Plans To Open Sober-Living House In Northridge Draws Uproar From Residents

NORTHRIDGE (CBSLA.com) — Some parents in Porter Ranch are concerned that a sober-living home is opening near their children's school.

Jim Littrell said it is a real concern because his 8-year-old grandson goes to Beckford Avenue Elementary School.

Jessica Khoury is concerned about her son and daughter. "I prefer it far away from where our kids are."

Eric Baruch has a daughter at the school. "I find it troubling."

The parents are concerned because a five-bedroom house on Los Alimos Street is about to become a sober-living facility, catering to inmates recently released from state prison.

The man in charge is Juan Greer, who was convicted of kidnapping and murder 40 years ago after a gas station robbery.

He spent more than 30 years in prison and was released in 2010.

Greer declined a request for an on-camera interview. On the phone, he told CBS2's Randy Paige that he is not the same person he was when he was 17.

He said he is now devoting his life to helping former state prison inmates start a new life.

Each parolee will be carefully screened and will pose no danger to the people in the area and children who go to Beckford Elementary, which is a few blocks from the house.

Try telling that to Los Angeles City Council Member Mitchell Englander.

"It's like putting a wolf in charge of the hen house," he said. "Not in my community. I absolutely don't want them. They're not welcome."

According to the councilman, sober-living homes are not state-regulated as long as they don't provide treatment or medical services. So, there's not much the city can do.

"But I'll tell you this. If and shall they operate in my district, they will have our undivided attention." Englander said.

The Los Angeles Unified School District released this statement:

"While the district has no jurisdiction over this project, we will continue to monitor this matter. The safety of all students and staff remains our top priority."