I decided it was time to start the Last Great Chapter of the Saga of Sorta's Neighborhood.

As in all good tales, this one is slowly coming to the final countdown. Since the big 'raid' where 6 lucky people were arrested and charged (mostly with misdemeanors thanks to proposition 47), and 2 with felonies, and one with her probation getting revoked, almost nothing noteworthy has happened.

The same 3 men still inhabit the property, daily, nightly, going in and out either walking up the block to the stores/probably to the city park just 2 blocks away to go potty, and 'guarding' the one car that didn't get towed or driven off that day.

Only the major players ever came back after the arrests. They all spent between 2 and 5 days in our city jail before getting bailed out (or just let go). We can never find out that information. Word from the head of Narcotics is that 'several' of them will be back in court for various reasons. No drug activity is seen, although at first, several of the 'regulars' stopped by and were turned away. Hooray for that.

A major push was made by Fat Gal to sell everything in the house (amazingly lots of old furniture remained) and hundreds if not thousands of old books. She, as usual, used Facebook to advertise this loot, which of course never belonged to her, but rather is stolen stuff from the old man. So sad.

We thought she would be staying there. I called the police and was told she could be there since she had 'established residency' so I really thought she was moving back and it would be business as usual. Obviously the daily and nightly Police patrols (with spotlighting) got to her and the others and they all just slowly wandered away. So the 3 remain, I think to guard that car for whoever left it and is afraid to come back. Probably the police presence is keeping him/her away.

No electricity, no water, no toilet facilities, they are real troupers. Occasionally, a girl will drive up and deliver coffee and food. It's not often. Mostly it's just an occasional spotting of the rare and elusive 'looter birds'. Gotta keep those binoculars handy.

BUT the first of the long waited for KARMA events has happened. I'm telling myself not to be too gleeful since it's sinful to laugh at the misfortune of others, but...

Today, at 6 am (so he says on Facebook), that guy who came into my house under the guise of being an ally to get those people out (who I later found out was a SPY) for them, posted a video of his apartment. 3 rooms are under water, due to the water heater leaking. The downstairs neighbor called him to alert him to 'leaving his water on'. Now when I say leaking, I mean GUSHING water from the heater 'drain valve'. I've never seen anything like it. The entire valve just exploded out of the tank,(with enough force to open the door!) and water shot across the room, getting the kitchen cabinets TOPS soaked and then continued to gush water from the 40 gallon tank even when the water was turned off. Ugh!

I do feel sorry for the guy (and his downstairs neighbor). It's a terrible mess. All hardwood floors (thankfully he lives sparsely) and about 2 inches deep in hot water. Most of his furniture is on legs so it looks like not much will be ruined except anything he had sitting on the floor. Amazingly, his kitchen trash can, which was near the counter, is FULL of water. Water must have hit the counter and then poured over into the trash can. So weird.

Actually this is so crazy that it has to be Karma hitting home.

I'm hoping this is just the first of the Karma incidents that my neighbors and I have predicted would happen to these stupid people who consider themselves smarter, more attractive, more loving, more talented, than anyone else. Hey, they said it on their Facebook pages, it must be true. Everyone envies them, so they say. So it's a mutual admiration society of thieves, druggies, robbers. They are delusional and a pain in the you know what.

So for now, Sorta is waiting for the next great Karma event. Stay tuned!

Time will tell, but it does seem to be winding down for sure. At least the worst of the drug and other activity seems to have stopped for now.

I'm always definitely "tuned!"

Well if nothing else things at least seem to be safer now than they were in the neighborhood.

Yeah, at least no constant cars buying drugs. They must be doing that somewhere else now. I feel sorry for THAT neighborhood. From what I can see and know, they are just 1 short block away at another of their communes.

I'm sooooo bored!

Sorta that is amazing! I hope things do get better in your neighborhood!

I must remember to never say 'boring' again! Today, at 11am, there were FIVE police cars at the house. Yup. Six officers entered the property. One of the 'residents' was seen kneeling in the back yard holding his 'puppy' which has now grown into an almost full size pit bull. How nice.

