With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Drew Street House Destroyed: Praised and Criticized
Last week Wednesday, the city demolished a single family home in the Northeast neighborhood of Glassell Park. 3304 Drew Street, known as the "Satellite House," was the center of gang activity and drug trade in the neighborhood for the Avenues gang.
It was "the very symbol of the Avenues Gang here on Drew Street," City Attorney Rock Delgadillo said. “Make no mistake, we are committed to returning the Drew-Estara neighborhood to its law abiding residents and reclaiming this neighborhood for the hard-working people who live here. And we are going to use every tool at our disposal to get the job done.”
And then the excavator raised its arm and began to tear down the home.
The home has been used for gang crime for more than 20 years, according to the city attorney's office, who used their program, aptly named Project T.O.U.G.H. (Taking Out Urban Gang Headquarters), to ultimately destroy the house.
Support for LAist comes from
Following years of crime, Delgadillo filed a a nuisance abatement lawsuit. The court sided with the city and ordered the owner--a gang member--and others to improve and vacate the home, stay away, and rent it out. That didn't happen so the courts fined them $75,000 and ordered them to sell it. Once again, that didn't happen and the court ordered the property to be barricaded for a year, but there was evidence the home was "breached" three times. Then the city ordered it demolished, but allowed time for the owners to rehab the place making room for a possible reversal in demo orders. Of course, that didn't happen either.
A letter to the editor of the LA Times called the highly publicized event "an astonishing legal throwback to the Middle Ages. In 11th Century England." Marc Haefele wrote that "in 11th Century England, if an animal or object caused someone's death, it was declared a "deodand" and could be tried and punished by forfeiture or destruction." Later he duly noted that it would be better if "the house were renovated and sold to some worthy, uncriminal family for a healthy 6-figure payment to the city's depleted General Fund."
That prompted city attorney Mary Clare Molidor to shoot off a response, which was published on LA Observed: She said the home was "not only a headquarters of the Avenues criminal street gang but also the very symbol of the terrifying grip that the gang had over this neighborhood. Today, because of the resolute pursuit of the legal process by the City Attorney, that symbol is no more."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
Best of LAist