Archive for January, 2017

24 Jan

PG&E Gas Pipeline Safety & Our Trees

Posted by Richard Zahner in Jeffrey Fontana Park, MFPA, PG&E, PRNS, TJ Martin Park, Tree Data. Tagged: , , , .

Martin-Fontana Park Association Board Members Linda Wilson, Rod Carpenter and Rich Zahner met with Don Hall and two other PG&E representatives recently to discuss two issues.

The MFPA agenda was our request that PG&E fund the proposed Sustainable Parks Initiative (SPI). We requested $20,000 from PG&E in 2017 to be matched by MFPA to plant trees and bushes, complement the PRNS Staff, and improve the appearance and utility of the Parks.

The PG&E agenda was to explain the Gas Transmission Pipeline safety program being conducted by PG&E. See the PG&E memo below for details. In summary they will remove about 150 trees along Almaden Expressway located over the gas pipeline that supplies all of the valley. The trees are on both City and County property (no private property as far we know) between McAbee Road and Rajkovich Way. PG&E is committed to replacing the trees. The question is where and they suggested planting a number of trees in both TJ Martin Park and Jeffrey Fontana Park. We did not object to the idea and talked generally about numbers, types and location.

PG&E held an Information Table at the Fontana Dog Park entrance on Saturday the 11th of February from 8AM to 11AM. The work to remove trees is likely to begin in late spring. We might get them to spread the wood chips as mulch for the Parks bare spaces.

PG&E’s memo on the program:

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is working with the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County to help ensure safety crews have immediate access to natural gas transmission pipelines in case of an emergency or for important maintenance work. This gas safety work involves removing and replacing trees and structures that are located too close to the gas pipeline and could delay access for first responders or damage the pipeline. Work is expected to begin this spring on Almaden Expressway between McAbee Road and Rajkovich Way. Please note there is no work taking place at TJ Martin Park or Jeffrey Fontana Park. PG&E understands how important trees are to the local community, and will work closely with residents in close proximity to the work to offer replacement trees to be planted at a safe distance from the pipeline.

For more information about the planned safety work, please contact PG&E customer outreach specialist Emily Sloan at 1-650-737-2001 or emily.sloan@pge.com. You can also learn more about all of PG&E’s ongoing gas safety efforts at pge.com/GasSafety.

Emily Sloan      Customer Outreach Specialist, Senior

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Office: (650) 598-7278

Cell: (650) 737-2001

Email: emily.sloan@pge.com

Learn more about PG&E’s gas safety efforts at pge.com/GasSafety

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20 Jan

MARTIN-FONTANA PARKS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Posted by Martin-Fontana Parks Association in Jeffrey Fontana Park, Membership Drive, MFPA, TJ Martin Park. Tagged: , , , .

WANT TO TAKE YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN TO THE PLAYGROUND ?

WANT TO TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE DOG PARK ?

WANT TO SIT ON A PARK BENCH AND ENJOY A PLEASANT MORNING ?

WANT TO SEE AND SMELL THE BLOSSOMS OF SPRING AND

ENJOY THE SHADE THAT OUR PARK TREES PROVIDE ?

WANT TO ENJOY A BUTTERFLY GARDEN?

ALL OF THESE THINGS CAN CONTINUE AND IMPROVE

WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT.

 

The Martin-Fontana Parks Association is having its annual membership drive during the months of January and February.  Our mission is to help beautify our two parks, maintain and enhance the trees and plantings we have, and to save the parks for the future.

Individual memberships are $20 per year

Family memberships are $35 per year

*Membership applications may be found in the information box attached to the kiosk in front of the Jeffrey Fontana dog park or on our website. 

Please consider joining us as we seek to improve and preserve our two parks here in Almaden valley.

Please note: We are a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

3 Jan

What was PG&E doing at the corner of McAbee & Golden Oak Way?

Posted by Martin-Fontana Parks Association in Jeffrey Fontana Park, MFPA, PG&E. Tagged: , , , .

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According to our reporter in the field, Project Manager Pat Pizzo, PG&E came out on Dec 28th.  in response to a report of gas leaks in the area. After investigating, they decided to check the main gas pipe line that feeds the area on the NE Corner of Golden Oaks Way and McAbee Road. This area was where Andrew Oberhelman completed his Eagle Scout Project on Nov 10th, 2012.
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In the process of looking for the leak, the native plants growing in an approximate 25 foot square area near the corner were wiped-out.
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PG&E said that they will hire a contract landscaper to re-plant the area. However, because CA native plants are involved and commercial landscapers are not always knowledgeable about CA native plants and their needs, this may be problematic.  So far there is no estimated date for completion of the landscape replanting.

Please note:  PG&E did come back and replace the plants that were torn out.