RV debate gets uglier and uglier

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- As the proposal to further restrict recreational vehicle

parking makes its sixth appearance in front of the City Council tonight,

both city officials and residents are talking about how nasty the ongoing

public debate has become.

Councilwoman Karen Robinson and two separate motor home owners have

reported threats and retaliation in response to their involvement in the

heated debate about recreational vehicle parking enforcement.

What started as a straightforward proposal to ban motor homes on

residential streets has turned into a complex process in which the

police, the City Council and the community have helped refine the

suggested law. Since December, the council has considered and

subsequently delayed action on about four different proposals.

Debate has been heated and emotions were exposed during previous

discussions as members of both sides of the issue cheered, booed, hissed

and yelled out during council meetings.

The commotion has spilled over from council chambers and allegedly

targeted individuals.

Robinson said somebody called her at home and threatened her safety if

any further restrictions were placed on motor homes. She filed a police

report regarding the incident.

Resident and recreational vehicle owner Ronald Staugaard claimed his

motor home was targeted by police after he spoke publicly against any

further parking restrictions.

Staugaard has spoken at each meeting since the issue came before the

council.

After his comments at the Feb. 19 meeting, Staugaard’s recreational

vehicle was towed by police, he said. It is beyond a mere coincidence, he

said.

“I’ve never had any problems with my motor home until after I get up

at a council meeting and speak out,” Staugaard said.

Staugaard said he believes police officials who were at the council

meeting noted his name and address -- which speakers are required to give

before making any public comments -- and subsequently towed his rig.

Police Chief Dave Snowden said his officers have not retaliated

against Staugaard or any other recreational vehicle owners. If

Staugaard’s motor home was parked in accordance to the law, it would not

have been towed, Snowden said.

“We were well aware of the problems with Mr. Staugaard’s RV far before

he spoke and he knows that,” Snowden said.

Motor home owner Don Oldis said run-ins with the police about his rig

are frequent. The Mesa Verde resident parks his rig on Boa Vista Drive

and his is one of the motor homes that numerous people have publicly

complained about.

Those who want recreational vehicles taken off public streets have

claimed that Oldis’ motor home is dangerous because it blocks the view

around an already blind corner.

Oldis has been ticketed, towed, warned and advised countless times by

Costa Mesa Police officers, he said. Oldis claims it borders on

harassment but realizes the police visits and citations are the result of

a neighbor’s complaints.

One day, however, it was Oldis who called the police.

“Someone had taken my tires and run an ice pick through them,” Oldis

said. “I came out to find both my tires down on the same side.”

The 77-year-old filed a police report but has no leads. He is

convinced it was retaliation from an anti-motor home person but has no

proof. Oldis said he believes it is no coincidence that two tires would

go down on the same day -- all during a time when the motor home issue is

at the forefront of city controversy.

The issue is up for consideration again tonight and city officials are

recommending the council adopt an ordinance similar to that of Newport

Beach, which calls for a parking ban on residential streets -- with

24-hour exceptions for active loading and unloading -- and also allows

for 72-hour permits for guests.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .