It was an interesting first council meeting especially two items: (1) The Community Recognition Progam to honor residents with 30 years community service, 10 years community service and also one time contributions of money. Cathy and Terry were right in being concerned that Burlingame buildings, etc. were "up for sale" to anyone who donates money and wants their name used on a Burlingame facility. (2) The clearcutting by the SFPUC of the eucalyptus trees along Skyline Boulevard. It is disgusting that a new resident builds a house in an area with an oasis of beautiful trees and then decides he does not like the them and threatens to sue the SFPUC if 50-100 year old trees are not removed. Didn't he see the trees when he bought the land, when he built the house? Why didn't he build his house in Millbrae or Daly City? Most of the neighbors did not want the trees destroyed with one neighbor saying she did. The SFPUC will not do anything drastic until probably October but why don't they maintain the grove and minimize the fire hazard (if there is one). Terry made a good point when she asked whether the neighbors would be allowed to maintain the grove themselves but the spokesperson said she would have to speak to their lawyers about that one! The SFPUC were silly to say that this grove of trees is not a big deal to the SFPUC when it is a big deal to the residents who will lose their windbarrier, soundbarrier and the beauty of their trees. Big mistake, SFPUC!

– Written by Fiona