Who should be responsible for maintaining the trees on San Francisco’s streets? That is the question Proposition E brings before voters.
The way it is now, homeowners and landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the trees in front of their buildings. That includes trimming, cleaning up, and repairing cracks in the sidewalks caused by tree roots. If a tree is dying or unstable, the owner is the one who has to pay to remove the tree. And if somebody is injured by a tree, for any reason, the owner is liable.
If Prop E passes, the city will take over maintenance of the trees on the streets and sidewalks. In order to pay for these services, the city would set aside $19 million per year from the general fund. It would also set aside up to half-a-million dollars annually to maintain the trees on San Francisco’s public school property. And there’s an interesting feature: If the city’s general fund deficit is more than 200 million dollars, the tree maintenance program will be suspended.
Prop E has the unanimous support of the San Francisco board of Supervisors and Mayor Ed Lee. Proponents also include the Democrat, Republican, and Green Parties, along with Friends of the Urban Forest. That group says Prop E will create new jobs because the need for professional arborists will grow as the demand for maintenance increases.
There is no official opposition to this measure. But the San Francisco Chronicle has come out against Prop E, saying the city’s near $10 billion budget should already be big enough to absorb tree maintenance.
Ultimately, it’s up to you. If you want the city to be responsible and liable for keeping the trees and sidewalks of San Francisco maintained then vote "yes" on Prop E. If you want homeowners to remain responsible then vote "no."
Citizen respondents to KALW's elections call-out contributed to this post. Our call-outs are part of our community reporting project.
