On Tuesday, Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz joined the city's School Area Team, a division of code enforcement, outside Sunset Elementary School in southwest Fresno to highlight ongoing work to create safer routes for students and educate parents about available resources.
"We wanted to really focus our attention on kids' safety as they travel to and from school, and so this is a high priority for the city council, and it's been for several years," Janz said.
The outreach effort invited parents and residents to learn more about how the city identifies and addresses safety concerns near schools.
"I think it's a great idea. If anything, I think it's more important to speak with residents and those who are in the neighborhood," said parent Brenda Dominguez.
According to city officials, the School Area Team focuses on hazards that can obstruct sidewalks and force children into unsafe situations while traveling to and from school. Those issues can include overgrown vegetation, neglected properties and other obstacles near elementary schools.
"The most dangerous thing that we've seen is vacant buildings and kids being forced to walk into the street," Janz said.
While city crews regularly inspect neighborhoods, officials say community reports play a critical role in identifying problems before they become more serious.
"That means that we can get out here, or someone else can get out here and address it, and you know maybe get in front of the violation before it becomes a bigger issue," said Francisco Gastelum-Rivera, a member of the School Area Team.
When code violations are found, property owners are typically given 18 days to correct the issue. Janz emphasized that the city's primary goal is voluntary compliance, not fines or penalties.
"We work with the property owners. We don't, we don't issue fines right away, that sort of thing. We only use fines as a last resort," he said.
City leaders say seemingly minor problems can significantly affect student safety, particularly in neighborhoods where many children walk to school.
"You know, at the end of the day, it's about the health and safety of our children, and right now we think it is a good time to educate the public with kids going back to school," Janz said.
Officials are encouraging residents and parents to report potential hazards by calling 311 or submitting requests through the city's FresGO app.
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