Family member speaks out about code compliance notice during pandemic

 Family member of a valley resident is speaking out over concerns she has for her grandmother being able to up-keep her property after receiving a code compliance notice during the coronavirus crisis.

"Its not right, its not fair for her," said Rosa Jaquez. "Because she’s alone and she’s got health problems."

Rosa Jaquez said she’s lived across the street from her neighbor Molly Lerma for over 40 years and can’t wrap her head around the thought that her friend received a code compliance notice from the city during the coronavirus outbreak.

“I mean I understand in another time, she could get somebody to come and clean everything but right now in this crisis," said Jaquez. "We shouldn’t be so close and I don’t think its right, it hurts me."

Sarah Lerma granddaughter of Molly Lerma also concerned about the city expectations to maintain her yard under shelter in place orders.

“It really is an added level of stress and anxiety when she is just trying to stay healthy," said Lerma. "She just went to Walmart right now exposing herself over trying to buy a weed wacker.”

Through a letter from the city to Lerma, the city states resident must remove weeds from the front and side yards, repair front landscaping ground cover, trim shrubs and trees regularly.

“From what she said this isn’t the first time, I am really worried about them contacting me, she’s like i don’t want to have any problems," said Lerma. "This is creating panic not just for her but for this type of community who isn't incapable of doing it themselves.”

City officials tell me that they looked at last years complaints and compared it to this year and they haven’t seen an uptick if anything its been about the same.

“We don't know how long the pandemic is going to last and we can’t have people in the city stop taking care of their property," said Chris Parman.

Cathedral City Communications Manager Chris Parman said the city offers various programs and services to help residents who are struggling to maintain their landscaping.

“The city is willing to work with anyone on these issues, you just have to contact us," said Parman. "The city will listen and try to work out a plan for all.”

For more information on Cathedral City's Code Compliance Department. Click Here.