30-Day Jail Sentence Given in Downey Building-Code Case

City Hall critic John Gonzalez and his wife have been sentenced to 30 days in jail for violating probation in connection with building and safety code violations at their home.

Downey Municipal Judge Donald Wilson also reinstated the three years’ probation against the Gonzalezes, which requires them to submit to the city building plans for past renovations to their Orizaba Avenue home by Feb. 6, and to bring the house into compliance with city codes, City Prosecutor Martin J. Mayer said.

Gonzalez is to begin his sentence Feb. 9, while his wife, Diane, is to start hers March 2.

The city first filed criminal charges against the Gonzalezes in December, 1984, for various building and safety code violations at their home, including a lack of ceiling support beams, Mayer said.

After an initial mistrial, the couple pleaded guilty in January of this year to one of six violations--having television antennas on their roof without a permit.

Wilson sentenced the Gonzalezes to bring their home into compliance with city codes and placed them on probation. He also ordered the Gonzalezes to submit updated building plans so the city could determine if any further violations may be concealed in the structure of the home, Mayer said.

On Monday, Wilson found that the Gonzalezes did not submit the proper plans; it is the second time they have violated their probation, Mayer said. Wilson found them in violation on April 25, but gave them another chance to submit the plans.

Gonzalez said he had the proper plans approved by the city in 1980 and 1982, but that they were intentionally removed and replaced with forgeries to harass him because of his constant criticism of city officials.

“The City of Downey will find any technical way to get me,” said Gonzalez, who added that he will appeal the case.

Earlier this year, several City Council members and city officials obtained restraining orders against Gonzalez after he allegedly called their homes and businesses threatening them and their families.