Fresno woman says she feels targeted by new city ordinance

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno woman who said she houses disadvantaged people is fighting back against a new city ordinance. That ordinance allows the city to take action against problem tenants, landlords, and property managers.

Making the community safer, shouldn't be this divisive but Elenita Verano says the city council, is in her way.

"I am providing a service, it is their job to take care of the people I am servicing. All I am providing is a roof over their head," said Verano.

A new ordinance passed makes public nuisances illegal. Verano wasn't at the city council meeting Thursday morning but she was a main point of conversation.

"She'll lease a pretty big house, three or four bedrooms and a couple of baths, and then what she'll do, is bring in curtains and shower curtains and boards," says code enforcement manager Del Estabrooke.

"This is the same person that sublet the house that Captain Dern fell through the roof," said City Manager Bruce Rudd.

Leaders said she's the main reason they're giving more power to the code enforcement department. She's accused of leasing people's homes and subletting them, to drug addicts, parolees and people with mental health issues.

"For them to single me out is discrimination against me," said Verano.

Now the city can fine and take legal action against tenants, landlords, and homeowners if the residents are a nuisance to their neighborhood.

"The change will allow us to go after her and the fines that come with it are substantive," said Rudd.

The new law will go into effect in one month. After one warning, imposed fines range from $10,000 - $50,000 and even legal action if necessary.