Resident urges La Mesa to investigate alleged Bellflower Drive 'drug house' and oppose adjacent youth group home

Barbie Wheeler, a Bellflower Drive resident, told the La Mesa City Council on Sept. 9 that a residence on her street has long operated as what she described as an “illegal drug rehab house” run by a person she named as Richard Evans and said the property has generated repeated police calls, including an overdose in July and a fireworks incident Sept. 3.

Wheeler said neighbors have filed a petition opposing a proposed youth group home next door and urged the council to remove the alleged drug operation and block placement of the youth facility. “Remove the drug house and not allow the youth home on Bellflower Drive. Stop them both now,” she said.

Wheeler also said two councilmembers were supporting the youth-home proposal; when asked to name them she identified Council Member Dillard and Vice Mayor Casaris. A councilmember who responded said they had not discussed the project with the applicant until recently and rejected the suggestion of a financial relationship, noting public officials’ financial records are public.

Mayor Mark Rapisthus and the city attorney interrupted to remind speakers and council members that off-agenda remarks should be brief and that council questions during public comment are limited. No formal council action on the Bellflower Drive claims or on the proposed youth group home was taken at the meeting.

What happens next: Wheeler said neighbors have sent letters to state elected officials and will continue to attend council meetings. City staff did not present any confirmed enforcement actions at the Sept. 9 meeting; residents who raised allegations asked the council to investigate and to report back. The council did not vote on the matter during the public comment period.