LANCASTER – On June 12, 2012, the housing discrimination complaint filed on July 7, 2011 against the City of Lancaster by the California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (CSCNAACP) with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was formally withdrawn.
In accordance with this withdrawal, HUD has terminated its investigation, therefore administratively closing the complaint.
“We’re happy the CSCNAACP has withdrawn their complaint with HUD,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This allows us to save valuable taxpayer dollars, which are vital to our local economy, now more than ever. Such divisive, non-productive issues do not stand to benefit anyone in this community. We are glad to finally put this behind us and continue pushing forward with matters which build up our city and its citizens, as opposed to breaking us down.”
The City of Lancaster received official written notice of the case development from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The document informs that in the matter of CSCNAACP versus City of Lancaster, California, the previously launched complaint has been dismissed.
(Information via press release from the City of Lancaster.)
** Editor’s Note: We will update this story as more information becomes available. **
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hmr says
seriously, has this “advancement” of colored people group actually done anything positive for people? or do they just create issues where there really isn’t one? just curious..
T. says
its just another group with a chip on its shoulder that tries to go around and extort money out of people and businesses under the false claim of “discrimination”. They have turned the lawsuit process into a game where they and someone from the ghetto tries to use the court system to get rich. Its so much easier than going out and working for a living!
FUNNY says
Get Rid Of HUD Make them get off there lazy a” and get a job and if they cant do that let them live in the street,furthermore lets take care of the men and women who worked there whole life working and paying taxes and now have to decide whether to take there chump change we call social security and use it to buy food or medication ,lets stop wasting time and work on this for the seniors ,and by the way i am not crying for me i am just 47 years old
sacryinshame says
oh to be 47 again :)
Adam Chant says
http://antonovich.com/antonovich-statement-on-hud-closing-its-lancaster-section-8-investigation/
Contact: Tony Bell, Communications Deputy
Office: (213) 974-5555 Cell: (213) 215-5176
E-mail: tbell@bos.lacounty.gov
June 19, 2012
For Immediate Release
ANTONOVICH STATEMENT ON HUD CLOSING ITS LANCASTER SECTION 8 INVESTIGATION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY – “Today’s report that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has dropped its investigation against the City of Lancaster confirms what we have always known — that the enforcement by the Housing Authority’s Inspectors was conducted to protect the integrity of the Section 8 program in the Antelope Valley and benefit the community as a whole,” said Supervisor Antonovich. “The allegations made by HUD were baseless and only hurt taxpayers, those waiting on the Section 8 waiting list and the county inspectors who were enforcing the law.”
Having My Say says
Although I may not agree with a lot of the small town politics that go on in the Antelope Valley (I’ve been a resident for 32 years), I support Rex on this one. I’m sick of seeing undeserving hoodlums get a break on rent (for REALLY NICE homes at that!). We should step up our investigations (with NO APPOINTMENTS) to rid ourselves of people who take advantage of the system. Most of these Section 8 people stay home all day and have the nerve to have kids who behave badly. You have all the time in the world, at least try to be a decent parent. We don’t not want you here because you’re on Section 8; we don’t want you here because you bite the hand that feeds you and have the nerve to complain about it. If you don’t like the way the program operates, get out of it! Get a job and pay real bills like the rest of us. And, I realize there are law abiding people who are on Section 8 and are using it the way the program was meant to. However, for those who do not–pull that darn voucher and…NEXT!
sacryinshame says
I feel the same as “Having My Say”. If the LASD is getting calls about activities at a house that turns out to be Sect 8, (and they should be able to ask) then the residents need to go. To many vouchers are given to moochers who spend all their time trying to figure out how to get money for something they “didn’t do”.
Stinger says
I have absolutely no problem whatsoever with the pulling of vouchers from people who are abusing the privilege of its benefit, and I support unannounced compliance checks that are done in accordance with the law on those who have complaints from verifiable sources upon them.
I DO have a problem, though, with politically motivated witch hunts that target primarily law abiding citizens on the basis that they are poor, of a particular color, or other inappropriate reason.
sacryinshame says
touche.
I also have a problem with that same profiling. If someone can be arrested and taken away for complaints regarding specific drug activity, excessive noise, fighting, vandelism, making threats to neighbors, repeated animal control calls regarding animal abuse, neglect or violation a leash laws, I say pull the voucher.
I am not against Section 8. Maybe the screening is not being done properly and/or there is someone in the Office taking bribes to get people in who shouldn’t be approved. I’m not sure where the problem is, I am only sure that something needs to be done to fix it.
