Rose Garden Resident

Letters & Opinions

City needs an environmental preservation office

The three sycamores illegally cut down last week in Willow Glen evoked a groundswell of outrage in the community. Residents were angered by the buzz of a weekend chainsaw being fired up once again. It's a ploy homeowners are all too familiar with, as contractors and residents use this tactic as a way to beat the system.

This skirting of the law is evidence that the city's system is broken when it comes to protecting San Jose's arboreal landscape.

An effort was made last spring to beef up the city's tree ordinance by more than doubling the fines for illegal tree removals, but city departments and officials trying to enforce policy are operating in a helter-skelter manner. For example, the city arborist is part of the department of transportation and is only responsible for policing street trees, while yard trees are regulated in the planning department under code enforcement.

This latest episode is proof that the city is up a tree when it comes to protocol and policy. The time is right for San Jose to create a task force that draws officials and residents from all 10 districts, and we need look at the big picture. We need to consider appropriate fines for those who abuse and profit from the system. But we also need to remember that not all trees are sycamores, and that what makes sense in a wealthy neighborhood like Willow Glen may be a hardship in East San Jose. The regulations need to be equitable. Homeowners do have rights. It will take hard work and open-mindedness to create the right balance.

Our City Forest CEO Rhonda Berry hit the nail on the head when she stated this is a matter of education and communication. It is everyone's responsibility to become educated and then educate his or her neighbor, because there are people out there who have no idea that it is illegal to cut down certain trees.

The city's help in funding workshops and classes that would educate residents in becoming good tree stewards is a start. In addition, San Jose officials need to develop a program that teaches utility company workers proper pruning techniques, because these businesses leave a trail of destruction on city streets.

Willow Glen may have lost three old trees, but turning them into sawdust won't be wasted if it generates greater awareness and strengthens our regulations and policies so future trees remain rooted in their heritage.