Coronavirus has helped Caltrain electrification project
QWhat’s been the impact of COVID-19 on Caltrain’s electrification efforts? I could see how the decreased frequency of trains might make it easier to expedite construction. However, I worry that Caltrain’s reduced revenue at the moment could cause financial difficulties for the project.
— Rory Runser,
Palo Alto
AThis is one of the few COVID-19 impacts that has a possible bright side. Electrification is fully funded and Caltrain doesn’t expect any financial problems for the nearly $2 billion project. Crews are working longer hours with fewer trains running. They hope to complete the work in two years.
QI realize that you have bigger fish to fry, however, I have nowhere else to turn. In January, I notified the department that deals with abandoned vehicles left on San Jose streets. I walk my dog daily and noticed a trailer that was being held up with jacks and a wheel was missing.
It is fully loaded with debris and the plywood sides are falling off.
The city sent code enforcement out in February and put a notice tag on the vehicle. It has been sitting there ever since with the warning notice still attached — six months now.
I recontacted the city again and they replied that it has already been reported. The trailer still sits there. It is certainly a blight to our neighborhood with debris falling out and weeds growing under it. It is also a safety hazard, sitting precariously on jacks. I’m confident that if anyone can get action on this, it is you.
— Marv Lewis, San Jose
AI’m trying. Due to COVID-19, the city temporarily suspended dealing with abandoned vehicles. But this service is now back in operation and a trailer left on jacks needs prompt removal. Stay tuned.
QI am hoping that you might be able to give me guidance on a situation I have in Los Angeles.
I received notice of a delinquent parking citation made on April 19 against a vehicle I own. That car is with my daughter in Phoenix and has been for several years. Neither of us has been in the L.A. area since the shelter-in-place restrictions in both states have prevented us from traveling. I want to contest the ticket but the city is telling me that I have to pay it in order to contest it. From what I have read online about these situations, if I do that, I don’t think that I will ever see my money back. — Tom Hampton,
Sunnyvale
AI fear you are right. Still, I would pay the ticket, then appeal it. Sometimes a wrong license plate number is recorded. Keep good records about all communications and the facts involved in the situation for your appeal.