FIELDS LANDING, Calif. (KIEM)-A woman in Fields Landing says, her neighborhood is being overrun by trash and debris – she says most of it is coming from the transient community.
Anita Hart says, she’s been dealing with this issue for about a year – and says she’s contacted the county so many times – they know her by name.
“It’s gotten so bad that it’s a wreck,” she said. “They’re going to the bathroom, they’re throwing needles.”
Hart says, this includes dumping larger items like these vehicles – bikes and other trash.
“I don’t think it’s fair, I pay taxes, I don’t live- being safe because of it, and I’ve went through all my avenues that I could possibly go through,” she said.
Humboldt County John H. Ford Director of Planning & Development says, he agrees.
“Absolutely understand her frustration, and yes, it is an absolute mess,” he said. “We were just out there again over the weekend, and it’s gotten worst.
“There’s a lot of things going on in that community that were trying to address.”
Such as cluttered properties – Hart says, she’s complained to her district supervisor – but feels ignored.
Ford says, that is not the case, he can attest, Both Hart and Humboldt’s district one supervisor have the same gripe.
“District supervisor Rex Bohn calls me constantly about Fields Landing,” said Ford.
Ford says – they are doing their best – they’ve seen an uptick in calls related to code violations – and with his staff working from home due to COVID-19, a vacant position and some staff out sick – resources are stretched thin.
“Those situation where it gets out of control, and becomes a nuisance, we step in, he said.
A woman the property who goes by the name Spencer says, the city came and spoke to her boyfriend, who lives in an RV.
“They told us to clean it up, get everything out, move everything dispose of it the correct way,” she said.
Spencer says, her boyfriend is a collector and likes to refurbish items – but agrees it’s gotten out of hand.
“And he brings them here, the materials and it’s added up,” she said
Something Hart says – she’s hoping will eventually be removed, sooner than later.
“You feel violated is how you feel,” she said.
Ford says, they are working on getting things cleaned up, it’s a process and takes time, they ask the community for a little patience.
