”
We have lived in Gilroy for over 10 years. We just moved in our
new place on Juniper Drive Dec. 15. Here is what we have to look at
everyday. It is disgusting and embarrassing to have friends over.
The inside of the house is even worse.
”
“We have lived in Gilroy for over 10 years. We just moved in our new place on Juniper Drive Dec. 15. Here is what we have to look at everyday. It is disgusting and embarrassing to have friends over. The inside of the house is even worse.
“We have talked to Scott [Barron] in code enforcement and Jackie Bretschneider, the fire marshall, both in Gilroy. We have made several calls and no action. Is it right that we have to put up with this?”
Dear Trashed, There is nothing like the smell of a barbecue and a trash pit on a warm spring afternoon. As a homeowner, you are entitled to some peace and quiet away from the smells of a dump.
Code Enforcement Officer Scott Barron said the process takes time, especially if the neighbor is not coorporative.
“This is an active case,” Barron said. “The City has been in contact with the property owner, deadlines were given, unfortunately they did not follow through in a timely manner as they indicated they would. This is not uncommon, however when it happens it invariably increases the time it takes to gain compliance. Code Enforcement first and foremost involves education concerning Municipal Code requirements; however when education proves insufficient, additional measures will be undertaken to gain compliance.
“I would recommend that whenever someone contacts you requesting information on the status of an active enforcement case, that you encourage them to contact the department or division undertaking the enforcement action and speak directly to the officer or person handling the case. A short conversation may quickly allay their concerns.”
Sage advice, Scott. And to you good caller, if the trash doesn’t get cleaned up soon, give the Red Phone a call again.
Graffiti keeps getting worse
“I’m calling about the graffiti on 10th Street. My neighbor’s automobile, working truck, has been marked up in red. Across from that is where we live. Our house has a fence that they’ve marked up with the same coloring. We’re fed up with it. We want to know what’s being done about it, how can we bring more attention to it so police will do more about it. I don’t feel they really keep track of these graffiti makers doing this. It’s out of control. I just want to know what’s going on with it. Is there anything that I can do to help with this?”
Red Phone: Unfortunately the graffiti problem will probably get worse before it gets better, especially during the summer months when kids get out of school and have nothing better to do. As part of the city-wide layoffs, Gilroy had to layoff its part-time Graffiti Abatement Officer, Angela Locke-Paddon, and as a result has no one to monitor the situation. The police department is urging citizens to get involved in helping to stem the graffiti flow. Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to attend a meeting at 12 p.m. Wednesday at the police station. For more information, call 846-0524.
