; the increased
community demand for extensive youth programs at the Barn; funding was expected to be
a continuing problem under the existing management structure; and, funding needs would
require a change in the governance of the Barn. Jones added that the Friends of Westwind
had been good stewards of the site and the facility and nothing nefarious had been going
on at Westwind historically or presently. However, it was clear there was not adequate
funding for upkeep and renovations.
Jones explained that during the Committee's due diligence evaluation of Westwind,
additional issues had been identified. The living conditions at the Barn for the full-time
staff needed to be addressed and upgraded and the financial arrangements for non resident
users of the facility needed to be evaluated for fair market charges.
Jones offered that the Committee suggested three alternative approaches as possible
solutions to the issues: 1) no change in governance but either request Friends address
living conditions for their staff and/or the Town make immediate physical changes-in
addition request the Friends ensure fair market was charged all non-resident users; 2)
request that Friends consider a renegotiation of their lease and a change of their contract
to a Management Service Agreement to be reviewed on an annual basis and additionally
request changes in the Friends governance with a proposed change in their By-laws that
non-residents could not vote for the Board of Directors and, potentially, an increase in
facility sharing obligations with the Town; and 3) Town manage the Barn and allocates
space to users including the Friends.
Jones noted that if there was a successful resolution to the negotiations with Friends and
an agreeable governance to the stakeholders, the potential for expansion of the facility
was a viable possibility.
Jones explained that the Committee was not recommending the first alternative offered
but the second or third alternative or some variation of the two was amenable.
Jones reviewed the Committee's "next steps" in the process with Council. They included
direction to Town staff to ensure that a window was installed in the living quarters at
Westwind; an external review by the Ad Hoc Committee of management of other local
16
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
barns; final report on the findings to the Council by early March to be followed by public
hearing and a City Council decision on the choice of options.
Jones requested direction from Council and input on the Committee's effort to date.
Mayor Kerr, AdHoc Committee member, requested that Susan Lam be considered as a
member of the Committee.
Council discussion.ensued. They reviewed each of the identified "next steps". Council's
unanimous consensus was to direct staff to proceed with item number one and move
forward with the installation of a window in the living quarters. Councilmember Jones
request as Chair to review other Barns and their respective management was supported by
the Council. Staff was directed to add the final report of the Committee to the March
agenda and to move forward with a public hearing and consideration of action by
Council. .
Council consensus was to appoint Susan Lam to the AdHoc Committee.
Council consensus was to support Councilmember Jones approaching the Friends of
Westwind to explore their interest in discussion of a possible change in their lease
agreement to a Management Services Agreement. Councilmember O'Malley recused
himself and did not participate in the discussion of this direction to the Chair of the
Committee.
Councilmember Mordo thanked Councilmember Jones for his presentation and
acknowledged that it had addressed the major issues with the governance at Westwind.
He suggested that it was his opinion that the success of any of the options was also
dependant on the employment of a professional experienced barn manager whose
employment was approved by Town staff and the City Council.
Jones explained that a new barn manager had recently been employed by the Friends and
he had not had an opportunity to meet him to date. Jones added that the recommendation
offered by Mordo could be included in the MSA.
9.4 Consideration of Mayoral Appointment of Representative to Santa Clara
County Cities Association—Councilmember Jones
Mayor Kerr explained that Councilmember Jones was unable to serve as the Town's
representative to the Cities Association due to the conflict of their meeting schedule with
the Council's meeting schedule. He suggested that a Planning Commissioner be
appointed to serve in this capacity. Kerr noted that the Association was currently
reviewing their By-Laws to determine if a non-elected official could voter.
Following a brief discussion, consensus of the Council was to have the Mayor inquire if
any Planning Commissioners were interested in the position and to move forward with
the appointment. If more than one expressed an interest, the appointment would return to
Council for their consideration.
17
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
10. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Dan Alexander, Elena Road, presented the Council with a check for $2,000 from the Los
Altos Hills Historical Society to help defray costs for the Town's History Display project.
Council thanked Alexander for the generous gift.
Ed Smith, De Bell Road, expressed his frustration with the recent actions of T-Mobile
during their installation of the "COW" cell phone antenna at the California Water Service
water tank that was located next to his property. He explained that they had used his
driveway for the installation without his permission. Smith reported damage that was
done to his retaining wall. He believed there were issues with legal setbacks, traffic, and
safety. He provided Council with a series of photographs of the trucks traveling on his
drive and the damaged retaining wall. Smith had not been contacted by T-Mobile.
April Anair, De Bell Road, explained she was upset with the installation of the T-Mobile
Cow. She explained that it was very unsightly and had been advised by realtors that it
would negatively impact her property. T-Mobile had run the very noisy generator
constantly for several days and large equipment including a cheery picker were left in her
backyard. She provided photos to Council of the equipment.
Planning Director Carl Cahill explained that the right-of-way issue that had been noted by
Mr. Smith had put the project on hold. He added that both he and Debbie Pedro had
visited the site immediately upon hearing of the issues and had contacted T-Mobile to
shut down the generator.
Sandy Humphries, Fremont Road, requested that when any generator was installed in
Town, a condition that they be double insulated for noise to protect the solitude of the
residents be considered.
Ellen Smith, De Bell Road, requested that the City Council consider what impact cell
towers have on the rural, quiet life style enjoyed by the residents of the Town. She
offered that the towers were very invasive.
Randy Harr,Miranda Way, explained that he was first made aware of the COW antenna's
proposed installation in an article in the Town Crier. He notified staff and was informed
that he would be contacted if the project moved forward. Harr informed his neighbors.
He did receive a notice ten days prior to the installation. He reported that the installation
occurred over the Christmas holidays. Harr found fault with the staff for not informing
him that a T-Mobile application had been submitted to the Town and he had not been
notified.
Mayor Kerr offered that Council had mailed a Town wide notice to residents and
conducted an extensive public hearing on the issue of cell towers and cell phone coverage
in Los Altos Hills.
18
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
Councilmember Jones suggested that perhaps the procedure/methodology for the
placement of COWs should be reviewed.
Planning Director Cahill offered that COWs have been installed in Town for
approximately ten years. In response to the De Bell tower, Cahill noted that once staff
was informed of the situation, California Water and T-Mobile were contacted and stiff
met with the neighbors on site the next day for approximately two hours. Copies of all
documents on the project were provided to Mr. Harr and a CD of the documents was
prepared for easier viewing of the information.
Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky explained that the purpose of the COW was to serve as a
story pole and to judge technical capability for a proposed antenna. They are not meant to
be permanent installations.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.1 Consideration of Fee Exemption for building Permits Issued by the Town
for Solar Energy Generation Equipment
Planning Director Carl Cahill introduced this item to Council. He explained that Council
had unanimously approved the reduction in fees for solar permits at the December 15,
2005 City Council meeting. Adoption of the proposed resolution would amend the
schedule of"Fees,Deposits, Charges for Service and Other Assessments"accordingly.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED PUBLIC BEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Jones, seconded by Mordo and
passed unanimously to adopt Resolution #1-06 adopting a revised fee schedule to be
effective on January 13, 2006.
11.2 Introduction of Proposed Ordinance Amendments to the Town's Zoning
Code with Regard to Fences, Walls, Gates and Columns (Section 10-
1.5.507) (FIRST READING)
Motion to waive further reading Motion to introduce ordinance
Planning Director Carl Cahill introduced this item to Council. He offered that the
proposed ordinance was the first charge of the Ad-Hoc Planning Committee. Cahill
reviewed the major changes included in the proposed amendments that included: 1) the
requirement of neighbor notification and a site development hearing for fences that
require the removal of existing landscape screening; solid fences that impact neighbor
views; and any other proposal that the Planning Director deemed appropriate for a
hearing; 2) wildlife corridor fences located in or around officially designated wildlife
corridors would be subject to the same requirements that apply to fences on the perimeter
19
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
of open space/conservation easements; and, 3) the replacement of existing legal
nonconforming fences must conform to the requirements of the new ordinance.
Cahill noted that the definition of a"view"was directly from the Town's View Protection
Ordinance. The Ad Hoc Planning Committee and Planning Commission were in
concurrence to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
•
Dru Anderson, Saddle Court, questioned whether the ordinance would regulate a solid
wood fence that impacted a vista view. She believed a broader notice would be
appropriate if the fence had a greater impact like on a major road in Town.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Council discussion ensued.
Councilmember Mordo thanked the Planning Director for his guidance during the
development of the ordinance. As a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, he suggested that
the proposed ordinance was a reasonable approach to the issue of fencing in Town and
was a successful compromise.
Mayor Pro Tern Warshawsky, also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, concurred with
Mordo. He explained that the Committee had reviewed historical issues and
controversial fences that had been constructed in the past. It was determined that
notification of the immediate neighbors might have resolved many issues. Warshawsky
noted that the identification of wildlife corridors was being addressed by the Open Space
Committee.
Councilmember O'Malley offered that he had been reluctant to make any changes to the
existing code but felt that the suggested changes were reasonable. He noted that with the
definition of view not being subjective but tied to the Town's view ordinance, he could
support the amendments.
Councilmember Jones explained that the suggestion of a revised fence ordinance was first
broached at the City Council's strategic planning meeting and discussed as a means to
retain the rural nature of Los Altos Hills without being onerous to property owners. He
believed the revisions to the existing ordinance were a first good step.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Mordo, seconded by Warshawsky
and passed unanimously to waive further reading and introduce the ordinance amending
Section 10-1.507 of Article 5 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal
Code regulating fences, walls, gates and columns. Staff was directed to schedule the
second reading and adoption of the ordinance.
12. CLOSED SESSION
20
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
13. ADJOURNMENT
•
There being no further business, the January 12, 2006 regular City Council meeting was
adjourned by the consensus of the Council at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Jost
City Clerk
The January 12, 2006 City Council Meeting minutes were approved as presented at the
February 9, 2006 Regular City Council Meeting.
•
•
•
21
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 12,2006
SECTION
LOSALTOS HILLS
ha
CALIFORNIA
March 8, 2004
Thomas Tompkins
27725 Black Mountain Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 •
Re: Tree Maintenance
Dear Mr. Tompkins: . .
I am writing in response to your complaint received by the City Manager on February 26,
2004.
Please be advised that,if the tree in concern abuts the property line of your residence,
pursuant to Los Altos Hills Municipal Code Section 12-2.201,the property owner is
responsible for the care and maintenance of this tree. I have enclosed a copy of the
ordinance for your information.
Please call me if you have any questions regarding this matter at(650) 941-7222 x242.
Sincerely,
)12,Lev,(7,..;Steven Garcia,
Public Safety Officer
•
cc: Maureen Cassingham, City Manager
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills
California 94022
650 / 941-7222
Fax 650/941-3160
MEMO
Date:March 31,2004
To:Maureen Cassingham
From: Steven Garcia
•
Re:
LOS ALTOS HILLS
CODE COMPLIANCE & ACTIVITY REPORT
t
_ • 2-26-04. Maureen Cassingham received a complaint from Tommy Tompkins requesting
that the Town trim the eucalyptus trees adjacent to his property at 27725 Black Mountain
Road. According to Mr. Tompkins,the Town's former City Manager agreed to trim the
trees for Mr. Tompkins. City Ordinance requires the property owner to maintain trees
along their property lines. A letter advising Mr.Tompkins of his responsibilities for the
maintenance of trees along his property was sent along with a copy of the Town
Ordinance.
3-1-04. Stephan Bowling,411111111111.1.111,complained that a Town-owned tree was •
(inn ged by the last storm and maintenance of the tree is required_ Mr. Bowling
requested, through a registered letter sent to the City Manager,that the Town prune the
tree or remove it. I sent Mr. Bowling a letter explaining that the property owner is
responsible for the care and maintenance of trees which abut their property.
3-2-04. Terry Egger,awn, complained of improper compaction at the Alta Lane
North sewer line and sandbags blocking the roadway.John Chau and I inspected the area
and found no indication of improper compaction. We left a message for the property
owner who set the bags up to remove them from the roadway.
3-3-04.Jill Low,111111111111111.,complained that their neighbors at 25665 O'Keefe have
improperly installed their drainage system. John Chau and I inspected the neighbor's
residence and found that their system does conform to the Town's specifications. Mrs.
Low was not aware that the neighbors had made corrections to their drainage system.
John did not see any further violations. Mrs. Low was given advice on how to prevent
further run-off damage.
