When my wife and I first moved to Simi Valley about 14 years ago we thoughtlessly left our garbage cans out in public view and received a warning letting us know that the cans should be hidden or a citation might be issued.

We have followed the rules ever since. We were actually pleased to have moved to a neighborhood with a priority on appearance.

Now, as I drive through my neighborhood and others in the city, I see everything from garbage cans to lawns of dead weeds to auto repair shops set up in driveways. Junk cars collect dirt in front of disheveled homes.

As we all know, the real estate market is in very bad shape. There's little we can do about the larger financial crises, but we do have some control over our property values.

The condition of your neighbor's home reflects heavily on the value of yours.

It is time for the citizens of Simi Valley to act.

If you see what you perceive to be an infraction, like abandoned vehicles or trash, call it in to code enforcement or the Simi Valley Police. Not only will you help uphold the value of your home, you will do the same for your neighbor, whether they appreciate it or not.

Simi Valley is a beautiful, safe place to live due in no small part to the concern and engagement of her citizens. Let's use this market slump to remind us not only of the value of our community but of our own value in sustaining it. Steve Ochs Simi Valley