DHS residents concerned about neighborhood landscaping

For Herb Moon, home sweet home is Rancho del Oro in Desert Hot Springs. “Absolutely love it,” Moon said. “The people are nice, and you’ve got the best views in the world.” But when he purchased his home nearly 20 years ago, city officials say one thing remained to be settled. Who would keep up the neighborhood’s landscaping? It was a decision city leaders decided to sow first. “The city council decided at that time that they would take on the responsibility until some solution could be made,” Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas said. “Well over the years nothing, no tax, no maintenance district was ever formed.” While they continued caring for the development, residents like moon said it became an issue that eventually grew out of control. He said it prompted those like his wife and him to start sprucing up the development themselves, something they thought they wouldn’t have to tend to. “We trim bushes,” Moon said. “In some cases, we trim so many that we can’t dispose of the clippings. So, we’ve called the city and asked them to pick them up. With some prodding they’ve done that. But it’s been a hassle. I’m pushing the age where you can’t come out here when it’s 120 degrees, and do that kind of stuff anymore.” After disputing about the issue of landscaping at Rancho del Oro with different city councils over the years, homeowners like moon said they and Matas are very hopeful they can come to a solution soon. “Tonight should be the end of something that has been on their mind for many, many years,” Matas said. Matas said some of the choices residents will vote on whether to pay a fee ranging from $5 to $20. Other residents said they’re against any potential fees, calling them illegal and unjustifiable. City officials said regardless of Wednesday’s decision, they expect to be out to do some work and improve the neighborhood’s irrigation system next week.