3-3-04. Ray Enochs,11111illip was concerned about an oak tree damaged in a traffic
accident. The Town delayed any work on the tree for the responsible party's insurance
purposes. Mr. Enochs wanted upright the tree himself if the maintenance crew wouldn't
MEMO -
• Date:June 30,2005
To:Maureen Cassingham, City Mans ger
From: Steven Garcia,Public Safety Officer
Re:
LOS ALTOS SLS
CODE COMPLIANCE & ACTIVITY REPORT
6-1-05. Kathy Perga,UM. complained that the reactor sign at 25751 Elena Road is
too large.I inspected the site on 6-g-05 and found that the sign has been removed_
6-1-05. Robert Hall complained that the fencing at the intersection of Purissima and
Elena Road creates a.traffic hazard. I spoke-to the workers on site and requested that the
fence be moved an additional five feet away from the roadway.
6-1-05.Richard Simko,-,complained that the eucalyptus tree at the intersection
of Natoma and Black Mountain is leaning in a dangerous manner.I inspected the site and
observed that the eucalyptus tree was leaning and may be a hazard_ The property is
currently for sale and once the new owner takes possession of the property, the removal
of the tree may be required-
' 6-2-05_ An anonymous letter complained that the residents at 26940 Orchard Hill
installed an illegal drainage pipe. I spoke to the resident The pipe is for sewage
connection and the water is from their defective leech field, which will be repaired once
they are connected to the sewer line.
6-2-05. Joan Sobel,WM complained of a loud attic fan coming from her neighbor's
home.Upon my inspection,the issued was settled with the neighbor.
6-2-05.•Sue Cho, IIIIINIIR and other neighbors complained of driveway construction
possibly without a. permit_ Planning Department issued the homeowner a permit I
inspected the site and saw no obstructions caused by the materials on their driveway.
6-6-05. Dennis Russell, 111111a, complained that her neighbors at Prospect are
conducting charity events at their home that disrupt her neighborhood_ I advised Ms.
Russell that such events are legal,but if the noise is disruptive, she may call the Sheriff's
Department
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LOSALTOS HILLS
CALIFORNIA
January 5, 2006
Adam Askari
13482 La Cresta Drive
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Re: TREE MAINTENANCE NOTICE
Dear Mr. Askari:
Please be advised that pursuant to Section 12-2.201, you are responsible for care and
maintenance of trees in the public right of way which abut your property at 27861
Natoma Road. The Town received neighbor complaints regarding the condition of the
eucalyptus trees along Natoma Road. Maintenance is necessary to eliminate any
possibility of root failure.
•
To remedy this condition,you may hire a licensed tree arborist to provide tree
maintenance to mitigate failure of the eucalyptus tree roots. This will include the clearing
of all branches and leaves in the drainage swaie. This work must be completed on or
before January 11, 2006. At this time, if such work has not been completed, the Town
may perform such work, and the cost thereof shall constitute a charge against you, and
such charge will be a lien on your property:
I have attached a copy of the Municipal Code Section 12-2.201.for your information. If
you have any questions, please call me at(650) 941-7222x242. Thank you for your
cooperation on this matter. .
Sincerely,
ArA
Steven Garcia
Public Safety Officer
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills
California 94022
650 / 941 - 7222
Fax 650/941-3160
SECTION
•
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�._.,:, ... ,7 > tr s .c x�rk x'127 v 'L ! {�,'1 r• ,¢ftf. yJ591{f. A r>
;';i-✓•.,..• r,,a ” f + 'J�}.4i ) �YK s ,,d,-�{is t k, ^�(}�,A^?':4:0 :',..i.'4;
dist°;{a;i d?rifled theitscene wi h+,•z sj ; cil meeting, and evaluated'the city's members knew it was unsafe. 4„t°, {t7 T 1 ,,,x�) ;s. , Ti k”14 '^-rnw�, ,� J r ,
y ,, t ,r y v° rs WO'
i^� ,aid a j F� �c'1 L1� ,,�i�. � s� 1� ,
31i..... arkold on f low rst}sclled T .-response'to the death of a bicyclist,• PG&E responded to the storms by .,Fri a7,,A��a KT Adr {, ltF„ ; ft', � r '�{�3'n`" v'
:;, :,n.:;....:.,..-....•..;..1'..:• ,; , •s ''d .. •, t( r -�F 0�`, i>w� t r,,k S4 3 .'3 ;•
ull'd"to bessenteneecltat P1.0" ni :.: Daniel Plummer, on Natoma Road. calling in extra crews from. Southern x a lrl f � �'s r F?sA r",,= � . , ,, r fr,
1? ,
1 l'ric1h_3 sin'.SantaL011ra'=4or�n't h air:',,,,,-4'.1,54,70,41141" 1_ ► ,•:t�� .st�, :. r , .� ,�
Confused communications be- California, Las Vegas and Kansas � if � �;��x , r �.�,�s��''•n�rk,'. ts,
Sir ciior 'Court;.;San Jose::The = [ween emergency responders after according to company represents ,ct�' �'`'«3., t t .L Ci ` i, 1 Yir v.
1f sf It,,'r" t^ i s. ;.,=A rat r c ilS€e+ix r _fit�;1.
c. dist,7,2=,eai old Rober t'James ;; b p rVt;^::t'� .E 1a'`l, t r tt,Yt7 U L
y .y� Plummer's death resulted in a Teak- Live Darren Defner. He reported that <ry�, y� ,rz�, , ����S�-+r��;f -3�,�C,7 ��',p,a , �
F;ii... .F n_. s$7 0:'t'r]1 T 7,„0,1.4 4 y 1t'�t:,.r• 'Frei)" s'�ar14"[ 9t ;Sq
13. cve•-of�S�iliiyvale dfed =- `• down of the chain of command. Los there were 5,507.unique outages in t,, f � 7 q,� r
ht^-�s �r{Er Fq�K� N6t �� J 1,, '�Y ,fit.1 � I F Y t
Boi:'lik,40;:pleaded guilty J'ari r. Altos emergency crews and former town over the stormy weekend and• ;sr VVD-{ r,t; :17" ,' 7 ' .s z', ,• ••<4'r
xis, rat'•r ' 11. • 7 E' ,g , �Pry,
10":to''cl ar;ges.::of ch:ivi'ng::wluleg'- Hills Mayor Emily Cheng were both that more than 300 residents had.lost. �i ,i ,4 ` 4 ,, A;4 E }Yrs, ,,;art 6 ;,A,,st ,v1Fg, ,, , J:
intoxicated causin - ieat b`odrltslo r`t '`3!i-,,{)+19 oft**� �� ' s y"= a')i9 t�`{';t;�,�C l
g.g Y . . contacted in the attempt to raspond to power•for"more than 24 hours. _ye t,, k t 9 e+� ,' T r; ,fi i ►tr i f r'. .
inj:ury to:a.per',s.on over the'agt;of> the accident and Los Altos. diverted The. •city spent approximately i []t�� ru ,(,t ( a r :fp, n,r• v Av �i.. ' a tJ l r; {
A ar,<�u, • F ti, Ay; S }s , ,.
$77 500 in.storm cleanup most of it .'rr'�u +tea{ � ,;dx,$t y,1 P r,rt m., .!1 , r! t A° ,Y t f '11
7.0',',.:4:elpny:•ch:i 4.0danger:inent, one of its emergency contractors .to ;t i�a ,, �„ vo , , rI ,t j$
vel icu.t'ai.-.,.manslaughter while `: Natoma Road. • on debris removal, accordingto-Cit ?p{„, ¢ 4�fFw, ' +l lE� "`..1t1{� " t`�t;l,Ti'�� + u gti,` ), ,
Y r�r.rF{jFj"t}d�`�`�'��-�,T � �t,�.�hf•l?��r:�� q'' tSiT'"' ..;:y:�,�! Rs'�: r'7',�,{
intoxicated;',. .....:felony:;hit'-and Santa Clara County Sheriff's Managei:Maureen Cassingham. r Etigt�::d, .prat,-y e , .r ,' ., , rid w ,,,,Ns , >1i oaf,
an e._:Jud e`'D:ia7iei`. Capt: John Hirokawa After hearing from residents con ,n" ,:.r; ,..,SPY , '„ ,., ••A•t ' nar '1'} s't1"
a4.0i ,in a cch: ,..g,,,. ,. - _Y Departrncnt• C p g fM�r 'xvr .y r F, .,004r ,,jar E) I. •t t 0 ot��t • " ?
wa,y c•ap peel itlhe-m,!).,Tfiunis. the Hills'citycouncil that seined about the danger posed by eu- ;•,•....g: t a gR5' .- A'f;' z. " ;s Y 1: i Y N. x
Nor;[h. 4. f.;.,: .: re orted•tov, .;N v i <<'���r�' «„-c +••fk : d F k, t-. r
sentericc.•::Bo%Ti'k:can receive at county communications operators . calyptus trees, the council approved '':` g .v t ,.Awi t :{_k, + > Verrill'- ati L k.not f'T'
retrained in emergencyre- an additional $10 000 to evaluate and , " : 1' ru ". yyi9 `�'`nt'�, 'a,}"j',,F•
�Ai • ` ...:`0;
si c,;ye'ar sz _ had. been retr 1 ,,s,% r°' r e t ,, :44-0;:,!;./ t¢��r5r y ,f 147.�r ty y'.r +s= e
sponse protocol since the incident. remove the mostperilous trees around • �'�lr'a r .. ,., sig,%• r�, 1 , 's r;,l ft,'
• • • t ,r � n ^ + F3 + 4
Los Altos Hills contracts with.private town r T := ++ it yF ni . " i '$�..a -pi 1P
1= r tr�r-�� � i :01,),,,,,c,� � , � ��r � s�=1
•A -- vendors such as PG&E,to respond [o The council discussed' possible 051mt0a aqua .,;;:''.7.g.,30.•-,.•.:0.a- i ',3 S( ,� � 't
n. I• Val .i!.# lf`Yr`f`�lIlf6 i1 iJ i'"ri-arlf .: "{0� t,"•r PlJt ICP ,r, ,.,44i
���II 111rqq�.II 11-` ,11 ,I//,gq11•II downed power lines and trees block- townwide.incentives for the remo y,,,t i�.,Fr,,ra ,{,--s,' ,Y',�, x ,tir,4 � „s.,, r� ,,,.o: T'Ti , f 1 ,
1-J'O U Iii U �.:a'AL'b V S7 I"leu t't� �S•A i A � �i`'� iF.I YC?L',.
mg roadways. The county dispatcher or heavy tri.mmi.ng of eucalyptus f f .� 1¢ :42:10.447,4101vt ,,,"x a.t. r Y�,t, ..
should contact those vendors to .re- trees, a ban.on new eucalyptus plant `4 z�6'{'�f'�;'%''2 k' ,y,.s*s"Y�x 4'n',f r+ ,0' •""YAT, ,
Cra+ 4.`fv..-A,u41.: ..P1 Jds,1x`,x, .x —•• 13� vw. X•. s 3
'._.yV spond to emergencies like that on Ings'and a possible permit requiring {YYL1111rFrrWNr.+rt+.F,
LAi;c'ell:tower::
'
TWIN IN C Vz-iCi,\ 2.i.06 Co \4I\41ExT
-I PEEK INTO THE PAST
EDITORIALS . - ---
Chief Dick Bassett of the Los "`""°'
Altos Fire Department stands . A"
Town taking storm risks seriously next to the chief's car in this Jan- ' r
nary 1954 photo at the Loyola i r i li -t
e salute recent actions by the town of Los.AltosW
station.The other firefighters • :, 1`;
pictured here are with a vehicle '2 111,
Hills to improve safety along streets by cutting t
known as a Mack um er.The fi1'r t
back problem trees vulnerable to collapse during P p 6.
Loyola station opened in 1953. "'11';'"c . : P'
winter storms. 5 4rU it "
It's unfortunate it took the death of a cyclist on Jan. 1 -•� .
FROM THE SANTACLARACOUNTY -,• � '.- -,,,,,t;:•.:-..:;.:,:...•,-_:::,:5:-:
..�- �*'+ tis
to prompt action. However, we're glad to hear the council FIRE DEPARTMENT WEB SITE;PHOTO FROM TFIE .m' L 3
GEORGE OUNFIAM COLLECTION - 5s.=: .,-4 '.allocation
removing the most dangerous trees around town. Clearly, • -,;=.,-.t - �
abetter
system needs to be in place for monitoring such 2•=m - ri..G_.,,
trees. But we're encouraged to hear some problems are being "^ y`=` ''n J`
dealt with. One resident told us town crews recently trimmed
back overgrown, problematic eucalyptus trees at Chapin and
Burke roads, which she said had been dropping limbs for -.1 •
years. A branch from one.such tree had landed on top of her LETTERS TO THE �DIr.
car.