He was containing the dog while the police searched the house and garage. In order to do that, they have to have a search warrant. So 15 minutes later, they all left. Nobody arrested, man and pit bull happily back to normal BUT in 3 minutes...one of the bicycle guys rode in from up the block. He slowly rode by, made a u-turn, went by again, made a stop, look, listen, and another u-turn and finally, very slowly, entered the gate.

Yeah, his buddy must have called him that the police were there and he was being very cautious. Sneaky people. I don't know if the police are looking for a person or 'stuff' but probably a person. If it was bicycle boy, they missed him. Later an unmarked car drove slowly by looking at the house.

I volunteered to provide them with information about the comings and goings, but as usual, they would rather do it all by themselves. Silly police. If I knew which person they wanted, I could call the when he/she appears. Easy.

So no more of the 'B' word for me. It always causes a major event.

for the updates Sorta.

Yes, especially since you went to that "Citizen's Police Academy" class.
They should know you're trustworthy.

This whole thing is such a waste.
Too bad the old man didn't know what would happen.
It's hard to believe he wouldn't care about what happened to his home and treasured possessions.
No doubt he just didn't want to think about it.

It's been so long! I can see this saga is winding down. The police continue to 'patrol' the house daily and nightly. It's like they have told each new 'shift' to do a drive-by just to keep the 'residents' on their toes. Last Friday, they swooped in again around noon. They took 3 people out and lined them up against the fence outside the property. 2 guys and one gal. I didn't recognize any of them. Must have been 'visitors'.

They finally arrested one guy. The police blotter listed him as having a 10k warrant for burglary, petty theft, etc. All Misdemeanors now. Don't know why this particular arrest, as the warrants still stay on the list. The other 2 were made to walk away, up the block, probably to another of their fun houses. They had a doggie with them on a leash. Nice doggie.

So when this 'raid' started, I got a call from the gal on that street. She was out of breath, said the police were running through her Mom's yard (directly behind the squatter's house). She said there was shouting all over and one gal shouted, "There he goes, he's running through that yard.". Neighbor said she saw a guy running across the street into the 'tow yard'. That's the place they used to be very busy towing cars in and out at all hours until I reported them to the city. They got a 'nastygram' and they curtailed the activities...for a few months. Then it all started up again. Mega cars, boats, trucks, motothomes, campers, heavy equipment, salvage stuff packed into a vacant yard behind a tiny front house. Now they are very quiet over there. NICE.

But the police must not have caught that guy, because 15 minutes after they left, a guy came out of the gate at the house, looked both ways and hurried across the street to my side. He got into a small pick up I'd seen once before and left in a hurry. While he was leaving, another guy, came walking down the street and whistled to him and waved and called out his name, but he wouldn't stop. I assume the police wanted him too. The 'new' guy walked past the house, got on his phone, paced up and down on the sidewalk, looked at the gate and yard, paced again, crossed over to this side and back and then to the house again. He finally went in and came out very shortly. In again, and then left. Guess he got the message that they had another raid.

So after all this fun, nothing has changed. Still at least 1 guy there 24/7. Very quietly staying in the yard 'patrolling'. The pit bull, however, isn't there anymore. Actually I think it's a boxer/pitbull mix. Seems that Fat Gal, who hasn't been over in a few weeks now, wrote a plea on Facebook for someone to 'take care of' her deceased brother's dog until she (Fat Gal) gets her 'lawsuit settlement check' in 2 weeks and then she can pay them to care for the dog. She included a picture of her Uncle, holding the dog. Uncle looks exactly like her brother! She says she can't bear to get rid of the dog, but now she's LIVING WITH her daughter and the daughter hates the dog. Interesting.

Story on deceased brother is a year ago last week, her brother died in a car crash (single vehicle). This was after he was missing for a few weeks. She put out a plea and then he wandered into his Mom's house, all beat up, and barely alive from A Heroin overdose. Seems he was tossed out of a vehicle along the road and left to die. He didn't, but he managed to kill himself a short time later. Major heroin user I gather from her writings.

So she said she gave him the dog after he dragged home and 'never was the same'. He was silent, depressed, etc. The dog made him happy. This is the SAME dog that showed up at the 'house' right after Fat Gal got out of Jail in October. I guess she brought it here from wherever. Now I haven't seen it since 2 weeks ago. Wasn't there when the second raid happened.

