Real property: gang abatement.

Existing law provides that every building or place used for the purpose of specified unlawful transactions involving controlled substances is a nuisance that is subject to abatement, and authorizes the court to assess civil penalties against a defendant who has caused that nuisance. This bill would enacted the Gang Nuisance and Abatement Act, establishing a cause of action against the owner of property used by a criminal street gang as a congregating point. The bill would authorize a district attorney or city attorney to bring an abatement action against the property owner and would authorize the imposition of a fine not to exceed $1,000 for the first violation and a fine not to exceed $2,500 for a 2nd violation. Upon a 3rd or subsequent violation, the district attorney or city attorney would be authorized to file a petition with the court for the seizure and forfeiture of the property in question, in accordance with certain procedures. The proceeds from fines and property forfeiture would be split between local law enforcement and the district attorney's office for the purpose of funding gang prevention activities, as specified.