Gozzano Arrested on DUI Charge

The real estate agent involved in a controversy over the chopping down of redwood trees on private property was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence Sunday night, according to a Pinole Police Department report.

Officers stopped Tom Gozzano while driving in the 700 block of John Street, near the house where the two old trees were cut down in March. The report said that Gozzano was driving slowly down the street and "arousing suspicion of neighbor."

On Tuesday Gozzano, of Old Time Realtors on San Pablo Avenue, told Piniole Patch about his arrest.

"I was arrested for a DUI," he said. "You've got to take responsibility for your actions and I will not be drinking and driving again. Was I over the legal limit? Yes, I believe I was."

The angered some residents in the Old Town neighborhood, who alleged that the trees at 2599 San Pablo Ave, adjacent to John Street, were cut down without a permit. They also contend that the trees were protected by a local tree preservation ordinance.

A total of 19 residents on John and nearby streets signed a complaint letter to city council members, demanding that fines and penalties should be charged to the responsible parties. Gozzano has acknowledged that, as the property manager of the home, he is responsible for cutting down the trees. He said he made arrangements with city officials for a permit prior to the  felling of the trees, but that he didn't pay the permit fee until three weeks later.

Gozzano said the trees were shedding debris that clogged rain gutters and that tree roots had invaded the sewer lateral on the property. He also said that one of the trees had damaged a sidewalk and that one of the trees was dead and rotting inside.

The letter claimed that gutter guards could have been installed and other measures could have been taken to prevent damage to the sewer pipe.

The letter is attached to this article.