As we all know the CCSD requires property owners to abate the weeds, downed trees, brush etc which might constitute a fire hazard. This must be done by July 1st or the work is put out to a private contractor. The cost of such work is added to the property tax bill along with a (haha gotcha) $400.00 “administrative” charge.
Well, it seems that the CCSD has gathered up 44 properties in their Build-out Reduction program and lo and behold they have determined that it is too expensive to clear their own lots. They have cleared a few inadequatly and others not at all. How this can be done legally while requiring it of others is troubling. (Lawsuits in the event of a fire) This has resulted in an increase in an always dangerous fire environment. I have taken pictures of a representative group of those lots – included below. The list of lots and comments can be downloaded here.
I have shared this information with the Cambrian with the expectation they would be interested in looking into this further but with no results. Hence this missive.
Yours for a fire safe community,
Reg Perkins
Update: Lot on Ramsey Original Picture:
Updated as of today (Sept 29):
Last 5 posts by Reg Perkins
What do you expect the CCSD interprets the rules as it sees fit, on this and many other issues and Kathy Tanner turns a blind eye. They are good at holding others accountable, but know that the process is to expensive for the citizens to call them on their bull shit.The ineptness of the management is further demonstrated in the poor performance of most of the employees
I’m not sure that “most” of the employees exhibit poor performance. I think those in the water and wastewater departments have a record of quick and appropriate response to emergencies and do the best they can to maintain the system, given the resources available. But generalities on either side benefits no one. There are problems that have to be addressed and some areas that run more smoothly.
Hopefully, AboutCambria.com and AboutCCSD.com will provide some of the coverage missed by our already-stretched-thin reporter.
Hi, Reg. Thanks for your post.
I do not disagree with your points and frankly, I would encourage you to close the loop of “due diligence”, as we citizens should do; and notify Fire Chief Putney and CAL Fire in writing/e-mail with exactly the same information you posted above and ask them what their response is and what is their plan of action with time table to correct this is.
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To Amanda’s point, I also agree and would add that the staff takes direction from management.
I would continue to look to management here first, with the issues that need correction. Cambria has a tenured staff which, in spite of the alarming retirement benefits pay out mushrooming in our future, benefits the community in experienced, educated service people who have intimate knowledge of Cambria’s needs in upkeep and maintenance of our infrastructure and Cambria’s operations as a whole. It is a huge knowledge base that is very valuable to our community. And while they make recommendations on projects that are requested by the Manager and the board, the manager and Board make the final decisions. If we have beefs with those final decisions, we need to focus on corrections first at that Leadership level. This is just my opinion.
Peace.
The reason I did not go to Chief Putney is that I wanted the community to know that the CCSD (who make the rules for all departments) had made the decision NOT to clean/clear some of their own lots. (Because of the cost) Even though they require the cash strapped property owner to do so. Some of them are having to make monthly payments. Just another instance of a governing body bending the rules.
REG