Neighbors: Congresswoman's house eyesore

SACRAMENTO, June 12 (UPI) -- Neighbors of a former California legislator now in Congress say her house in Sacramento has become a potentially dangerous eyesore.

Laura Richardson, a Democrat with a Los Angeles-area district, bought the three-bedroom house in an upmarket neighborhood when she was elected to the state Assembly in 2006. A neighbor told the Los Angeles Times the house was neglected even before she won a special election to Congress in 2007.

Sean Padovan, who lives next door, said he offered to cut the grass for Richardson, showing up at the door with his hand lawnmower, and got not response.

"I wouldn't want anyone that irresponsible to represent me," said John Bailey, another neighbor. "What I don't get is how she has the time to visit with Fidel Castro but doesn't have time for her own house. If you can't manage your own household, you probably shouldn't get involved in international affairs."

Neighbors say the house looks abandoned with peeling paint. They have been trying to keep the yard in shape, arranging for mowing and watering to prevent weeds from growing up and drying out to become a fire hazard.