Dear Editor:

I was very disappointed in reading the August 19th front page article regarding Steve Perez’s home garden. Unfortunately, it failed to present a more balanced view of the impact this property has on the neighborhood and the community.

Anybody who has driven by the property can attest to it being an eyesore, however, that’s just the start. Having a garden is one thing, but this property is problematic for a number of reasons. It’s not just a code enforcement headache.

The property is not kept up and attracts both mosquitoes and rodents. This is documented. LA County Vector Control staff have gone there multiple times. With all the West Nile Virus concerns in the headlines, you’d think that would be part of the news story.....not the type of expensive red beets that will be making Mr. Perez a big profit.

Growing your own vegetables and being ecologically-minded are noble causes, but not at the expense of the quality of life for the community. I admire Mr. Perez‘s fondness for gardening, but this is not farmland. Even if it was, there are maintenance standards to follow. When he moved in to Downey, he knew what he was getting.....a nicely-kept suburban neighborhood with a pool in his backyard. The only thing that changed was him wanting to make it something that it is not.

Please don’t be deceived by this “aw shucks” story. Nobody should have to live on a block with this type of problem property on it. My hope is that the city’s planning department does not lower all of our standards and change the ordinance as a result of a misguided resident.

Paulina Guerrero
Downey