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.

Oh, my... oh, my! You mean it could finally all be over?

Maybe you should buy it. You can start an empire there, buying up the neighborhood one house at a time. It will really be Sorta's Neighborhood!

Now there's a good idea!

If I could buy it, I'd tear down the house, level the ground and leave it empty and bare. Maybe plant some nice flowers and shrubs, put a park bench there. Dedicate it to MY neighborhood for all to enjoy. I'd love that. A mini-park for all of us.

AND from last night...FOUR police cars there again! They all arrived one by one, went around and around inside the property with flashlights and spotlights from the cars. They spent 1/2 hour there looking. Again, I saw no one with them, but all of them were 'gone' for awhile where I can't see. Might have been someone there.

They are obviously hitting this hard now. 2 nights in a row, about the same time. 10ish is when I usually see 3 people leaving, so maybe the cops also saw, or someone called them and they are trying to catch those 3. Geez, all they have to do is sit here and watch the guys going in and out on bicycles and grab them. Dunno why they can't figure out they have to station someone to watch and call.

I'm very optimistic about things now that I've found that record of the case for the Probate by the Niece. Wow. If I'd known all that before, I'd not have worried so much. In any case, ALL papers are filed with the court and it's just a matter of days until the Judge OK's the disbursement of the funds/property with the Niece in charge of it all. I don't really expect to see her out here, but rather just some realtor(s) showing the property and then the 'rehab' starts. Wish I had money to buy it, but last time she tried to sell it (before the poor old guy died) she refused a very good offer, holding out for a lot more. This one is heavy on the taxes, no plumbing/sewage hookup to the city, needs total major rehab of it all, and is 'unsafe' because of all the drug stuff and unsavory activities and terrible people who have used it. Yuk!

In any case, IF it gets actually LISTED, I'll take a look, might be something my tenant/friend would tackle. He has cash in the bank but it would probably not be enough to buy and rehab too. Hummmmm. Things to think about. Stuff to do coming up soon.

It's almost over... ...at least this chapter.

More fun today! Last night spotlighting and cars slowly driving by. This morning about 10:30 am, 6 police cars all over again. I managed to get my computer police calls up and running and heard them asking for permission to break into the house. They were considering the consequences and the necessity of boarding up the place again if they did. Dispatch came back with "We have a valid NO trespass order on file". Aha! So the niece did indeed take my information I sent her and did the paperwork to allow police to enter, detain, arrest, etc. If no order by the 'owner' no arrests and no going in unless they had a warrant. Wheee! I got through to her somewhere back in there when we were still communication. I feel better.

So after 2 hours, they finally brought out one male and arrested him and put him in the car. Hooray. I had walked down there to see if anyone was being detained and saw him on the ground, flat out in 'the position'. Thank goodness they finally arrested someone. If they had been there 2 hours earlier, they could have had FIVE. The same crew walked out earlier today up the block.

THEN as usual, just 15 minutes after all cop cars were gone, here comes a guy and gal (bicycle guy and his mate) walking past MY house looking like normal people. They did something with their clothing and looked different. They went right in and so I called the dispatch. A new dispatcher just came on duty so it was a few minutes before she found the activity from earlier and just THEN the 2 people walked OUT with the bicycle and some belongings. So she said to call back if anyone else was seen entering.

WE finally are getting somewhere. Looking forward to the wrap-up of all this. Gonna be extra patrols all the time now. Goody!

Totally amazing that anyone would go near there with all the police activity.

This is even more exciting that all the bad stuff!

And yet MORE stuff to keep me occupied:

1/2 hour later, 2 people (guy and gal) walked down the side street, girl pushing a heavy shopping cart and guy carrying something clothy. The went right in through the gate and this time I called the neighbor (whose house they passed on the way). She volunteered to call the police (we like to alternate).

So in less than 10 minutes, traffic right in front of my house starts backing up. I thought maybe a dog in the road or? It turned out to be the police (2 cars) parked in the center turn lane (they love doing that) right in front and guess who they had stopped and had sitting on the curb across the street? Yup, the 2 people with the shopping cart, which was now overflowing with 'stuff'.

Eventually there were 3 police cars, and they talked to both the girl and guy and looked into the cart. They obviously called in for identification of them and eventually let them go with the cart. I'm assuming they were 'cautioned' not to go back to the house. This is nice.

THEN...ya thought it was all over? Nope. 15 minutes after that incident, a white SUV pulled up fast in front of the house, 3 people got out and RAN into the house. It took less than 2 minutes for each of them to come out with arms loaded with bedrolls, backpacks, etc. They literally THREW them into the car and screeched off. Wow!

I guess word is getting around to get there stuff and get out of there. So that's about 8 of them that probably won't attempt to come back any time soon.

When the neighbor made the call to dispatch, she was asked WHY she was calling and WHO told her to call. Ummmmm. Happily she's a fast thinker and said the police told her to call if she saw anyone going into that house. Whew! She also told dispatch that she knew there was a 'no trespass order' on file. Hooray! That got the cops here in record time.

If we keep this up, there will be nobody going in and out anymore. I do, however, think that tonight after dark, some of the 'regulars' will sneak in to sleep. Can hardly wait. I won't hesitate to call the police again.

Then I thought back as to why all this is happening NOW? I remembered before the Niece cut off contact that one of the last things I'd written to her was about the necessity for her to download and sign a 'no trespass order' for the police to be able to arrest people on the property and not need a warrant. I think just maybe she finally did that. It's only been 2 weeks since the major patrols started and then this week 4 of 5 days with all-out assaults each day/night. Gotta be something good gonna happen!

Funny how things happen when the OWNER gets involved... Maybe she finally figured out she still might get something out of this place, but she was going to have to get off her behind and make it happen.

It was a dark and stormy night. Well almost. It did rain lightly all night AND in that rain, the TWO bicycle guys who lived in the house for weeks, kept going around and around. They were not there when the arrest of their buddy happened. I don't know if they had any idea what happened, but one of them came in about 4 pm (his usual time) and went inside the fence and was back out in 2 minutes. He looked confused. Rode around up and down the streets and then back to the house, this time only looking over the fence and not going inside. I have a hunch that the police managed to somehow jam the doors so they were locked tight.

This guy came back every 1/2 hour all night until his last round at 3 am. Yep, 3 am. Towards the end, he brought a second guy (also a regular) and both went round and round. It was only 15 minute rotations now. After 3 am they didn't appear. Guess they needed some sleep OR maybe they got the message that NOBODY was home.

Still watching the house. I think the word got around to almost all of them about the police, the no trespass papers, and the arrest. Very empty there. No cars, no people. It's SO nice! Probably the calm before the storm. The only action was 20 minutes ago when bicycle boy #1 rode down the street, made 2 passes on the sidewalk (didn't even hesitate) and then disappeared up the street. Guess he's still hopeful his buddy will reappear. This only reinforces that ONE guy was in charge over there and if he's gone, then nothing moves. Interesting.

I can hardly wait until the 'next' big happening.

At least things seem to be heading in the right direction Sorta. Hopefully this will all be over soon.

More action last night. The 2 bicycle boys were doing their 'normal' routine all day, like the night before. Cruising around, back and forth, up and down all day at hourly intervals, then 1/2 hour, then 15. One time the bigger guy actually rode down and got the mail, checked it, and then took it back up the block. I am almost positive that Fat Gal (who hasn't been seen there in several weeks now) was up the street and sent him to get the mail.

Then came nightfall. Eventually one of them actually went inside for almost 2 minutes then back out. After that, it was a 'tag-team' of them going in and out. Never both together, each time getting longer and longer inside. I gave up when it hit 10-15 minutes. Then BOTH of them went in and out together. Testing the waters I guess to see if the cops showed up.

Funny that after the arrest NO police were around in our neighborhood at all! Nobody, not a car. How strange. I'm going to watch today to see if they are back on normal schedule of checking the house. My thought is that after 11 pm, our bicycle boys both went in and didn't come out. Might even be some other people back in there too. I gave up recording after seeing them getting braver and braver. It takes me 1/2 hour to review (at top speed) my 8 hr VCR tape. Ugh.

I'll keep watching. I know something will happen fairly soon regarding the house and the Niece. Can hardly wait to see what goes on next IF it sells.

That's what I was thinking about - IF and when it sells, woe be to the poor soul who has to deal with the previous occupants! Do you ever hear anything from Bad Gal who started this whole fiasco? Just wondered if she was still wringing her hands about how awful this all was after she was only trying to "help" the old guy.

Funny you should ask about Bad Gal. She CALLED me out of the blue a few days ago. She talked for TWO and a half hours! She sounded 'normal'. Usually she is slightly under the influence but this time clear as a bell.

She wanted to know if anything was 'new'. I told her nothing. Same old stuff. People coming and going, the police doing raids regularly, a few arrests, etc. Then she launched into the 'I did it all for HIM'. I'm so sorry I couldn't finish what I promised. Duh? does she really think I'm so stupid as to believe her? I guess. She did ask why I hadn't called her and that I was her FRIEND. Ugh and double ugh. I'm trying to NOT be her friend.

OH one good bit of info. I asked directly again about why she left the place to the drug crew and she finally admitted that it was her BOYFRIEND (nice guy actually) who had walked into the house one day, found 2 people he didn't know sleeping on the living room floor in the middle of the day, and had a MAJOR shouting match with them. After that, he never appeared again and she followed suit just about 2 weeks later. Good for him for being a better person than she is.

At this point, I truly believe the poor guy knows nothing about Bad Gal's drug use, or that some of her friends (make that most) are gang guys and gals and heavy into drugs. I really think he is in the dark. She doesn't spin a good yarn. You only have to watch the first video (Channel 10 Joe little Squatters) on YouTube to see how great an actor she is. The police all agree. They laugh every time she is mentioned. They know she is lying a lot.

AND she now is trying to fight that 'plea bargain' that she had her shifty lawyer do for her. I knew about the traffic stop where they found a meth pipe in her glove box. Of course she says it wasn't hers. Well then I got the full story. She was arrested (I knew) and spent a day in jail. Then she says she didn't know about the 'court proceedings'. She said the lawyer went without her and pleaded her to a $500. fine and 30 days of some class. She swears the lawyer never told her about the settlement. So then she gets a warrant for NOT paying and not going to the classes. Now she wants to sue the lawyer for inefficient representation. Well IF she wanted to know what was happening, she could have GONE to the trial. Duh. Can't believe everything or sometimes nothing she says. Loads of fun to listen to.

In any case, she hung up happy finally when her boyfriend came home for lunch and said to tell me hi, and I said OH you better go get him some lunch. Whew! Just in time. I thought I'd have to have the phone surgically removed from my ear. Geez!

As for today: Bicycle boys in and out with huge trash bags, probably cans and bottles to redeem. AND one of them was tracking with a girl (with backpack) up the street to somewhere. Probably to another of the 'squatter houses' which are all over this neighborhood.

THEN my friend and I were out on my back deck chopping concrete from that wrought iron thingy, and all of a sudden, the deck gate opens and I hear someone say hello as she walked across the entire deck to where we were. I figured it was a neighbor or tenant. NO ONE ever just opens that gate and walks in! There is a BELL right there with instructions to RING BELL. Guess she couldn't read. She was 20ish, blond, dirty all over carrying nothing with her. She asked if we had a room for the night or somewhere she could sleep since it was going to rain. Ummmmmm? After a bit of questioning she said she came in from Arizona with her boyfriend, who dropped her off a street over at a store and never came back. Now that's a strange tale, but it could have happened, or maybe he was just someone who picked her up.

In any case, I wasn't about to have the stranger around my deck, house, not a room, not going to let her 'sleep under a tree'. Egads! She was really desperate. I offered to show her the social services place or Goodwill, or Father Joe's (shelter) or call the police so they could transport her somewhere. She flinched at the mention of police. Wonder why?

So I finally told her to try 2 doors down at the rooming house. She walked there and then back the way she came. She told me she came the 'other' way but I had her on tape lying about it. AND she walked along and deliberately without hesitation right down my long driveway. I offered her a bottle of water for her 'trip'. She refused. OK who refuses bottled water when you are on the street with nothing???? She said she had just had a large cup of water. Spidey sense kicking in at all this.

After she was gone gone gone, I started to think. I figured it out. I someone had given her instructions for the old guy's house (lots of referrals to there we see), they would have said: It's an old house at the corner of Oxford and Twin Oaks. Don't go in the front gate, it's locked. Go in the driveway and through that gate. Walk in and someone will be there.

NOW if you consider those directions they fit the old house AND MY HOUSE exactly. If they gave no address, she oculd have mistaken my 'old' house for that one and expected that we were the 'squatter's house'. Yup, I figure it went that way. She did seem a bit confused when I said no.

Guess I can't get away from all the action over there. They will find me no matter what I do. Gotta laugh though. I really wonder who referred her to the house and why they didn't give more specific instructions. It's pretty strange that anyone would just open a gate and walk in. Creepy!

So for tonight, I'm locking all gates and keeping the driveway alarms on high. Just in case she wanders back. She said she would come back. Yikes! I sure hope not.

I'm predicting that the 2 bicycle guys will be back to the normal routine of staying overnight and that others will soon follow. Should be a bunch of them over there in a few days unless the police come back and raid it again. They were being very careful, but today they are feeling safe again.

News, News, News! Things are going fast now. Hooray.

Today, I had a lunch with my friends but I got the premonition to turn on my security camera recorder. Good thing too. When I got home my neighbor called to tell me that 2 Sheriff Cars had been there with some other people and then a Locksmith showed up. Wheeeee! I reviewed the tape and in one hour's time, 2 sheriff cars arrived. Two officers got out and went into the property through the usual gate. Then they came out in about 10 minutes. They motioned to the corner on the sidewalk to the 2 other people (I think 2 men and one women, or 3 men one of which was wearing a dress). They all walked into the property and the sheriffs left. Immediately a 'trespasser' walked out with a back pack and headed up the street.

The 3 others stayed inside (One of them put a 'notice' on the front door that no one ever uses), and a Locksmith Van drove up. One guy spent about 1/2 hour changing the old deadbolts on all 3 doors to nice shiny new ones. He left the boxes right there on the ground. Weird. He left and the 3 others walked up the side street, presumably to a car which was out of my view.

15 minutes, a tall, bald man came out of the property and walked up the block, not stopping or turning till he was 2 streets away. I have no idea who he was. Might be one of the trespassers, or just some neighborhood guy who saw something new happening.

So I got my tenant/friend up from his nap and we went over to see what changed and brought binoculars to see what was written on that notice on the door. It had a Sheriff's seal on it. Nothing else looked strange except the gate was left wide open and the paper on the door said EVICTION. Yup, finally some eviction notice we can verify.

So I started searching again in the court records for 'evictions'. had to look in the civil courts but knowing how the Niece's name was on the probate paperwork, I managed to find the Eviction filing and resolution. Geez. Why couldn't she just let ME know? It turns out she put the 2 names I GAVE HER. Yup, she did indeed and filed this in September of last year. Unfortunately, by then the Bad Gal was no longer there (hers was name 1) and the other Fat Gal was not there either after October. The eviction was attempted served 4 times. Guess they never found either of those ladies.

Finally, she amended the case to 'take possession' rather than eviction and it got approved. So today, I guess she sent whoever (probably process servers and lawyer?) to post the notice and 'take possession' by changing the locks. I sure hope no one was hiding inside. Could be a load of fun tonight if so. They seem to have created hiding places and it's quite possible that one or more are still inside.

Now we wait until either a construction company or a realtor appears. Nothing is listed for sale or bought on this house so maybe that's the next step. I can hardly wait (neither can all the neighbors) to see something happen over there. I really think that tonight the place will be broken into and the usual crew will try to grab anything they can. I'm watching and recording.

More updates when we actually see someone 'taking control' over there. I'm still hoping the Niece will actually come here and at least say thanks for all we in the neighborhood have done for HER. Can't predict the next events, but I'm hoping for something good.

