Resident accuses nearby operator of running illegal rehab house; council hears objection to proposed youth group home on Bellflower Drive

Barbie Wheeler addressed the City Council during public comment on Sept. 9 to describe ongoing neighborhood problems on Bellflower Drive and to oppose a proposed youth group home she said would be next to an operator she described as running an illegal drug‑rehab facility.

Wheeler said residents on Bellflower Drive have experienced disturbances and police calls, including an overdose reported in July and what she said was a tenant setting off a firecracker at about 8:10 a.m. on Sept. 3. “The house is full of crackheads and druggies,” Wheeler said, and she urged the council to investigate the operator, identified in her remarks as Richard Evans, and to stop the current facility and the proposed youth home adjacent to it.

Wheeler told the council she and neighbors have circulated a petition opposing the youth group home and said copies were provided to state officials. When asked at the meeting which council members she believed were supportive of the youth home, Wheeler named Dillard and Casares.

Councilmembers briefly responded during the public-comment period. Councilmember Dillard said she knew the person referenced and that she had been transparent about that relationship; she denied prior discussions and offered to make her financial records available. The mayor and the city attorney cut off extended council comments during public comment time and reminded councilmembers to keep remarks brief when matters are not on the agenda. One councilmember said, “I just want to say that that's a lie. I am not friends,” disputing Wheeler’s allegation of friendship.

The council did not take any formal action on Wheeler’s request during the meeting. Staff or legal follow‑up (for example, investigation of operating permits or code enforcement action) was not directed on the public record during the session.