It was a branch'from a falling eucalyptus that ended the Shock over pleasure by doing their charity
life of cyclist Dan Plummer on Jan. 1 as he rode along Nato- work on their way back to sch
ma Road in the middle of a storm. He wasn't the only one loss of Stevie
It is a blow to all of us when with the wind at their backs.
out. According to the sheriff's office, many people were out a'life so promising as Stevie Les Ears
in the storm taking hikes and walking dogs despite the dan- (Stephanie) Seligman's is sud- Los Altos F
gers of downed power lines-and falling trees. denly gone (Jan. 25 Town Crier).
Even in a storm, the chances of death by falling tree branch Our community feels the shock Appreciates call for
are remote, but residents need to use better judgment about waves of this tragedy, and as we Bullis joint-use
exercising in such conditions. The risks are greater, if less from ponder and search for answers I applaud your editorial sup
we can all quietly unite in heart- last week for shared usage.of
rs
falling tree debris than from skidding caand slippery feet. felt prayer for her family and Bullis-Purissima site by both
We can all do better when preparing for stormy weather. friends — to all touched by her Bulls Charter School and a
and mourning her loss. LASD elementary school. S
Fong set Foothill's bar high . May God's tender care be felt support is a positive step tov
by each and all. greater collaboration for,edi
L oothill College will be hard-pressed to..find a successor • Manya Kaseroff-Smith tion in our community in 200E
with the drive, ambition and accomplishments of cur- Los Altos We highly value the alte:
rent president Bernadine Chuck Fong. Fong just recently Christian Science Church tive this public charter scl
announced plans to'retire this year after 12 years as president offers to traditional pul
- of the renowned Los Altos Hills community college. Answer is blowing schools for all of tis with sch
Under Fong's guidance, Foothill embraced technology to in the wind aged children. The fact that
keep in step with a rapidly evolving Silicon Valley. It was the I applaud the plan by Yale stu- not a financial drain on the
dents.to do charitable work while ditional schools — since all s
first community college to offer credit courses online. She bicycling home from school to vacated by kids who attend
also oversaw, with Gay and Bill Krause, the creation of the the West Coast (Local Yale stu- charter school have been fi
Krause Center for Innovation, which offers technology skills dent to join Habitat bike chal- —is also important to us as m
for K-12 teachers. lenge, Jan. 18) but suggest that bers of the broader communit
Fong has made a major difference in personnel. She has that they reverse direction. The charter school is.dc
hired 80 percent of the current full-time teaching staff at I know from many bicycle great work creating a fe:
tours, including coast-to-coast, environment for kids to IFoothill, which for four consecutive years has ranked No. 1 and grow. It deserves to hav
among communitycolleges with the highest number of stu that it is tough riding into a head-
g g future solidified with a et
wind. Given that the predominant P
dents completing transfer and basic skills courses. Replacing wind direction across the'US. nent site rather than Contin
Fong will be a great challenge— they simply don't come any is west-to-east, I believe that in limbo at the camp schoc
- — • • • • ' • Children at the Hidden Villa i r -
reserve ni Los Altos Hills i b.'-F' 5 .,', ?
Annoying Elie homeowner's know if other gather for this undated photo. I ��' �'� �'�" -=a
cellphone users. Cars and or people have been hit. p r � "7
P ' . The picture,from the eollec- ' ` , �- _. _.
As a teenager at Homestead Tasked the town of Los AltosLt xlrs
I FIills toplease request that the tion ofLiz•Dana,daughter of s _ � r.
High School; couldn't agree q , �a a �k �; 1 ± "
more with the abuse of cellHidden Villa founders)wank
dwners cut those trees lower and �`�. . } .? �` ,�;
and Josephine Duveneck
phones "Cell phones and' the trim tlierrr:up but nothing came chronicles the:earl .days.of the ..s,.. ,:.-,0:25-4, '.-.4-..t.- s? r:'
invasion of the body snatchers," of that'request.The otherday;the preservers trailblazing summer '' - : ‘,04..a.
same Yo er owners'"tree•s Alit W ,,� } '
Dec.28 Town Crier). P P �' P •camps..The multiracial campsr,-.4,,7601_4,•:,,,--,--'1A--, � -
Cell=•phone addicts defend in two and.landed in the street g >- } �l tip :•encouraged.children to:appreci ,, -. w
their dependence op the,gadgets . and across tneu dnveway. ri 7 r '
. ., , ate cliversi Hidden Villa has
anc� claim that.they rai..e cone Thee trees are not only a dan �
Y .scheduled an April 29 event s � -.'.;/.;A',.
nient and easy for the fast-paced ger to people/cars on the street : t:o,cel`ebrate 60.years.ofcamp 7M t ti;,, $
lives of today.I begto differ. but also are very dangerous in a �o-i .. '3'.=-.---7"- ,�,;
Y fire. It seems to me these trees operations.For more informa- ;��
Of course they are very. cone tion,see our story on Page 22. - �' �• � '" .:,
nient in crowds where ou need should be trimmed to a shorter s�- ,; ;
y hen t and maintained on a•re u : CbuRTESY OF LIZ DANA Y ' z•r��„z
to fii�d.someone-or, as said in the g " - "
article,stranded somewhere,bnt lar basis. Ideally, they should'be •• • . .
cell-phone use has becoine much removed: .Go E .-your reUriii
More than that. After our lunch There are events We cannot
bell rings, I see the wave.of cell predict and.others we can-does By Stacey Chaney _x .. -.; ii
phones being flipped open to•call it not behoove us to eliminate o• i' -
the rdei -ring roblems that can : ,' �'" '''3
friend's to wonder where they g P }. ..
A. just got back from myr � .
are. be predi'cted'?• l'a'wsuit•cannot �F�� 1�;• �^ �y
• Hillsdale-High School �° h � i'.4§-,;'•,43;.'
My school is not that big,_it's bring back a life: reunion lunch in San 1L °� £ -
'
Jud.-K.Anderson n � �
just as easy to ask your friend to y Mateo.,I;had a long_list of v
meet you in front of the class- Los Altos Hills. , reasons r>;otto:go;:but I'm ,: ,� � !.�- �,.
room or take the few minutes to - soglad I dict es .eciall. , ;
. .
,. .
NEWS
. .
. •
Eucalyptus tree lban moves forward in .LAH.
Council hears report on trees • . T , ,' . , .•.7,-.,..,
By Eliza Ridgeway property, She and: Killian plan to z y 'z' ° -11,4,`s� % 1
Town Crier Staff Writer replant the area with native shrub- . -� "} 4 ; , 4. w 1
bery. •• ' ,
ucalyptus trees may `'ry `5." `� L � �' (• i'
F
Barrie Coate,consulting arbor- i
soon vanish from public ist for Los Altos Hills, .prepared A ' ' erights-of-way in Los Al- a March7 report that concluded, '�sx 3 z 5 �� t , z "; . l• i
tos Hills and eventuallyfrom the _3
"Tasmanian Blue Gum . . are" not c)°x� Y' - '- "'VVY' y�9 ! a }�'4',, I
entire town to answer safety con-. suitable candidates for retention in 2, ,.YK "'7-' i ,
terns. • the averageproperty." Tif '" •`, ,,
g .P.,..';'3`1 .- rz 9.,,,.'�j. y j i �Jz t, • i
A town ordinance which would This eucalyptus (Eucalyptus �„ y _ t�' ', 3 , , ,' I
r
ban the plantingof new eucalyptus '* X1'1" - i —' i,
yp globulus) occurs naturally in ar `0 z ` j
trees and mandate=the removal of k:t n g �' ' a�`' ee "l rr ° 1
eas of Tasmania and southeast , "t'''t �. e ' .q ',,A 1
exiting:ones as;a condition of new Australia. .More than 700 euca- :", . '�-� ,-, z !' ' A* 1
site:development is under consid- lyptus species proliferate in Aus- '_ ��' '-Z - fe,� ;� ": ',',..':-.1-,s_ ,.,
eration.. Meanwhile, some prop- tralia and surrounding islands,but T 1 - F-� 1, ' ,:,4705..`, s�` s- "_
erty owhers and the town have be- the tasmanian blue gum is one of � } _ i
to trim and remove`eucal tus "'" ' ` ¢T'-' � a " ~�' `%� "`��
gunYp the most common variants in the 6,
trees where they are hazards. F- � �` ax;. ¢ �` , ;;.r— I 1
United States. � - - `•`
Orange cones and sawdust lit- Hills -resident Judy Baker — f - t h -- s-, - 1
ter the roadside along Page Mill mourned the disappearance of the , ,-'5x 4 � � ,,. t
Road just beyond the intersQction tall trees along Page Mill Road: *" � � _ -� —� r
with Altamont Road.Six eucalyp- "rye -vi �
I ve lived up here for 21 years, - r-_+ 0_ h ,
tus trees have been cut along the driving by, enjoying these trees ,i 0- _.. — ,kt� 1
right-of-way by the homeowners, and their beauty,"she said. `.`What -�
Wald 'Lee and Earl: Killian; who if the branch that had killed theme 1s• `� �
live beneath them. cyclist was (from) an .oak tree? iv}—_,-a 4 , t
, „s em_ p - '
"I =ain a tree lover, not a tree Would we ban all oak trees?" = -¢° ...• x
killer," Lee said. "(But) the only Eucalyptus aren't the only trees 4....--_,,,,,---A
u -' ,' a
way„to:guarantee safety with cer- to drop limbs and block roadways r A= • , .. _ '
tainty is to remove these trees" in town. "According to Coates .."-;---...-„:.3.,/,.-..c ,- : ',,,,,,,.,t05:1—
--es-
The town became alert to the report, oak trees generate more ., .i ,,.
problem of eucalyptus trees-drop- incidents than any' other species -1-4:-"-'2 —• •'''' " 6 ?
ping limbs when a falling branch in the region. Redwood trees and :4-..4...1-..-1- ''
killed cyclist Dan Plummer dur- American sweet gum trees also �'M ...„:0 • " ..-- --.„---'`--.:-.,....e.!." „: - ...‘ ••• • " ;
Lug the New Year storms this drop limbs. y r ' : ....4;,, t,
January. Lee has been concerned Results of a townwide tree sur- '
about the trees along her proper- vey is expected to be presented at JOE HU/TOWN CRIER
ty line for longer than that — she the April 27 city council.meeting. Judy Baker of Los Altos Hills enjoys the sight of eucalyptus
said that falling limbs from the An ordinance limiting eucalyptus trees lining Page Mill Road and opposes the proposed ban on
trees have struck her power lines may reach the council in June,city the trees.
twice and burst into flame on her engineer Henry Louie estimated.
•
ft's-4&471/L s,61res TovyAt4r4er-/•A011=1-9;2006
. r
��
le ,.
r. 4 www.latc.com
Wednesday,July 19,2006 Community news for Los Altos,Los Altos Hills and Mountain View since 1947 Vol. 60 No. 29 • 50 cents
•
Los Altos Hills approves gradual removal of eucalyptuses
By Eliza Ridgeway ;,, a> remodeling totaling 1,200 feet Councilman Craig Jones said that the ever, the arborist's report identified many
Town Crier Staff Writer � %: � "t�� or more to remove all eucalyptus instigating factors behind the ordinance species of trees that drop dangerous limbs
"'ids` " s� trees on their property within 150 were the trees' status as a fire hazard and and are common to Los Altos Hills.
7,
he Los Altos Hills City 4440•1&:.*tfeet of roadways or structures. propensity to absorb water during heavy The staff report estimated that removal
Council unanimously ap- w,,, 'Px,,, §,, l'1•1,„ :' The ordinance targets six spe- rainfalls, causing them to uproot or lose of an average.eucalyptus tree would cost a
proved the introduction >r . "{�1°j'1 a',. cies of eucalyptus known to pres- branches. homeowner approximately $2,000. Some
of a eucalyptus policy, mandat- ,,,f ,�, r' a, ent a particular risk from fire The council cited the fire risk as the Los Altos Hills properties include as many
ing their gradual removal, in the .,,;,!,‘,...,=.3.,-:',--Dgq, and dropped limbs.The 150-foot most significant and unique threat euca- as 10 or 20 such trees.
town's landscaping ordinance. ;t ` ?:, distance was set on the basis of lyptuses pose to residents.The ban on the The council set the minimum remodel
The ordinance requires horn- Jones the average 150-foot maximum- 'trees was set in motion by the death of a size to trigger the ordinance at 1,200 feet
eowners doing construction or height of thetrees. cyclist struck by a branch in January.How- See EUCALYPTUS,Page 5
EUCALYPTUScouncil that the amendment of the rest of the town keeps
Page 1 would unfairly affect only some theirs?"
From Pa
g residents of town. "New larger "I don't know any way around
homes will be allowed to keep it.If we want to get rid of the trees
in order to continue to encour- 'unsafe' trees. We have lived eventually,we need to start some-
age some affordable housing in in our older home' for over 25 where," Councilman Jean Mordo
town,Jones said,allowing for the years. We hope to remodel. Why said.
"granny unit" cottages built on should we be forced to spend the The town and homeowners
town parcels. estimated•$15,000 to take down have begun to remove hazardous
Maria Caffey wrote to the our lovely trees, while most eucalyptus along roadways.
•
,
•
NEWS
..
Storm leaves Los Altos virtually undamaged
•
Downed trees worst ,+,,, 7 ,- �< ,
problem reported s `,i�( � ' 4' r, � %1?
during season's first t /Fe 1 u.f -*,
rains last week 't� 7f3,{tyr�M1' 1 ( r--r tt���',+ •sl^ it'ate''ad
P r
G�.,...firs: L t ,.1,- r - • --,,i-,Pr,,-t.'
By Linda Taaffe ' it
Town Crier Staff Report t ,. ;'f•"+s,1• Pr••I')_44-'•;•,- . } -4� '
IJos Altos endured the sea- s� �� 'FVC F, e j
son's first rainstorm last r`,, t i i ll ! �47.62:•'-;
with relatively few A';:-.:?4. 4 tfir;
reported problems.Downed trees :16-C,..,,..,,,..•'t ,7� ..g1:,,,,,,&-...::: •;_t_.:,...--...! , .
•
seemed to have created the most ' " s{ j rry t* t .• ?„ 3
4 g f i .e,-"-:',7,
a,
havoc in the area. k , lie '•'
Three days of rain with 45 ,^. b 6i — e.q',� f'� yrl� t ri
mph winds from Alaska appar- r:r Y t ` ( so✓ `
�" -"" !' j 1,, ''kms e • Y/ Y,, ry r
eptly generated enough force to _ ftt,.;•:,,,.._47.;_••,:.ya:•,:v. , n
N 9 x
down trees at one school and a
Mountain View public park. � F '� ', rr7•2,,...1t,... ., yl �, �
At St. Nicholas Catholic ._VP ���s 4s}a, -4, .` -'' ' I '', r
School in Los Altos Hills, two .' 4_ 1'`, ,t-�, r• ,, +.'
eucalyptus trees fell Oct. 18 � s �� �4's%\\ r � ., ,_,-,,,„4
blocking the driveway it El #� ya �1, ,,x- F
Monte Road. The winds and `S/-' r iih' ' -, r :,,p iV
rain were too much for the first �/r tFr• _ s qC cr ��
tree to withstand, according to fr,�~5 'r '4 /4,. �'r �� X1
• r �' t:
the cleanup crew.The tree fell r,�� , 1• • , 1:4+.1.-Z. 1� `,?t. ,
against a second tree, creating a �4 �kaao —i
• domino effect.The second tree ? s °' e`r '' `t `9t.��,f
fell against a sign, crushing it ,..':,,,:,:.,?,,....:....,..;•,-.' T tom" * - A<, 4 t
to the ground. Both trees were ,tF "`a � ' '
full-grown and about three sto- r4� ,- � k -t tlj' �g ..4.f...:;-•!.*
ries
-
ries high, according to a school / r� ',14,"r' 1`�'• a ` ,.t
spokeswoman. •� . ti 2. rr y e4 ff'' 4.I.tq ` 1A,. f:
She said no one was hurt.The• a 3g ,\ "aN ,4545;7:-/7.;1 .
worst result was that parents exit- "• " '
ing the school had to navigate • MENcntae
around the trees and into corn- A work crew cuts up two eucalyptus trees that fell across
ss the
the
muter traffic with limited visibil- entrance at St.Nicholas School during last week's Storm.No one
ity,the spokeswoman said. was hurt,according to a school spokeswoman.
•
A downed tree in Rengstroff she heard an explosion.Ari aca- cular area when it hit the metal.
Park trapped Mountain View res- cia tree at the park had fallen on The wire blocked the only exit
idents in their homes for about a transformer, she said. A few from her upstairs condominium. •
30 minutes later that morning moments later,she noticed a bro- "By then, I was totally
after a live electrical wire tangled ken electrical wire had ignited scared,"she said.Garrett praised
in the tree snapped in front of some branches in two different the fire department for its quick
their condominium complex. areas in front of her building. response.
Firefighters told residents The wire eventually fell In Los Altos, Public Works
CO remain indoors until PG&E against a metal street lamp,cre- Director Brian McCarthy said he
crews could repair the wire. ating a second explosion. received no reports of downed
Resident Luz Guerra said she Garrett said the,wire created
was in her condominium when sparks two to three feet in a cir, See RAIN,Page 5
RAINT problems to speak of,"he said. The season's first storm hit the
11 V The only reported power out- Peninsula earlier than usual. In
From Page 4 age was at Los Altos High School 2002, the first storm hit Nov. 7,
and the su'rrounding neighbor- leaving 3,406 residents without
hood. power and downing 64 trees.
trees. The storm brought about one The average rainfall for the
"Besides a couple of minor inch of rain to the area, accord- Peninsula during this time of year
drainage problems, Los Altos ing to reports from the National is 1.58 inches of rain.
fared pretty well.There arc no Weather Service.
October 27.20D4/Los Altos Town Crier/Page 5
•
•
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\,,,,..:,;:::F1::::,:!!..;,, • d ` �]r _' {„:" r a, ' .• t Ya" LAH considers further
,, �, ;a- �.r, 11 PM7Atit; .r solar orthnance
Ina further bid to support en-
. = ` ▪ = � g� �x� �1 rtaK{, Y` ' ..m,. erg, conservation in Los Altos
1, � ,� r� ^ia�`i•i,,gc�. �,�� ��, -�,� *„��--��, Hills, the city council will evalu-
r1.-7 y 't �� .
.,�-,� �- k= `;'' -� , , '��'"�- �.��„ ate an ordinance amendment to
•
` � � � �; ° _ ; � promote solar panels April 27.
�, "� ,`s�';- " ': -' .�� s• ii'a } The amendment would ap-
"'
-,, �t ... � E kprove a Sl o mens e foot empmaxi-
` jF R' ' - B ;, �4 um development area exemp
ms - ° ,0;`"`.. �x Y•_ tion for solar panel installation.
. ,s-n '`tea' .:i .' 'f✓ ''S ''ts .vim ''''4 ", �r
0 - ,0 �� k - t Atpresent, solar arrays are
, ,s � e � �.` 4> among the development projects
I .�' x`x�'a,:,-°• r,r „1 " S„,s , ix - limited by ordinance.
i . .,,.,r se'. Y - F+_: s -?mss.. •
tci { }}a-4,*l s-v' n 041 d-4 :41.,k�4 ..1%4",,_-,...4,�k,, r h •e
� � � �-, '`Il• �, ,��. ''"��-,0, ;> : .. 4 LAH planners pursue
m- ar,-tet...s V t t, • ,g - �ko-. eucalyptus ban
n �' �.+'{ ,. Snil'47.::,;.:,,,7:::,42,,,.,..;..4.4;;;..,.:.':;-:` • ',..,,7-0,4,....k.'„......sx - y Blue-aum eucalyptus trees,
sar
_-..f, 're.'
r rt6 ...0 ey ��'>N known for their speedy growth,
.� .,: ,o,'-',...,:_414'W4:4; :si' dropped limbs and flammable na
A.
w�d� I sure,may be in their final days in
' w-`_k;r .4 Los Altos Hills-
s. �1 m Y commission
i ' � r t- s z.�' Y .�0+ The g
1=-4-0P-"1:
,, - • , w ,,. • ,, ,, ,- . . has directed staff to prepare an
IP'.:;,..,,I;;•'Cl'Ir-7,-'17-ft,.,•
� � ` � ky—,,.4;•.M 4. Pte$# amendment of the town develG"- � 3 a 'a�c Y �t,,,, . .-� t � k opmentordinance requiring the' ��� � removal of blue gum eucalyptus
17, � . � � , trees as a condition of site Bevel
�:I.IA: -'is -- 7 opment permits. •
F. � xr, fi � ��� applying
Any homeowner for .
.; sY 4W*� a significant development project
. Stye s. 4 e.' ,s �r
�,x -• 4� -s y=V " bxG 4` 5tg-k. r,4.. .-a would be required to remove any i
TO{�\CRIER f II,F-ph(oro blue-gum trees on the property.
Los Altos Hills resident l.an Earnest's photovoltaic system gener- The ordinance may allow for ex
ates electricity for his house and pool.Later this month,the town emptions by appeal to the town.
will consider amending its development ordinance to promote
solar power. --
_ April_12,2006/Los Altos.Town Crier/Page
.,--- ..:1 -. -.
Selected relevant reading material
From the Audubon Society (found at
http://magazine.audubon.org/incite/incite0201 .html)
If you smell like a cough drop when you stumble out of the California woods,it's because
100 of the world's 600 species of eucalyptus grow there. None is native. They were
imported from Australia during the second half of the 19th century as we were hawking
our redwoods to the Aussies. "Wonder trees," the eucs were called,because they shot up
in coastal scrub and vast redwood clearcuts.
Of the many eucalyptus species that evolved with fire, none is more incendiary than blue
gum. "Gasoline trees," firefighters call them. Fire doesn't kill blue gums. Rather,they
depend on fire to open their seedpods and clear out the competition. And they promote
fire with their prolific combustible oil, copious litter, and long shreds of.hanging bark
designed to carry flames to the crowns. Blue gum eucalyptus doesn't just burn, it
explodes, sending firebrands and seeds shooting hundreds of feet in all directions.Living
next to one of these trees is like living next to a fireworks factory staffed by chain-
smokers.
The only native plants we encountered in the grove were shallow-rooted--mostly poison
oak. I stuck my hand in euc leaf and bark litter and couldn't find the bottom; in California
it can be four feet thick because the microbes and insects that eat it are in Australia.
Native plants that manage to push through the litter often get poisoned; as a natural
• defense against competition, eucs exude their own herbicide, creating what botanists call
"eucalyptus desolation." Plants that are most immune include poison oak and pernicious
aliens such as Cape ivy and English ivy.
Eventually we heard a single ruby-crowned kinglet. Native birds do use eucalyptus
groves,though the Point Reyes observatory has found that species diversity there drops
by at least 70 percent. Eucs flower in winter, attracting insects and insectivorous birds.
To deal with the sticky gum, Australian honeyeaters and leaf gleaners have evolved long
bills. North American leaf gleaners such as kinglets, vireos, and wood warblers have not;
so the gum clogs their faces,bills, and nares, eventually suffocating them or causing them
to starve.
Bird carcasses last only a few hours in the wild; if you find a few,it probably means that
lots of others died, too. One local bird author I talked to--Rich Stallcup, who writes for
the PRBO--told me that over the years he has found about 300 moribund warblers "with
eucalyptus glue all over their faces." Says Stallcup, "We see a large number of gummed-
up Townsend's warblers, yellow-ruped warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets,
Anna's and
Allen's hummingbirds, and a few Bullock's orioles. Anyone who birds around eucalyptus
trees sees it all the time."
Bird artist and birder Keith Hansen, who illustrates some of Stallcup's work, has found
about 200 victims. "The worst one was last year--a yellow-rump," he says. "At first I
thought it was deformed, because there was such a dome of gum over its beak that it
made a horn. The bird was hunched forward,breathing very heavily." If you try to
remove the gum, the upper mandible will break off in your fingers.
