CLEARLAKE >> As wildfire prevention efforts continue around the county, city of Clearlake officials announced on Monday that they are teaming up with the Lake County Fire Prevention District to enforce the abatement of overgrown weeds and vegetation in properties.
“As the citizens of Lake County know only too well, dry, overgrown vegetation are excellent fuel for fires and can be a threat to people, structures, and animals,” Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom said in a prepared statement.
Though Clearlake has not been affected by fires in comparison to other areas of the county, city officials said awareness of the dangers of overgrown weeds and vegetation has increased as a result of fires like the Clayton Fire and Valley Fire. The elimination of weeds in the city is not only part of reducing fire hazards but is also part of the Council’s plan to “Make Clearlake a Visibly Cleaner City,” as adopted in February.
Even more so, the County and other parts of Northern California experienced rain totals of 400 percent above average, resulting in great amounts of weeds and vegetation that need attention.
Fire Chief William Sapeta said that efforts to enforce the abatement of excess weeds and brush are very important right now in order to have a timely and strategic prevention process.
“Most of our time was used during fires, like the Clayton Fire, and then for recovery efforts,” he said. “This year, we want to push these enforcements.”
The City announced that Code Enforcement staff are currently notifying property owners to remove excess weeds and vegetation via letters. Failure to remove excess after one has been notified can lead to significant fines. Sapeta added that a first offense fine can be worth up to $500.
Clearlake Finance Director, Chris Becnel, who oversees Code Enforcement said, “The City is expending tremendous efforts in code enforcement to clean up garbage throughout the city and eliminating abandoned vehicles. Property owners need to help by cutting down the overgrown vegetation on their property. So avoid fines and do your part. But more importantly, make Clearlake a nice looking place for all of us and our visitors by cutting down your weeds.”
Other areas of the County are also taking measures to help reduce blight and fire hazards, including Hidden Valley Lake (HVL). In addition to holding the national Wildfire Preparedness Day on May 6, which educated attendees on how to protect themselves and their properties from wildfires, HVL Association has their own Weed Abatement Program available for lot owners at a quoted price.
According to Environmental Control Coordinator Elizabeth Eaholtz, the deadline for unimproved lots to be weed abated is June 15. “Those lots not abated by June 15 will be fined and the HVLA Weed Abatement Contractor will abate the lots and the quoted price will be invoiced to the lot owner. Those properties considered Improved Lots, those with a home on them, are to be maintained year round. If they are not maintained, they are sent notice to come into compliance in accordance with the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions,” she said.
Fines can run up to $300 if one fails to abate their lots by the deadline.
Brandon Piercy with Cal Fire reminded members of the community to create defensible space and have fire-safe landscaping — strategically planted fire-resistant plants — to improve the survival of one’s home during a wildfire. He also suggested to identify and remove any fuel ladders around one’s property.
The City of Clearlake also provided the public with waste haulers like the City’s Clearlake Waste Solutions (CWS). Containers for landscape green waste, as well as normal trash and recycling, are provided by CWS. South Lake Refuse and Recycling operates the Quackenbush Mountain Compost Facility for larger loads needing disposal. Quackenbush Mountain is located at 16520 Davis Street, Clearlake.
