NEW TENANT ROULETTE

On the last week-end of January, all is being made ready for a rush of new tenants to move into the Linda Villa. Getting to office early this morn, am sorting through papers, making up leases and checking the list of last minute "TO DO'S".

Renting to new tenants is always a chore. One has to check out, fill flat requests and wait for the move-in day. There are times when a tenant changes mind at last minute, no deal is ever complete until signature is got on the dotted line. This time round, am quite certain that all on move-in list are moving in. One has already paid all monies owed, even paying in advance on the rent. Another has given check for move-in cost and turned on the electric.

Lovely lady to move in cross from office has hired a van and labour to help move few sticks of furniture. No doubt she will come.

A lovely family, presently living in a hotel, has helped get new unit ready and am quite sure that their 5 children can not wait to have more space and a proper cook up.

Then there are the two who one hopes will live up to the faith placed in.

One is a woman of a certain age, who in the past was plagued by bad friends, leading her down the path of drugs and abusing her hospitality. There is a risk in renting to her, am very aware of. The trick is to make sure that; 'people, places and things' stay removed from her move here.

The young chap who suffers from serious illness is another risk. Will he take medications to keep the ghosts from visiting in new home. Make sure that visitors do no harm and bring no drama to Linda Villa.

"You never know someone until you live with them", old addage that applies here. Each and every new soul coming into the Linda Villa is a neighbour. A neighbour one is going to have to deal with and sort out if the promise of 'good' is not realized. Risk, is there any kind of life without risk?

Were it a perfect world, brilliant folks at the military base near, would be beating down the door to live here. They are not. Were it a perfect world, all who wanted flats here would make buckets of cash and go to work every day. All do not. Perfection would be to not see folks so down on luck. for watever reason. Economy has forced many to down-size living, making the flat at the Linda Villa the only place to go. Folks on benefits, with limited incomes, have few options. The Linda Villa is not a perfect world, just a complex seeking to be more brilliant and attract tenants who will add to the brilliance to come.

Having vetted all, am of opinion that new tenants will add to the mix nicely here. Mind, I am not GOD and there is always the possibility that lies have been told to. There may be problems. One has to have faith.

What I do know is this. All of the folks moving have been told what is expected of. Rules have been explained to in great detail. Flats have been made as good as possible, knowing that more might have been done, but realizing that price limits the benefits one can add to a unit. Nothing is broke, and every effort has been made to right all wrongs in units. No lies have been told and no false promises made.

What passed as acceptable in past, no longer flies here. Tenants are given every opportunity to enjoy flats in comfort, knowing that repairs will be made if needed. Make do with horrid is no longer an option. Folks who want more out of life than drugs and cheating the system are the goal. The landlord does care and management listens.

Will always remember being told by management of past; "You must allow poor folks grace, give special treatment to, they have nothing and are owed that." Rubbish. Am not scraping the bottom of the barrel anymore, am determined to siphon off the Crème de la Crème of poor but honourable folks looking to live in a safe, clean environment.

LAUNDRY ROOM BLUES

I will tell you true, this old geezer does not do laundry.  My long suffering flatmate is responsible for making sure that there is a supply of clean underpants in dresser and clean shirts to cover me body.  There is a rather large bag in the bath that the soiled laundry is deposited into, and when full, Paul takes to the neighbourhood coin-operated washateria.  Mind, when the weather is nasty, Paul complains about it.

Feeling sorry for, there are times I allow the coin-operated machines at the Linda Villa to be used.

BIG MISTAKE.  No amount of cleaning gets folks to clean up after selves.  Dirt clings to machines and is tossed about the room.  Add to that, some fill machines and never return promptly to empty, makes the whole experience a huge chore.

Some days back, it was raining frogs and Paul used the machines on property to do clothes.  Things must have gone pearshaped with the removal of clothes left in machine.  A whole batch of laundry was ruined by one tossing a pen into the dryer and leaking ink all over clothing.  Imagine shirts with many blue sport, underpants that have massive amount of spots.  I am loathe to understand why anyone would do that to anyone.  Not just this old geezer but another lady who had her wash ruined.

What is very odd to this old geezer, is one who does massive amount of wash, and never has anything ruined.  Neat trick that, given how many times the machines are used.  Mind, this person also fails to remove wash in timely fashion, making others wait on.  Rude to say the least.

Paul will never use the machines on property, have no desire to keep replacing ruined clothes.  In short order, the clever clog placing a pen in the dryers will be caught and dealt with.

Having machines on property is a service to the tenants.  Makes life easier.  One must use at own risk, as MOI did.  Quite sad that one has to continue to treat some tenants like children.

How hard could it be to place clothes in machine, add powder, remove, toss lint and skip merrily home with fresh smelling clothes?   

HOT FLASHES AND HOT DRIPS

Two different tenants came at this old geezer with problems  yesterday.  Both female and both not particularly fond of MOI.  One thinks me to be the Gestapo and the other a member of a club that fancies wearing white sheets and burning crosses on lawns.  Both are capable of a wind up and both picked different times of the day to see if they could catch MOI failing to respond to REAL emergencies at the Linda Villa.

One picked early morn to tell of a most faulty light switch in the kitchen.  Fearing that she might get shocked at the counter, she was telling of her horrid fear of FIRE.  Clever, there was no work order BUT that was not central to issue presented.  This needed to be sorted out and it was.  Proper part was got and the horrid condition in her kitchen is now righted.  Mind, it did not help that comments from the 'peanut gallery' flew through the air at the possibility of electric panel being switched off and telly watching be disturbed.

The other picked 3pm to present the fact of her hot water tap now draining her hot water tank.  A drip had turned into a regular flow and it was not making life easy for.  Went on to tell that she had 2 small children and no hot water.  PLUS, horrid mold and mildew was spreading through-out the bath due to the rising damp.  Again, proper part was got and the water tap was repaired.  Mind, the maintainance man is far more kind that the old geezer in the office.

Both of the tenants are well aware of who to call and get relief from landlord actions.  Free legal aid is available and there is always Code Enforcement.

My dears, this old geezer is 'au fait' with the ways of Code Enforcement and fears them not.  The Yuba County Code Enforcement folks are at the ready to serve ALL of the public.  Were I able, I would report self, but Have been told that it is not possible to do so.  Am passionate in belief that violations to living units that can create health and safety issues should be reported.  The law in place protects both.

There is always a human face to Code Enforcement.  In Yuba County, that face be Mike Eheler, a most clever and serious chap.  Mr. Eheler spends massive amount of day travelling from hot spot to hot spot in search of trouble to correct.  Has been at the Linda Villa in the past and no doubt will be in the future.

Yuba County is right lucky to have such a chap.  His honest and fair dealing with the issues keeps all in line and makes Yuba County a more brilliant place to be a landlord in and a tenant living in.  When reported for a major problem with stairs at Linda Villa, Mr. Eheler, as Code Enforcement, told of and told how to abate the problem and how long it should take to make right the tenants fears.  Fair is fair.

Sadly, Code Enforcement is used improper by tenants.  They see it as a tool to cause grief to landlord, not pay rent or to sue and collect cash for a problem seen as a pay day.  I know that.  The tenaNt knows that.  Code Enforcement knows that.

It may well be that the tenants yesterday were just doing the right thing and making problems in units known.  One has to give them that.  On the other hand, it must flash pass loaf that there is more at play when tenants tell that they know their rights and the clock is ticking.

This old geezer keeps a log, share with world the trials of daily life.  Good and Bad. One has to hold fast to belief that right is right and it all sorts self out in the end.

Hot Flashes and hot drips solved...

"What You See Is What You Get" NOT!

The featured snaps to this post tell a tale.  A tale that might have been true at one point in time, but is not a true tale now.  "What you see, is what you get" is a direct quote told to this old geezer in the past by management of the Linda Villa.  Having the time, energy and cash to correct deficiencies in unit moved in, I was able to right many of the sins contained there-in.  I knew what I was getting into and did so as it enabled MOI to become a community activist.  Unfortunately, many of tenants at the Linda Villa were not able to correct conditions, and expect that the anger of being had caused many to plot from day one to get back at the landlord.  Lucky for me, my situation changed and was allowed to become part of the salvation of the Linda Villa.

Mis-guided management took the view that allowing 'poor' to move-in on a 'wink' did them a favour.  Siding with tenants allowed many sins to accumulate, guaranteeing ruin to follow in short order.  Hash it may sound, but there is no other way to explain how so much could have gone wrong at the Linda Villa.  Mind, it was not just management that carries blame, it passes onto owner as well.

Much effort has been made to correct the sins of the past.  The snaps above are from one unit.  One of 5 that are to be moved into on February 1.  Tenants are already signed up and ready to join the community of neighbours at the Linda Villa.  In doing a walk-thru, I discovered that these things were not done.  Gobsmacked I was to see that folks who had been paid to paint and clean had not performed brilliantly.

I had cause to be concerned as this unit had been turned down by two different families and was knackered as to why.  On inspection, it was quite plain why.

My dears,  past management and maintainance of the Linda Villa, would have signed off on the condition of this flat in a tick.  No matter that floors in kitchen and bath are covered by over-spray, heating unit in living room is horrid looking and the cooling unit in the unit clearly shows filth.  With the unit rented, it would have been easy to tell owner that unit was not as horrid as is, allowing conditions to get even more horrid.

I will tell you true, Murray Kay might have dropped the ball a bit, but he has recovered nicely and has stood up and taking knocks for his sins of omission.  Wrongs are being right and it is very clear that what was passed off as acceptable in the past is no longer the policy of the here and now.

All of the things featured  in the flat are corrected or will be corrected before the new tenant moves in on February 1.  If they are not, monies received for the flat will be returned.  I partnered up with Murray Kay because I know him to be an honourable man.   Too many folks trusted in the past did a bend over on the poor chap and he lost way.   That was then.

Dear readers, never fear that this old geezer will fail to tell a true tale.  The truth is not always easy to take, but in the end it never killed anyone.  I will tell on self as I will on others.  Wrong is wrong and one must never assume that two wrongs will make a right.  They never do.

The Linda Villa is NOT the "Taj Mahal".  It is what it is.  Having said that, it also is a business and not a charity.  Tenants moving in may not have buckets of cash, they do have rights and obligations.  Being treated well is most important.  Bending the rules, showing favour, 'winking' at non-payment of rent is not helping tenants and most assuredly not the landlord who pays the bills.   Have always been of the opinion that most know when all are not being treated equal.

The ABSOLUTE this old geezer will promise is that the sins of the past will not haunt the future.  However lovely or well liked personally some may be, there is no one who will be allowed to ruin progress here.  Bad behaviour, too many animals and non-payment of rent owed will be dealt with.  If the rules in place are too harsh for some to follow, they may vote with their feet and move.

Murray Kay has much on the line at the Linda Villa.  His best interests are served by righting what is wrong and going back to his dream when he bought the Linda Villa.  It was a valid dream and is still one that can work.  Where is it written that one can not make cash, along with being a community activist?

Right, anyone in need of a place to live??

PANJANDRUM OF LINDA TO THROW PARTY

At a different time and at a different location, this old geezer has tried to make a clean sweeep of problems plaguing a road lived on and community a part of.  To many who be 'au fait' with MOI, it comes as no surprise to learn that tricks used in past are being tried at present in Linda

After considerable think on, MOI came to belief that what was needed desperately was a public display of folks gathered to proclaim to world that they were going to be more brilliant.  In other words, a party!

My dears, this old geezer knows a thing or two about throwing a party.  Learned the hard way he has.  One has to do more than cook up a few hamburgers.  One has to set the stage, so to speak.  I am getting ahead self in the telling of me story....

In 2008, I threw a party on road lived on.  Got the local media to chat it up and to cover.  One of the brilliant members of the Fourth Estate who help make the event well attended was Bill McEwen, columnist for Fresno Bee.  His column is widely read and the following is what he had to say about MOI and the block party;

Captain of Calaveras runs a tight ship

Bill McEwen The Fresno Bee

Originally published 2008-05-08

It figures that Rob Defrees would bill the block party he's planning for Calaveras Street on Saturday as the largest "ever in Fresno" and build music into the event.

For the past year, he has been banging the drum loudly for his adopted neighborhood -- a once grand avenue just north of downtown that through the decades became the province of violent crime, drug dealers and slumlords.

Now the American-born world traveler with a British accent wants people to see what Calaveras has become: a cleaner, greener, safer road; far from perfect, but infused with a sense of what's possible when people pull together and stick up for what's theirs.

"I would like my neighbors to feel brilliant, if but for one day," says the 61-year-old Defrees. "And I would like all of Fresno to feel brilliant, if but for one day."

So he put together "Evening of Music -- Hands Across Fresno," a six-hour party between Voorman and McKenzie avenues beginning at 2 p.m.

Bands from Fresno and Sunnyside high schools will play, as will a mariachi group from Visalia. There'll be American flags, Marines, soldiers and sailors in uniform. At 7 p.m., Defrees will ask the assembled to join hands "on Calaveras and beyond to show support to rid our community of drug dealers, poison, gangs and neglect."

Says Defrees: "I want everyone to believe one person can start something. You get more and more people to buy into your dream, and it can get even bigger. The poison being sold is a big deal. It's killing us. It's certainly killing my neighborhood."

Defrees says that a near-death reaction to medication inspired him to take stock, move from San Diego and try to make a difference. Police say that if he was looking for a cause, Defrees found the place.

"He scarcely could've picked a block so challenged," says Capt. Dennis Bridges, the central police district commander. "He's right in the thick of it."

As manager of the El Capri apartments -- built in the style of a 1950s garden motel -- Defrees has spruced up the grounds and units there.

But he also goes house to house, introducing himself and encouraging residents to clean yards, water lawns and report crime "to the coppers." He tracks down apartment owners, badgers them to paint and repair -- telling them it's good for the neighborhood and the best way to rent empty units. He posts pictures of the good and bad along his stretch of Calaveras on his Web site, www.calaverasstreet.com.

Some people blow him off or complain that he's an overstepping busybody. But others respond to his relentless prodding, and police say that Calaveras has less street crime than it did a year ago.

Explains Bridges: "We've got several block captains around central Fresno, and Rob is the highest profile. He is the only one with his own blog and Web site, and he has the time and energy."

Question is, how long can Defrees sustain the energy?

He says he'll give it four more years, then move to London: "By that time, I hope what we've accomplished will be so powerfully strong, it never dies."

The block party held drew 1000 to it.  It was a massive event that told the whole world that things could change.  Am of the opinion that at least a few lives were changed due to it.

Times change and this old geezer is no longer fighting to save a road in Fresno.  Now the scene is Linda, and in some ways feel that lasting change is more possible here than other placed tried.  There is a powerful hunger for change in Linda and many a good soul willing to feed that hunger.

Here is the deal...

MAY 08, 2010
LINDA DRUG OUT
12NOON - 4PM
5956 PARK AVENUE
MARYSVILLE, CA

A PARTY TO CHASE DRUGS AND CRIME OUT

 Is there any doubt that it will happen??

                               

My dears, if one wants proof that one person can make a difference, do I have a tale for you today.

Post of yesterday was sent out to elected officials known to this old geezer.  One of the elected officials sent to was the elected sheriff of Yuba County.  That be Steve Durfor.  Had you been following this blog, you would be 'au fait' with how brilliant the Sheriff can be.  He was the very same chap who came to the 'Ice Cream Social' in August and promised that he would get some action going with regards to drug dealers lurking about the Linda Villa.  Allow MOI to tell how the Sheriff has continued to evince the community with his passionate belief in the 'broken window' approach to crime in the community.

Officer Neil Houston, another brilliant copper came by in the morn with a question for MOI.  Neil wanted to follow up on his Lieutenant's directive to check out the condition, pointed out by the top copper himself.

Officer Neil is a bloody brilliant copper.  Mind, he can be a bit blinkered at times.  Must come with the job, you see so many wicked things, only the most wicked pop out at times.  To be true, Officer Houston patrols the community round Linda Villa and has been known to keep a keep eye on things.  Loads of rubbish at the bin might not be something of note.

I digress...

