Council approves holiday Barrel Tree street closure after residents press for truck-routing assurances

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing a temporary street closure for the holiday Barrel Tree installation from Nov. 24 through Jan. 5, 2026, but added direction for staff to coordinate with Caltrans on safe truck routing and to explore potential future locations to reduce neighborhood impacts.

Residents at public comment described safety and quality-of-life concerns from semi-truck detours through residential streets during prior closures. Tracy McBride, a Hunt Avenue resident, urged the council to include language directing semitrucks toward Adams Street and requested a formal letter to Safeway documenting routing expectations: “No semitrucks on residential streets,” she said.

Recreation Manager Sylvester said staff would notify affected businesses and work with Caltrans on alternative delivery routes. Council members asked staff to return with written confirmation from Caltrans and to examine alternative locations for the Barrel Tree in future years; Councilor Spatarotto and others emphasized the need to reduce residential impacts while preserving the downtown holiday installation.

The council approved the temporary closure with those conditions on a recorded roll-call vote. Staff will meet with Caltrans and return to council with recommended routing and any suggested future locations.