My prediction is that you will never see hide nor hair of the niece. She doesn't seem the type to care much about the situation except for what she will get out of it.

Aha! Detective Sorta on the job. Today, while looking up some 'house' facts for my neighbor (she wanted to know the zoning) I came across something useful, maybe.

My favorite real estate site is property.com which is great for listing all sorts of ownership info. It's the place I found the address and phone of the Niece and the Estate info. So today I was just scrolling down and Voila! Something new had been added. The FULL name of the guy who brought in that annoying Motorhome. Wow!

Now I can start searching for other goodies on him. I'm still, although not holding my breath, keeping a log of all the important players and events for the Niece if she should ever want to prosecute anyone for anything. So now there is one more name. Amazing that it just showed up TODAY. Wasn't there yesterday. It lists 'tenants' and his name is there. Of course he never was and I know that the Niece never had an agreement with him for rent, etc. Not even close. We never could find his last name until now and he's not listed on the eviction notice. Maybe a previous one? I'll have to search more.

I got a LETTER!

Banner day. I got a New Year's letter (with a nice printed poem) and information about the progress on the house by the Niece. Wow. She was 'charmed' by my Christmas card in which I included a California Lottery Scratch Off Ticket. Aha! I put nothing else on the card except 'Good Luck' and my signature.

So 4 weeks later she writes, thanking me (esp. for the ticket) and said that she is waiting for the Sheriff to contact her that the premises are clear of squatters and that she already has contracted with a Realtor to sell it. HOORAY!

Red Letter Day. It's almost over on this chapter. I wrote her back with the latest news, who I still see around the place and the sneaky way they get in (the hole in the bedroom floor via the easily entered crawl space).

This should go quickly now since I know the Sheriff will do one more 'check' and then the Niece will give the Realtor the go-ahead. It might be the same guy that tried to sell it before or it could be the place I spoke to and who contacted her and got the preliminary paperwork from. Hope it's the latter.

I'll know soon what's next. The real estate websites are saying the est. for this house is between 295 and 350k. Not even close for that torn apart mess. I'm anxious to see what it lists for. I'd put it at about 150 given all the hazards and damages. Could be a good buy for someone who knows or is a contractor.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates.

WHOOPIE!! So she really WAS listening! This is awesome.

Great news Sorta. Congrats.

As usual I spoke too soon about things calming down.

2 days ago, a truck backed into the driveway and 2 guys made mega FAST trips loading stuff into the bed. Then they zoomed off. I didn't bother calling police because the whole thing took less than 2 minutes.

So today...I'm watching and see a guy with an empty shopping cart go right into the driveway gate. He was quickly followed by a girl with another empty cart. SHE was followed by another guy with another empty cart. Do the math.

So the last guy, parked his cart just outside the gate and then walked to the sidewalk and 'stood guard', casually of course. Duh. Like all of them didn't look guilty as they slowly approached and made sure to look behind them to see if anyone was watching?

Finally the last guy decided the coast was clear enough and he went inside with his cart at which time all 3 started loading the carts as fast as they could. Each one was piled high with stuff. Just junky stuff, but still it's not nice to steal.

I couldn't stand it, so I called the gal up the side street and she called the police. They said they would send some officers. Well since this isn't a major emergency, as usual, they didn't come for 45 minutes. By the time they arrived, I had called the dispatch just to report and tell them that the people were still there. Dispatch gal was VERY friendly this time and thanked me for calling.

Police went in, spent about 10 minutes total and then out comes ONE shopping cart, pushed by TWO men. It was so full the police had to help them wheel the 'loot' out. How stupid. They should know that they are stealing stolen stuff. Ha. Anyway, 2 guys out, cops leave and guess WHO didn't come out? The gal of course. I have no doubt that she was hiding under the house having gotten down the hole in the bedroom floor and hid there till they left. I'm watching for her to leave OR for the other 2 to come back and get the rest of what they can carry off.

Not a biggie since it's all stuff that the squatters brought in or didn't want from the old guy's left overs. I called dispatch back to tell her that they took stuff with them that they didn't have when they went in. I also told her it wasn't a major event. Again, she said to call anytime and I wasn't bothering them. Call when I see something.

So now we have ONE gal still in there, they have a new deadbolt locked door broken open and still it's an non event. What can they do anyway? Gotta just keep on top of it at least scooting the people out.

I told dispatch that the Niece is now the owner and had written me with what's going on. Dispatch was happy at that. They have had major problems with the niece not responding to them so they are less than happy with her. I told them that it should all be over soon.

So that was today's fun. What more can happen???? My friend said that we are now 'off duty' for today.

Well, at least there is low-level entertainment continuing before it is finally all over!

I think this correlates to the classic novel where all starts out great, goes downhill with the hero in dire straits, then is rescued and we think all is wonderful and then another twist and we think all is lost and then finally the hero comes out victorious, gets the girl, etc.

Yesterday, after the police left, we never saw the girl in the group again. I suspect she was still in there all afternoon, maybe all night since a car kept going around, stopping at the driveway, staying there for 5 minutes and then leaving. It happened over and over. Once, it honked its horn (very covertly) and still nobody came out. THEN later, a guy from somewhere across the street (out of my line of sight, walked over, opened the FRONT gate (no one ever does since it's sorta broken), walked right up the FRONT porch (again nobody has ever used that entrance) and tried the door. He seemed confused. Then he walked around the house out of sight. 1/2 hour later, back again going 'home' with what looked like a small rolling suitcase (only he was carrying it off the ground by the handle) and out of sight again. He probably saw that the house was ready for looting again and wanted his share.

This morning, 9 am, 3 police cars there, I was in the shower with my hair full of shampoo, and my neighbor called. Ugh. What a drippy mess all over the floors. So I run around looking out windows and getting my cameras turned on and watch while the 3 police go into the property. Then I get another call, it's another neighbor who is always on the lookout. She can see better, and said the police were attempting to SECURE that back door that the looters had forced open. They also took pictures of the process, probably for documentation for the people who did the new deadbolts. You can't keep these looters out no matter how hard you try.

Then again, they aren't really trying that hard. 3 years ago, they could have locked, boarded, fenced the entire place and had a 'private patrol' there to keep track. All this would have ruined my stories.

So today we expect to see more action over there. Don't know who will show up next. Maybe the Niece will CALL me and I can fill her in on the latest happenings. Here I sit, waiting, waiting.

Where's a big bulldozer when you need it?

So, now I have this picture in my head of you running around to the windows with dripping hair in a towel! You DID have a towel, didn't you?!

Did I ever mention that I once created a character called: I'm Playing Naked, in an on-line game? True story. So you can pretty much figure what I was or wasn't wearing this morning.

And in further news: There was a 51-50 male (acting crazy or drugged) pacing around the sidewalk in front of the house an hour ago. He was yelling at passing cars, accosting people walking by, making 'gestures' at cars, talked to one poor lady who was in her car parked waiting for someone to come out of a house. He tied her up for 10 minutes gesturing towards the empty house.

Then as my neighbor drove off, he yelled at her car, "It's MY house". so weird. Definitely on something. Was well dressed, clean, seemed normal except for his behavior. Talked to himself loudly. Wasn't aggressive physically at all even when the guy hit him with the 2x4. Interesting. My neighbor called it in over 30 minutes ago and don't ya know the guy walked off 5 minutes ago? THEN hey, it's a good thing today, the call went out, the police car went the WRONG direction BUT found the guy!!!! And now he's with him 'checking on his injuries'. Wow. Finally something is going well for some stupid reason.

More updates later. I'm sure MORE will happen today.

Hi Sorta!
I love your saga! I am in so much pain from an extracted tooth (yesterday) and my lumbar back pain (sciatica) that I really needed this to keep my mind off my pain. Thank you! I had a steroid shot in my back almost 3 weeks ago that only made it worse. The first one I had was in April 2015 and it worked like magic. This last one did nothing. So I get the stitches in my mouth out in a couple of weeks. At least I am getting Oxycodone for that, and it helps my back. Otherwise I couldn't sleep.
Can't wait for what happens next!
Andrea

Wait a minute... there was a 2 x 4 involved?!