Officer Neil had not seen the bin area since Friday last and was gobsmacked to be told that blight had visited the Linda Villa.  He saw with own eyes how horrid the bin area had become over the week-end.  My dears, that is how quickly these things happen.  Right good toss it be for neighbours round and travellers to hurl unwanted bits at the Linda Villa.

Dear reader, have you a clue how lovely it feels for another to view blight and dirt as you do?  That the message it sends to the community is one of; "WE CARE NOT HERE".  Officer Neil Houston was as put out as this old geezer and Murray Kay.  Rather grandly, Neil, the good neighbour, offered to come back after he got off duty and help to remove the debris pile.  Neil has a massive vehicle.

How grand was that?  The Linda Villa provided a 'dump pass' and labour.  Neil provided his behemoth.  Lovely.  Blight solved.

Speaking as a copper, Officer Neil told that in future, if persons were caught hurling rubbish about, the sheriff's department could be called and a citation can be given.  Even making note of the plate number of vehicle would help track down the folks who come and dump.

It might well be that this old geezer is just 'different'.  Yuba County could use more 'different'.  Last looked, the elected officials work for the public.  The coppers 'serve and protect', being that they are neighbours as well, the entire community is 'served' when they be brilliant.

The concern over the rubbish dumping by the elected sheriff is the second time in recent memory that Sheriff Durfor has shown how bloody lucky we be to have him doing the job.  The first was when he saw quite clearly how horrid the stray cat population was and got Animal Control to help.  Might as well go all in and call the man 'legend'.

My dears, it is our community.  Change will only come about if folks step forward and become engaged in the process. 

When next the Appeal Democrat runs a copper story, they might well give a think on how positive action, on the part of the top copper and the men and women he directs helps a community much put upon, to right self.  More's the pity if the only tales told are of the horrid.

Truth be told, a snap of the cleaned up rubbish bin was going to be used with this post.  Upon reflection, the one used seemed more proper.  A rubbish bin, however clean, is but a rubbish bin.  Proclaiming the Yuba County Sheriff Department is BLOODY BRILLIANT.

PONDER THIS

" All that is necessary for the triump of evil is that good men do nothing"
Edmund Burke


 Questioning the system is what good folk are meant to do. MOI is passionate about that. One must never forget that elected officials and folks placed in charge are to act in the interest of 'The People'. Lawyers and Judges uphold the LAW and at times JUSTICE is not had. If what was said by Chief Justice Holmes is true, that it is not about justice but the law, we need to correct the law.

My dears, how many of you reading take the time to get to know the coppers who patrol the road you live on? The coppers who are trying to protect you? Do you just have contact with when there is a problem? Ignore the rest of the time? Do you remember that the men and women who serve as coppers, are your neighbour?

MOI has had many a chat with a copper. Can tell you true that the 'urban legend' of them being 'jelly roll eating , coffee drinking' do nothings is not true. Many a good copper is on the road, and there are many coppers in command positions that care deeply about the community they serve. "The police are the people, the people are the police" Sir Robert Peele. Wonder how many of the folks in Fresno are aware of the truth of that.

Yesterday, as the afternoon gave way to early evening, MOI chatted with neighbours. Old neighbours and new neighbours. Home owner and renter. Yes, MOI does sit and chat, wonders at times if folks still do that, or have we become so guarded that we no longer try to know one another.

Bit hard to know who lives on the road if one only sits in front of the telly. MOI got to see many of neighbours during his chat. They walked by on way to 'cash and carry'.  MOI knows who lives next to and at the Linda Villa.  They are very real to this old geezer. They have names that go with the faces. They are the community that MOI is a part of. Not all are brilliant. Many are of a different colour, or faith, or economic background. The path of life for some is hard, made mean by lack of cash. Each of us has hopes and dreams.............to get a home, keep a job, be safe. United all, in the common belief that life on the road will get better. Be better than it has in the past.

As the afternoon shadows turned into the early evening, MOI watched as lights were switched on, the road settled down for the night to come. It was quiet. Some folks were going to go out with mates and some were going to watch a film. There were meals to prepare and children to get ready for bed. It was a good afternoon on the road lived. Quiet. The road was at peace. A peace made possible by the efforts of neighbours caring enough to make problems take flight from.

Some time back, MOI was questioned by an elected official about his railing on about wrongs on the road. Questioned about attitude about rubbish and graffiti. Why call attention to if you can just pick up or remove? To be true, this old geezer does that much on road, pick up and remove. At times, things are left to sit, to draw eyes to, to force folks to act. They do not always do.

There was a discarded mattress left on the pavement. Sat on pavement for a few days it did. MOI watched and waited to see of folks at house it was in front of would remove it. They did not. Neighbours walked round it, or drove bicycle round it. It sat on the pavement, ignored. MOI paid someone to place it in the rubbish bin, or it would even now be on the pavement. A sign of neglect that drug dealers look for in finding a road to kill.

My dears, it was a good day on the road yesterday. Neighbours went about the road and even chatted with one another.  An elected official stopped by for a chat.  A copper known to this old geezer, came by on day off to say HI!  Mind, the copper is a most brilliant chap and have become close mate to.  Just turned 47 he did.

Has just gone past 1am....................the road outside is still and all is quiet. Another night is ending and a new day is beginning.

WILL NOT PREVARICATE - "T.G.I.F."!

Starting in the United States, it has become a common expression of relief at the end of the work week and anticipation of relaxing or partying over the weekend. The term was originated by the Akron, Ohio disk jockey Jerry Healy on radio station WAKR in the early 1970s. The phrase was further popularised by the 1978 movie starring Donna Summer, Thank God It’s Friday. The phrase has also become common for advertising and promotional materials.

Make no mistake, dear readers, the week past has been quite the ride.  What with the horrid storm dumping buckets of water on, the drive to find new tenants for the complex and the endless battle to right some of the social wrongs in community, it is a wonder this old geezer is not done in.  Might have something to do with being right hard to kill a 'virus'(MOI being the nasty virus folks would like to eradicate).

I will not prevaricate, am right pleased to see the back of this week.  Its departure means that we are one week closer to the end of January and the beginning of the rest of the year.  Any of you as keen as this old geezer to get past the rush of the new year?

The recent week has seen much improvement in the flats at the Linda Villa.  Lovely new tenants are eager to get into their new homes on the 1st of February.  The rains have washed away much of the dirt and knocked down dead branches and cleaned out the towering palm trees of fonts that could have caused harm if landed on head of one here.  Past days have made it clear to this old geezer that there are still folks ready and willing to work and make a difference.

Young chap past me path and gave an opportunity to.  He has been without work for a spell and cash was in short supply.  Am impressed that the young chap has turned out to be a brilliant worker.  Needs little supervision and has come up with ideas that will make a difference down the road.  Mind, the chap wants to continue working and his thoughts make that a stronger possibility.  Lovely, always open to ideas that make life easier.

Had the good fortune to come cross a lovely lady who sees dirt as clearly as MOI.  Putting her into flat to clean and make ready for move-in, has all but assured that new tenants will feel right special by how grand they look and smell.  No clue how anyone could thing that DIRT sells, unless a farmer...

Murray Kay, me partner (as in business), has been up these past few days, working as hard as, to make it easier to plow through the work load facing.  MOI will never feel that Murray does not understand the meaning of TEAM EFFORT.  Is one of the strong points that make it easy to want to right his boat here in Linda.  It is also grand to see him smiling more and taking better care of self.  Nice to see that things are sorting self out for.

The on-going drama at the Linda Villa continues to paly out, but with less effect.  Folks are beginning to realize that this old geezer, while quite the drama queen at times, is also a lover of 'light comedy'.  Far too much drama of past.

In the coming days we will have to see if one who wants to depart the Linda Villa manages to find a pocket to pick to fund his departure.  Murray and I will not.  It will be interesting to see if another re-considers departing, knowing now that all are treated equally.  If one who has not paid rent in quite a spell comes through with new funds to make good on promise.  One truly does not like kicking to the curb anyone.

My dears, Murray and this old geezer have become a 'mutual understanding and comfort society'.  Sharing the belief that the past is history and we are capable of make new history, we forge on.  What is the saying?

