San Jose City Council
200 E. Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113

Subject: Urgent Request for Action Regarding Illegal RV Parking on Flickinger Ave

Dear Members of the San Jose City Council,

I am writing to formally petition the City Council to take immediate and decisive action regarding the ongoing illegal RV parking on Flickinger Ave. For nearly 10 months, a significant number of RVs have been parked illegally along this street, creating severe safety and health hazards for the residents and visitors in our community. Despite multiple complaints filed through the City’s online complaint portal, no substantive action has been taken, and the situation has only deteriorated.

Safety Concerns:

The size and placement of these RVs create dangerous blind spots for incoming traffic. Motorists navigating the area face obstructed views, increasing the risk of accidents, especially near intersections and crosswalks. Residents and their children are constantly at risk, as these vehicles are often parked near public spaces like parks, where children play and pedestrians walk.

Health Hazards:

There is consistent evidence of engine oil and other hazardous fluids being dumped onto the street, creating environmental and public health risks. The RVs have also become dumping grounds for trash, contributing to unsanitary conditions that attract vermin and pose serious health hazards to nearby residents. The presence of aggressive dogs, often left unleashed, further exacerbates the dangers. These dogs have been known to bark aggressively and pose a clear threat to residents, particularly children walking near the park.

Disturbances and Illicit Activity:

There have been numerous reports of loud yelling, altercations, and suspicious activities involving illegal substances emanating from these RVs. The smoke from burning questionable substances fills the air, affecting the health and well-being of residents, while also raising serious concerns about the illegal and potentially dangerous activities occurring just steps away from our homes.

Fire Hazards:

These RVs typically use flammable substances to cook and heat their vehicles, increasing the risk of fire. Just a few years ago, a fire broke out within an RV parked on Flickinger Ave, near the 7-Eleven. The fire quickly spread out of control, burning the entire RV, and nearly igniting a tree and the surrounding area, including power lines near the adjacent shopping center. With multiple RVs currently parked on both sides of the avenue, a similar incident could easily occur again, potentially leading to a catastrophic fire that endangers lives and property. Immediate action is required to prevent this from happening.

Persistent Non-Compliance:

Despite the City’s awareness of these issues through numerous online complaints, the RVs continue to move from one spot to another along the same street, remaining effectively in place for nearly 10 months. This behavior demonstrates a blatant disregard for the law and the community’s well-being, undermining the trust residents have in the City’s ability to enforce regulations.

Legal Implications:

The City’s ongoing inaction in the face of these repeated complaints raises serious legal concerns. The City may be exposing itself to liability for failing to address clear and present dangers that affect public safety, health, and the quality of life of its residents. We urge the City to take immediate enforcement measures, including issuing citations, towing vehicles, and deploying consistent monitoring to prevent the RVs from simply returning after temporary relocations.

Conclusion:

We, the undersigned, demand that the San Jose City Council take immediate steps to remove these illegally parked RVs and restore the safety and cleanliness of our neighborhood. The City’s failure to act could lead to further escalation, and residents are prepared to explore all available legal remedies should this issue persist.

We expect a response within 30 days and would appreciate a clear outline of the steps the City intends to take to resolve this issue.