Gum isn't the only danger. Eucs give nesting birds a false sense of security, creating
population sinks. For example, the PRBO has found that in eucs, 50 percent of the Anna's
hummingbird nests are shaken out by the wind. In native vegetation the figure is 10
percent. "Birds will use these trees year after year, nesting but producing almost no
young, until the population crashes," says Geupel. Somehow the public isn't getting the
message about America's largest weed. After the PRBO published a Stallcup-Hansen
article entitled "Deadly Eucalyptus," the group got a call from a woman asking what kind
of eucs she could plant that were good for birds.
"I kill eucalyptus," is what Russ Riviere, a dapper Bolinas arborist who wears a vest to
work,told me when I asked him what he did. But Riviere is more than a euc euthanizer;
he is a champion of native ecosystems. When he finishes a job he frequently turns the site
over to his friend Ann Young, an energetic and upbeat restoration ecologist who spends
her life planting everything that Bolinas and its vanishing wildlife are running out of.
Riviere met me outside my room at the 151-year-old Smiley's Schooner Saloon, and we
drove to the current job site, where, among crashing eucalyptus trunks and limbs, he
introduced me to his crew. The streets on this "mesa," as the local plateaus are called,
were named by easterners for trees that don't belong here. This site was on Elm Street.
From Elm Street we moved down to Pine Gulch Creek--also eroded and dewatered by
eucs, to the peril of its few remaining Coho salmon and steelhead (both threatened). On
another creek--where eucs are protected because they're wrongly said to provide
sanctuary to monarch butterflies--we encountered invading eucs, some being hauled
down by Cape ivy. On both creeks the eucs have completely clogged the corridor to the
sea, important habitat for all sorts of birds, including shorebirds that need to move up into
creeks when the tide covers mudflats.
Monarch butterflies do roost on certain eucalyptus trees in winter, a fact used to full
advantage by those who believe that all trees are always good no matter where they came
from or where they were planted. When the eucs weren't there, neither, apparently, were
monarchs--at least not in noticeable numbers. Perhaps they migrated down the coast until
they encountered native trees like Monterey pines. Geupel believes that eucs may create
monarch sinks the way they create bird sinks--that is, monarchs are attracted to them,
then get blown out by storms,perishing by the tens of thousands. "Monarchs are
declining, and I would argue that eucs may be the reason," he says.
Euc paintings by Molyneux's dead mentors--the "Eucalyptus School" of California
impressionists--are much coveted by art collectors, especially because there are now so
few of them. In 1991 many of the best examples were incinerated, along with the houses
of the Berkeley professors who owned them, when real eucs fueled the Oakland Hills
fire--which killed 25 people, destroyed 3,000 buildings, and is commonly cited as "the
most destructive wildfire in U.S. history."
Nine years earlier a report identifying the danger and recommending euc removal
had been submitted to the city of Oakland by the East Bay Regional Park District
and other fire authorities.The city ignored it. As a result Oakland got hit with a
broadside of negligence suits.Liability risk to Marin County is even greater because
it doesn't just ignore advice from fire experts,it spends money preventing that
advice from being implemented. (Emphasis added.)
Usually the only thing that happens when Santa Cruz fire marshal Mark Latham
recommends euc removal to the city fathers is that it"gets studied," he says. "We have
categories of flammable plants, and eucalyptus is way up at the top--almost off the scale.
It's a nasty situation."
From Wikipedia:
Australian eucalyptus oil place a vital part in the major
forest fires that frequently occur in Australia, especially during the
summer. As the temperature rises during hot summer days, the oil
becomes vaporised and rise. This is way you can see a blue haze over
the Australian bush and forest during hot days. The oil is highly
flammable which means that once a bush fire begins it will spread
rapidly from tree to tree as the vaporised oil catches fire. The
eucalyptus trees also have a habit of shedding dry branches t o
conserve water during the dry season, which means that their will
be plenty of dried wood around a eucalyptus tree. The eucalyptus
trees are however highly adapted to forest fires and will not suffer
from frequent outbreaks. A lot of the species actually rely on forest
fires to regenerate and make their seeds grow. This means that the
fires caused by Australian eucalyptus oil are worse for other
species than for the eucalyptus. When other species have succumbed
to the fire, the eucalyptus seed can grow rapidly without having t o
compete a lot with other species. The adult eucalyptus trees will
also quickly recuperate after a fire, since they keep buds guarded
under their bark.
This resilience to fires and the ability to actually spread fires via
the Australian eucalyptus oil is one of the reasons behind the
eucalyptus domination at the Australian continent.
From Expertsabout.com:
On warm days vapourised eucalyptus oil rises above the bush to create the characteristic
distant blue haze of the Australian landscape. Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable (trees
have been known to explode) and bush fires can travel easily through the oil-rich air of
the tree crowns. Eucalypts are well adapted for periodic fires, in fact most species are
dependent on it for spread and regeneration: both from reserve buds under the bark, and
from fire-germinated seeds sprouting in the ashes.
From an Australian website
(http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/29/1043804405093.html):
A nation hostage to the gum
January 30 2003
Can we talk about the war that has actually started, the one in this country, the one with
real casualties and no easy slogans? The war we are losing.
"We are basically at war," David Foster, the author and scientist, told me this week. He
had seen the home of one his daughters destroyed in the recent Canberra inferno. "We're
fighting this war with a bunch of amateurs, volunteers, and one day we'll need a
professional service to fight for us and it will cost a fortune."
Foster has written often about-the cunning, adaptable, dangerous, selfish and toxic
species - the eucalypt - that has just humbled us yet again. In The Glade Within The
Grove, the novel which won Foster the Miles Franklin Award in 1997, he offered this
warning, which seems to foreshadow his own family's misfortune: "Eucalypts thrive on
•
global warming. They are the tree of Siva. They are the tree of the future. They are the
enemy of the farmer, the friend of the hunter-gatherer. 'Your days are numbered' they
say to us ..."
In this week of Australia Day celebrations and the aftermath of yet another bushfire
tragedy - this time in the bushland national capital - and ongoing major fires it is worth
reassessing the qualities of the nation-shaping eucalypt. It is a double-edged icon. As the
American scholar Stephen Pyne wrote in The Burning Bush: A Fire History of Australia
(1991): "Eucalyptus has given the bush its indelible character. It is not only the
Universal Australian, it is the ideal Australian - versatile, tough, sardonic, contrary,
self-mocking, with a deceptive complexity amid the appearance of massive homogeneity;
an occupier of disturbed environments; a fire creature."
Don't be overly sentimental about the country's most successful coloniser, with its
glorious fragrance, the blue sheen it creates on distant forest canopies from the oil
droplets on its leaves, or the array of familiar shapes and evocative names- the red
gum, the blue, the grey, the black, the stringybark, the ghost, the scribbly, the ribbon,
the coolibah, ironbark, bloodwood, jarrah, mugga, yellow box, red box, white mallee,
yellow mallee, red mallee, rose, salmon, tallowwood, sugar, blackbutt, woolly butt,
river red and river peppermint.
Have a closer look, which people are belatedly doing in Canberra right now, where the
fingers of combustible bush reached into the suburbs like insurgent forces. The triumph
of the eucalypt as the dominant Australian species, made possible by its great alliance
with fire, and with Aboriginal firestick farming, has made Australia a more arid
country. The process is ongoing and has reached the point where rural Australia has a
full-blown salinity crisis.
"The reason why we Europeans have never been really comfortable here is that they [the
eucalypts] don't approve of us," says Foster. "They are not compatible with our farming
ways. They make the landscape more arid. They don't produce anything we eat. They
spread fire. They encourage fire. I do believe the eucalypt is actively seeking to create a
drier climate. It suits their purpose."
Eucalypts are also toxic - most plants can't grow within 10 to 20 metres of them
because of the toxins they drop into the soil around them, and these toxins leach downhill
and into the river systems. They are not interested in the welfare of most other species,
including us.
In drought, the eucalypt, especially the stringybark, drapes.incendiary streamers of
tinder. The oil in its leaves is flammable. Places disturbed by fire open areas t o
sunlight, allowing eucalypt seedlings a chance to outgrow more shade-tolerant rivals.
During fires, seeds rain down from the charred. canopy. The fluffy ash buries them in an
environment of mineralised biochemicals. Fire has swept competition away.
Not all eucalypts are firebombers. Snow gums and alpine ash would have been devastated
by the most recent conflagrations in the Snowy Mountains. But most eucalypts are
prepared to endure in a hot and arid climate. Their canopy drapes downward to reduce
leaf temperatures. The leaves are hard, to reduce moisture loss. They are shed
infrequently, to preserve energy. As dry periods extend, the root system expands,
searching for new water sources, and can grow vast as it compensates for the poverty of
the soil. It obsessively retains and recycles nutrients. The seedscan remain dormant for
•
decades.
Eucalypts are insatiable water-gatherers, while their root systems have an enormously
important role (like those of other trees) in keeping the.water table down and
salinisation at bay, acting like an enormous hydrology system across the continent. But
these benefits flow to us incidentally, and in the national battle against salinity, there
are more potent natural weapons than eucalypts, most of which, in Professor Pyne's
words, burn "readily, greedily, gratefully" and easily shed burning bark; their seeds
require oven-like heat to germinate, and give menace to the migrating winds. No wonder
the calendar of Australian history is constantly updated with conflagrations: Black
Thursday, February 6, 1851; Red Tuesday, February 1, 1898; Black Friday, January
13, 1939; Black Tuesday, February 7, 1967, Ash Wednesday,February 16, 1983, and
now the Black Weekend, January 18, 2003, when fire rained down on Canberra, razing
500 homes and endangering hundreds more. It could have been much worse. David Foster
was in Canberra on January 18 and saw what was possible: "Firebrands were settling all
over the city but the wind hit late in the day and then dropped. If it had hit at midday,
there could have been fires all over the city."
The cycle of backburning, which will now intensify in the wake of these latest battles,
will probably accelerate the primacy of the eucalypt, reduce biodiversity, and maintain
the evolutionary march towards a drier continent. There are huge, emotional and
fundamental issues about how to managefire in this country, and no easy answers. The
National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Snowy Mountains Authority are bitterly
criticised for destocking land and allowing massive build-ups of combustible
understorey.
The eucalypt hasn't been our most popular export, either. Ashley Hay's recent book Gum
(Duffy & Snellgrove, 2002) records that Australian eucalypts have been exported
around the world, sometimes with disastrous results. It is a hated tree in India and
places around the Mediterranean.
• The eucalypt may be beloved here, it may be the great Australian, but unless we start to
understand the environment we share with it, the eucalypt could outlast the consumer
society we have built here, and make a mockery of our vanities.
psheehan@smh.com.au
This story was found at:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/29/10438044050
93.html
And finally, from Dictionary.com:
Definition: weed' wid
—noun
1. a valueless plant growing wild,esp.one that grows on cultivated ground to the exclusion or injury of the
desired crop. •
2. any undesirable or troublesome plant,esp.one that grows profusely where it is not wanted: The vacant
lot was covered with weeds. •
By Dr.Walter Barrows
http://www.igin.com/Landscaping/1102outonalimb.html
It's a beautiful day, and you decide to take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air by taking a walk, maybe
just in your neighborhood, or in a nearby park. As you're strolling along, enjoying the greenery, you hear a
sharp, cracking sound, and look up to see a branch falling from a tree down the road, smashing the wind-
shield of the car parked beneath it.
During the hot summer weather, the phenomenon known to ar-borists as "summer limb drop" takes place in
numerous species of trees, including the common oak and eucalyptus trees. This type of limb drop generally
occurs in the warmer climates where the newly formed branches grow very fast. In some cases, improperly
topped tree branches are a major starting point for this type of limb drop. In other cases, cracks or decay may
be a factor.
The jagged end of the limb • •
For example, in northern California a large limb that fell onto the highway involved limb drop. It was dark at
the time and had been raining. Tragically, the jagged end of the limb broke through the windshield of a pass-
ing car, killing the driver and seriously injuring the passenger.
The court determined that the tree was part of a row of eucalyptus trees planted along the highway, and that
the defendants knew that limbs had been falling from these trees for years. They also knew that the particular
limb with which the plaintiffs' car collided on that dark night had previously extended over the highway for
some 30 feet.
A tree surgeon familiar with the area testified that the limbs of the tree involved were healthy and that he saw
no evidence of rot, decay or disease. He did state, however, that in Napa County, California, eucalyptus trees
grow very fast and become "rangy"—or, as Webster's New World Dictionary so aptly defines that word —
"long-limbed and slender." The tree surgeon added that these eucalyptus limbs have a tendency to break dur-
ing the hot days of summer because of the excessive flow of sap and, in the early fall, with the first rains and
winds; and that the trees will drop their limbs— even good, healthy ones.
