Officials in Bay Area town have ruined the Christmas spirit on Eucalyptus Avenue, neighbors say

Dec. 23, 2021Updated: Dec. 23, 2021 7:55 p.m.

San Carlos city officials are being painted as the Grinches Who Stole the Christmas Spirit on Eucalyptus Avenue, a street known throughout the Bay Area as a go-to location to see houses decked out for the holidays.

The two-block stretch of street in this Peninsula city has become so popular over the years that the city approved spending more than $100,000 this year and next year for extra police and security, permits, portable toilets, trash bins and barricades. According to the San Mateo Daily Journal, police and security will cost $32,000, security staffing $17,000, traffic control devices $50,000, and portable toilets and trash removal $11,500.

While these extra measures may seem perfectly reasonable considering the crowds that flock to see the Christmas displays, they’ve ended up sucking the Christmas spirit from the neighbors who spend a lot of time and money to decorate their homes.

“Thank you, city leaders for ruining more of San Carlos’ charm,” reads a banner displayed at 1957 Eucalyptus Ave. Right next door, at 1963 Eucalyptus Ave., portable toilets and barricades have been set up.

“For the past 30 years, I have enjoyed and taken pride in putting up the Christmas lights with all my Eucalyptus neighbors,” reads a flyer. “We have spent countless hours, money, and energy creating these light displays for everyone to enjoy and have loved sharing the holiday with everyone. Unfortunately, my house happens to be the ONLY unlucky winner of the many new changes this year (Porta Potties, trash bins, and barricades); a real change from winning the “Best of Holiday Lights” from a city sponsored event 20 years ago.”

The resident points out that the congestion caused by the location of portable toilets and barricades forces pedestrians to walk into traffic.

“So, with a heavy heart, I will be leaving my lights off until these safety concerns have been addressed and do not anticipate participating again in the future.”

The letter ends with a list of city officials, including Mayor Sara McDowell, and their email addresses.

Dec. 23, 2021Updated: Dec. 23, 2021 7:55 p.m. Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos is a go-to location in the Bay Area to see over-the-top Christmas displays.Grant Marek / SFGate San Carlos city officials are being painted as the Grinches Who Stole the Christmas Spirit on Eucalyptus Avenue, a street known throughout the Bay Area as a go-to location to see houses decked out for the holidays. The two-block stretch of street in this Peninsula city has become so popular over the years that the city approved spending more than $100,000 this year and next year for extra police and security, permits, portable toilets, trash bins and barricades. According to the San Mateo Daily Journal, police and security will cost $32,000, security staffing $17,000, traffic control devices $50,000, and portable toilets and trash removal $11,500. While these extra measures may seem perfectly reasonable considering the crowds that flock to see the Christmas displays, they’ve ended up sucking the Christmas spirit from the neighbors who spend a lot of time and money to decorate their homes. “Thank you, city leaders for ruining more of San Carlos’ charm,” reads a banner displayed at 1957 Eucalyptus Ave. Right next door, at 1963 Eucalyptus Ave., portable toilets and barricades have been set up. Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos is a go-to location in the Bay Area to see over-the-top Christmas displays.Grant Marek / SFGate “For the past 30 years, I have enjoyed and taken pride in putting up the Christmas lights with all my Eucalyptus neighbors,” reads a flyer. “We have spent countless hours, money, and energy creating these light displays for everyone to enjoy and have loved sharing the holiday with everyone. Unfortunately, my house happens to be the ONLY unlucky winner of the many new changes this year (Porta Potties, trash bins, and barricades); a real change from winning the “Best of Holiday Lights” from a city sponsored event 20 years ago.” The resident points out that the congestion caused by the location of portable toilets and barricades forces pedestrians to walk into traffic. Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos is a go-to location in the Bay Area to see over-the-top Christmas displays.Grant Marek / SFGate “So, with a heavy heart, I will be leaving my lights off until these safety concerns have been addressed and do not anticipate participating again in the future.” The letter ends with a list of city officials, including Mayor Sara McDowell, and their email addresses.