United States Representative Jimmy Panetta called on May 20 for the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service to review long-term delays and a lack of transparency in restoring the Brookdale and Almaden Valley Post Offices, both closed due to separate fires since December 2024 and July 2025.
Panetta said that ongoing closures have left many constituents without essential mail services, particularly those with limited mobility or transportation options. He wrote, “Given both the extended disruption of postal services and the continued absence of a clear path forward, independent review from the Office of Inspector General is warranted to ensure accountability from USPS and access to essential mail services for my constituents.”
The Brookdale Post Office has not undergone necessary repairs nearly a year and a half after its closure. Panetta said that only basic permitting steps have been taken by the property owner, who did not attend required site inspections. The reopening was delayed past a promised May 1 date, with little transparency from USPS about progress or next steps. Relocating Brookdale mail services to Boulder Creek Post Office has created additional challenges due to mountainous terrain and lack of home delivery in Brookdale.
“The impact of this closure has not only been a facilities issue, but a human one,” Panetta said. “Travel out of town simply to collect basic mail is unsustainable for many of these constituents, particularly those with limited mobility.” He added that his repeated requests for updates or alternative solutions have yielded little specific information.
Regarding Almaden Valley, Panetta noted that USPS does not plan to reopen its facility until spring 2027—almost two years after its closure—affecting residents in South San Jose who must travel farther for postal services. “Assuming this schedule is maintained, it will mean my constituents will be expected to wait nearly two years for restored service at a postal-owned facility in a major metropolitan area,” he said.
Panetta asked the Inspector General’s office to review management decisions around both locations’ repair timelines; assess whether internal actions or coordination issues caused delays; evaluate interim service plans; and determine if systemic oversight is needed.
Jimmy Panetta has served in Congress representing California’s 19th District since 2017 according to his official website. He was born in Washington D.C., graduated from University of California Davis with a BA in 1991, earned his JD from Santa Clara University in 1996, and currently lives in Carmel Valley according to biographical records.
