Nov. 7--Q I have a garden of drought-resistant plants in my front yard along with rock formations and a landscaping mound with ivy that needs little water.

One of my neighbors complained to code enforcement that I did not have the proper amount of landscaping.

A city inspector came out and I received a citation because of the bare dirt in the front yard.

The city ordered me to install landscaping or face a $250 a day fine.

I have tried to comply but 30 days is not long enough, and I am afraid that I will be hit with a big fine.

This is big job for me as I am 81 years old.

Michael

San Jose

A I visited with you, Michael, and was impressed with your Zen-like desert garden.

You are to be commended, not fined, for constructing a garden that uses precious little water in this drought we are suffering.

I contacted San Jose Code Enforcement Administrator Jamie Matthews and he came out to inspect the property.

While he, too, liked your garden, he said that when it rains, some of the bare dirt will wash off onto the sidewalk making it slippery and into the street where it will run into the storm drain causing environmental problems downstream.

Matthews lifted the deadline you faced and is making arrangements for a group of volunteers to come to your house and help you add some landscaping

to the front yard.

Matthews said that he works with 116 local churches that make up the volunteer group Beautiful Day.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District has some grant money available to do this kind of planting.

Seniors, the disabled and those with limited income can make use of this money to bring their property into compliance.

Matthews said that anyone who wants to take advantage of this should discuss it with the city inspector.

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