Michael Sherman, a resident of Chino, California, is challenging his city's ordinances after being issued multiple fines for maintaining a prolific food garden in his front yard. Sherman, a landscape contractor, began cultivating the garden in 2019, citing concerns about potential food shortages. His yard now features a variety of fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, squash, ginger, bananas, and blueberries.
The dispute began when Sherman received a $750 fine for “overgrown vegetation” in April, followed by a $500 fine in August. He anticipates another $500 fine this month if the situation is not resolved. Sherman believes individuals should have the right to grow food on their property as long as it does not create a public health or safety hazard.
Sherman maintains that most of his neighbors are supportive of his garden, suggesting that a single neighbor's complaint may have initiated the city's action. However, one neighbor expressed concerns to CBS LA about the potential for rodents and the garden's upkeep. Sherman acknowledged past rat issues on his property but stated they have not been a problem for years, arguing that rodents can be an issue regardless of landscaping.
The City of Chino has indicated that violations will persist until overgrown vegetation is removed or trimmed, despite acknowledging some progress. Sherman feels the city's code enforcement lacks understanding of how plants like squash, which are annuals, grow and develop.
Sherman has stated his motivation for growing his own food stems from a distrust of the current food system and a desire for safe, known food sources for his family. He aims to be as self-sufficient as possible, even on his small lot.