He further testified that the standard method of preventing eucalyptus trees from becoming hazardous is to
top them and shorten their limbs so as to reduce the amount of leverage at the points where the limbs are apt
to break; and that he performed this service for 10 or 15 clients a year.
•
The defendant testified she had been told that eucalyptus trees drop their limbs. She added that, as far as
she could see, her trees were healthy. However, she admitted that she'd had no work done on them by a tree
surgeon for five years, although she well knew that eucalyptus limbs do fall at times.
The court found that the row of eucalyptus trees planted alongside the highway constituted a "non-natural or
artificial condition" and stated the following rule: "A possessor of land is subject to liability for bodily harm
caused to others outside the land (which included the adjacent highway) by a structure or other artificial con-
dition thereon, which the possessor realizes or should realize as involving an unreasonable risk of such harm
if ...(a) the possessor has created the condition or ...(b) the possessor when he takes possession knows or
should know the condition which was created before he took possession."
As the court pointed out, the distinguishing factor in this case is the natural propensity of healthy, untrimmed
eucalyptus limbs to fall to the ground, and the defendant's knowledge of such propensity. The rule in
California is that a landowner is liable for conditions occurring where he fails to exercise reasonable care to
prevent an unreasonable risk of harm to users of the highway from trees on his property.
On a rope swing
In another case, the plaintiff, an 11-year-old minor, was injured while playing-on a rope swing. The swing was
located on property owned and maintained by the defendants. The rope swing was attached to an oak tree in
a recreational area on the defendant's property. Six children jumped on a pole attached to the swing, and the
supporting branch gave way, striking the plaintiff.
Plaintiff contended that the defendants recognized the danger posed by the swing in the oak tree but failed to
take adequate steps to remove the swing. It was also contended that, if the defendants had commissioned
periodic inspections of the tree, such inspections would have revealed that the branch supporting the swing
was rotted.
An expert witness testified as to the dangers posed by older oak trees due to their propensity for rot and for
shedding branches. He said many owners and managers of properties, with similar recreational use, schedule
regular inspections on at least an annual basis. The expert witness also testified that particular training would
be necessary to identify signs of rot in limbs, which some nurserymen, arborists and foresters may not have
sufficient training to recognize.
The defendants contended that they owed the plaintiff no duty of care as he was a recreational user of the
subject property; that they had no notice of the rotted condition and no information suggesting that they
should conduct annual inspections of the tree; and that they took reasonable steps to prevent injuries on their
premises.
The plaintiff's attorney asked the jury for a finding of liability against the defendants. During settlement talks,
the plaintiff demanded $500,000. The defendant offered to settle for$99,000. The jury was out for 45 minutes
after a four-day trial and returned a verdict for the defendant. The injured child received nothing.
Legislative intent
The determinative factor in this case was most likely a section of California law that limits the duty of care
owed by property owners to persons using the property for designated recreational purposes. These include
tree climbing, fishing, hunting, camping, water sports, hiking, riding, rock collecting, nature study and viewing
or enjoying scenic, natural or scientific sites:
The purpose of the law is to encourage landowners to allow members of the general public to use their land
for recreational purposes without incurring liability for permitting use.
It is highly probable that, without the defense of this section, the defendant in this case would have been
found liable under the circumstances, in view of the expert witness testimony regarding the dangers posed by
older oaks, coupled with the fact that many owners and managers of properties with similar recreational use
schedule regular inspections on at least an annual basis.
It should also be noted that this section does not limit liability which otherwise exists for willful or malicious
failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity. Nor does it limit liability for
injury suffered in any case where permission to enter for the recreational purpose was granted for considera-
tion, i.e., admission fee, or to persons who are expressly invited rather than merely permitted to come upon
the premises by the landowner.
It should be further noted that public entities (municipalities such as cities and/or counties) are not protected
by this section. Only private landowners are protected. This is in keeping with the legislative purpose to
encourage private landowners to allow the general public to recreate free of charge on their property without
•
risk of liability.
Not just private landowners
Today, it is the domain of the consulting arborist to provide professional evaluation and analysis of specific
trees or plants involved in any given case. Often, this may require sophisticated forensic techniques to deter-
mine tree health or condition at the time of the incident and the value of the tree, if that is a factor in the case.
Increasingly, it is not just private landowners who are involved in litigation over trees. Public entities such as
state agencies, cities, counties and other governmental bodies are frequent parties to litigation arising out of
incidents relating to trees.
Parties maintaining hazardous conditions on their premises are harboring potential for liability. Professional
arborists are being called upon with increasing frequency to advise landowners regarding awareness of
potential liabilities and appropriate remedies.
Whether it be an insurance claim for a car damaged by a summer limb drop, a resulting lawsuit, a casualty
loss assessment for tax purposes or expert testimony before a judge or jury, the specialized forensic tech-
niques employed by arborists to make proper findings are available to modern litigators during both summer
and winter.
November 2002
SECTION
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THE LOS •
ALTOS HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
.
- .� . SEPTEMBER -
f P • �7E �A A0. immom
3xAtcsERNG Council out of Sync With Residents
scimmiTTEER k
s , u .r': rf
•
•
.? ,F �. r F P 3 4 AT
f SFo np i s Allvs HiftsJ1a,,yorsA s
�3s-1,,,,,,11.,..,..,,,,„Mayyorss Recent history illustrates a disturbing trend in it was approved by a 5-0 vote of the council.
Fant Case ,chit 9U 96 97, . •Los Altos Hills politics:Our City Council mem (See survey results story on p.5.)
`�'' 1 � �fl1 02,E >f,A.1.. bers have grown increasingly out of sync with
' xlgo64 nwre ` ZDa23 1 the beliefs and desires of the residents they ■ The council passed a tree ordinance that
liar� sS1i-ev Finny-2 OQ 01 ` x� were elected to serve. requires the cutting down of eucalyptus f f ,� X trees standing in proximity to new homes
`� t 1IS�rr111S� a s ? Z
4urt y&;Seiril rF O V 4 Over the last several years, the council has or remodels.The ordinance was a knee-jerk
�. - fluBbse&fiNarrcyxMDn,'D[r2ery passed several ordinances and taken other pre- reaction to the death of a bicyclist killed
s N' it �Abi41Jia ` t* 4 liminary actions that either contradict known when a eucalyptus branch fell on him dur-
fi lane yirfu, town-wide sentiment or simply sidestep any ing the ferocious storm last January.A ter-
u,ri1.4,& fa erre° ilr3tat F kind of public discourse. In other words, it's rible tragedy?Yes.A reason to start ripping
ebb&RiirC 1ttl kBS ,
�� ,�W s� �,E � � '� �` time for a change. The agenda of Los Altos out eucalyptus trees all over town? Not
3 TS) &1 11EF"Q3t[Di�x Fe
1263'f a gay 411 Hills is being driven by the City Council and without town-wide input.
n" ”' illitiVearrrren olatg 3 not the residents. Town-wide notification has
•
' L na tx;ai RrDytlar flown out the window and the silent majority ■ The council spent thousands of taxpayer
£f� , � .BD1 Ti..*. u r£ u i of residents who care deeply about this town is dollars to hire a wildlife expert and conduct
8 3, yl�a l&f_Dis 4t l beingignored. a survey to find out what wildlife people
i- x ;atto ettrrlt{if n - g
k*Nath&Jact,#logrtor, I , have seen in their yards. The more perti-
r` k R 3iit�j�1..0„T s m" Consider some of the council's questionable nent question would have been whether
t � 1ati cels t& lfOltelr wart & actions: they support a proposed ordinance to create
€, _ R4yrrrotid&�S viA Leitrig ramtom wildlife pathway corridors and restrict solid
W It x MbDa 3&ajrorelr ateK
k �kF 3 �,�t o air�_keismfoN ■ The council passed an ordinance that re- fencing.(See survey results story on p.5.)
'vBa rti K,� € : griires new home construction and remodels
Y '''��Eg Nehru---&=NanDy. '2rrk1 brx,Y to exceed statewide energy-efficiency re- ■ The council spent more than$10,000 in ad-
'"4,is r .at&1_,,,$tinge 3 it •quirements by 15%.Not only did the council ditional taxpayer funds to have Godbe Re-
not see fit to put this before a public vote,it search conduct the October 2004 Town of
�
0,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,„....„..,,,,,,::4,,,,,,„,,,,„Ge tiar,,lr� anersseemingly ignored public opposition.During Los Altos Hills Public Education Survey
r°George& athennr leicaritf s a discussion of the topic at a council meeting, (accessible at www.lahca.com) to find out
.ilk tcntg +dtr n l several residents spoke out against the ordi-
y Paula 4J3artde7 Care ranee,while no one spoke in favor of it.Still, •+ Council Out of Sync With Residents—Continued on page 4
't ,, z���,,�-Evar�;Uli ire� a g i, a �
E£Amin&11'usat}Ra R'nsenhatik°3
6' Y•r Car�&tatltie Vter 8nt
=: F Matge arieli*, z
3 'r' 3 iiia&Jelf,001) CI Council Out of Sync with Residents 1
3i;arcI$}ierlr left
loe aGiovan ii of ❑ John Vidovich Challenges incumbents in November Election. 2
%` tt.```1� �"'�,s N 0 Opinion Corner—Public Education to Return to LAH by Dave Pefley 3
g� S,
v. M ..' !�
f,f k 5 tt r D Overwhelming Response to LAHCA Survey Supports Property Rights 5
NA* 6
oRfaig c 0 LAHCA Survey Results
Z
8 s
, 0 Calendarof Events,__ , , c r
x a 4. H.G• �* ,xtt
"TOWN HAPPENINGS" NEWSLETTER DISTORTS THE TRUTH
Town Happenings,published by the Los Altos Hills Civic Association(LAHCA),arrives innocently enough in your -
mail. Its name sounds official.It even looks official with a tree logo at the bottom left. Most residents would
assume that it is published by a group of citizens sanctioned by town government, interested in letting you know .
r what is happening around town.The problem is that it isn't an official publication authorized by the
0 , -iipp 1rt s,: town. It promotes one-sided views using inflammatory language,cleverly leaving out details and
N°' '� -. facts that would allow you to develop an informed opinion. It misleads the residents as to the
r s-�.; -
..W:77:5--- ;,',"7:=-----'-:,---..:--=� actions and intentions of the Council.To be clear,our newsletter is not an official town-sanctioned
"°� � publication either,but Hills 2000 presents"the facts'according to the public record—in the
" �- interest of encouraging a more civil discussion of the issues by a better informed public.Below
s , : are some assertions from the Civic Associations newsletter followed by the facts they have
fi`"e4e ignored.Additional commentary available on the Hills 2000 website:www.hills2000.org
r-
Issue: Council Direction have a town survey/referendum on each only then if they are close to structures or
LAHCAs Assertion:A"survey"shows and every issue.Council members are property lines.The targeted species are
that the Council is out of sync with always available by phone and email to dis- native to Australia where soil and weather
the town. cuss issues of interest to the residents,and conditions are quite different from ours
The Facts:The answers to this"survey" of course everyone is always allowed to here on the peninsula.Here they grow to
were pretty much ordained by the way the speak before the Council.Why do we both- enormous heights but without the deep
er to elect leaders if a survey should be roots to match.In winter,when rain has
survey was set up and how the questions
were formulated.The survey was not con- required for every issue?The council recog- softened the soil,the larger and more dan-
ducted over a random,scientific sampling nizes that more weighty issues,such as gerous limbs or even complete trees will
of residents,but rather was an"opt in" public education,are so important that they come down in a windstorm.Additionally,
need to be put to a vote of the people.Our these trees are widely referred to as
type of survey,which has a strong tendency
to pre select the results.With questions current Council is more responsive to our "widow makers",especially by firefighters,
residents than any other Council in recent because their rich sap causes the trees to
like"Do you favor property rights?"is it any
memory. explode during fires.Eucalyptus trees were
surprise this survey may claim a strong
the primary fuel in the devastating Los
leaning in a given direction? Issue: Energy Efficiency `
Members of the current -
Town Council are LAHCA's Assertion:The Council ix-' .. .- F r, -�,i� �q�,,
I`,
, ':7"."*'2
imposed higher standards than the f e „
'''2:" . extremely sensitive to --41 �, ,:i.7.11%.,,'.4.---;:,',7,,4';',.- , , . 4, 1 :
State,despite opposition. ' . '''.4,1;' OWr� A � � 9i, '
q'° residents'opinions and to ; 4 3k ,.,, ,'` � s r
—DM feedback,and make The Facts:The energy efficiency ordinance ; . a` i�,a � :�
/. re uires that new homes meet a high stars � , e ,�, � � :.
