|
Friends of the Fourth
District:
Last month the Board of Supervisors approved my motion to help
reduce drug house activity in our community. While law enforcement
agencies have had considerable success catching and convicting drug
offenders, drug houses and drug related crimes have found a loophole
in which to stay in business. Tenants who are arrested and charged
for drug house related crimes have been allowed to return to their
residence unabated and continue to sell drugs without fear of
eviction. Landlords have also not been held accountable for allowing
these offensive elements to remain in our neighborhoods.
On February 12, 2002, the Board adopted my motion to investigate the
best means of combating drug house activity, including a proposed
ordinance, which would authorize the initiation of judicial
abatement proceedings against property owners, and others associated
with illegal drug house activity.
After several months of consideration, County Counsel has written a
proposed ordinance that will close this loophole and force drug
dealers out of our communities. The new law would notify landlords
of illicit drug house activity on their properties and require them
to begin eviction proceedings on the drug-dealing tenants within 15
days. If a landlord fails to begin eviction measures after being
properly notified in writing, then they could be named in a lawsuit
by the County.
Drug house activity must not be tolerated in our community. It is
everyone’s responsibility to help create a safe and drug free
environment for our families and our children. Landlords cannot
allow their properties to be used for illicit drug activity and they
should be held to task to remove any tenants who bring drugs into
our neighborhoods.
DON KNABE
Supervisor, Fourth District
County of Los Angeles
### |