WE WILL SURVIVE

"I COULD USE A BREAK HERE, LORD"

Dear God,
I know that we need the rain.  It fills up the reservoirs round the state and make all things in nature thrive.  It also washes away much of the dirt.  For all of the good that rain does, I should be grateful.  I am.

Lord, it is just that, I could use a little break here at the Linda Villa.  I have so much on plate at the moment that the heavy rains are mucking up schedule I have given self to get flats sorted out to rent.  Truth be told, I have taken on new tenants and promised that flats will be ready to move into, and beginning to think I may not be able to honour me word.

With all on plate, yesterday could have been done without.  Seriously, Did you have to whip up the wind to 60MPH?  The trees were swaying to and fro.  Heavy branches broke off and fonts from the palm trees were flying round the car park.  Not to mention the lake that was forming in the middle of the bloody thing.

Lord, I know you are all powerful, but do you think you could cut back on all of the thunder and clashing about?  I have one window known to have been broke, a wood fence tore off, and a basketball hoop stand that keeps walking round the car park.

The weather reports tell that there is to be more rain.  Will last the whole week.  Fancy that.  Do you think it possible we could get the rain and it could come down gently?  Right lovely that would be.

By the way, Ta for sending the folks my way to fill flats.  If you keep sending folks round, there will be no room in the ARK.  Joking, just a little joke, my Lord.

"Ce qu'on voit et ce qu'on ne voit pas"

The parable of the broken window was created by Frédéric Bastiat in his 1850 essay "Ce qu'on voit et ce qu'on ne voit pas" (That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Unseen) to illuminate the notion of hidden costs associated with destroying property of others.


Bastiat uses this story to introduce a concept he calls the broken window fallacy, which is related to the law of unintended consequences, in that both involve an incomplete accounting for the consequences of an action.

The parable describes a shopkeeper whose window is broken by his young son, and who has to pay for a glazier fixing his window. It conveys some thoughts on economy and money circulation. Bastiat's original parable of the broken window went like this:


“ Have you ever witnessed the anger of the good shopkeeper, James Goodfellow, when his careless son happened to break a pane of glass? If you have been present at such a scene, you will most assuredly bear witness to the fact, that every one of the spectators, were there even thirty of them, by common consent apparently, offered the unfortunate owner this invariable consolation—"It is an ill wind that blows nobody good. Everybody must live, and what would become of the glaziers if panes of glass were never broken?"

Now, this form of condolence contains an entire theory, which it will be well to show up in this simple case, seeing that it is precisely the same as that which, unhappily, regulates the greater part of our economical institutions.

Suppose it cost six francs to repair the damage, and you say that the accident brings six francs to the glazier's trade—that it encourages that trade to the amount of six francs—I grant it; I have not a word to say against it; you reason justly. The glazier comes, performs his task, receives his six francs, rubs his hands, and, in his heart, blesses the careless child. All this is that which is seen.

But if, on the other hand, you come to the conclusion, as is too often the case, that it is a good thing to break windows, that it causes money to circulate, and that the encouragement of industry in general will be the result of it, you will oblige me to call out, "Stop there! Your theory is confined to that which is seen; it takes no account of that which is not seen."

It is not seen that as our shopkeeper has spent six francs upon one thing, he cannot spend them upon another. It is not seen that if he had not had a window to replace, he would, perhaps, have replaced his old shoes, or added another book to his library. In short, he would have employed his six francs in some way, which this accident has prevented.

The fallacy of the onlookers' argument is that they considered only the benefits of purchasing a new window, but they ignored the cost to the shopkeeper. As the shopkeeper was forced to spend his money on a new window, he could not spend it on something else. For example, the shopkeeper might have preferred to spend the money on bread and shoes for himself (thus enriching the baker and cobbler), but now cannot because he must fix his window.

Thus, the child did not bring any net benefit to the town. Instead, he made the town poorer by at least the value of one window, if not more. His actions benefited the glazier, but at the expense not only of the shopkeeper, but the baker and cobbler as well. Moreover, the benefit to the glazier is relatively small, because most of what he charges is to compensate him for his tedious and strenuous labour, as well as the materials he uses.

I am of the belief that tenants who move into a filthy and broken down flat, sooner than later, get to feeling that they have been had.  In short order, they find ways to make the landlord pay them back for having not been fair.  The fail to report further damage, break the rules agreed upon, and worse of all, stop paying rent on flat.  They are determined to extract what they feel is owed from the 'greedy landlord'.  Not a pretty thing to feel, but is is something one has to take into consideration in trying to right past wrongs.

Telling the tale of the "Broken Window" is one way of addressing the things that ail the Linda Villa at present.

There is a lovely chap who lives in a flat here.  He and this old geezer have not always been on best terms, a slight mis-understanding about the harshness of the policy of dealing with stray cats.  We have moved past that and now try to face the future with open mind.  I am now being told what needs to be sorted out in his unit.

From day one, the window in his flat did not work proper,  with the turning cold, he needed to resort to using 'duct tape' to slow down the howling wind that came from the window gap and made sitting in the living room right uncomfortable, along with raising the electric bill.  Being anal about things, I was determined to sort the saga of the window out.  Past management and maintainance had ignored the poor chaps pleas for relief.

Was viewing the repair of post box locks, when I caught sight of the chap outside of flat.  Had James, the much put upon maintainance bloke, follow with and help me sort out this window problem.  James is right clever and he went about trying to make the bloody window fit in proper.  He hit upon the idea of removing the window entirely from the frame and that is when a shocker came to light.  The bleeden window was put in wrong way round.  How very odd that former Mr. Fixit failed to sort this one out.

Is it any wonder why folks living at the Linda Villa had their knives out for this old geezer?  Many had suffered through much and felt that nothing was going to change.  Things out of sort in the past were reported and ignored.  "What you see, is what you get",  "The landlord fixes NOTHING".  Heard oft enough and one gets to believe it to be true.

It was a long hard day yesterday.  It was time to do a proper deep cleaning of the office.  The smell of bleach was right powerful, burnt eyes and filled nose.  Walls were washed, furniture cleaned, window coverings washed, to make a long list short, there was nothing not cleaned in the office.  It is now sorted out.  Ready to be the calling card to the world that the Linda Villa is no longer a joke.  That the Linda Villa is no longer seeking to fill flats with the least desirable tenants.  We mean business.

Brilliant coppers will tell you that in order to right a plagued neighbourhood, it is needed to sort out the small problems that make a community fall down and die.  The belief being that if you fix 'broken windows', you stop the problems from becoming larger down the road.  How true.

What has hurt Linda Villa, shamed Murray Kay, gobsmacked this old geezer and puzzled the coppers, are the many 'broken windows' left unsorted at the Linda Villa.  Is it any wonder that at times it feels as if the car park of the Linda Villa is the pull -in for local law enforcement?

"Brick by Brick" is method being applied, giving the message to one and all that there is a new order at the Linda Villa.  More's the pity if the clever clogs failed to see that.

FAN MAIL & THOUGHTS - FANCY THAT!

"We find you and your life extremely interesting. HAPPY NEW YEAR--all the best in 2010!!!" - Carol & Jack


"May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face & may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars."~Fred & George Jung

Howdy Rob!

I was meaning to write to you yesterday but didn't get to it.
Rob, I have to tell you how amazing you are. Yesterday I saw you gracefully assume the roll as a father, uncle, disciplinarian with a huge heart. Telling that kiddo that you were "disappointed" communicated to him that you expect better of him and know he's smart enough to know that what he did was wrong.
Not to sound like a parent myself, but Rob, I am SO proud of you. You have provided what most in your complex (and area) have been lacking- a role model, caring family member and whistle blower when wrong is done. You protect these kids (and adult kids) from themselves and others.
Life can be a wonderful adventure. If any of us can prevent just ONE child's hope from being stolen by parents who don't know any better than successful are we all.
Big ups & I'll chat atcha soon! - Inger

Right, so much for being shy...

Along with the nice, there are also nasty received, but we will not dwell on the negative.  Besides, this is a website all about MEEEEEEEEEEE!!!   You cheeky buggers who are avid readers have to be kept on toes, thought I would 'out' meself before all of you took to emailing and reminding about 'humilité'.

