Richard Behling was about ready to give Sierra High an “F” when it comes to being a good neighbor.
Behling - whose home on Fishback Road is bordered on two sides by the high school campus - last year had to endure obnoxious smells in his home for several weeks after a portable toilet used by the Manteca Chargers youth football team was placed by A&A Portables right on the fence line adjoining his home. The prevailing winds carried pungent smells toward his house in addition to providing a nice visual.
After raising a stink last year, the portable toilet was unchained from the fence and moved 100 feet to the north along Fishback Road.
Behling thought it was a reasonable solution. But then the portable toilet returned again last month chained to the fence on his property line to allow prevailing winds to bring the odors into his home.
Behling contacted board member Nancy Teicheira and the Manteca Chargers at the start of August. Last week the portable toilet was moved 100 feet to the north.
Superintendent Jason Messer said he had not been made aware of the problem this year. He indicated, though, once informed of the letter that he’s look into another request by Behling that might just elevate Sierra High into passing grade status as a good neighbor.
Behling believes the school district should relocate the gate that adjoins his property - and his driveway - further north. That would address problems with traffic congestion on top of his home when youth football parents pick up their children. More important, though, it might just stop the almost daily routine of vehicles illegally blocking his driveway.
Behling noted that another gate further south of Fishback were welded shut to force community youth baseball and softball teams accessing playing fields to access gates on Wawona Street.
Behling also suggested that the Manteca Chargers might want to consider using stadium restrooms.
Messer said that might be able to be arranged - if the Chargers were interested - but he doubted they would find it cost effective. It would require paying a daily facility fee for use of the restrooms on top of what they are paying for use of the field. They also would be required to pay clean-up fees for the restrooms. In addition, the restrooms are actually secured inside of the stadium creating an issue in terms of easy access.
