Why Is A Helicopter Buzzing San Leandro?

SAN LEANDRO, CA — The sound of a low-flying helicopter makes residents nervous, as they worry that law enforcement or TV news aircraft might be a signal of danger in their community.

The San Leandro Police Department is advising residents that a helicopter is expected to fly over the city this week and next, to check on trees along San Leandro Creek.

According to police, the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has completed an updated tree assessment along San Leandro Creek between Huff Avenue and the I-580 Freeway. This assessment, conducted on District property, evaluated the overall health of the trees and their potential for failure. It also identified necessary treatments, including pruning or removal where required.

Due to limited access, and to minimize impact on the creek environment, the District will use a helicopter for aerial tree pruning and removal. Residents will hear the helicopter hovering above the tree pruning and removal sites along the creek and traveling between these locations and staging areas during operational hours.

This work is expected to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and again next Monday through Wednesday.

The impacted area of San Leandro Creek will be to the rear of the homes on Glen Drive and Cary Drive.

The helicopter will land periodically to refuel at the dead end of Cary Drive.