More than a dozen people at Sunny Acres must find another place to live

Posted: Aug 25, 2011 10:11 PM by Danielle Lerner
Updated: Aug 26, 2011 8:05 AM

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An emotional day at Sunny Acres as more than a dozen people find out they will have to find a new place to call home. They could be living in their cars or on the streets after this weekend.

The 70-acre ranch and sober-living facility has long been at odds with San Luis Obispo County code enforcement. Owner Dan Devaul says a judge ruled Thursday morning that all residents living outdoors or in unsafe structures must vacate the property. If not, he says the county will appoint a receiver, which means Devaul would lose control of his ranch.

Emotions were running high Thursday and many people told KSBY News they have no idea where they are going to be come Monday.

One by one Devaul told about 13 people they would need to leave the property. Devaul says he has been trying to comply with the county's orders by having people sleep outside rather than in makeshift sheds. It was a tough choice to make but when it comes down to it, Devaul said keeping control of his ranch is most important.

As for where his residents will go, one couple said they will have to live in their car. Others are just trying to avoid going back to the creek or the streets.

"I'm nervous because I don't know really what do do," said Robert Jenkins, who lives at Sunny Acres. "I haven't really had time to sort things out but I'm trying to just trust my God."

"I'm just numb, I'm forcing my way through it," said Devaul.

There is a large home on the property that can house about eight people so some residents will be able to stay. However most will have to leave. The last meal for them will be served Saturday at 5 p.m. and Devaul has said they must be off the property by Monday morning.

Sunny Acres is also in the process of trying to build a 14-bedroom home to use as a sober-living facility but the county says the project will only move forward once all of the code violations are taken care of.