Dear Elected Officials, Congressman Kevin Mullin, Congressman Sam Liccardo, Supervisor Ray Mueller, and Director of Parks Department Nicholas Calderon

 

This letter is the collective work of our community, authored by 7 members of Coastside Allies. Our San Mateo County unincorporated coastside community is urgently calling for action regarding the overgrown, highly flammable Eucalyptus trees that pose a critical fire risk to our neighborhoods. These trees flank our homes, fill county-controlled medians, and dangerously border Quarry Park and Mid-Peninsula Open Space Trust lands, creating an extensive and uncontrolled fire hazard.

The severity of our situation is stark: over the past 12 years, the number of "very high" risk acres has doubled, according to the latest local wildfire severity map. Currently, our firebreaks are inadequate to stop these trees in the instance of a wildfire from sweeping through our communities. The County of San Mateo owns and maintains these medians yet insists that property owners bear the burden of cutting down trees that pose a risk to homes and neighbors. This approach is both financially burdensome and logically inconsistent. We are asking that homeowners be released from this burden and an appropriate custodian of the trees come forward. 

Eucalyptus trees contain volatile compounds like terpenes that make them extremely combustible. Their natural oils create a perfect storm for destruction, potentially transforming a small spark into a devastating wildfire. The recent devastating wildfires in Southern California serve as a chilling reminder of what's at stake. Beyond the immediate threat to our lives and homes, we're already experiencing cascading consequences – our insurance prices are rising, and in numerous instances, neighbors have been dropped altogether by insurance providers, forcing longtime locals out of their cherished community.

We are seeking collaborative solutions and request:

• A budget to be assigned to continue work on the firebreak along El Granada Blvd., in the Open Space Trust
• Clear accountability for tree oversight, medians, and private (neglected) lots
• Budget and related timeline for priority areas (most at risk), and possible incremental goals for tree removal
• Budget and related timeline for re-planting and beautification of median spaces using native species, limited in height and spacing, and in compliance with fire safety recommendations 
• A timeline for safety measures, such as property fire-proofing
• Town Hall or Community Event to showcase native species and other planting options that would be suitable for a pilot program of 2 to 3 medians

The financial burden of removing these dangerous trees should not fall solely on property owners, but clear exceptions and rationale are required. We need a comprehensive approach that protects our entire community. We believe in working together to prevent a potential disaster before it occurs. We are not advocating for the removal of all trees in every area; rather, lots that are abandoned or neglected, in the medians where they not only pose a risk to fire but in many instances prevent homeowners from keeping insurance. 

As your constituents, we ask you to demonstrate responsive and collaborative governance and take action to mitigate this serious fire risk.

Sincerely, [Community Representatives]