Since You Asked: My neighbors' yard is a mess

Q: My neighbors have let their yard get so bad that weeds are now up to the top of the fence line and there's trash and junk all over their yard. Is there anyone in Yuba City I can call to address this problem if my neighbors refuse to take care of it?

A: Junk falls under the category of code enforcement, which in Yuba City is handled by the Building Department. Their phone number is 822-4629.

The weeds and tall grass, however, could be considered a fire hazard, in which case, call the Yuba City Fire Department.

The Fire Department will send inspectors to investigate. If it is deemed hazardous, they will initiate the weed-abatement process with the property owner.

"The grass has to be overgrown and dry," explained Jesse Frias, a city fire inspector. "If it's green, it's not a fire hazard and there's nothing we can do."

The department is gearing up for its annual weed-abatement program, and property owners can expect the first wave of notices in the coming weeks. Frias said the department usually sees a compliance rate of about 90 percent.

"It's a very successful program," he said.

So, if you believe your neighbor's weeds and grass could be a fire hazard, contact firefighters, but please don't call 911 unless the grass is actually burning.

The department's phone number is 822-4689.

Q: When Yuba City's Teal Hollow subdivision was built in 2006, it was with the promise to tie Western Parkway into Highway 20. When, if ever, will this project be complete?

A: In January of next year, according to Yuba City officials.

"We received project approval from the (California Transportation Commission) in December and our consultant is now finalizing plans to be submitted to Caltrans," said Diana Langley, deputy public works director.

Western Parkway runs parallel to Royo Ranchero Drive on the western edge of the city.

Groundwork for the new project was laid last year during a Highway 20 rehabilitation project, Langley said.

Remaining work costing about $1.45 million will connect the road with the highway, adding a 450-foot section of road and will include installation of a new signal light on Western Parkway.

Construction will be paid for entirely from development impact fees, Langley said.

City officials will put the project out to bid early this summer and construction is expected to kick off before the fall.

Since You Asked is published on Mondays. Send questions to reporter Rob Parsons at the Appeal-Democrat, 1530 Ellis Lake Drive, Marysville, CA 95901, email him at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or call 749-4785.