Maria says
Notice how the trolls come in to EVERY R. Rex Parris related story and try to link it to some kind of conspiracy?
T. says
trolls being StinKer!
AV Town Crier says
I’m glad this is over. To me, it had no merit. Under HUD rules, housing authorities/law enforcement/code enforcement, etc have a right to inspect Section 8 residents and have the authority to investigate and root out fraud. It had nothing to do with race. It’s just a fact that the majority of Section 8 are blacks and Latinos.
I think the real issue all along was how fraud was investigated. I think King Rex and his thugs were heavy handed in doing their investigations when they could have been more discreet.
Gerald says
It’s not over. The lawsuit is alive and well. With the full support of the NAACP. And it was never about stopping fraud investigations. But you’re correct avc in the fact that this has always been about Lancaster’s right to be thugs.
CaptainObvious says
Avtc. I’ve followed your posts here. You, and a few others, mostly the stinKer, claim Lancaster was heavy handed in their investigation of Sec 8. You claim to have been around cops in this Valley. If so, then tell me this: Palmdale had its PAC team assisting section 8, while Lancaster had the Lancap team. Most of the complaints involved inspections done before Rex was mayor. Yet, I don’t see anyone blaming Ledford for the inspections in Palmdale, yet both cities were subjects of BS lawsuits by the hug-a-thug groups. What say you? Where is your evidence of the “heavy handed” inspections in Lancaster? Of all those deputies you allegedly know, how many know Rex? Do you really think a deputy on the Lancap or PAC team gives a rats a$$ what their mayor wants? If Lancaster or Palmdale folded up shop, or hired their own police force tomorrow, all those deputies would simply drive down the road to the next city, and still have their jobs! Bottom line, I can’t see any cops starting their work day asking “what does Rex want?” Or “what does Ledford want?” Your conspiracy theories are ridiculous!
G says
Well said captain obvious, well said!
H8 Section8 says
Hug-a-thug! LOVE IT!!
Stinger says
As usual, ‘Captain Oblivious’ has no idea what the discussion was about and makes no attempt to check before spouting off his stupidities.
Maria says
As usual “Stinger” hates when someone makes a good point and she can’t reply with a “I”m smarter than you” answer! So she just goes to her handy dandy little book to look up a “I”m smarter than you” name! Right Diane?
Stinger says
Actually, there was so much wrong with that statement that I would have had to write an Abdul-length response to even get a start on it.
BTW: Trying to ‘out’ me is humorous. In all of the attempts made over the months, not one has been even close. So, knock yerself out, “Maria.” The truth is that you Parrisites only try to do this for two reasons. First, to try to marginalize the person making points that you don’t like to hear. Second, to set up for retribution – which is why so many bloggers opt to use a nom de guerre as I have. True Parrisites are never to be trusted.
Maria says
There you go again “Stinger” making that fap fap fap noise.
AV Town Crier says
I never claim that the deputies themselves engaged in any conspiracy. They just follow orders. The issue I was making (or attempting to make) was the way Rex deals with it. He’s the one that shoots his mouth off.
And yes, he has influence over sheriff station administration. He may not have absolute control, but, trust me, there is a lot of political influence.
See who contributes to Bacca’s campaign.
Anonomous says
Why not make the “Land Lords” pay fines when their tenants make living impossible for the neighbors of their renters? Make them held responsible for their tenants actions, because they were the ones who agreed and contracted to lease their property to them. It will motivate Land Lords to rent to better people. Not only that, but as soon as their Tenants begin messing up, and eviction is sure to follow. People need to be more choosey when renting their homes, not just try to rent their home as quickly as possible because they need a quick income!
QHResident says
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,(HUD)runs the section 8 program. Just clearing this up for those that are confused.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance
Stinger says
Seems to me that Rex, after trying to throw whatever weight around that he thought he had in DC unsuccessfully, and know ing that it would not turn out well for him (due to his many illegal actions), found a way to make the investigation go away after all – buy off the complainant. This is a typical attorney move in an unwinnable case. He couldn’t beat the investigation and couldn’t bluster his way out of it, so he paid off the complainant to drop their complaint!
Here&Now says
prove it or shut your mouth! You want everyone who posts here to always post “facts” so prove it please.
ed says
The response by the Mayor, that it was the NAACP that was causing the city to use taxpayors money to defend the charges, is laughable. Palmdale settled its problem with L.A.County and HUD without spending a dime. His desire to try a case in front of the United States Supreme Court seems to be his desire.
