Chief Spagnoli responds

7/8/08

Hello Ross:

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on this issue.

Today, myself and Captain Mortensen walked the tunnel and surrounding area. We found the path clean and well groomed, which the Parks and Recreation department completed shortly after your request. We also found one small graffiti "tag" in the tunnel which was reported and documented. As we discussed, Dan Schiada (Director of Public Works) is committed to having his staff cover graffiti on a weekly basis, so this should be cleaned up in the next few days. As you can see from some of the attached photos depicting the area today, the pathway is clear and well groomed, and the tunnel is virtually graffiti free.

Still under consideration, is your request for the removal of a pepper tree on the side of the pathway. The health and condition of the tree is being evaluated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Your right, the purpose of the landscaping and trees on the pathway is for beautification and at this time, the tree does not create a problem for police officers to monitor the area. We will await the findings on the condition of the tree from the Parks and Recreation Director Mike Alvarez, and bring these findings for discussion at the neighborhood meeting.

A few outstanding issues we are working on:

1. Lighting covers in the tunnel- The Public Works Department is working on replacing the light covers.
2. Tunnel lighting- The Public Works Department is researching the ability to increase the light wattage.
3. Graffiti in the Cal-Trans area- We have requested they remove this graffiti, however this is generally a low priority as it relates to highway maintenance.
4. Tunnel floor- The Public Works Department is considering power-washing the ground to remove the faded graffiti on the ground.

The Police Department, specifically Officer Ayala and Patti Barron are taking the lead on behalf of the City, to set up a neighborhood meeting to discuss concerns and provide open communications between City staff (Public Works, Park and Rec, Police) and the neighborhood. We will be setting the meeting in the next two weeks working with John, how does July 21, 22, 28 or 29 look? Can you let me know what dates works best as far as attendance from the neighborhood, and I will forward that information to Officer Ayala. We will take care of inviting all the neighbors.

As you mentioned in the email, we have been making strides in the right direction thus far. I am confident that together, with all the neighbors, we will develop additional effective strategies to maintain a safe neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Sandra Spagnoli

Police Chief