The posts that receive the most mail are the ones that tell of  the hopes for children.  Folks truly want to care about the folks who are the future of this country.  Saving just one is a very big deal.

Yesterday, a young lad came to the office at the urging of his aunt.  The lad was selling chocolate bars to raise cash for a school field trip.  Being one of the children who always is considerate of the older folks living round and never seems to be running wild, I wanted to make sure that his efforts to do a good deed were noticed and rewarded.  Murray and meself purchased a load of chocolate bars from the lad.  Being on a diet, I gave all of mine away.  Murray did much the same.  Even to making sure that the wee salesman was given one to taste the product he was flogging.  It was quite the sight to see so many smiling faces of children, as they were blessed with one of the chocolate bars.  Mind, there were a few adults who seemed to enjoy the idea of a sweet.

Wonder if most realize that it is the little things in life that seem to count the most.  Taking a moment in day to do something for another.  Be it a smile, or a chat or helping another get past a bad patch in the day.  So many times, it is the pause most remembered about a hard day.  There were a few moments yesterday that made me come to see that what is being done at the Linda Villa at present, can re-make the future of it.

Got to chat with 5 different folks about renting flats.  Mind, there are many still to be made ready but it was possible to show what is coming.  One lovely lady came round and we had a right good giggle.  She was staying with a friend but the husband to the friend does not appreciate her cats.  I am not keen on them meself, but do not mind if others are 'gooey' over.  I told the lovely lady that we welcomed her cats, with a deposit, and would love to have her as a new tenant.  She is a woman of a certain age, quite handsome and with a personality that is much lively.  I rather think that she will be moving in.

Was not going to go to the office today.  With two folks doing work, it seems like a good idea to go in and answer the telephone.  Want to be able to chat with folks who might ring up in search of a new home.  Mind, there are quite a few at the moment at the Linda Villa.

Wonder who will be blessed with a chat today?

PAROLEE GONE PEARSHAPED

I am of the belief that this country truly believes in 'second chances'.  One tries to allow all to right lives and become better members of society.  Surely that is carried out daily with the release from prisons, individuals who are paroleed back into the community early, to jump-start their new place in society.  The state allows one to serve rest of 'time' in the community, rather than in the nick.  WITH CONDITIONS.

There is a not so lovely lady who lived, lives in a unit at the Linda Villa, who was, is on parole.  Since one of the conditions of parole is for the parole department to know where the lady lives, one assumes that they know where she now calls home. I was rather naive in believing that the California Parole Department was going to be of help in dealing with one under their charge who has gone off the rails in the community.

Repeated calls to the supervising parole agent and to his supervisor have not brought closure to a problem that need not have gone this far down the road.  Not even reporting the heavy use of alcolol by the parolee makes a difference.

Wanting to end a horrid rental, a deal was struck with the lady to move on.  Condition of the deal was that all of furniture would be removed and the keys to the unit returned to the rental office.  The was to be done by the end of the business day, January 5, 2010.  It is now January 15, 2010 and there is no closure in sight.

How much better can a deal get?  You forgive rent owed, do not file an eviction, or ask for court costs to be added to rent owed.  Bad language is suffered along with drinking alcohol from large cans.  As more alcohol is taken in, the level of language becomes rougher and the noise factor higher.  No effort is made on the part of the departing parolee to be considerate to any round her.  The not so lovely lady can threaten folks, out sex offenders(registered and legal) associate with felons and destroy the peace and quiet all round her.

I have spoken with parole department, and was under the impression that this matter would be tended to.  Now I hear the lady throw the names round of the very persons I have spoken to and claim that they told her that she can do as she pleases and I am just a draconic old geezer who pesters them in their offices.  Mind, along with the filthy language, the lady in question is not above colouring her story to suit her drama.  The bother to be got from all of this being that whole clothe is not being presented here and many will believe her claims.

One last time, I am going to try and get the parole department to do something to bring an end to this drama.  Surely they must have her listed as living at another location and know full well that this lady is just creating problems for law abiding citizens and ruining chances of another parolee being given the opportunity to live here.  I will ring up the supervisor and make the case again for closure, if nothing is done, I will start contacting folks in Sacramento.  There has to be better control on individuals allowed out on parole.

California might well be short of cash and loathe to put parolees back into the nick, but one would think that the system would work better to protect folks who have done nothing wrong.  Why allow one person to keep doing harm?  In large part, the problems are civil with the lady, but her conditions of parole are not being met.  That is a different matter, added to verbal threats by the lady to do harm to one.

If the drama would just end... 

All of the above is the stated opinion of this old geezer, like a bum, we all are entitled to have one.  I have no desire to cause grief to public employees.  Mind, they draw a pay packet from the public purse and in these hard economic times facing the state with some being forced to take cuts, one would think they would perform jobs more brilliant.  One would also assume that a person on parolee would be taken to task if the conditions and spirit of parole release are not followed.  A lot of assumptions for one to make and one can get into trouble there.

It just seems so unfair that economic hardship can follow in the wake of a parolee and there is no effort to right the wrongs done.  More's the pity that.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS DEADLY

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse or intimate partner violence, can be broadly defined a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation. Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation. Domestic violence may or may not constitute a crime, depending on local statues, severity and duration of specific acts, and other variables.

At half 1 in the morn, the coppers were knocking on my flat door asking for help. They had received calls about possible 'domestic violence' in one of the flats. I went to the office to fetch a key for the coppers to the flat, as the folks living there refused to respond to the knocking of the coppers at thier door. Shocked I was to discover that keys did not work and could not get the door open.

The small children in the flat could be seen, but they were not allowed to open the door for the coppers. The adults inside, knowing the game, refused to answer the door to the coppers. This is a long running situation at the Linda Villa and has no easy answers to. The coppers are called, noise has died down, and the adults refuse to answer the door, knowing that the coppers will leave, yet again.

The mum of the 3 children is well known to this old geezer. It was she who came to me and begged for help in the past with the troubles in her home. She was afraid, very afraid. Tried to get her to take out court order baring the husband from the flat, she refused to do. Chap comes back and the cycle of violence continues.

I have learned that domestic violence is very serious business. It should never be ignored. The lovley folks at the Linda Villa who have joined with in forming Neighbourhood Watch are doing their duty, ringing up the coppers when they hear the fights. Everyone is concerned.

Having made several calls to the coppers, I know that the Yuba County Sheriffs take this matter very serious as well. They have told the mum what she must do to get help. They keep coming out to try and solve the problem. Problem is that there is but so much that the coppers can legally do. Not knowing the true nature of the violence, and the adults refusing to answer the door, hinders the level of help that can be given. Add in the fact that the poor children refuse to answer the door, and you can see how complicated this situation is.

My dears, I know full well the horror that comes from domestic violence. Saw two go at one another in a different complex and had it not been for action by the coppers, one or both would have been dead. The level of hate was so thick, and the desire to harm was massive. Broken windows, dishes and furniture were what left in wake of the violence. Thankfully, the troubles had spilled outside of flat and it became a situation not requiring a knock at the door. Have no doubts that someone would eventually die if the pair continued to live together.

There was a situation in Fresno some time back, a 'boy friend' of a mum with children, stomped a wee child to death. Neighbours had tired of calling to report the violence and CPS failed to see the very real threat to the child in this family. Having read the police report and seen the snaps of the wee lad, made a promise that nothing like that would ever happen here. NEVER.

Let me be quite clear. The Yuba County Sheriffs are trying to do all they can. Neighbours are ringing up and reporting. The chap is on probation for this sort of thing. The lady will not do what has to be done to solve the problem. It might be time to tell this family to find another place to live. I will have to check into that.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. So serious that any who know if it happening should do the right thing and report it. How could anyone live with selves if they know they heard a murder happen. Saw wee little one come out in body bags? That may sound over the top to some but it is very true.

I will always remember the smiling face of Seth Thomas, a wee lad, now DEAD.

"MY DEPOSIT WILL BE RETURNED WHEN?"

