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Council grants appeal for 6725 Old Highway 53 after owner and volunteers begin cleanup
Summary
The Clear Lake City Council voted to grant an appeal by the owner of 6725 Old Highway 53, removing the property from the city's CalRecycle abatement list after presenters showed recent cleanup activity and volunteers reported substantial trash removal.
The Clear Lake City Council on May 2025 granted an appeal by the owner of a vacant parcel at 6725 Old Highway 53, removing that property from the city's Phase 2 CalRecycle abatement list after evidence of cleanup and assurances of continued work.
Lieutenant Peterson had recommended denying the appeal, telling the council the site had a long history of noncompliance, illegal encampments, accumulated trash and unmanaged vegetation. "Based on the site history of non compliance, its ongoing risk to public safety, staff recommends denial of the appeal," he said during the hearing.
The parcel owner, who identified herself as Bridal Hilselbeck, addressed the council and described health problems, international travel and the death of her husband as factors that impeded earlier upkeep. She provided records of prior work and said she had contracted recent cleanup assistance. "I will be willing to cooperate with the city and do whatever I have to do," she said.
Volunteers from Citizens Caring for Clear Lake and representatives of CC4C told the council they had removed roughly three dozen large bags of garbage and trimmed vegetation in recent days. "We picked up about 3 dozen, big bags of garbage in the last couple weeks, and it's looking very good," said Barbara Christwitz of Citizens Caring for Clear Lake.
Staff confirmed that city crews and community volunteers had been active at the site; Lieutenant Peterson acknowledged recent work but emphasized the property's long history of violations dating to 2019. Staff also reiterated that administrative citations and associated fines remain a separate matter and are handled through the citation appeal process.
After public comment and discussion, Council Member Jessica Hooten moved to grant the appeal and remove the property from the abatement bid list. The motion passed unanimously among the council members present (Mayor Kramer was absent for the vote). By granting the appeal, the council ended this abatement action for 6725 Old Highway 53; staff said the property could be re-listed if conditions deteriorate.
Council and staff emphasized that the decision applies to this pending abatement action only and that the owner remains responsible for any outstanding citations unless those are addressed through separate appeal procedures.
