Life isn't easy in Rancho Cucamonga

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I know a young person who live in Rancho Cucamonga. This young person is literally afraid of certain neighboring towns, such as Fontana and my home town of Ontario. Even when in the new developments in north Fontana, or in the Armsley Square area of Ontario, I think this young person fears that there is danger lurking around every corner.

Well, it turns out that the young person's home town isn't the safest place either.

The changes to the picturesque suburb near Caryn Elementary School came slowly.

At first, residents kept to themselves and limited outdoor activities. Then they started installing security cameras and alarm systems. During the darkest hours, they received death threats. One resident suffered three broken ribs.

Neighbors in this small community consisting of Eagle Peak Place, Mt. Ritter and Mt. Palomar streets say the erratic behavior of one household has turned their lives topsy-turvy.

An independent lawyer, acting as the hearing officer of a nuisance abatement hearing, agreed and said these neighbors have, for years, been living "under siege."...

Neighbors Sergio and Teri Martinez said [Carlos] Herrera would race his car toward them before stopping inches away.

Another neighbor, Robert Santa Cruz, said Herrera shattered the windows and slashed the tires of his car....

At times, police would arrest Herrera for his actions and several neighbors put restraining orders against him.

But then again, perhaps the young person is right.

Carlos Herrera and Jennifer Mason are the subjects of the city's first nuisance abatement proceeding, which took place in October.

The city of Rancho Cucamonga has been in existence for 30 years or so, and this is the first nuisance abatement proceeding? I don't have stats, but I'm sure that Ontario and Fontana have had more than one of those in the last 30 years.

More at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.