09/22/2025
A REPORT FROM DCN. ADAM REGARDING RECENT INCIDENT AT PARISH PROPERTY ON BONNELL AND E. GRIDLEY ROAD:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Over the past few months, I’ve been walking the parish property on Bonnell Avenue almost every day. The wooded area has a beautiful permanent Stations of the Cross installation, which affords parishioners an opportunity to walk and pray.
Recently, I’ve noted several instances of concerning things taking place there. After an occurrence that occurred this past weekend, I thought that that it might be a good idea to share some details with you in the hope that you might “spread the word” and that we might be more aware.
First, is the issue with the homeless either using drugs on the property or squatting/camping on the property. Several times I have encountered people who appeared altered/disturbed who brought belongings and rubbish onto the property with the apparent intention to stay as long as possible. Once they do leave, they leave a mess behind that needs to be cleaned up.
The second issue is with people who come to the property to operate motorbikes or other motorized equipment for recreation. There are several nearby residents, particularly teenage kids, who do this. It is concerning because not only do they come in on motorized bikes or carts (kicking up dust and making a lot of noise), but they also ride up onto the canal banks and motor along the canal — so it is not just a matter of noise or dust but also one of safety and liability for the parish.
Most recently, on Saturday evening, I encountered something new and additionally concerning: a couple of the same teenagers who I believe live on Bonnell Avenue and who I have previously seen use both motorbikes and golf carts (and previously asked them not to) entered the property with some kind of a long gun with a scope that they were shooting toward the Safeway shopping center.
When I approached them and informed them that they did not have permission to bring a weapon onto private property, they became belligerent and very disrespectful, hurling offensive insults laced with profanity at me. Even if it was an air rifle as they claimed, I noted that it would not change the fact that they did not have permission to enter private property for target practice.
These two boys evidently thought trespassing is a joke, and even pulled out their smartphones to record the interaction with me (if so, they have a recording of them being vulgar and obnoxious and me telling them they should leave before the police arrive). I did call the police, but Gridley PD did not arrive until they had already departed.
If we know people in the area, we might remind them that the wooded area has a permanent Stations installation and that it is used by the parish (especially on Good Friday) for reflection and prayer — it is an extension of the church grounds in a sense, so we should be mindful of the way that it is used. We also do not want to knowingly allow hazardous or illegal activities on the property because of potential liability.
Thank you for all the ways you support our parish. May God continue to bless you and your families.
