Too much trash, weeds on highways in Silicon Valley

Q

I left San Jose several years ago and moved to Sonoma County.

I had reason to visit San Jose last month and was stunned at how filthy the highways were — paper, bags, empty cups, yellow tape, etc. I was also taken aback by all the dry weeds along the highways in town that are just begging to be set on fire.

For visitors, this is an extremely ugly eyesore. I have had the pleasure of visiting countries in Europe, particularly Portugal, and almost always see a team of workers with weed whackers on the side of the road. To me, the conditions of the roads are not only an aesthetic issue but a safety one, too. — F.J. Alves, Healdsburg

A

And …

Q

Mr. Roadshow, people don’t call it Silicon Valley anymore but Garbage Valley.

— Hoang Nguyen, San Jose

A

Ouch. In 2012, Caltrans rated 71% of state roads in Santa Clara

Q

With the increase in our gas taxes, how much of that is going for trash pickups, graffiti removal and trimming weeds?

— Lynda Rios, Hayward

A

Zilch. New gas tax dollars cannot be used for litter abatement, graffiti removal or illegal encampment cleanup. But the state did add $10.2 million for this work out of its highway operations program and maintenance budget.

The 12-cent increase must be used on regular road maintenance and rehabilitation, safety projects, railroad grade separations and complete streets.

Q You had a question about a permanent disabled placard that expired in June. I have placards for my parents and wondered why permanent placards expire.

— David Knoblich,

San Jose County as being in good condition. By 2016, it was down to 35%.

A

To crack down on cheaters, the DMV now limits the number of replacement placards one can request without obtaining a medical certification to four in two years. Previously, there were no legal restrictions.

People are required to submit a renewal notice by mail every six years beginning with placards that expire in June 2023. A medical certification is not required as part of that renewal process.

Q

I was driving home after visiting my elderly mother when I saw a temporary 55-mph speed limit zone on Highway 101 south of Gilroy. I slowed to 55. About 200 yards later I passed a permanent uncovered 65-mph sign. I sped up to 65 and immediately saw the flash of a camera followed 50 feet later by a sign notifying me of the end of the 55-mph zone. Will I get a ticket for this?

— Lauren Burton, Palo Alto

A

I’m not sure what that white flash was from, but there are no speed cameras in the state. There will be no ticket headed to your mailbox.