Residents complain about Race Communications fiber work; city says inspections and enforcement have increased

Residents raised repeated complaints about fiber installation work by Race Communications, saying crews left debris and damage on private property and failed to provide timely notification.

David Womack told the council he felt crews had "invaded my property" and that graffiti, trash and unrestored excavation had been left on his sidewalk and in his yard. Other speakers described similar marks, unfilled holes, and lack of door‑knock notifications.

City staff (Director Fisher) said Race Communications is operating as a telecommunications provider licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission and authorized to work in rights‑of‑way and some utility easements. "We have increased the field inspections," Fisher said, adding that the city has issued directives requiring Race to submit restoration timelines and photographic before‑and‑after documentation and that outstanding restoration will be charged back to the company through the encroachment permit process.

Fisher acknowledged the city cannot prohibit a licensed provider from working in the public right‑of‑way but said the city's enforcement tools include withholding final encroachment permit sign‑off until restoration is completed and documented. He said staff have established a direct line with Race's VP of community relations and requested additional project managers so the city's inspectors can coordinate restorations more efficiently.

Several residents asked the council to keep pressure on the company to complete restorations quickly and to improve communication with neighborhoods. Council and staff committed to continued updates to the council as staff tracks complaints and enforcement actions.