I hope you feel better Andrea.

Please keep the updates coming Sorta.

OH Andrea! I know your pain. Really, I've got the same thing now for 4 years, but in my case a series of 4 shots of a year did wonders. I still get a numb leg when standing too long and can't be on my feet for a long time, and other things, but at least I'm up and going. Hope you get better. And yes, the oxy will help, I'm on Vicodin since this all started. Not perfect, but does take the 'edge' off. Good luck with all your pain. I'll be thinking about you.

As for the house, yep it's entertaining to say the least. There WAS a 2x4 involved. I guess the neighbor guy, whose house this crazy decided to 'invade' (I think he went inside a huge steel gate) came out swinging, hit the guy, the guy went to the ground, I could hear the hit and punches and groans from here. Terrible. I almost called the police, but they seemed to have come to some place of calm AND the police would probably have arrested my neighbor guy for assault. Yup, he had the 'weapon' and used it. You can never tell which way it will go when you call the police. They don't really listen well.

Still no strangeness this afternoon. Nobody around the house, no nuts walking the streets (well except for the usual ones) and everything seems OK for now. I'm sure that won't last.

IT'S FOR SALE! $329,000!

Congrats

Sorta, I have read every single post of your saga with this house and although I am happy for you to see it nearing it's end, I will miss all of your exciting stories. Like a good TV series it is always sad to see it end. Perhaps whoever buys the house will provide other stories for you to write about. Thanks for the entertainment.

Oh manxman, don't worry, my neighbors and I have already discussed who the new owners might be and what fun we might have if they are 'interesting'. Could be an investor/contractor who will tear down the existing house and build a duplex thus making twice the profit. Might be some awful noisy 'workers' who park all over our streets and make noise in the wee hours of the morning and late at night. tons of possibilities. I'm just tickled it's actually got a huge for sale sign right at the corner and nobody can miss it. Already several cars are pulling over to look at the sign and glance at the house. Probably calling the realtor right now.

When I called the realtor, they hadn't even put the listing 'up' on the website yet. Nobody else had it so I guess they are awaiting the MLS listing number.

AND as if this wasn't fun enough, after the guy who put the sign there was gone, a couple came OUT of the house. I ran the recording back at least an hour and NEVER saw them going in. They could have been in there all night. Geez! Imagine how fun the new owners will have if some of the squatters decide to nose around? Could be tons of nice tools and other stuff all there for the taking. After all, there is still that hole in the bedroom floor that gives access from under the house. Easy in and out.

Then just today I found out that the bedroom flooring wasn't just straight oak boards, it was an intricate inlay pattern that made a circle pattern from the edges to the middle. Oh what idiots would RUIN such a wonderful floor?

In any case, I and the other neighbors who are watching and have been involved with the police, are watching the house closely now. It's like waiting for Christmas morning! Who, when, what will they do? I can hardly stand the wait.

Do you think it will sell quickly?

Hi Sorta!
I sure wish I could afford it! My dad used to flip houses in So Calif. Made a lot of money doing it too.
I am glad it's not the end yet!
Back still painful, tooth pulled and healing.
Andrea

Yup Draclvr, we have a pool going as to how quickly this is sold. I'm betting 2 weeks or less, my tenant/friend says one month, my other friend up the street thinks over a month. I think I'll win.

And luv2travel, I'd love to flip houses! Real estate is one thing that is usually a sure bet to make a profit on. Even little 'fixes' make it so easy to resell or rent. I call them 'cheap frills'. As long as the structure is safe and in good shape with all the proper stuff, just a little 'eye candy' sometimes seals the deal. My Mom's huge beautiful Motor Home didn't sell for so long it was strange. Of course it was totally empty. So I got some little tables, some pictures for the walls, added some hanging plants and staged the dining room with china etc. Changed a few old lighting fixtures and Sold immediately. Most buyers want to see how they 'could' use the space, not just the open space. Oh well.

