S.F.: Trees blocking traffic light trimmed

Results, Day 1: The trees near the southwest corner of Broadway and Kearny streets look nice, offer shade from the sun and reduce carbon emissions - but, for eastbound drivers, they also blocked a traffic light at the intersection. North Beach resident William Blum noticed the problem and e-mailed ChronicleWatch, which forwarded his concern to the San Francisco Department of Public Works. The agency trimmed the trees last week. In his e-mail, Blum said the traffic light - on the southeast corner of Broadway and Kearny - became obstructed when the trees were planted last year. "Just last week, a Porsche-driving man on a cell phone nearly spun out as he had to veer onto Kearny while trying to avoid pedestrians," Blum said. "This is a really bad situation. I hope no one has to be injured there because of those poorly located trees." DPW spokeswoman Gloria Chan said her agency will "monitor the growth of these trees." People who notice similar situations in San Francisco should call 311, she said.

Who got it done: Edward Reiskin, San Francisco public works director, (415) 554-6920; ed.reiskin@sfgov.org

This article appeared on page C - 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle