To the editor: It is shocking that the mother of hoarder David Ferrera can destroy city services with the flimsy excuse that she is “an enabler… because I love my son.” That is simply a way to hold the community, and especially her next-door neighbor, hostage. She can love her son and still go about her business – living in a community in an acceptable way. Her son’s mess could happen to any one of us. The city should do its part, clean up the mess, and charge the mother for the work.
Kay Tornborg, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Neighbors' fear for their lives and the safety of their families is exacerbated by the threat of a fire that could decimate their property and potentially cause deaths. Their article quotes the former owner as saying, “It was [a] A really lovely place to walk around… almost like a park.” That being the case, it should be restored as a park by eminent domain.
Steve Saeta, Santa Rosa Valley
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To the editor: Something is wrong, either the municipal or state government is not working or is not working properly, or economic deregulation has gotten out of control, or the idea of “private and individual rights” has gotten out of control. For one individual to hold the entire community hostage to solve his problems and issues is wrong and, in a way, fascist.
There needs to be an eminent domain rule or law to take the property from that owner, clean it up, and sell it at auction to an affordable housing developer. It seems so easy. Why doesn't our system work efficiently?
Chet Chebegia, San Marcos
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To the editor: These neighbors should hire a lawyer and sue the owner and her son for nuisance. They may be able to obtain sufficient damages and an injunction to foreclose on the house and evict the owner and her son. They should also sue the person who sold them the house and the agent for failing to report the nuisance.
Sandra Carter, Long Beach
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To the editor: My neighbor planted many trees in a row blocking my view of the ocean, an issue I brought to the attention of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety.
After reading the story in the LA Times, I wonder if my issue will ever achieve priority at LADBS – after all, it's only been seven months.
If the City can't solve the toxic hoarding situation in Sun Valley after years of trying, what hope do I have of saving my home from being overrun and devalued by invasive trees?
Liz Lubin, San Pedro
