Neighbors squabble over RV parking

While La Cañada Flintridge officials consider a new citywide regulation for recreational vehicles, a hot spot has been on Tondolea Lane.

Resident David Hotchkin and his neighbor Amir Hemmati have clashed over the presence of Hemmati’s RV at his home, and Hotchkin has a history of raising the RV issue with city officials.

In July 2011, Hotchkin appeared at a City Council meeting to appeal the city’s approval of a project on Los Amigos Street that included space for RV parking.

A month later, when the Planning Commission was studying the current RV ordinance, Hotchkin was the lone voice for barring RV storage in residential areas. Four other residents spoke of leaving the law as it is.

Then on Dec. 5, when the City Council was discussing the issue, both Hotchkin and Hemmati spoke.

“I bring my RV to compliance two years ago. Everything, inch by inch,” Hemmati said. “Right now you’re going to change the ordinance, and what will I do with my RV? My nice neighbor comes here; he wants to change the ordinance just to hurt me.”

Hotchkin responded: “My feelings about the RV ordinance have to do with a lot more than just my neighbor. I feel the city staff created the problem — [I] feel sorry for Dr. Hemmati — they created strife between him and myself. I feel they incorrectly interpreted the ordinance.”

Hotchkin also said at the meeting that he believes permitting RV storage at residences lowers property values.

Hotchkin couldn’t be reached for comment this week. On Wednesday, Hemmati said Hotchkin had rescinded his opposition to Hemmati’s storage of an RV on his property.