VAN NUYS : Building Chief Fights Firing and Eviction

Charles Erdell, former manager of Sepulveda Garden Apartments, has had a rough two weeks.

First, the company that recently took over management of the Van Nuys apartment building booted Erdell from his post, a job he had held for more than 10 years. Then the 53-year-old Neighborhood Watch block captain was mugged just a block away from the building--robbed of his wallet and socked in the eye. And next, the management company, Koll Apartment Services, gave him an eviction notice, ordering him to leave within three days.

Erdell was supposed to vacate his apartment Monday, but said he’s not moving anywhere. He’s “on strike”--as are some other residents of the 83-unit motel at 6666 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in a crime-battered section, an area Erdell and other anti-crime activists have tried to improve.

About 60 residents signed a petition protesting Erdell’s replacement, complaining about poor response to maintenance requests and questioning the new management’s commitment to security. So far, the company hasn’t responded.

“I’m just the new manager,” said Debra Bruce, a Texan who relocated to California to take over Erdell’s post. “This property is in receivership, so anything that refers to his termination, it comes to me to carry it out because I’m on the site.”

Officials at the firm’s offices in San Diego did not return a phone message.

Erdell said residents’ support has cheered him up, but only slightly. “They terminated me without notice, without severance pay, nothing,” Erdell said. “Then, they gave me an eviction notice, told me I had to leave within three days.”

Los Angeles Housing Department officials said that under most circumstances, state law requires that at least 30 days notice be given before a tenant can be evicted.

“We’re on strike, we’re refusing to pay rent because none of the repairs we’ve requested have been done,” said Shannon Moore, 24, one of Erdell’s neighbors. “This is the only way we can stick it to them.”

Moore sais she needs a new window-her old one was shattered by bullets-her toilet and refrigerator both leak and her air- conditioning is broken.

She added that the company took down the Neighborhood Watch signs that were posted on the property and tried to take down “No Trespassing” signs posted nearby.

“They said the signs looked “unfriendly”, Moore said.