The Stanislaus County Insider
ALERT
This house was completely destroyed by fire back in July of 2010. According to neighbors, the property was mainly used for drug use and to house the homeless who occupied the detached garage, despite posted warnings of “No Trespassing“.
Some entered the property through a broken down fence in the alley. But most openly violated the posted warning without reservation.
Garbage and shopping carts were thrown around the property and that was why the county eventually stepped in. The county cited the property owner for the accumulation of debris, refuse and rubbish, in violation of county code section 9.04.020. The violation was issued and occupants were given until January 11th, 2010 to clean up the property. It never happened. The property had remained in constant violation of nuisance laws despite the county’s administrative civil citation. In June of last year, a man living on the property was arrested for attempted murder after he stabbed a man who was subsequently hospitalized with a puncture wound to his liver.
The county recently leveled the property, tearing down the burned structure and the other buildings.
Although a street light has been installed in the area and there are plans to install more in the coming months unfortunately, it won’t solve the problem, and severe cuts to the Sheriff’s Department has left island residents on edge.
Less than a block away from the newly leveled site, gang members still occupy an apartment complex. The gang presence in this area is increasing and their tactics are becoming increasingly bold. Very few residents are looking forward to summer, including an older couple who have lived here for years.
Gang members have made it known to the couple that they are not wanted in the area. They are pressuring them to move by constantly confronting him and his wife. The couple has had their home broken into four times. Each time something has been stolen. Several months ago, their house was doused with gasoline and someone attempted to light it on fire.
They know gang members are involved but they can’t prove it. So to them its easier to move than to deal with the constant intimidation and threats.
This is yet another example of how law abiding citizen’s and senior citzens are being driven out of their homes and neighborhoods by thugs.
For those of us watching this situation unfold, we have a warning for property owners in the area who rent to gang members. You have a responsibility to insure that your tenants are not a safety threat to other neighborhood residents. If you insist on renting to people who adversely impact the neighborhood, you could held liable.
I don’t know why any property owner would want to rent to gang members, but because they do, I think the public has a right to know who these landlords are. I am putting property owners on notice- if you don’t evict the gang members you have living in your apartments and houses, I will list your photo and contact information publicly, for everyone to see. Consider this advanced notice.
And life begins anew, or does it?