•; overt efforts to keep the q kv,4 ,, �_
- e =- dard of energy efficiency that pays for itself , a
channels of communica- i 'P> Z-? , „ .°x 1 .
in energy savings.The public hearing -� ,: � .
tion open,whether by per- 47T-
sonal contact,email,the"Public showed very wide support by residents. ,T .
See detailed article on page 6. `y xi =� a;
Presentations From The Floor item on the �"' ��'' :'
agenda of every council meeting,or formal ' �' = •t.' a.
public hearings.Our current council is more Issue: Eucalyptus z q:, ' A" - c
in sync with the communitythan anyother =
P
Ordinance �� � � w� .�-.�--�.
council in recent memory. , -- G LAHCAs Assertion:The Council 6"' 't >� _ '4 gA,
required cutting down eucalyptus hY° `
Issue: Resident Input trees as a knee jerk reaction to a Altos Hills fire of 1985 where 16 residences
LAHCAs Assertion:The Council did not tragic accident were destroyed or damaged.More than
ask the residents about the various The Facts:Only in the case of a new 200 firefighters battled the fire,with 100-
issues. development or a major remodel(>1,200 foot flames,for four hours.In all,150 acres
The Facts:A public hearing preceded sq.ft.)is the Council requiring anything at were burned,causing an estimated$9 mil-
each of the ordinances mentioned.LAHCA all.In these cases,removal of certain vari- lion in damages and as many as 40 people
seems to suggest that the council should eties of eucalyptus may be required,but were left homeless.
SECTION •
5. 7
Memorandum
Date: April 27, 2006
To: Mayor and City Council Members
From: Henry Louie,Public Works Directorl,^ •
Steven Garcia, Public Safety Officer �C-7
Subject: Town-wide Tree Survey Report and Findings
On January 12, 2006, City Council authorized and directed staff to retain an arborist to
conduct a Tree Survey for Town's major roadways and hot spots. Town contracted with
Arbor Resources and has completed the survey and evaluation work identifying trees that
present an obvious, imminent risk of uprooting and/or large limb failure onto public
streets and pathways within the short-term.
The attached arborist report prepared by David Babby surveyed 433 trees. Of these trees,
70 have been identified as a safety concern requiring their removal. Three of these trees
have been removed after receiving a notice from the Town. An additional 40 letters have
been sent to the property owners with trees located in the public right of way that will be
required to be removed.
This Tree Survey Report will be available for public use at Town Hall. Staff is
recommended to conduct a Town-wide tree survey annually.
Attachment
ARBOR RESOURCES
•
Professional Arboricultural Consulting & Tree Care
RESULTS FROM A TREE SURVEY WITHIN
THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
Town of Los Altos Hills
Attn: Mr. Henry.W. Louie,Public Works Director
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA. 94022-2624
Prepared by:
David L. Babby, RCA
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #399
ISA.Certified Arborist#WE-4001A
April 7,2006
P.O. Box 25295, San Mateo, California 94402 • Email: arborresources@comcast.net
Phone: 650.654.3351 • Fax: 650.240.0777 • Licensed Contractor #796763
David L.Bobby, Registered Consulting Arborist April 7,2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Assignment and Purpose 1
1.2 Methodology ..• 1
2.0 TREE COUNT AND COMPOSITION ....... 2
3.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ••• 3
3.1 Tree Removals ••. 3
3.2 Tree Pruning 3
3.3 Further Investigation 3
3.4 Miscellaneous Specifications for Tree Services 4
4.0 TREE REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION .•• 4
5.0 DISCUSSION OF EUCS AND MONTEREY PINES 7
5.1 Eucalyptus Trees 7
5.2 Monterey Pines 8
6.0 TREE HAZARD ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES 9
7.0 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITS OF ASSIGNMENT 9
8.0 DISCLOSURE .. 10
•
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE HEADING PAGE
2-1 Tree Count and Composition .2
4-1 Immediate Removals .... 5
4-2 Immediate Pruning 6
APPENDIX
APPENDIX TITLE
A TREE INVENTORY TABLE
David L. Babby,Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Assignment and Purpose
I have been retained by the Town of Los Altos Hills to identify trees that present an
obvious, imminent risk of uprooting and/or large limb failure onto public streets and
pathways within the short-term (such as within the next three years). Most all trees viewed
for my survey are situated along roadways specified by the Town as being primary routes
of access for vehicles and/or pedestrians. Trees not along these routes were viewed, to my
understanding, at the request of Town residents.
The purpose of my assignmentis to provide information that assists Town Staff in
improving safety along primary routes of access.
1.2 Methodology
The methodology in which I was contracted to perform my survey includes driving along
roadways selected by the Town and viewing trees from my vehicle (essentially a
"windshield survey"). At any time I observed an obvious, imminent risk, I parked and
walked towards the tree(s) in question and documented any pertinent information.
Observations were obtained from the ground and roadways only on the following dates:
1/27/06, 2/9/06, 2/15/06, 2/16/06, 2/21/06, 2/27/06, 3/11/06, 3/14/06 and 4/3/06. Please
refer to Section 6.0 of this report for a detailed listing of my assumptions and limits of
assignment for my survey.
Examples of criteria I used to qualify an imminent risk includes deadwood typically one-
inch and greater in diameter that is attached or suspended in a canopy, branches or trunks
at significant risk of failure, trees having died or in the process'of dying and being beyond
recovery, trees with a weakened root system that predisposes the tree to falling, and
encroachments into a roadway and/or pathway.
Information collected for each tree is presented within the Tree Inventory Table of
Appendix A and includes the following: site address; tree name; amount of trees at the
specific location; trunk diameter; canopy spread; health condition; structural integrity;
overall condition; recommended course of action; and whether immediate action should
occur. Additionally, comments are provided to help identify the specific location of the
trees(s), present any pertinent descriptors or details about the tree(s), and, if applicable,
specify pruning criteria.
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 1 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie, Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L.Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
2.0 TREE COUNT AND COMPOSITION
I viewed 433 trees 21 various tree types that qualify for inclusion into this report. They
are identified within 171 entries' presented in Appendix A. The table presented below
identifies the name, amount and percentage of each tree type.
Table 2-1. Tree Count and Composition
_,'....y_,+��r„_" =irr r"n.�'l”="'r,S'l� ":;."^,R5- '.� ii .Y.�r. l..z_ h::�ta�?,:ng;:,.r ;r.:N.atia:5t'•;
�w { rcz ,p7` ..� �siq;�y rssK' ,3 ' -r '� s`
Coast Live Oak 15 3%
Cottonwood 1 0%
Coast Redwood 10 2%
Bailey Acacia 1 0%
Unidentifiable 1 0%
Deodar Cedar 1 0%
Eucalyptus 281 65%
Elderberry 1 0%
•Black Acacia 5 1%
Walnut 5 1%
Modesto Ash 1 0%
Deodar Cedar 1 0%
Monterey Pine 71 16%
Other Various Pine 19 4%
Willow 1 0%
Siberian Elm 1 0%
•
Silver Wattle 1 0%
River She-Oak • 2 0%
Valley Oak 11 3%
Willow 3 1%
California Bay Tree 1 0%
TOTAL 433 100%
Each entry considers a particular type of tree or trees at a specific address that have the same prescribed
recommendation. Often multiple trees of the same type located at a specific address are grouped together
within a single entry. For example, there are 34 trees along El Monte Road NE of Hwy 280(see top of page
13 in Appendix A);each tree within this entry is grouped together and designated to be further examined.
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 2 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie,Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L.Bobby,Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
•
3.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
3.1 Tree Removals
My survey revealed 108 trees should be removed due to either being dead, declining and
beyond recovery, and/or showing obvious signs of falling over; this work should be
performed in the near future, such as within the next three years. Of these, 70 are
designated as trees that present an immediate risk to public safety and should be removed
as soon as possible; details regarding each are presented in Section 4.0.
3.2 Pruning
My survey revealed an additional 262 trees should be, at a minimum, pruned to help
minimize the risk of dead or living branches and limbs from falling from the tree, and/or to
clear any encroachment into the road and/or pathway; as with the removals, this work
should be performed as soon possible. Of these, 73 should be pruned as soon as possible
as they present an immediate risk to public safety; details regarding each are presented in
Section 4.0. Please note there are a few situations where either pruning or removal would
be appropriate and this is identified within the comments section of Appendix A.
Additional review should also be considered in the event a tree specified for pruning
within the table is requested by the tree's owner for removal.
3.3 Further Investigation
Within five various addresses, I identified 68 trees in which further investigation should be
performed. Their locations, types, number and comments regarding why further
investigation is necessary is as follows:
■ 27861 Natoma Road (26 Eucalyptus along road): I observed several trees that should
be considered for removal rather than retention. Due to the incident surrounding this
location and the large number of trees adjacent to the ditch, home and road, I
recommend an on-site meeting with Staff to review future work on these trees.
■ 27125 Altamont Road (2 Coast live oaks): These oaks are large and prominent. I
observed sizeable cavities along their lower trunks and a decline in their health. Due
to their irreplaceable size, I recommend they are more closely examined with
possibly a decay detection device to better determine the extent of decay and whether
the trees could be determined as safe and viable candidates to retain.
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 3 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie, Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L.Bobby, Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
• 27575 Purissima Road (numerous Coast redwoods): This site contains a large grove
of Coast redwood trees in very close proximity to the retaining walls of the creek. I
identified five that are dead and should be removed. There are numerous others
showing unusual signs of decline further back but within striking distance of the
road. I recommend access onto the property is secured for a more detailed
assessment of the grove and reasons contributing towards tree decline. A soil
analysis test by a soil laboratory may be necessary to achieve an informed answer.
• 23548 Ravensbury Avenue (1 Valley Oak): This very large Valley oak has a large
cavity on the road side that should be more closely examined to better determine
whether it could be possibly safe to retain this tree.
• El Monte Road - northeast of Highway 280 (34 Eucalyptus along road): These trees
serve as an effective screening element between the roadway and neighboring homes.
Several are highly suitable for removal whereas pruning is suggested on others to
minimize the risk of future limb failure.
3.4 Miscellaneous Specifications for Tree Services
To achieve proper results, all work specified or related to the above Sections 3.1 thru 3.3
should be performed by a state-licensed tree service contractor that is insured (general
liability and worker's compensation) and has an International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA) Certified Arborist in a supervisory role. All work shall be performed to ANSI A300
Tree Care Standards and according to standards established by the ISA. Tools should also
be sterilized as needed, such as when pruning or removing Monterey pines.
Please note that in many instances, trees overhang or are immediately adjacent to high-
voltage electrical lines. Where this occurs, it may be essential for the work to be
coordinated with PG&E prior to commencing (such as for a line drop or having the work
performed by or in collaboration with their tree service contractor).
4.0 TREES REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
There are 143 trees or parts thereof which I find to present immediate risks to public
safety, not only imminent risks. Attention to these trees should be prioritized and
addressed as soon as possible. The tables presented on the following pages categorize these
trees and their general locations according to the recommended course of action, which
specifies removal for 70 trees and pruning for the other 73.
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 4 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie,Public Works Director, Town of Lbs Altos Hills
* David L.Bobby, Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
Table 4-1. Immediate Removals
`S-: salf+Y?3'*, '=C''.�;5; ,1�"a- -"'e.1.= -i'<'i+'::.z-�"(nay"." j'eii�lC{E) :/hN��_�lr,�,;.�M14 rz'�'i��i:i�%•:•:;_'1.x:;� i!
