Neighbors must band together to confront troublesome family

DEAR ABBY: In our condominium complex, there is one family who are disrespectful to everyone. “Sasha” allows her 11-year-old son, “Travis,” to damage people’s property, lie, steal, harass neighbors, make threats and make a lot of noise. The police have been called many times. I have been told Sasha has physically attacked at least two women here, and some residents say her former husband warned them that she is violent.

When neighbors — including me — approached Sasha, she said her son is only “having fun” and she accused us of being racist. We feel she is using race to deflect from her poor behavior.

We believe the condo association or management company is either weak or afraid to do anything about this. The situation is unbearable. Her son harasses senior citizens here, too. Please advise us. — BEGGING FOR HELP

DEAR BEGGING: Speak to the condo association board and or/management company, tell them the conditions you are living under are intolerable, and that they must speak to the woman about her and her son’s behavior. There is strength in numbers, so go as a group to the next homeowner’s meeting, or sign a petition to show that you are all serious. If you own the condo, you have the ability to vote the members of the board out of office and elect officers who will take responsibility for improving your living conditions.

Resolving this may involve the help of an attorney. And because the police are already aware of this family’s history, you may be able to get a restraining order.

Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.