Weeds in median will be cut back, litter removed

”
Red Phone, as a long time resident I think the city does an
overall great job of maintaining the street trees and medians in
our wonderful town. However, I have noticed the shabby condition of
the ‘Thomas Berghoff Median’ stretch of roadway that is the gateway
to more than 1,000 homes in Jackson Oaks and Holiday Lake
Estates.
”
“Red Phone, as a long time resident I think the city does an overall great job of maintaining the street trees and medians in our wonderful town. However, I have noticed the shabby condition of the ‘Thomas Berghoff Median’ stretch of roadway that is the gateway to more than 1,000 homes in Jackson Oaks and Holiday Lake Estates. Weeds, dirt and trash litter the asphalt curbs. Mixed with the algae-filled water that seeps from the spring on the uphill portion of the roadway – it is not a very appealing entrance to the neighborhood. The median will become a fire hazard in the months to come. Can you tell me what plans the city may have to maintain this area?”

Red Phone: Dear Can You Tell Me, of course. Red Phone contacted Public Works Manager Mario Iglesias, who said the Thomas Berghoff median off E. Dunne Avenue, is dedicated to the memory of a resident who organized planting of the island by volunteers many years ago.

“This area is within the Jackson Oaks open space and is therefore maintained like the adjacent open space; left in its natural condition except for weed abatement to meet county requirements for fire prevention,” Iglesias said. “The city’s Streets Maintenance Department is focused on safety related issues and fire prevention is definitely a big one. Within the next three weeks, weeds in the island will be cut back at least 10 feet from the edge of roadway, and the dead branches and litter will be removed.”

There you have it, good caller. Oh, and Iglesias thanks you for your words of encouragement and patience.

It’s OK for police to park in driveways

“Red Phone, I’ve recently noticed Morgan Hill’s motorcycle cop stationed in public and private areas looking for law breakers. One place I see him is in the median of Monterey Road at First Street where the war memorial is. He’s hidden there and can get a good view of people driving by to see if they’re on the phone or not wearing a seatbelt. I’d assume that’s legal, but what about waiting in a driveway of a business? Does he need to get permission from the business owner or are they allowed to station themselves wherever they want?”

Red Phone: Dear Is It Legal, in short, yes. According to Cpl. Rod Krewson, officers can lay in wait in parking lots and at the sides of buildings to catch unsuspecting motorists violating the vehicle code.

However, they are aware of extenuating circumstances and will move if need be. And, if they find a private driveway that looks like a good spot, they’ll ask the homeowner for permission.

“In my 27 years, no one has ever asked me not to park in the driveway,” Krewson said. “We’re doing what they want and that is to slow drivers and enforce traffic laws.”