LAWNDALE

IMMOVABLE OBJECT: With just two old Chevy Novas, Councilwoman Nancy Marthens has added new meaning to the term “gridlock.”

The cars had been parked in Marthens’ driveway for years when someone finally complained to city administrators. Last summer they issued a citation ordering her to move the cars, deemed a legal nuisance because they were visible from the street. She refused. After a hearing, the order was reissued. Marthens wouldn’t budge. Instead, she asked her fellow council members to rescind the order. The council tried last week and failed. So, it would seem the citation stands and Marthens must move her cars. She still refuses.

The councilwoman said she will block the view of the cars by building a six-foot fence. Marthens said the 1962 Chevy Novas may need fresh paint but they are classics, which she hopes one day to restore.

Whether the fence would satisfy city administrators remains to be seen. The city manager could not be reached for comment.

“There are more important things to worry about,” Marthens said. “I can’t believe that of all the things going on in Lawndale, this is the most burning issue.”