The snaps featured with this post do not convey completely the truly horrid conditions that were left behind by a tenant in moving out.  Mind, a move-out done under cover of darkness, as if they knew the shame of the unit and could not face being seen again.  Making matters worse was turning off electric with fish tanks in the unit and letting the poor fish die a slow death.  Unbelievable.

There is not a single room of the flat that is not filthy.  Rubbish fills the flat.  It will require a major effort to do the proper clean up to make ready for a new tenant.

It is clear that the tenant is to blame for much of what is wrong here.  Unfortunately, there is loads of blame to go round on this flat having gone pearshaped.  Had there been a proper schedule of inspections in place, the flat might not have gone this far.  Had on-site management been less 'tenant friendly' and more 'owner responsible', much of what has come to pass may well have been avoided.  What is clear is that there is so much that has turned to custard at the poor Linda Villa.  Everyday reveals more horrors to face.

Can you imagine my shock to be sitting in the office and receive a call from a landlord in another city asking about a past tenant - the very tenant that left the featured flate in such horrid condition.  The poor chap is retired and depends on income from rentals to fill in the bucket of cash.  Skip out here and land there, how grand.  Must be lovely to be able to get good references from ex-managers of places lived.

It will require a massive amount of time, energy and cash to right the flat.  Cash that is not nearly covered by the deposit held on the unit.  Talk about an owner bend-over.

Sadly, this story plays out all over the complex.  Another tenant drags out the moving until she is good and ready to leave.  Not returning keys to unit will force repairs to be put off and a new tenant already waiting to move into a downstairs unit to wait longer.  More bad news in another tenant moving and not returning keys and forcing notice to be given before unit can be returned to rentable condition.

There is no point dwelling on the sins of the past, they are what they are and one needs to move on.  No point on clucking tongue at past actions of management.  I know full well what happened and must lock in on hope that what came to pass will not return.  Regardless of continued back-channel communications still passing between bad tenants and past management, the conditions at the Linda Villa will improve.  Sooner than later, the bad tenants will have to deal with the office and face the music.  There is no protection to be had.  Fraud and bad behaviour will be reported.  If there is any justice left in the world, some days in the nick or a record of bad deeds just might wake some up to thier responsibilities.

What is truly sad is that much of the drama that is unfolding now, could have been avoided if folks had just done what they said they would do.  Follow rules and perform job expected of.  On both sides of the fence.
More's the pity that.

"There is a Crayola missing from my box"

Inger, a very lovely lady known to this old geezer came by the Linda Villa for a visit.  As always, Inger never comes empty handed and she had many treats yesterday.

Like meself, Inger is passionate about books and trying to get young folks hooked on the habit of cracking one every now and then.  She had two massive boxes of book, gathered with young folks in mind.  There were wee tots books, Nancy Drew for the wee lasses and adventure books for the wee lads.  A bit of a mix to satisfy many tastes.  How grand was that?

The bounty brought to the complex would have been great had it ended with just the books.  There was more to give out.  There was a box of school supplies as well.  Composition books, paper, binders, rulers, pencils, pens, sharpners, glue, rubbers, markers and crayolas.  Many boxes of crayolas.  As the children came to the office, the booty was handed out to one and all, trying to make sure that all of the many children who reside at the Linda got something.  Inger and meself were feeling right pleased until...

One small girl came back to the office with a box of crayolas received and complained.  "The box says there are to be 24 and there is 1 missing.  Can I have a better box of crayolas?"  Another child came back and told that the composition box had been taken, as a joke, by older, and needed another for one taken.  There was a request to take back paper and get composition book in place of.

What was done to make children feel fully supplied for school, a small act of kindness, turned into something else.   That children kept coming back with requests for more and wanting to make sure that what was got was best, left Inger and this old geezer a bit sad.  Either the children learn too eary in life to take too much for granted or the adults direct them to make sure they try to.  More's the pity that.

Many in the past have asked why bother to keep reaching out to folks if the attitude is less than to be expected.  What reward is gained by giving to folks who do not appreciate?  Firstly, neither Inger or meself or any of the other folks who try to help are looking for reward.  Reaching out to a neighbour is reward enough.  Secondly, many believe that if one tells folks that they can be brilliant oft enough, they just might rise up and begin to be brilliant.  "Brick by Brick" as the saying goes.

Truth be told, this old geezer is bursting out all over with pride at the proof that so many grand folks live in the community round.  Taking the time to listen to the stories round and sharing with folks has got many to get in touch and reach out as well.  Linda and Yuba County is home to many grand and lovely folks, and I am determined to meet each and every one of them.

STRAY CAT ROUND UP

How to round up stray and unwanted 'pussies' at the Linda Villa.

WHAT HAPPENS TO STRAYS

Yuba County Animal Control Services Officer Debra explains what happens to stray pussies caught in traps and turned over to them.

"WANT TO KILL MY GOLDFISH TOO?"

Yesterday was the first day of the round up of the unwanted feline population at the Linda Villa Complex.  Starting at round 6am, the traps were placed and the hunt was on.  Almost immediately the sound of slamming cage doors could be heard in the early morn quiet of the car park.  3 were captured almost immediately and we waited for Animal Control Services to come and fetch.

A tenant, who has no cats, was furious at the actions being taken.  This tenant is where the quote used today for heading comes from.  This cheeky bugger had wild squirrels in cage of flat as pets for his young children.  Truly he did.  That is horrid.  Let me tell why.

A squirrel is one of many small or medium-sized rodents in the family Sciuridae.  Squirrels are sometimes considered pests because of their propensity to chew on various edible and inedible objects. This characteristic trait aids in maintaining sharp teeth, and because their teeth grow continuously, prevents over-growth. Squirrels are occasionally kept as household pets, provided they are selected young enough and are hand raised in a proper fashion. They can be taught to do tricks, and are said to be as intelligent as dogs in their ability to learn behaviors. Pet squirrels are usually kept without cages, but large cage and a balanced diet with good variety will keep a pet squirrel healthy and happy. The pet owner must beware of "spring fever" at which time a female pet squirrel will become very defensive of her cage, considering it her nest, and will become somewhat aggressive to defend the area.

However clever or cute as pets, we are talking about squirrels that are SAFE, not WILD.  Keep that in mind.  There is also the consideration that adults who provide the animals will make sure that harm does not come to children, theirs and visiting children.  A safe pet is one that is clean, monitored and controlled to keep harm from happening.  Something that tenants fail to do at the Linda Villa.  Mind, there is a deposit for pets, to cover damage and this is not thought of either.

The very unhappy tenant is sort of chap who loathes cats.  So much so that he throws bleach at them, or leave it about to ward off the spraying done by them in front of unit.  Even hinted at taking a pellet gun to them.  Not bright enough to do the proper thing, get cages and call Animal Control.

The manner in which tenants at Linda Villa have treated animals is cruel.  It is not humane.  More's the pity that the cry against my crusade to rid complex of a plague is thought of as cruel.

Allow me to share an email received from Sheriff Steve Durfor on the subject;

Mr. Defrees,


Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. I will get with my staff at Animal Care Services and see what we can do to mitigate this problem.

Hope you had Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Steve

This was in reply to one sent to local media on the subject of stray cats;

Dear members of the 'Fourth Estate',


To quote a favoured film; "There is a story there...".

Linda, more to the point, Linda Villa Complex, 5956 Park Avenue, is

plagued by stray and unwanted cats. They are trying to multiple

as I write.

Checking with Yuba County, both Clerk of Board of Supervisors and

Sheriff's office, has this old geezer gobsmacked at the lack of an

effective way to deal with this plague.

From a health standing and a 'broken window' approach to run-

down and crime wasted community, this is horrid.

They say that there is no cash in the purse to do. What about the cost

in health and rising crime?

I am going to try to address the Board of Supervisors this evening. TRY...

Mind, there is a story here, one that needs telling.

"If we change the world in one way, we change it in other ways."

RobDeFrees

The horrid manner in which Yuba County is dealing with the unwanted animal population is not without blame on the part of many who live in the community.  Economic conditions have seen a rise in the 'dumping' of animals.  The Animal Control Services folks do not make it easy for you to deal with the problem.  Most can not pay the deposit for cages, or food, or have the time to deal with the setting up and capture of.

