CODE ENFORCEMENT
Special Operations Unit Teams Up to Address Homelessness H omelessness is an ongoing concern in Montclair and the surrounding region. The Special Operations Unit continues to partner with the Montclair Police Department and community groups to conduct outreach. More recently,
Keeping Neighborhoods Clean and Safe W hen people hear “Code Enforcement,” they often think reason, to protect the health and safety of Montclair residents. “For me, Code Enforcement was never just about rules and regulations. It was about serving the community, protecting residents, and finding solutions,” said Montclair Special Operations Officer Denise Ortiz. “And one of the most powerful examples of that is the City of Montclair’s C.A.U.T.I.O.N. Clean Up (Citizens Against Unwanted Trash In Our Neighborhoods).” C.A.U.T.I.O.N. Clean Up brings people together. Volunteers remove trash and debris from alleyways, paint over graffiti, and haul away bulky items that have been sitting untouched for far to long. “But more than anything, we build pride,” Ortiz said. “At one of our most recent cleanups near Kingsley and Bandera, over 80 volunteers showed up, families, churches, city staff, and even businesses like Costco, BEHR Paint, and Caliber Collision who not only donated supplies but also donated their time. Together, we cleaned, we connected, and we reminded ourselves that Montclair is made of people who care.” of warnings or citations but the truth is, it is not just about enforcement it is about education. Every ordinance exists for a Ortiz transitioned in July into Special Operations, a department that falls under the umbrella of Code Enforcement. She and Ronald Goodrich, who also transitioned from Code Enforcement, comprise the Special Operations team. Robert Hargett now leads Code Enforcement alongside his team, Ashley Frydman, Alan Romansky, and Crystal Baze. Code Enforcement handles everything from substandard housing to overgrown vegetation, unpermitted construction to illegal dumping. When Code Enforcement officers make contact with property owners, the goal is not to punish but to inform. Officers will explain why something is a violation and how it could be corrected. For more information about C.A.U.T.I.O.N. cleanups or to report a concern, contact Elaine Cabote, Administrative Specialist, at (909) 625-9431 or ecabote@cityofmontclair.org
DENISE ORTIZ SPECIAL OPERATIONS OFFICER
the unit has coordinated efforts with teams from nearby cities. “If we work together, we will have a greater impact. There is no one answer,” said Montclair Special Operations Officer Denise Ortiz. “I have seen firsthand the challenges our community faces when it comes to homelessness. Our approach has always been about outreach and connection before enforcement. We recognize that every person experiencing homelessness has a unique story, and our goal is to provide support, resources, and encouragement to help them take steps toward stability and independence.” In addition to the Montclair PD, the Special Operations Unit partners closely with Chaplain of the Streets Dianna Delgado, and Pastor Robert Edwards of Set Free Ministries. Each of them brings a unique way of reaching people, and together they form a balanced team. “The Chaplain and Pastor, through their life experiences, are able to build trust and offer guidance from a place of deep understanding, while law enforcement provides safety and structure,” Ortiz said. “They work perfectly together because they share the same goal, to support individuals in making positive changes and moving towards a better life.” Thanks to these partnerships, along with local motels, state and federal funding, and
community-based resources, the unit has been able to place individuals and families into safe environments while working toward more permanent housing solutions.
18 | CITY OF MONTCLAIR | 2025 ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
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