THE PROBLEM: Mel McKay lost an avocado grove in Poway to the Witch Creek fire last fall, so it's understandable that he's worried about the very tall, very brown weeds on the vacant lot next to his home in San Diego's Morena neighborhood.
THE SITE: Mildred Street in San Diego's Morena neighborhood
|
“In 10 to 15 minutes your home can be rubble,” he said.
McKay said he called the Fire Department's weed abatement section and was referred to Environmental Services, Code Compliance and back to the Fire Department. He said he also called Councilwoman Donna Frye's office three times but did not get a call back.
The lot at the end of Mildred Street is next to the former University of San Diego High School campus and a canyon. In the past, the property owner would get a letter from the city with instructions to clear the overgrowth. McKay knows because he used to own the property but sold it several years ago.
STATUS: The Fire Department inspected the property last week and found it to be in violation of safety standards, Deputy Fire Marshal Eddie Villavicencio said.
Fire Prevention Services Inc., a company that contracts with the city, informed the property owner on Wednesday that he has until May 21 to cut the weeds back to within 2 inches of the ground.
If the property is not cleared, a second violation will be issued and the owner will have 30 more days to get the job done. If the work is not done by then, Fire Prevention Services will clear the property and the owner will have to cover the cost.
The Fire Department has identified 1,600 vacant properties that are subject to annual inspections. The lot on Mildred was found to be in compliance in 2006 and 2007, Villavicencio said. That mystifies McKay, who said the weeds have been tall for a long time.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE: Eddie Villavicencio, who can be reached at (619) 533-4435 or evillavicencio@sandiego.gov. To report potential vegetation hazards on public or private property, call the Fire Department's brush and weed abatement section at (619) 533-4444.
NEED A PROBLEM SOLVED: Is there a problem that government hasn't taken care of despite your complaints? Whether it's a missing bus bench or an unkempt park anywhere in San Diego County, Just Fix It might be able to help.
Complaint forms are at justfixit.uniontrib.com, or call (800) 820-8714 to escribe your problem.
