Residents press council for help with trespass, homeless-encampment impacts and housing complaints

Multiple speakers raised neighborhood safety and housing concerns during the public-comment period of the Ontario City Council meeting.

Bill Short (Lisonbee Leninger and Short) asked the council to address repeated fence-cutting, trespassing and vandalism on Brook Street west of Mountain Avenue, noting activity near the Union Pacific yard. Mayor Lee and staff directed Short to speak with the community improvement representative (Angela Magana) and Deputy Chief Burdnick for follow-up.

Carlos Chavez recounted an interaction with the Inland Valley Humane Society and code enforcement, saying he was cited for not having a dog license (he told the council his wife had fallen behind on licensing after COVID). He said a responding officer threatened arrest if he refused to sign the citation; staff again offered Captain Lopez and Miss Magana for immediate follow-up.

Alan Cates, a longtime property owner, also urged the council to allow property-protection measures such as block walls or container fencing to protect against trespassers and dumping tied to a growing homeless population. Brandy described housing-management problems and a looming eviction at an Encore Management property and urged greater accountability for managers who do not rectify tenant complaints.

Rafael Del Ancano presented a petition of about 100 signatures asking for improved doctor–patient communication tools; the mayor and city attorney noted that hospitals and clinical practice are outside the city’s jurisdiction and suggested outside resources and patient-rights groups for follow up.

City staff offered on-the-spot follow up in multiple cases and directed residents to meet with community improvement staff and police representatives after their remarks. The council did not take formal action during the public-comment period but recorded the requests for staff to investigate and report back as needed.

Quotes in this article are taken from statements made during the public-comment portion of the meeting and are attributed to the speakers who raised them.