To be true, this old geezer is pedantic.  Believes that local government officials work for him, not other way round.  Feels that public employees should do more to keep pay packet coming.  My first contact with Animal Control was not good.  Right mean they were, until I asked to speak to a supervisor.  Debra Luis be that person.  She came round with two cages and food to capture the unwanted animals.  Waived the fee she did.  Fancy that!

Kay Properties also got another cage to add  to the fight.  Unlike many in the community who cluck tongues about the horrid problem of the stray cats, The Linda Villa is doing more than talking.  We are walking the walk!

Plan to put some filmed bits on YOUTUBE later, stay tuned.

LINDA VILLA CRUSADER IS NOT WELL RECEIVED

Some folks known to this old geezer are much like the wooden indian in the snap.  They stand on the pavement and watch the parade pass by.  They are so sure that one person can not make a change that they will not even try, let alone follow in the steps of one trying to make change. 

I am pedantic.  I am also loud and rude to some, and far too full of self for others.  I see wrong and try to right it.  It it not the popular course at times, but it is the one that is best followed.  It leads to change, even if some get hurt by that change.

At the Linda Villa Complex, I have been told I am the most hated chap to be found there.  That my ideas about trying to rid the community of some long lasting problems are too far reaching.

I loathe drug dealers and the horrid actions of of drug users to get their fix.  Drugs destroys everything it touches.  I am not very fond of layabout scroungers either.  Benefits cheats should be reported, as they suck what little cash is left in public purse from thoes in true need.

The Linda Villa is far from the worst place in Linda.  Have heard that there be more horrid complexes.  I do not know about them, I just know about the Linda Villa, as it is where I hang me hat.  Self serving it may sound, but I am very keen on making things different round the patch of earth I occupy.  I can do the most good where I am closest to.

Murray Kay and I have teamed up to try and restore order to the Linda Villa.  To bring back the ideas that Murray had when he first bought the place.  That being, to provide a clean and safe place for folks to live.  Folks who might not have a great deal of cash.  Somewhere along the line, the drug dealers and benefits cheats got the best of poor Murray and tore the heart out of the man.  Must have been a shocker to see brilliant iceboxes, cookers, cooling units and blinds ruined.  Along with carpet and anything else near reach.

Right, so Murray got had.  He is a landlord, can bloody well afford to be taken a few times.  Not true.  He kept believing that it was possible to make a dent in the problem, return some to self respect, to care, to even try to better selves.  The sob stories rained down and he fell for most of them.  He came to believe that bad folks really would settle up the rent, one day.  Shame on Murray.  He dropped the ball.  He was not alone.  He had help from folks he trusted.  Folks who could have had his back better.  What ruined things at the Linda Villa took a bit of time to achieve.  Loads of blame to go round.

Enter Rob, the crusader.  Like all on a crusade, I was quick to jump right in and try to shovel some of the poo away from the office door.  Full of ideas and the knowledge gained from watching the Linda Villa these past 8 months, I was sure thing could be sorted out.

Truth be told, I like Murray Kay very much.  He has come round and much effort to be noble again, without being snowed by all of the rubbish horrid folks tell.

Flats are being cleaned and readied for new tenants.  Tenants who will pay rent and not bring drugs into the complex.  Tenants who will support Neighbourhood Watch and support the coppers.  Care about where they live and their neighbours.

Bad tenants have been asked to leave and non-paying tenants are being evicted.  There is no longer a FREE ride to be had at the Linda Villa.

Sadly, there are some who feel that I have gone too far.  The change is too much.  That I have to understand that 'poor' folks deserve to be treated different.  "They have nothing".  Rubbish.   They deserve what they themselves are willing to work to protect.

Pets need to be controlled.  Stray cats need to be got rid of.  Children are best served by going to school and having a positive role model in parents.  Is that too much to ask?  To follow rules that show respect for one another and the space shared with others?

"There is no sin in being poor, it is a crime to be filthy."  There-in lies the problem.   The filth round the Linda Villa is horrid.  Flats moved out of are nasty and require a massive amount of work to repair.  Animals are 'dumped' in the move, adding to the growing population of unwanted strays already here.  Wash is hung about in front of flats, turning the complex into something out of "Tales of Ma&Pa Kettle".  Tires, broken furniture and whatever else can be hoarded on a patio bring a general look of decay to the place.  Dog walkers do not pick up after pets.  Rubbish bin is abused.

Hang on...  Much of the sins of the past have been addressed.  Much has changed.  The Linda Villa shows much better, no thanks to the fighting to be done to achieve.  Every action is questioned, and every rule is challenged.  Bad tenants protected, even when they are so blatant it would be hard to miss.  The word "FRIEND" is much over-used.

The office at Linda Villa is now a clean and cheerful place to be. Gone are the stale odors, the tossed rubbish about the place, and the cats that sprayed the computer.  There is order.  The office tells the whole world that the Linda Villa is about business.

This very day, stray cats will be rounded up and removed.  This round-up will continue until the plague of strays is abated.  It is not humane to allow cats to breed out of control.  To feed and encourage them is not humane.  It is also very unhealthy.  I have been told that it is cruel of me to round up the strays.  I think not.  It is cruel to offer hope to animals that will never be loved or cared for more than as an afterthought.

A new day has dawned at the Linda Villa and some that this old geezer is fond of are not pleased.  I do not care, the right path is being taken and that is more important than a few hurt feelings.  If one can not accept change with some degree of grace, do not holler if the truck runs you off the road.

What brasses me off the most is that the project to clean up the Linda Villa could have gone off better.  Had "friends" not been first consideration.  Far too many scroungers were office rats.  Even to the very end, there was no real support from some quarters to help.  More's the pity that.

I will never understand how some allow "friends" to blind them to the real truth about.  Seems to me that Murray deserved better than he got.  Mind, that is just my opinion.

BRILLIANT LOCAL TRADESMAN

It was on a cold and rainy day that me path crossed with Brandon Kesterson, owner of BK Custom Concrete.  Firstly, I was impressed that he was a local contractor and not one of the traveling kind that requires an '800' number to reach and takes his wages out of the community.  It also impressed me that Brandon was willing to come out in such horrid weather, It was raining frogs, to give a bid on a project that might not pan out.

Having newly formed an alliance with Kay Properties, this old geezer found self faced with the task of finding a licensed contractor to fix some stairs.  Code Enforcement had come out on a complaint about stairs being unsafe and the clock was ticking for the project to be addressed and the complaint abated.

As one can see from the snap, the stairs leading up to second floor are of the concrete sort.  Steps are of concrete.  Mind, not the concrete used by ancient Romans, the sort we modern folks use that last but a few years in comparison with the type used in Rome. 

Brandon looked the job over and went back to shop to work the numbers.  Truth be told, he did much more than that.

Brandon is clever.  He rang up a few places and located the steps (out of state) at a price that was better than could have been hoped for.   Even with shipping the bloody things, it was less dear than could be got local.  He went further and worked the numbers in a way that allowed he and Kay Properties to feel good about the cost.  How bleeden brilliant is that?

Date was set and weather co-operated to allow Brandon and Jake, his partner, to get job sorted out.

BK Custom Concrete kept schedule.  They worked in a clean and highly professional manner.   One could not be more pleased at the quality work done at the Linda Villa.  Am sure it will last long after this old geezer has departed.

There will be some readers who will think this is an advert, a suck up to Brandon and BK Concrete.  They would be so very wrong.  I like to think of it as a testament to a brilliant job done and allowing others to know of a local tradesman who does superior work.  Mind, it is me website, so can bloody well write what I want....

Were this story to end with the quality work done by Brandon and his company, it would say much but not quite enough.

Brandon and his crew kept eyes open during visit to Linda Villa.  They saw and heard the drama that fills days.  Watched as small children dug through the large rubbish bin in search of treasure and saw some of them without proper clothing.  Not wanting to offend, Brandon & Jake asked if it would be OK to place some bags and boxes of used clothing next to rubbish bin for the children.

Brandon & Jake are both young chaps with families.  You who are in same boat, know that children grow and clothes are not needed.  Same with toys.  The items are still very much of use.

