Health & Fitness
Answers up front from Burbank Townhall Meeting
Answers up front from The City of Burbank Townhall Meeting
There was so much wonderful information from Monday night September 24th Burbank Townhall meeting, and we're going to share really important tools and resources, as well as education in identifying and being aware of gangs....but let's get straight to some answers right away.
What is the City of Burbank going to do to assist in the issues surround the Gang activity and shootings since January 1st to help put a stop to this?
GANG PROPERTY ORDINANCE
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Since the meeting, I'm sure there has been talk about an Ordinance the City of Burbank has created and will try to pass at the next council meeting (the first council meeting in October 2012). This ordinance was presented by our City of Burbank Attorney Joe Cainkar. It is a Gang Property Ordinance
This ordinance will help alleviate property occupied by gang members, or resources for gang activity. The City of Burbank does not have the authority to go after homeowners who allow their homes or landlords with their apartment dwellings to knowingly/unknowingly to be used for gang activity, gang members, etc.... This ordinance will allow the city to fine $500 to $1,000 per incident to the homeowner, whether they be a landlord or a parent. Also they will be responsible for the costs behind any police response and/or fire response to that property.
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Each incident will then go thru a hearing officer within a month after the incident report which is a lot quicker we are told.
If those people do not pay at all, then the City of Burbank can then foreclose on that property. We will have to clarify some information on whether or not it is after a certain dollar amount or certain number of offenses.
Also, This Ordinance will also allow a Gang Property Lease Adendum for Landlords to give them the power, the ability to evict the occupants of their properties.
VERY IMPORTANT THING: WE MUST BE INVOLVED AS RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS OF THIS FINE CITY, so that the police know and respond to give a citation with this Ordinance. We will be providing those online and physical resources, as well as education on identifying gang colors.
We're also going to inform what the police are doing to increase assistance in the specific area of the gang issues in our city.
But mark this phone number down NOW (708)793-3388 - this is an anonymous tip line. The messages are reviewed and investigated. This can be any tips whether or not gang related.
We were told and stressed time after time in this meeting that we have the right to call the police, to call 911 for the police, regarding anything and everything.
To Sum this portion up - BE AWARE, BE OBSERVANT, AND REPORT REPORT REPORT. And with the passing of this ordinance, the City of Burbank will have the power to actually make a difference and get out those who are not welcome in our city trying to make it an unsafe, unpleasant city to live.
More to come shortly on the townhall meeting.