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La Mesa council forms ad‑hoc subcommittee to study group‑home regulations after neighborhood complaints
Summary
After repeated neighborhood complaints about an allegedly problematic residence on Bellflower Drive, the council unanimously approved a Vice Mayor‑led ad‑hoc subcommittee (Vice Mayor Casares and Council Member Lotheian) to research regulatory options compatible with state fair‑housing law.
La Mesa council members voted unanimously on Sept. 23 to create an ad‑hoc subcommittee to examine local regulations governing group homes and sober‑living facilities after multiple residents described recurring police responses and safety concerns at a single property on Bellflower Drive.
"Our hands are pretty tied by state fair housing law," Vice Mayor Casares told the council when she introduced the item, stressing that the goal is not to over‑regulate properly licensed, well‑run facilities but to find legal tools to address operators who allegedly exploit vulnerable residents.
Neighbors provided detailed testimony. Barbie Wheeler said the property has produced repeated police activity and called on the council to "untie the police department's hands" and take immediate action. Emily Snyder, who said civil law defines a public nuisance under California Civil Code sections 3479 and 3480, urged enforcement and investigation of alleged landlord misrepresentation and nuisance behavior.
Vice Mayor Casares moved to form a two‑member subcommittee and appointed Council Member Lotheian to serve with her; the motion carried with all council members voting yes. The subcommittee will review existing municipal tools, compare local ordinances from peer cities and report recommended options back to full council. Casares and Lotheian said they have already been working with residents and do not intend to propose measures that would run afoul of state law protecting group‑home placements.
Multiple council members and speakers noted the difference between licensed, compliant recovery facilities and unregulated, profit‑driven operators who may skirt rules. City staff acknowledged limitations imposed by state housing protections but accepted the assignment to compile ordinance options and enforcement strategies for the subcommittee’s review.
Next steps: The ad‑hoc subcommittee will meet with staff and return to council with findings and potential ordinance or enforcement changes consistent with state law.
Public records and police summaries referenced at the meeting were cited by residents as evidence of recurring calls to the address; council did not direct immediate enforcement action at the hearing but approved the study subcommittee.
Key legal reference cited by speakers: California Civil Code sections 3479 and 3480 (public nuisance).
