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Resident alleges repeated harassment and unsatisfactory police handling during public comment
Summary
During public comment, resident Susan Elias described ongoing code violations at a neighboring property, an incident she says damaged her car and said she felt victim‑shamed by Monclair police; she has submitted video evidence and is seeking further action from city and law‑enforcement officials.
Susan Elias used the public‑comment period to urge the council to record on the public record ongoing code violations and alleged harassment by neighbors at 9775 Coling Avenue. Elias said the neighbor’s box truck and camper trailer have been moved repeatedly to locations the family contends violate city codes and that, during a recent move, her vehicle was struck causing $1,023 in damage.
"I filed an insurance claim for the damages which amounted to $1,023 and change to fix the damage to my car," Elias said. She told the council she provided three videos of the incident to police and that she expected the department to investigate; she said she was told to change the report to list an unknown driver. Elias also described an encounter with an officer she said left her feeling victim‑shamed: "I felt like a rape victim being asked what I had done to lead my rapist on," she said.
Elias told council members she had followed police and city guidance — filing an SR1 with the DMV and submitting video evidence — and that she had asked Captain Ventura to reassign the investigating officer after she said the officer showed her video to people at the neighbor’s house. She said the harassment has escalated and that she may pursue a civil restraining order if the city and police do not act.
Council members thanked Elias for bringing the matter on the public record; staff acknowledged the complaint was received and that code enforcement and police involvement have occurred in prior interactions. Elias said she has also reached out to her state assemblymember and plans additional steps if needed.
The council did not take immediate action from the dais during the public‑comment period; staff follow‑up on this complaint was not recorded in the transcript excerpt beyond council acknowledgment.