T. says
ha ha! More like Palmdale rolled over ! I have no faith in Palmdale city leaders after that too! Your just happy because they appointed your wife to sit on that stupid sheriffs dept. panel with all of the other idiots.
John Mlynar says
T, Palmdale did not “roll over” as you suggest. The Section 8 program is a federally funded program that is administered by LA County. A lawsuit to which Palmdale had no business being part of was filed. The County of LA, who administers the Section 8 program for Palmdale and Lancaster, put a three year moritorium on the Section 8 inspectors. No matter if Palmdale or Lancaster wanted to fund 100 inspectors (both cities provided funding for additional inspectors), they could not get them. The end result of the settlement between Palmdale and TCAL was nothing changed in how the Section 8 program operated; Palmdale settled with prejudice; and didn’t pay a dime.
In case you missed it, here is the official press release on the matter:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY OF PALMDALE
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: John Mlynar
PHONE: 661/267-5115
DATE: February 2, 2012
City of Palmdale Vindicated in Section 8 Lawsuit Settlement
PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale has been vindicated of allegations made over the City’s involvement with the County of Los Angeles’ administration of Section 8 inspections through a settlement that was reached today in a lawsuit that was brought forward by the California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and The Community Action League (TCAL).
“Palmdale has always condemned discrimination and continues to condemn discrimination in any form,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “The City of Palmdale welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, including people who participate in the Section 8 program.”
“The City of Palmdale never belonged in this lawsuit and I believe this settlement is indicative of that fact,” said Palmdale City Attorney Wm. Matthew Ditzhazy. “The City will not pay plaintiffs or their 21 attorneys a dime and the City did not agree to do anything of substance that it wasn’t already doing or that had not already been surrendered by the politically correct crowd at the County of Los Angeles.”
“The plaintiffs’ claim that the City of Palmdale used several other public agencies as a ‘tool’ to advance a nefarious agenda is nothing more than an unfounded conspiracy theory,” stated Assistant City Attorney Noel Doran. “Needless to say, this was the most creative cause of action I have ever seen conjured up against the City.”
“While the City Council continues to believe that this is a frivolous lawsuit and that the City of Palmdale has acted at all times in a lawful manner, it also understands that in certain cases, like this, discretion is the better part of valor,” said Ledford. “We decided it was better to agree to the status quo than waste further taxpayer dollars to achieve the same result in a couple of years.”
“I believe the reason that the city of Palmdale was included in this lawsuit is because of the unfortunate misperception outside of the Antelope Valley that the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster are one and the same,” stated Ledford. “Nothing is farther from the truth. It is most unfortunate that the plaintiffs’ attorneys realized that Palmdale is not the same as Lancaster until after this lawsuit was filed. The inflammatory rhetoric advanced by the plaintiffs and the leaders in Lancaster has divided our community, inaccurately depicted our City in the national media, and undermined 20 years of effort on the part of myself and past and current Palmdale City Councils to promote and advance an inclusive community. Now, more than ever, we need the real leaders of our community to step forward and help heal our City, ” Ledford added.
“While the Housing Authority has decided to eliminate dedicated investigators, it remains obligated under the terms of the Section 8 program to investigate and root out fraud within the program,” said Palmdale Mayor Pro Tem Steve Hofbauer. “The City of Palmdale expects the County to dedicate adequate staff and resources to meet this obligation, although I personally don’t believe that they will do it. As always, we expect these investigations to be race neutral and in a manner that protects the rights of all our citizens,” Hofbauer added.
“Among our core values as a City are diversity and inclusiveness,” said Councilmember Tom Lackey. “When I read the unfounded allegations put forth by the plaintiffs, it was clear that they were describing a Palmdale that simply does not exist.”
-30-
Communications Department • 38300 Sierra Highway • Palmdale, CA 93550
http://www.cityofpalmdale.org
Stinger says
Oh, come now, There&Then, that is a common tactic for attorneys in unwinnable situations. I actually have to give Parris kudos for utilizing that strategy to dodge a huge bullet – smart move on his part.
sacryinshame says
I appreciate most of the stands you take on several issues. Including this one.
Do you think that IF Lancaster started it’s own Police Dept, a large number of LASD Deputies would move from their existing positions to Lancaster PD if they could maintain benefits,retirement and seniority?
Maria says
Oh “Stinger” there you go again making that borborygmus sound again!
