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Residents urge action on trash, park damage and fires behind Barnes Park
Summary
Multiple residents told council that trash across the city remains a problem and that Barnes Park's children's splash feature has been nonfunctional for years; a resident reported three fires near Barnes Park within two weeks and asked the city to coordinate with Caltrans to clear brush.
Several residents used public comment time to press the council on neighborhood maintenance and public‑safety issues.
John Rios, a resident of 50 years, said he had sent the mayor photos and raised repeated concerns about trash across the city and street vendors, and claimed the $20 million Barnes Park splash feature has been broken for six years: "Out of those $20,000,000, it's still broken," Rios said. Another caller on Zoom, Maria Moreno, reported three fires behind Barnes Park in two weeks and said homeless encampments contributed to the blazes; council members and staff said they were coordinating with Caltrans and Assembly Member Blanca Rubio's office where right‑of‑way responsibility lies.
Council members said staff had driven reported locations and would follow up with residents who had sent photos and video and urged patience as crews prioritize citywide needs. The council also noted it is working with Caltrans on brush clearance at freeway entrances and encouraged residents to email contact details so staff can investigate specific sites.