We sit, we watch, my little 'notebook' of incidents is sitting idle. Nothing to report, nothing exciting to watch. Still waiting for the Niece to do something. No letters or calls from her. I think she got angry at me back in July when I asked for definite information that I could tell the neighbors.

So, I sent her a Christmas card with a nice California Lottery Scratcher ticket. Ha. That should get her attention. I made no mention of ANYTHING going on. Just the card and a good luck on the ticket thing. She can mail it back if it's a winner and I will send her the cash. Of all the people I send cards to, usually one wins at least 10 bucks. Fun to do. Always exciting to get a little 'present' in your card. Now my neighbor has started doing it. He apologized for 'stealing' my idea. I don't care. He sends me a card now WITH a lottery ticket. It's usually a winner.

OK, going to go spy on the house. Wish it would just burn down (no injuries please). It's been in the 40's for the last few days with rain and high winds. Must be terrible in that house. It would solve our problems. Seems the 'family of squatters' are still not letting go. Can't figure out why they keep it 'under control' when it's obviously a nasty place to live. No heat, no water, no toilet, no electricity, nothing. Gotta be the drugs. They probably are oblivious to the missing utilities.

Hope something happens today. I'm really losing interest now. I did get a picture postcard from the realtor group that I referred to the Niece. Haven't heard back from them either, but it's a nice card. One guy, 3 gorgeous girls. Looks just like the infamous Charlie's Angel's photo. Neat. Guess I'm now on their mailing list.

Stay tuned, something exciting might happen.

Never a dull moment Sorta!

Whatever will we all do without updates on "the house!"

I live for the day when I no longer have to wonder what's happening over 'there'. So far no one seems to be wailing about being in jail or paying bail or anything like that. Slap on the hand I guess with our Prop 47 we all passed this last election. Stupid everyone. I think I even voted for it. Had no idea it would change felonies to misdemeanors and let people out of jail and forbid the police to arrest anyone for 'small crimes'. I hate me if I did vote it in.

Only fun yesterday was 2 guys on bikes RUSHING in about 10 am. They were in a big hurry. Probably thought someone was watching. With the laws the way they are "A man's house is his castle", the police cannot, nope, cannot enter the fenced yard/house at all without the 'occupants' permission. They need a signed search warrant or the occupants permission. Imagine getting permission from squatters to enter a home they don't own? Maddening. So I figure the bikers rushed in so if the police came by, they couldn't catch them.

Also, a guy came walking down the side street about 3 pm and entered. 5 minutes later, he emerged, carrying a guitar in a case. At least it LOOKED like a guitar in a case. Heaven only knows what was in the case? My first thought is drugs. Who leaves a guitar in an open to anyone house? He didn't bring it in, but he sure left with it.

I wonder if they are going to throw a big Christmas Party for the block? I'm waiting for the Christmas Lights and tree to appear. They would have to be solar or battery though, since they have no electricity.

Sorta

At least things do sound safer in the area.

Things are very very slow. Today and yesterday and the day before, there has been someone going to the mailbox to see if there is any mail. Different people. They don't stay, they just go back to wherever they came from. Today it was Fat Gal (the heal squatter). She got driven to the mailbox on the corner and got out and got the mail. Then the car parked in front of the house. She never got out. The driver did and came back in 5 minutes. Then they were gone. 1/2 hour later, they were back. SHE didn't get out but he went inside again. I think they are feeding the dog, who they seem to be keeping in the house now. No one wants to take care of it, but it's 'sentimental' to her. Duh.

So the reason for the daily mailbox visits must be Fat Gal's expected 'Settlement Check'. She had some lawsuit against someone regarding her mother's death. Probably a class action suit. She thinks she's getting a BIG check. Hope so, then maybe she will go buy a house and leave our neighborhood. That would be nice. Or she could just blow the entire check on drugs. I vote for the latter. Makes more sense with this group.

Cold still in the 40's at night and 50-60's daytime. Don't know how anyone (even a dog) could live over there in that cold. They must not notice with the drug use. Hummmm. I could save mega heating bills by taking drugs? Sounds like a plan...not!

