Dear Trashed,
Red Phone contacted Scott Barron, code enforcement officer for the city. He said Chapter 12 of the Municipal code contains numerous sections that regulate the handling, storage and disposal of garbage, refuse and debris. In addition, Section 5C.07 of the Residential Blight ordinance prohibits the accumulation of solid waste in an area that is visible from a street or public way unless it is enclosed in an approved container, or stored in a manner that would prevent the material from being transported by the wind. Section 12.18 requires all garbage or rubbish be deposited in an approved container and placed for collection as directed by the director of public works.

With regard to storing other types of household items or waste in the front yard area, Sections 5C.08-5C.10 provides additional guidance that includes a list of items that may not be stored in the front yard area. The list includes such things as a washing machine or household appliance, or a wrecked or dismantled vehicle or parts.

Finally, he added, storing any of the listed items in the front yard area constitutes blight and is enforceable under the guidelines of the ordinance.

No one lives in that shed
"Calling for a friend who is distraught. We love the Red Phone, it's a very interesting column. Recently you ran something about California Building Codes that someone sent accusing my friend of living in the backyard. But there is not anyone living there. It's upsetting the address of the accused is in the paper. I'm concerned about that practice. People should be allowed to ask questions, but the paper should leave the address out. Thanks."

Dear Concerned,
Red Phone appreciates the compliments and knew there was a 'but' coming. After considering your comments, Red Phone will carefully review home address information and only print the exact address if deemed absolutely necessary for context. But, there's that word again, Red Phone still wants readers to include the exact address so the concern can be forwarded to the appropriate person. In this instance, it appears the caller accusing the Hanna Street residents was incorrect. In addition to your statements, a woman who said she lives in the house came into the Dispatch Wednesday and professed her innocence, saying she and her husband only keep tools in the shed.

Red Phone contacted Code Enforcement Officer Scott Barron, who said they have not been contacted regarding any complaints located at this address.

Santa Teresa looks great!
"Red Phone, just wanted to say how nice Santa Teresa Boulevard looks. From a dusty, two-lane mess, the four-lane roadway looks great. Just wanted to say it looks fantastic, as far as roads go."

Dear Pleased,
Red Phone agrees. The new 1.3-mile road looks fantastic. Red Phone contacted Traffic Engineer Don Dey who provided the following:

■ Total construction cost: $8 million

■ Time frame: Aug. 2004 - June 2006

■ Number of trees: 470

■ Number of shrubs: 7,000

■ Number of vines: 780

■ Ground cover: 13,500 square feet

■ Soundwall area: 6,730 linear feet

"The city is very pleased with the beautification effort on this part of the Santa Teresa corridor," Dey said.