Patch Watch: Vandalized Electric Outlets Near Los Gatos Trees

Someone is vandalizing the electric outlet box covers found at the base near downtown trees on Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue.

A reader sent three photos to show us the damage.

Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Director Todd Capurso said unfortunately the outlets get opened; the cables are yanked out and damaged.

When the department is made aware of the problem, it tries to respond in a speedy manner to fix them, which costs money since the work is contractual, Capurso explained.

"The town is responsible for street tree lighting throughout the downtown area," Capurso said. "When things like this happen, it basically costs the town money to take care of it and usually it's not something that we budget for."

The outlets have cables hardwired to a small electric box in the ground.

Keeping the trees lit and maintained year round costs the town tens of thousands of dollars, Capurso added.

LOCATION: Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue

PROBLEM: Vandalized electrical outlets at base of downtown trees

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department, (408) 399-5770, or email department director Todd Capurso at tcapurso@losgatosca.gov.

DATE REPORTED: April 2

DAYS ON WATCH: 23