Wants H.A.R.D. to Clean Up Carlos Bee

Editor:

I recently wrote to H.A.R.D. President Chris Peterson about a pile of highly flammable debris in the corner of Carlos Bee Park’s parking lot. My neighbor said crews were out there and excitedly went to take a “look-see.”

I was shocked as the material (mulch?) was spread out over the entire length of the riverbank immediately behind the parking lot, making the problem MUCH MORE DANGEROUS.

Fire can now jump even more easily to the homes on Grove Way on the other side of the creek, the extremely dry and flammable hillside that leads to the homes on Shadyspring-Gail above, and the homes adjacent to the hillside on Grove Way.

I am certain that as the Head of Hayward Parks Maintenance, Mr. Peterson is aware of the numerous warnings to homeowners-businesses asking them to refrain from using and preferably removing this mulch-like material and wood chips as they burn quickly and spread easily.

This situation is compounded because some park visitors sit in their cars and smoke while on the phone or while socializing. One spark is all it takes.

We’d like Mr. Peterson to clarify what he was thinking when H.A.R.D crews spread the debris around instead of removing the debris as they have done in the past.

I look forward to his explanation and getting the situation remedied asap.

–Amber Jayanti, Castro Valley