Coexisting with people in RVs parked on Westside

I can imagine that an oversized vehicle parked right outside your door is distressing. There are solutions to unburden lower Westside homeowners of the too close presence of another without enforcing ordinances that are so drastic that our humanity is lost on the way.

I live near Delaware and walk along Swanson and Delaware every morning. I don’t see people defecating on the street, or shooting up. I see people trying simply to live.

If we could see our way to a compromise, why not allow parking on Delaware for RVs? There are no residences after Swanton and, if we add basic services like toilets, trash containers, and gray waste stations, we could coexist amicably with those who have nowhere else to go.

— Erica Aitken, Santa Cruz

City of SC should respect property owners

I read the Sentinel article “Homeowner claims planning department overstepping its authority” with great interest and I cannot believe that the City of Santa Cruz would require anyone to give up their property rights to rebuild a shed. I certainly would not want city employees walking on my property on a whim. It sounds like something that could be greatly abused. Even police require probable cause to enter private property, so why does that not apply to city employees as well.

I thus found a letter writer’s comments on the topic –“Complaints about SC ‘shed’ unfounded” — completely off the mark when the writer stated that “the city’s effort to accommodate (the shed owner’s) needs as she stated them should not be disrespected.” I believe that it is the city that should respect its residents and not treat them as common criminals.

— Tina Burke, Rio Del Mar

Strange priorities for Rio del Mar road repairs

It is great to see that some roads in Rio del Mar are finally getting repaired, however the choice of which roads are receiving most of the very scarce funds is strange to me. Heavily traveled roads like Rio del Mar Boulevard and Clubhouse Drive get either small sections repaired, or no work at all, and much lesser traveled roads like Cliff Drive and Martin Drive receive the full treatment. The analytical process used to determine where road maintenance funds are being applied should be made transparent to the residents.

— Paul Peterson, Aptos

Weeds in local yards are unsafe and unsightly

Weeds! And I don’t mean the smoking kind! I am talking about the weeds that are seen in people’s yards. Some weeds are over 5 feet tall. While walking in the local neighborhoods, I enjoy some beautiful and cared-for yards. Sometimes, right next door, is a yard totally overgrown with weeds that would be deadly if ignited.

Where is people’s sense of pride in home ownership? Yes, there could be underlying circumstances for not caring for a yard. However, how about using some good old manual labor to pull some weeds? I fear for all the foxtails that could be a life-threatening issue for my dog.

There are fire codes and restrictions for weed abatement in this city. Come on folks, please make your yard beautiful and safe for all. Document fire complaints to: dl_fire@cityofsantacruz/com

— Joy Parker, Santa Cruz

Know the facts about needed SC ‘vacancy tax’

The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported on California’s growing vacancy tax movement. It was heartening to see Santa Cruz included in the list of cities stepping up to create more affordable housing. The article also provided a needed reset on the facts about vacancy taxes.

Here are some key facts, easily found in Santa Cruz’s EHT measure: ADUs will not be taxed. Homeowners self-report vacancy on an annual yes/no form. Homeowners are exempt when finding new tenants, undergoing renovations, or facing financial hardship.

The most important fact: the city estimates the Empty Home Tax will create millions for low-to-extremely low-income housing. We have been told the funds for this level of affordable housing don’t exist, although demand remains high. We deserve a revenue stream that doesn’t further squeeze those who live here. As we all learn more about the vacancy tax, let’s make sure we keep track of the facts.

— Katie Spencer, Santa Cruz