I just got an early Christmas present. The police raided the house just now. They showed up at 11am with eventually 8 cars and before they were done, they had rousted FOURTEEN people and a dog from the house. They all were sent walking up the street towards the 'business area' and the local park. Amazing that many were in there, but it was a cold night so I guess they were all seeking shelter.

One girl came back, sneaked in and came out with a very heavy suitcase and several bags. She met 3 guys around the corner who also had been 'evicted' and they all stood there talking by the back yard fence trying to decide what to do. The 3 guys had a car which was parked there all night, but they didn't use it. Just put a few items inside and then 2 walked with the girl towards the business area and one took her suitcase and rolled it up the side street out of sight. It was HIS car so why walk away? They know the police might be watching so for now, they are being careful about not letting them know whose car it is or where they are going.

I'm just happy that today wasn't as boring as it started out. Got some great pictures of all of them. I don't care anymore if they see me looking. Several of the neighbors were outside too, just looking at all the action. Fun stuff.

Now I am counting the hours (maybe minutes) until the 'usual' crew is back in there. Tick Tock...

Well, Merry Christmas to YOU! How exciting... Oh, they'll be back.

Sorta,

What kind of raid lets people walk away? No arrests? It seems if they are just moving them on when they catch them that they will be back.

Well, it took only 10 minutes before 3 of the guys appeared around the corner near the car, BUT 1/2 hour till a female (who wasn't there during the raid) walks down the street and right into the property without a hesitation. Maybe she didn't get the Memo?

I'm recording it now to see how long she stays. She should figure out soon that nobody's home. Duh.

I'm guessing by tomorrow morning, that most of them are back inside. How else will they be able to celebrate Christmas around the tree and open all their presents?

Such an aggravating situation. Nope, the police didn't and can't arrest anyone. They can 'ticket' them. It's like a traffic ticket that they have to sign a promise to appear in court on a specific day and time. Most ignore the ticket. I'm not sure if any got tickets. Couldn't see from my vantage point, but my guess is nobody.

Our laws here are very specific about trespassers/squatters. IF the owner of the property fills out PAPERWORK from the Police department (several pages) and has it notarized, the police can arrest people. it's a really big mess and a whole lot of hoops to jump through just to get anyone arrested. They do arrest for other things IF they are felonies, and now because of Proposition 47, which we all got conned by and voted in the last election, most of the 'little crimes' are now misdemeanors and fall under the 'ticketing' law. Our fault. The Propostion on the ballot promised to 'make room in jail' for 'serious' crime offenders and would save us Taxes, etc. I think I actually voted for it myself! I hate that.

So at least they got hassled again. I'm really happy the police swooped in once more and made everyone leave. But it won't be long until it's all busy again over there.

We have NOT heard from the Neice who is now the 'legal' owner of the house. I even sent her a Christmas card with no mention of anything about the house and included a California Lottery Ticket. Maybe she will win big and manage to get out here to take care of this mess. I think she really doesn't care.

Meanwhile, all we can do is wait and watch and enjoy the show. The drug dealing has slowed down significantly, but is ramping up again now that they all feel safe.

Going back to watch my camera monitor to see how many more of the low-life squatters have sneaked back in. It's a lovely day in the neighborhood.

So since the Christmas Eve raid on the house where 14 people were sent packing here is what's going on.

The very same day, 15 minutes in fact, one girl scooted in and out with her 'stuff'. Then she went away and came back that night, again with all her stuff. Seems each one now, instead of just a few bags and a blankie or bedroll and a backpack, is dragging a nice rolling suitcase. Bigger than a carry-on one. I guess this Christmas, the charities that roam the parks and streets looking for transients to give warm jackets and blankets to, decided to give each one a really nice rolling suitcase. I'd like one of those! So everyone now is dragging a suitcase and carrying a few tote bags of stuff when they go in and out.

After 1/2 hour we had 5 people in there, and that night I think probably about 8 or so back into their cozy little home.

The police are still patrolling, slowing down to look. I haven't seen any stop and 'spotlight' the place, but I'm sure they will in a few days. Last night, I counted 6 singles sneaking in after dark. From 8 pm till 10 pm they just 'wandered' by, looked carefully in all directions and scooted in fast.

