The Stanton City Council on May 27 confirmed the city's abatement of a property at 11821 Santa Rosalia and voted 5-0 to place a lien to recover the costs of the court-authorized cleanup.

City staff told the council the abatement followed repeated code notices dating to 2022 and a court-issued abatement warrant in August 2024. "This particular property was egregious in nature and was determined to be a very serious hazard to the entire neighborhood," Director Wren said, describing refuse piled inside and outside the house and five people living in the dwelling during the city's intervention.

At a public hearing, a family member of the owner spoke and said the front yard has since been cleaned and asked what must happen to keep the home. "So you're as long as you clean... you guys owe nothing until you sell that house," the council clarified during the exchange; staff explained the action simply places a lien on the property and does not require immediate out-of-pocket payments by occupants. The written record also included a request from Michael Gibson to postpone the item while he sought legal representation.

After public comment, the council adopted staff's recommendation to: find the item not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act; accept the itemized report of abatement costs; confirm and accept the city's notice of lien and claim; authorize the city manager to execute related documents; direct the city clerk to file the notice of lien with the County of Orange; and request that the lien be placed as a special assessment on the county tax rolls. The motion was moved by Councilmember Barrios and passed unanimously (Warren: Aye; Barrios: Aye; Taylor: Yes; Torres: Yes; Mayor Schauffer: Yes).

City staff provided additional process details in response to council questions: the city mailed owner notices by certified and regular mail on May 12, and tracking shows delivery and signature for one piece of certified mail and a May 15 signature for a second mailing. Staff reiterated that the abatement work was performed in 2024 under a court warrant and that costs, interest and penalties may continue to accrue and would be recovered from proceeds if the property later sells.

The action places the city's claim on title but does not require the current occupant or family members to pay until a transfer of ownership or other triggering event, staff said. The council did not authorize a payment plan; staff said the city's practice in this case does not permit direct payments to retire the lien prior to a sale.

The council vote closes the public-hearing phase and moves the lien filing process forward with the County of Orange recorder. Councilmembers and staff said they would provide follow-up information if additional ownership or notice questions arise during recording.