Exhibit CC 08-03-2010 No. 14 IA1H
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Linda Lagergren
From: Susan Sievert [spsievert@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 1:29 PM
To: Kris Wang; Mark Santoro; Gilbert Wong; B ry h g
Subject: Item 14: Feeding of birds in City parks
Dear Mayor, members of the City Council.
I shutter to think what the cost of inaction has been to the taxpayers over the years, and
also believe "any city park" does not go far enough. Left out are: golf courses
(Blackberry /Deep Cliff), city right -of -ways, schools, businesses, and eateries. Specific
examples:
1) The lady golfer with the cut up loaf of wonder bread feeding the crows during her round.
"They're hungry," she scoffed when politely encouraged to stop.
2) The longtime resident who tossed peanuts to the crows as he walked through the
neighborhood, and fed pigeons in his yard. Since he moved away, that huge, messy flock of
pigeons perched on the wires at the corner of Orange and Almaden Avenues have moved on, and
so too have the crows perched on the Byrne Avenue wires.
3) The lady at the restaurant sharing her burrito with birds on the windowsill. And so on...
Enforcement /fines: In all 3 examples, the bird - people of Cupertino spoke perfect English. In
other words, this is not about a language barrier, but about obstinate people with a very
different mindset. Therefore, a significant penalty is the only thing that will get their
attention. Example, there are signs in Portola Valley that read "$1,000 FINE FOR LITTERING."
No, that would not be unreasonable when considering the outrageous tab the taxpayers have
been picking up to subsidize this unhealthy behavior. Also, $45,000 is not truly
representative of the total cost; if Memorial Park is too filthy to use, every penny we pay
to mow, water, and maintain it is being wasted.
The first offense could be waived if the violators complete a self- service, educational
course, similar to driving school, and perhaps patterned after the flyer already produced by
the city naturalist. A course fee to cover administrative and law enforcement costs —
absolutely.
We never had crows in our neighborhood until a few years ago. They are incredibly smart
(obnoxiously loud and creepy) creatures, so I imagine they followed peanut -man. Whatever — I
am so very happy they are gone! Stop feeding the ducks /geese /birds and they too will move
on, and a far - reaching ordinance will ensure it is to the next town.
Thank you.
Susan Sievert