I have no idea how many are in there this morning. Probably at least the 14 or more. It was soooo cold last night. 38 degrees on my front porch, 55 in my house. I can only imagine how cold it is inside the house and garage over there with all open windows, wide open doors on the garage, no heat, no light, no water. I'm still suspecting they have illegally tied into someone's water pipe since I never see any water being taken in. Used to be gallons and huge 5 gallon containers being carted in. Now nothing. They don't seem to be desperate for water, so either they illegally got the water at the street working or they are stealing a neighbor's. Fun.

I am happy to report however some good news: One of the girls who lived there (when it was in full squatter mode) has entered a re-hab with her boyfriend (who never lived there but visited frequently). They are both reporting being clean and sober for 2 months. I'm thrilled. He, we found out from his Facebook postings, got arrested (probably right here) and spent a month or so in jail and went to re-hab as a condition of his probation. He even posted pictures of his probation office. Cute. He and she are living with his daughter and I hope they make it. The gal looks so much healthier and her face no longer looks like a skeleton. Nice rounded pretty gal. Praying for all of them. Hope the rest take the cue and get out of this transient, drug filled, thieving life.

So I'm off to count heads. They all seem to scurry out about 9-11 am to somewhere.

Perhaps like rats scurrying off to forage for food!

I'd suspect the cops are going to roust everyone out now and then just to keep it from turning back into a drug house. Way less paperwork to throw out a bunch of derelicts than to arrest a ton of druggies.

Great though Draclvr. I never considered that angle. Hummmmmm. In any case, the police are driving by daily, nightly. Some stop, some just slow down, some stop and spotlight the house from the car and some get out and walk around. Last night one, just sat in his car, spotlighted the 2 side windows and then drove slowly off. I really think it's just a 'see me, I'm here' kind of stand-off game. The squatter/druggies get kicked out, they return, the police make their presence known, the druggies get kicked out, etc.

Wish it would all stop. It's been plenty of time for something to happen over there ala the Niece or other family members. My neighbors and I are now guessing that they are going to just leave the place alone, go on about their happy lives way back in SC and this will forever be a pain for all of us here. I can't imagine leaving a property (now valued at 400k by the stats) to rot. Maybe they are waiting for the New Year so it won't go on their income tax and send them screaming? Could be one factor.

In the meantime, we watch, we wait, we marvel at the 'change' of habits of the inhabitants. No more backpacks, no more 'bring a bottle of water with you'. Now it's rolling suitcases (getting larger each time I see one) and a few little tote bags. No cars in front, all load and unload from the side (back of the house) street. As if we can't SEE them? Dumb people. I think they are convinced that the next door neighbors (quiet little family) are the ones calling the cops. Far from the truth, but it's good for us who are watching. Funny how criminals think they are invisible if they walk 'casually'. I can spot them now a block away, just from the way they walk and dress even without the suitcases and other baggage. I wonder if I can add that to my latest resume? Able to spot squatters and druggies from a blcck away. Is that a good thing or bad?

Finally some new action at the good old place. Police have been regularly spotlighting and driving slowly by each day. Yesterday noonish, there were 4 police vehicles there. One was the K-9 unit. Didn't see the canine, but oh well. They were there about an hour, probably searching for drugs again. I saw them searching 2 guys and a gal and writing lots of 'tickets'. They can't arrest anymore for minor stuff (prop 47) but they do get a 'notice to appear' just like a traffic ticket. If they don't appear, they get a warrant for their arrest. I'm betting most don't show up and then the warrant is also just a little misdemeanor, so why bother? The police won't go hunting for that.

So they didn't make anyone leave, but did pack up some little thing in an evidence bag. After the police all left, the rats started abandoning ship again. I counted 6 in and out. Probably just changing the shift. Never saw the girl leave.

AND the fun part was that the police kept closing the gate VERY carefully the entire time in and out in and out. I wondered why, so I walked up the street for a better view. Seems they had a doggie in there again. BUT not the usual dogs. THIS one is a little poodle mix that lives across the street and up a few houses. HE is always loose and wandering then goes home after his 'rounds'. I'm thinking they told the police it was their dog just to make it seem more pressing to keep the gate closed and turn their attention to the cute doggie instead of whatever the druggie/squatters were doing.