Nothing strange yesterday afternoon or evening EXCEPT the 'bicycle boys' were scoping it out again as usual. One circled around and then zipped in through the fence. Never saw him come out, but then I'm not watching it like I used to. He's probably trying to steal anything he can before someone buys this 'gem'. Ugh. It's terrible. I'm hoping my friend will call the realtor and set up a 'showing'. I can go with him. He's not willing to pay the full price, but who knows what might happen? I could find myself with a house to rehab and rent myself. Not a bad thing, but time and effort and then the 'finding' of the right people to rent it. Always scary. AND I could rent it for MUCH more than I am now, will recoup any money spent on upgrading it from the deposit and security and first and last month's rent I will collect. Something to think about 'just in case'.

I'm guessing that today, there will be tons of people (good and bad) going by there, and in and out of the place now that it's legally for sale. Probably lots of stealing to come. I still wonder if the Realty company will do ANY cleanup or repairs. I'm guessing not.

One thing about you getting it to rehab and rent is that you can WATCH it closely to be sure any renters are "good guys!"

I spent most of today watching the circus across the street. Starting at 1 pm, there was a steady stream of people driving up and walking around the yard and house with clipboards, taking notes. Some were taking pictures, others were obviously just happy couples looking for a house to buy to live in. I feel so sorry for those who don't know what this place is all about.

The advertisements are now on ALL the real estate sites with only a few pictures and NO pictures of the inside at all. Everyone thinks this is just a fixer house. Boy are they going to be surprised when they finally get to see inside.

There is now a 'lock box' on the door but nobody has gone inside. I think from reading the 'agent's website that they actually VET the callers to be sure they are really buyers and not lookie lous. Makes sense. They won't show this unless they have a buyer with CASH. Unfortunately only ONE of the websites stated 'cash' as a condition of sale. Yep, they are going to get people there looking without them realizing that this is a totally trashed house.

The listing realtor does business differently from others. They have separate people who do specialized jobs. None of them actually get the call, set up an appointment, show the house, do the paperwork, etc. Each job is done by a certain person. He actually won some sort of award for his 'innovative' selling practices. He also has a weekly, one hour radio show on one of our local stations. Geez. Don't know why I never heard of this person before. Then again, I don't listen to the radio much.

So very soon, we will have a sold house. I will know it's a 'real' buyer (probably a contractor or investor) when I see the realtor come with them and take them inside. This guy guarantees a SET price and date for sale with the owner. They sign a contract as to the total amount the owner will get and the timeline. IF the place doesn't sell by then, the realtor will buy it himself or have one of his 'investors' buy it. Sounds like a done deal to me. I'm still guessing 2 weeks till it's sold. Wow.

OH and in the middle of all this, I went shopping for just 15 minutes. When I came back, I reviewed the recording of the action and found that just as I left, THREE people walked down the block, passed the house and turned up the side street. Then they climbed over the back fence and disappeared for 15 minutes. Just as I drove back in, they were leaving from the driveway gate. These were the USUAL lowlife kids that came with all their 'possessions' including backpacks, bedrolls, etc. Well loaded down and one had a small bike. The 2 guys had to LIFT the girl over the fence. Geez. What fun.

I guess they looked around, figured out that the house was locked up tight and people kept stopping by to look at it and they left going back up the same way they had come. They were probably going to stay the weekend. Their 'vacation' was ruined.

Well, shucks! A weekend vacation ruined by... you know... legal activitity!

Yep. Ha. Imagine you are a low life transient druggie. Then you go to a place that you have been told is a great place to crash or that you have been to before. THEN just as you settle in, swarms of people with clipboards and papers keep coming in and disturbing your happy little nest. I'm laughing. I can just see these kids (they all looked less than legal age) being very surprised and wondering should they run or stay or? I wonder if they tried to explain to the legal lookers why they were there. Still a great moment in the life of Sorta's Neighborhood.

Today, already, a couple with a realtor. I'm positive it's not the listing agent. This couple looked very well dressed and like they were actually looking for a HOME, not a rat infested drug house. Poor people. I hope the word gets around fast to all the different realty offices that THIS house is not for 'beginners'.

Still many more hours to go in the day. I expect good things to happen while I watch the SuperBowl.