My dears, how bloody brilliant can one expect a company to be?  Superior workmanship and socially aware to the community.  LEGEND!

It is but the start of the new year and already folks to be treasured have crossed me path.  Have no doubts that Kay Properties will be doing business with BK Custom Concrete in future.  AND, it is the one check written to pay for services rendered that will be done with a massive smile.

Truth be told, am sitting here with a huge smile on face as I write.

"CATS" - LINDA BROADWAY ROADSHOW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1DMZ6J_RM.   Right, the old geezer has dropped an oar in the pond and is sinking here. Not quite, MOI thought it would give one and all a good piece of music to have running around load as you read.


Seems that local shelters are being over run with unwanted cats. The horrid economy and an unusually fertile breeding season are to blame in large measure. MOI is not a huge fan of cats. When MOI lived in Walnut Creek, had a garage and there were always dumped cats getting into and giving birth to even more cats. Always calling the folks at Animal Control to remove. MOI learned a thing or two about cats.



Did you know that if a female cat has a litter, a rogue male cat will come in and kill it to force the female back into heat? And if left unchecked the population of cats keeps getting larger.



MOI supports the ASPCA, gets updates about problems and is constantly made aware of the tragic plight of cats in this country. No amount of cash is going to solve the growing problem with cats, unless folks do the right thing. Right odd that the good advice of Betty White and Bob Parker goes unheeded.



The cats, at LindaVilla Complex, in Linda,  are like a long running roadshow of the Broadway Musical 'CATS'. They come in all shapes and sizes. MOI has seen large numbers of cats scavenging for food in the wee hours of the morning. Any clue how strange it is to see 6 cats lined up in the garage area waiting to see if any one will place some food or milk out. Or the surprise at having 3 or 4 jump out of the rubbish bin as you place bag in? Oft is the time that MOI sees stray and unwanted cats wandering about at all hours of day and night.



Park Avenue, regardless of grand name, is a poor road as is the neighborhood in general. Add in the fact that most landlords do not allow any pets, and one has to wonder where all of the cats come from. Part of the cat population are the cast offs that have been dumped on road, by strangers and tenants who did not want anymore. Some of the cats on road are of the expensive type, and believe that they are brought here by folks out of neighborhood, dumped in the hopes that they will never find way home. How horrid is that?



The cat pictured in the above snap  is of one such 'dumped' cat. The folks there must have a special place in heart for cats, as they made sure that the cat had a clean blanket to curl up onto.



Up and down the road, one seems food left out for cats. Odd that folks who have problems with making the budget cover the whole month, feel rich enough to place opened tins of 'tuna' for the stray cats. Placement of bowls of milk  for the stray cats. Not bloody likely that these cats have received proper care and lack required shots and more than likely have fleas.



MOI has called about cats on road and it is something of a joke to get the problem solved. Animal Control has told MOI in the past that a container must be got and the stray cat placed into, then they will come. Have you ever tried to capture a cat that seems to know that it is going to be locked up. Not easy.



Every time MOI write a check to ASPCA it is easy to do. All one has to do is to remember the cacophony of screams as male cats roam the road in search of a possible tryst.



Some in the neighborhood think that feeding the growing population of cats assures that the mice will stay away. Some even think that they are doing a good thing by feeding the cute little things. Most fail to see the big picture. Many think MOI mean for trying to get the problem under control. At least some of the cats taken to local shelter have a chance, the poor cats on road and at Linda Villa have no chance at all.



More's the pity that...

Sacrebleu !!! ELECTRIC THIEVES!

Sacrebleu!  Imagine me horror to discover that Linda Villa has folks who feel that they deserve FREE electric.

The rental agreement signed upon move-in clearly states that each tenant is responsible for providing electric and gas to unit rented.  In a perfect world, one assues that the new tenant makes the call to transfer the electric into their own names, making them responsible for bills.  Mind, I said a 'perfect world' and life at Linda Villa Complex in anything but perfect.

Due to move out, it came to our attention that there had been fraud done unto us and PG&E.  The tenant who had moved out had never turned on the electric.  The use of electric, without care to cost, went on the entire time that tenant lived in the unit.  Talk about brass.  It gets worse, the tenant wanted her security deposit back and was going to get until the electric fraud came to light.  Imagine that.

Dear reader, get a grip of chair, there is more to tell...

Turns out that one unit was not alone in the electric fraud.  One unit has been getting a FREE ride on electric for close to 9 months, another has been pulling power for almost 4 months.  4 units have been found out so far.   What cheek, you move in and along with not paying rent, fail to pay any other bills as well.  One must tell me how that is possible.

What makes the crime so horrid, is that each person found out so far receives government benefits to cover living expenses.  We are talking about a fair amount that clearly is not going for purpose meant.  Takes being a benefits cheat to a whole new level.  We are talking about over $800.00 tax free with no rent to pay and no expense to heat, cool or illuminate place lived.  Makes 'living rough' look very attractive.

Kay Properties has to pay electric for complex.  The lovely Francesca has to pay, as does this old geezer and others.  Is is wrong to expect that all will pay for electric used?  Wrong to alert PG&E to the crime?  Wrong to alert CPS that children will have no utilities with the shut off?

Sacrebleu!!!  Me blood runs hot at the thought of how much the stolen electric cost.  One will have got over $900.00, another 450.00, yet another over $300.00.  Might as well light up the electric meter if you do not care about the cost.  Leave all of the lamps lighted and heat and cool on all day.  How bloody grand.

We have alerted PG&E of the fraud and the meters will be shut down.  The tenants will be forced to get electric in own name, and pay for power stolen.   Sadly, the reason they did the crime is due to being unable to get electric due to past problems with PG&E.

My dears, the children will suffer.  The adults seem to not care.  Why must the children pay for the sins of the adults, over and over again.  How can society allow good money be wasted each and every month?  I will tell you true, being it is so cold, there will be no clild without electric.  The proper authourities will be rung up.

In a 'perfect world' life would be without cost.  FREE.    My dears, there is no such place.   Not for you or me or anyone else.   I am gobsmacked at the cheek displayed by the electric thieves.  They will tell the whole world that I am an 'evil old man'.   That is the way of the world, so be it.  More's the pity that some folks will only see the harsh action taken to stop thieves and not consider the crime.


'SACREBLEU'!!!!!!!!!

I'M DYING HERE...

Me symptoms are cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing, muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headache, muscle weakness, and exhaustion. Fever even!

The cold I thought was gone, came back with might yesterday.  As day wore on, I became more and more ill.  By the time I returned home, I was in horrid shape.  All hell broke loose.  I had to made a plea for help to me friend Francesca.  I do not drive and was in need of relief.  There had to be an over the counter medicine that could provide some relief.

There are no medications or herbal remedies proven to shorten the duration of illness.Treatment is symptomatic support usually via analgesics for fever, headache and myalgia, nasal decongestants, and lozenges for sore throat.   Having said that, I just wanted something to help me sleep, to be able to breathe.

I am an Asthmatic, it is important that I not allow my ability to catch breath  go too low.  I am not a pretty sight with blue lips and on the floor gasping like a fish out of water.

Francesca had offered to take me to hospital.  How sweet.  However, it was a done deal with the cold and there was no point is sitting in a waiting room for hours, spreading germs and being told to go home and take fluids and get rest.

My dears, the letter S on costume I wear is not for SUPERMAN but STUPID!  I bloody well knew that I had a cold.  Was sure that force of will could keep it in check and I could charge into the new year.  Not sure if it was the horrid air in a flat being repaired or just having pushed self too hard.  What I know for saure is that last night was a rough one.  My chest hurts from the coughing and I am very, very down in the dumps.  Me throat is sore as well.  Right, do you think if I keep playing the violin it will get me sympathy?

Poor Francesca will have to deal with folks today by self.  Much as I would like to be in the office, it is not going to happen.  I know when I am beat.  Bloody hell, I can not even talk!  Now that is horrid!!!

I am going to be in bed clothes all day.  I am not going to leave flat.  I am going to be a bleeden nightmare for Paul all day.

That is just the way of it.  I do not wish to give others this cold.  Do forgive if there is no further news bulletin with regards to the state of me health.  I truly do believe I am dying here.....