Right after the last police car left, one 'spotter' came out, looked all directions, checked the mailbox, and then carefully and deliberately let the dog out. It headed right home in a hurry. Duh. Poor cops have no idea. The stories I could tell if they would listen.

And speaking of listening: I'm schedules for a Ride-Along with one of our cities finest. Don't know exactly when, but I'm the first to sign up and have my instructions on what to wear, bring, etc. I need disposable gloves and a small flashlight. Weird, but then I've never done a ride-along. Gotta be an experience. We have to commit to a 10 or 12 1/2 hour full shift! No lunch breaks, but I sure hope they do potty breaks! Pick up at the station and back after the shift. Sure hope I get a choice of day/night. I think days would be better for me. Looking forward to bending my 'partner's' ear on the house. Maybe he can pass it on. Or SHE?

wow what a lively street you live on,the only exciting thing that ever happened on my street was one time when the grader came along and finally plowed our street now we can get out. Dianne maybe I should go and live on your street at least I could make some popcorn and watch all the action right from my front deck.

Oh MY! Somehow the powers that be did good by me today. Started out last night with 5 cop cars at the house. All flashlights and people walking around the property. They were there at least 45 minutes, probably longer since I didn't look at the camera until after my shower.

So after all the spotlighting of the yard and flashlights all over the house windows and all the guys there, I saw nobody taken away or searched. Too dark, but in all that time, the police must have been doing something. Also in the last 2 weeks, the neighbor and I have seen 2 well dressed men taking pictures of the house from different angles. So did the policeman a few days ago.

THEN I go to my favorite Property Shark website (haven't been there for awhile) and do another search for that house. It's where I found out in the beginning who the Niece was and her address, etc. Good site for snooping. Sooooo I start clicking on some things I hadn't before and lo and behold, one of them led me to the actual posting in our local paper of 'notice to all lienholders, etc'. The usual thing you post when someone dies and you are settling an estate. I had looked for that a lot in the papers and on line, but could never find it. Didn't have a date to compare. BUT this time, it led me to the actual COURT posting of the Estate! Right there, the Case Number and the Lawyer in charge (he's local).

So I type in the case number and up comes the ENTIRE sequence of events from the first action by the Niece to administrate the estate. Wow! Dates, descriptions of what was filed, judge's rulings, liens, all that good stuff. So now I know so much about estate filing my head hurts.

SHE started this petitioning to be administrator in Early February of last year. The court judge was appointed and accepted the case in late February. She was GRANTED the Administration of the estate in late April. Then she had to pay a 'Surety Bond' of $250k) Wonder where that came from? I'd be hard pressed to find that much money. Maybe the Lawyer grants some sort of 'loan'? There was a lien from the State Tax board in July which was later reversed. In October (the same month I was hot on the trail with the police and raid) she filed an Inventory and Appraisal early in the month and then a FINAL Appraisal and Inventory on Jan 7th of this year. Wow!

So she was actually working on this the whole time and we were in contact with her until July when she cut off all communication with me. So since October raid, it's been a Raid once a month, drive-bys every day now, and full shake-downs once a week. A pattern has developed. I now know why.

By reading the 'progression of events' section of our Probate court FAQs, I found out that the Final Settlement and disbursement of funds/property happens soon after the Final Appraisal is filed. She filed THAT paper Jan 7. The 'rules' say that the final paper is filed 'about' 12-18 months after the initial filing of the case, so we are about 1 month short of that date when the lawyer probably prepared the first papers.

THAT MEANS, that VERY soon, we should see realtors, or someone, anyone over there selling the property. Wheeeeee! Can't wait, now that I KNOW the Niece was actually doing something and not just sitting on her hands. No wonder the cops are patrolling it all the time now. They have probably been notified by the lawyer that time is short and they want the place to be safe for people to enter without worrying about the squatters/druggies being there. I'm hoping to see something, sometime this week. But then, I am always hoping.

Can't happen soon enough for me. Excited to see that this is really coming to an end.

OH, but then, it will be the Sequel of course. What will happen when someone buys the place. Might make some good reading for my faithful followers.

Sounds promising Sorta.