Hi, Byron. Those do, indeed, look like clematis and nightshade. Because these species are so prevalent, though, any attempt by the city to control them would need to be massive to be effective. Otherwise we're not using our resources wisely. In fact, we count on concerned citizens to do what they can locally, both in treating weeds on site and also rallying neighbors. Often schools turn out to be really strong allies in invasive work. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss this more, and thanks for your email.

-Mitch

Mitch Bixby
Sept. 22, 2009, 4:08 a.m.