After reading Randy Campbell’s plight (Simi Valley Acorn , letters, Dec. 11) regarding his neighbors’ homes lack of curb appeal, I have to applaud him for speaking out.

I felt I had a kindred spirit, for I, too, have this problem. When driving into my tract I see unpainted, decaying fences, unmowed parkway lawns and trash in the street.

Randy, you asked for suggestions on how to deal with this dilemma, so here is what I did. I regularly walk up and down the street picking up the trash, and I have paid my gardener to mow two neighbors’ side parkways. It is much easier to just do it myself and get it over with since the results are instantaneous.

Regarding the fences, it’s a different story. I have offered to paint one in particular, free of charge, and was refused.

This neighbor told me he liked his fence the way it was (three different colors). I considered taking matters into my own hands and painting it in the stealth of night, but that seemed a bit extreme.

I’ve also lobbied for street trees free from the city but to no avail. How can anyone say no to trees and free fence painting?

Since moving to Simi Valley two and a half years ago from a neighborhood with an association, I now understand why they exist. I never had this problem in that neighborhood.

The area was always pleasant and well-maintained. I had pride and knew the property values were being maintained.

But I have also driven in neighborhoods here in Simi where there was no association and the yards were beautifully maintained, fences painted and no trash in the street, and I was in awe. I asked one resident why this was so, and he simply stated that the neighbors had a lot of pride and wanted to maintain the property value.

So, Randy, my advice to you is to talk with the neighbors first, but don’t be surprised by their answers. Definitely offer to help and if you can afford to mow or plant the yards, do it.

Call the city and find out about the codes. Otherwise, you are stuck. Some people just don’t care, and as I’ve been told, “We have choices here, and you need to move to a neighborhood with an association.” But if your ‘choices’ are degrading my and others’ property values, who really needs to change here?
Kathy Baker
Simi Valley