State Begins Clearing Brush Near Condos

Residents of the Rockpointe condominium complex have for years been concerned about the brush growing abundantly on state park property near their homes, wondering if and when the brush would spark a fire.

The city agreed they were right to be worried. In February, the state Department of Parks and Recreation was issued an incompliance letter by the Los Angeles fire inspector.

But it was not until last week that California Conservation Corps crews descended upon the property in the Santa Susana Mountains State Park to clear away the brush.

“We’re happy to see this started,” said John Foschtman, president of the Rockpointe Homeowners Assn. “It lessens our concern for immediate fire danger.”

The condominium complex, located west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south of Devonshire Street, is next to the park. The brush started growing heavily around it after the developer, who had arranged for regular clearing of the park, relinquished responsibility for the complex.

In 14 years, residents said, there have been two costly fires in the area, including one that residents helped fight with garden hoses.

Worried about the possibility of another blaze, condo owners began a letter-writing campaign to state and local officials.

State Sen. Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley) said she was concerned about the state’s liability should a fire damage the homes, given that the parks department had already been notified of the problem.

The abatement is expected to be complete within a week.

It will cost the state $13,000 to clear the area to 100 feet from the occupied buildings, creating a defensible barrier in case of fire.