H�'3::";;v;.,v;ir.v':%:'�e:;„-.n..� .,r :.ka ,..r�r"-;�+:s3''rw.• l ,sN F:n i z .s`.t :�u.X:. s•?iN;-
. :t:>2,.+`^ r.• :�-' .,.�:i•,1r,':.-:'�?L'�Z_I�t.c;:..¢•;p•,. ��4'<c�.v`:a'''?;�'!.�J'i ``ats::i.,t:..,tir:{i`=t�"-`.•' �!=.E"' ::+r+
. �.vs Via.. .a'Z.L ":+� ':�;': .. _ ttZ
,i`ti'+'.itii€'>unX''r`' ''v?.`�"""-;;.'y,''y.•s=•sy:ix'd
N`.e:�'.:.�1St.'`f'^sv'.+�7'.•. ;.Sa_nfLN+7::f..�✓:=�n. 5._.;t..: r:'1:fr. .�..i-: �Itii,;i�:"bn•:�:•igC'•.Y.���� T,:
wL%[.�iyL`5: Y •it =. 'C-<" 5�^Y.x�. ,�, L_�
.of _.Yiyt?�. :r.`:Ci. •i+
:._.�M i ADDR:ES�SVki �.,t gg EPZINAll�l 1VI O lj .3"
26330 Fremont Road Monterey Pine 1
26525 Fremont Road Monterey Pine 1
26555 Fremont Road Monterey Pine 5
26555 Fremont Road Monterey Pine 1 •
27890 Via Feliz Monterey Pine 3
27890 Via Feliz Monterey Pine 1
12606 Page Mill Road Coast Live Oak 1
•
27411 Altamont Road Coast Redwood 1
27230 Natoma Road Valley Oak 1
27610 Natoma Road Valley Oak 1
27575 Black Mountain Rd Monterey Pine 3
13621 Burke Road Monterey Pine 1 •
12445 Robleda Road Eucalyptus 1
26220 Moody Road Deodar Cedar 1
13151 Cumbra Vista Monterey Pine 2
28011 Purissima Road Monterey Pine 1
12896 Viscaino Road • Coast Live Oak 1
12715 Canario Way Black Walnut 1
27575 Purissima Road Coast Redwood 5
26645 Purissima Road Monterey Pine 1
12795 Alto Verde Lane Monterey Pine 1
12780 Camino Medio Ct C.I. Pine 2
26541 Taaffe Road Eucalyptus 5
26620 Purissima Road Monterey Pine 1
Along Purissima Road unidentifiable 1
26580 Taaffe Road Black Acacia 1
26580 Taaffe Road Black Acacia 1
26731 Elmberg Road Eucalyptus 1
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 5 of JO
Mr.Henry W.Louie, Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L.Bobby, Registered Consulting Arborist April 7,2006
sh< wt...:r:%ry'SF-s`_ s:.:>: tiir.•9.,; -- _ „v,Y•.
::r� -c%a�� Y. R°� -r=4y;313�1iu�' i:r•.,
t._ ,a�., ��.z. ` ,,,•�{S.�.. ...;• .c<1ex2!' ,`:',t5....tss r•..'�'=.^w�:'.4.;;
x�x�.�M:r. .r,r�2, a =:!�'<<r`•W. - - .,x�:+,;:''"s .<. d. .r ,fwL;..,. •::r.-_, .sv,r-. �:..•-,:.
+x.. .,_..L}�{;;, ..,.r.ii'.'. r. - �� ..@;>..:i.:� >:.:.� r: _ �s:__..... ,g .ti .'K:
.... -' ,,;an. f,�ii:Cia.ti'K"._, �'"�•. - :N',k<:: =.!7;,;sv :...�-. .7;y,:i?:?^§:, ,v .�.,==y,.e'r,
U I;.v �".a:. �r_.-c ��:�L,a. .tF�..:: •,`Z•"-e i,"• .y[;n' i:e:•:.':�:�;.:.2.. ...€4�:- ...%. .ca._i5:w ...'r_�.;:.Y.:•%?.3.�%.',An.
.>_.._ ;�:y,aA..., :�.f�....,.. .�-�: -=,.:.. ... ..,..�;��TRE.E= AME,- -,., .�A'MOUNTt
24290 Summerhill Ave Modesto Ash 1
11891 Magdalena Ave Walnut 1
23681 Ravensbury Ave Monterey Pine 1
23600 Ravensbury Ave Monterey Pine 1
25522 Willow Pond Dr Monterey Pine 11
12234 Tepa Way Monterey Pine 1
12630 Viscaino Court Monterey Pine 2
12635 Corte Madera Ln Willow 1
12680 Viscaino Road Aleppo Pine 1
12682 Roble Veneno Ln Monterey Pine 1
25487 Adobe Lane Bay Tree 1
25100 Tepa Way Eucalyptus 1
25100 Tepa Way Monterey Pine 1
Table 4-2. Immediate Pruning
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12205 Altamont Road Eucalyptus 1
12205 Altamont Road Eucalyptus 2
27861 Natoma Road Eucalyptus 14
13870 Robleda Road Eucalyptus 1
12445 Robleda Road Eucalyptus 2
26580 Altamont Road Eucalyptus 9
12100 Dawn Lane Eucalyptus 1
25751 Elena Road Coast Live Oak 1
27575 Purissima Road Eucalyptus 1
27575 Purissima Road Coast Redwood 1
12790 Camino Medio Court Monterey Pine 1
26541 Taaffe Road Eucalyptus 10
Town ofLos Altos Hills, California Page 6 of 10
Mr.Henry W. Louie,Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L.Babby,Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
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26620 Purissima Road Eucalyptus 1
26620 Purissima Road Eucalyptus 4
26870 Taaffe Road Eucalyptus 2
12415 Hilltop Drive Valley Oak 1
12271 Hilltop Drive Coast Redwood 1
12011 Hilltop Drive Eucalyptus 10
12151 Stonebrook Drive Coast Live Oak 1
• ' 25031 La Loma Drive Eucalyptus 2
25100 Tepa Way Eucalyptus 5
25100 Tepa Way Italian Stone Pine 2
5.0 DISCUSSION OF EUCALYPTUS AND MONTEREY PINES •
As evident in Table 2-1, Eucalyptus trees and Monterey pines present the greatest potential
risks to public safety along the roads traveled. General information regarding each and
possible management approaches are presented below.
5.1 Eucalyptus Trees
Eucalyptus trees were found to be in extremely high numbers along the primary routes of
access. They consist primarily of Blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), Dwarf Blue gum
(Eucalyptus g. `compacta') and Red gum (Eucalyptus fcifolia). Most of the Eucalyptus
trees identified in this report are significant in size and extremely difficult and costly to
maintain due to their heights and locations along and over the road.
Please note that in general, Eucalyptus trees present a significant liability if not regularly
maintained. They have inherently weak structures and frequently self-prune, which at
times, large branches may burst away from the main trunk. As a result, they require
frequent maintenance, such as every two to three years, to limit their risk to public safety._
The pruning scope of work presented in the table of Appendix A specifies removing
deadwood,reducing heavy limb weight, and clearing any encroachments. This seems to be
the most practical and cost-effective measure to prune the trees. However, more
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 7 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie, Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L.Bobby,Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
aggressive approaches could certainly be implemented to even better lessen the risk,
however, at likely significantly greater costs.
One such approach involves reducing the trees' heights and canopies to levels where any
targets frequently or constantly used, such as a home, would not be within striking distance
if the trees failed (due to the trees' locations, they could not be reduced enough to avoid
striking the roads). However, if this revision was employed, maintenance of the tree would
increase as weakly-attached and rapidly-growing shoots will grow from the cut areas and
along major limbs.
Another approach to eliminate the risk involves removing the tree. In some instances, this
appears to be a viable alternative to pruning, while in other instances, the removal of the
tree may not appear necessary due to an intermittent or rarely used target.
Regarding the Eucalyptus trees that failed during the January 2006 storm, the common trait
I observed is that the trees were situated on the banks of relatively large drainage ditches
(such as along Natoma Road and Altamont Road). Conversely, trees not situated within or
near a ditch were found to have not failed and appeared stable. In general, a Eucalyptus
tree is certainly at a significantly greater risk of uprooting and falling over during a storm
event (or possibly any other time) when water has the capacity to saturate soil surrounding
its root system. Combined with winds and a tall, top-heavy tree, the risk of failure can
even further increase.
5.2 Monterey Pines
In general, Monterey pines are short-lived trees, perform poorly, and are subject to natural
causes of premature decline, particularly in wanner regions away from the coastal climate.
During my survey, I identified 27 Monterey pines that have been affected and are either
dead or severely declined to the extent that they will not recover.
Based on my experience and research I have encountered, there is little to no evidence that
indicates healthy specimens of these pines could not continue thriving. Conversely,
healthy trees could also decline. To promote the longevity of these trees, one of the best
measures is to provide them with supplemental watering during the dry months of the year
(such as during May thru October). Placing a four-inch layer of mulch, such as coarse
wood chips, over their root systems (but not against their trunks) could also provide
benefits.
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 8 of 10
Mr.Henry W. Louie, Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
•
David L.Babby, Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
6.0 TREE HAZARD ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
This letter has been prepared to provide information regarding a few possible management
strategies that the Town could employ for identifying tree hazards or risks on a cyclical
basis, such as every two to five years.
The least costly approach involves having an arborist perform a "windshield survey"
similar to what I have performed for this report. The costs could vary depending upon the
level of detail (e.g. digital photographs could be incorporated into each line entry). This
approach is very cursory and has the greatest chance of some hazards not being observed.
However, it does enable a seemingly reasonable opportunity to identify the most obvious
and potentially severe hazards. To minimize the risks of missing hazards, it may be
desired for the more frequently traveled roads to be walked rather than traveled by car.
The most involved and foreseeable costly approach involves establishing a comprehensive
database of trees within the public right-of-way. The variables in cost for utilizing this
approach can vary from inputting the data into an Excel spreadsheet and assigning
numbers to each tree on a map to using tree database software and/or a GPS mapping
system. To minimize costs, this might include only certain types of trees, such as
Eucalyptus, Monterey pine and those of 6-inch and greater that are dead or dying. Trees
located beyond the right-of-way but have parts at risk of failure onto the road or pathways
could also be considered.
7.0 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITS OF ASSIGNMENT
1. All information provided by David L.Babby covers only those items that were examined and reflects the
condition of those items at the time of observation.
2. The type of survey employed is intended to exclusively serve as a rapid and extremely cursory approach
to identify hazards or significant risks presented by trees observed along roadways. Observations are
solely limited to what could be viewed from a vehicle at the time it was driven by David L. Babby at a
safe and reasonable speed. As such, there is a reasonable degree of certainty that additional hazards or
risks that are likely present but could not be observed due to the methodology David L. Babby was
contracted to perform.
3. All observations were only obtained from the ground and specified roadways that the trees are located
along. The observations are limited to visual examination of accessible items without probing, coring,
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 9 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie,Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
David L. Bobby,Registered Consulting Arborist April 7, 2006
dissecting or excavating. David L. Babby cannot, in any way, assume responsibility for any defects
which may have only been discovered by performing the mentioned services in the specific area(s) where
a defect is located(whether observed or not observed).
4. The assignment pertains solely to the trees specified in this report. David L. Babby holds no opinion
towards other trees on or surrounding the properties.
5. David L. Babby cannot provide a guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, that deficiencies or
problems of the trees or properties in question may not arise in the future.
6. No assurance can be offered that if all the provided recommendations and precautionary measures (verbal
or in writing) are accepted and followed, that the desired results may be achieved.
7. No analyses, investigation or testing was performed by another party.
8. The information provided by David L. Babby represents his opinion and his fee is in no way contingent
upon reporting a specified finding,conclusion or value.
9. This report is proprietary to David L.Babby and, with the exception of the Town of Los Altos Hills Staff,
may not be copied or reproduced in whole or part without prior written consent. It has been prepared for
the sole and exclusive use of the parties to whom submitted for the purpose of contracting services
provided by David L. Babby.
10. If any part of this report or copy thereof be lost or altered,the entire report shall be invalid.
8.0 DISCLOSURE
I, David L. Babby, state the following to be true and correct:
• I have personally evaluated the subject matter discussed in this report and it is my
professional opinion that that the presented information is accurate and best
describes the likely outcome. To the best of my knowledge, I certify the
information is true and correct.
• I have no personal bias or interest with respect to the parties involved, subject
matter evaluated, or outcome of this report.
■ My compensation is by no way contingent upon the outcome of findings, values, or
conclusions presented in this report.
f f
Prepared By: r Date: April 7, 2006
David L. Ba y, RCA
Town of Los Altos Hills, California Page 10 of 10
Mr.Henry W.Louie,Public Works Director, Town of Los Altos Hills
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ATTACHMENT 6
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