Stinger says
LOL! Funny! How long did it take you to find that word?
Maria says
One second Diane! Ha!
Maria says
BTW Diane…how long did it take you to look it up? Ha!
Stinger says
I don’t know about this Diane person, but yes, I will readily admit that I did indeed have to look it up. Congratulations, and I am glad that your use of this word gave you some sense of personal validation.
Maria says
Diane, your flibbertigibbet knows no bounds!
Stinger says
Now you’re really stretching for it. Sorry, though, I already knew that one (don’t use it much, if ever, though).
By all means, please continue with looking up obscure words, though. It is good exercise for one’s brain to learn and stretch one’s knowledge.
Maria says
Fap fap fap….
7Mary3&4 says
LOL…there goes the StinKer again with those conspiracy theories! I guess I missed the paragraph where it says Parris paid off the naacp. But for stinKer’s sake, let’s say he did. Wouldn’t that make those upstanding “defenders of mistreated black folks’ rights” even WORSE than the people YOU complain about stinKer?? Don’t dare try to convince the stinKer that welfare cheats,section 8, and ghetto rats are the source of most crime in this valley. She will demand your “proof.” Tell you what stinKer, go down to your local police station, here or in LA, and ask each fool they bring into the jail if they are on some type of government assistance. The overwhelming answer will be yes. Yet, you still refuse to admit it. Diana, wake up please!
Wtf says
I don’t have an opinion on the suit itself since I did not get to read it but I think the organizations who brought the complaint should address the community they courted so long and explain why they dismissed. They made a lot of promises and representations and owe an honest explanation about what happened and why from their perspective.
Wtf says
Realized I misread this. Thought it was the lawsuit. Which the story brought up both for context
Jack n Jill says
This is not the Section 8 lawsuit. Although the city is apparently trying to make it seem as such. That lawsuit was brought against the city in June of 2011. So was this an investigation we knew nothing about? Independent of TCAL’S? Poor picked on Lancaster. Guess this means Rex love da black folk!
FUNNY says
Jack Section 8 HUD same thing ,so why don’t you go fetch a pail of water with jill
Marilyn Coffey says
Ok so what’s next for the blacks folks
FUNNY says
Rodney King Day
Jack says
Soooooo sorry fun. But not even close. Turns out this has nothing to do with the Section 8 lawsuit. This was a separate investigation brought by the NAACP. They (NAACP)are still 100% behind that suit.
Jill says
But can you really blame Rex for trying to make this look like something big? After all, losing to a 3 time felon must of really dented that giant ego of his. Poor little loser.
Aaron P says
Probably had something to do with the Egbert case that Rex and his Croonies lost and were not able to put someone behind bars again. Another back room deal that the people of the city had no voice.
Aaron P says
Yup all the free loaders committing fraud out there better start packing and get out of town before they get free housing and transportation with either the Los Angeles Sheriff Dept or State of California Dept of Corrections.
Jack says
yet no mention of Section 8?
Jill says
Or TCAL and The neighborhood Legal Center. The 2 groups that brought the Section 8 lawsuit.
Jack says
Was there a whole different investigation by the NAACP?
I am Not Who You Think I Am says
So Jack, why do you self-validate by liking your own posts as “Jill”? Uh-oh, I just asked a question on this site. I must be an fat, white unemployed photographer!!!!
WUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jill says
Come on now dicky, buck up. Mom will send ya cash.
Jack says
And when mom’s cash doesn’t cut it, your wife, as always, will pay them bills!
Jill says
Always protesting to much. But you never were to quick with the come backs. Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
You can work on that while the rest of us turn in. Work and all. It’s been awhile, but if you think way back, you might remember what that’s like! Or not……..
Say What? says
Why so much hate Jack and Jill? You don’t even know who you are talking to and yet you spew out so much vile venom? Is your life that wretched that you have to sink so low?
Stinger says
Sounds like a payoff was made to me…
FUNNY says
Have you seen my Hoodie
hmr says
FUNNY, those freeloaders are the only ones that don’t get investigated.. when will this ignorant madness end?
FUNNY says
I guess if you get a free ride keep your mouth shut,They need to investigate all who get a free ride
hmr says
no proof, huh?? baseless claims..such total nonsense.. the naacp is a total joke..you people really should move on!
sacryinshame says
I don’t think they asked enough people the right questions. I never could find out where they were interviewing people. How many people really knew about this? If they only asked people in the Housing Program, maybe they were afraid to come forward.