`DESTROYING 100 LIVES'; FOES OPPOSE HOME FOR ABUSED KIDS.

Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer

Upset over plans to place three group homes in their neighborhood, homeowners crowded into Assemblyman George Runner's office on Monday seeking help, but the legislator said state laws offer little hope in their efforts to stop the project.

Residents of Palmdale's Godde Terrance Estates are upset with plans by The Sherman Group, a nonprofit Pasadena organization, to establish three group homes for abused children. The organization is planning to have six or fewer children in each home, allowing them to be established without a conditional-use permit.

Runner, R-Lancaster, told the group of about 40 homeowners that a 1987 state law defines the occupants of group homes as ``family,'' allowing such homes to avoid restrictions that would be placed on businesses. Runner suggested the homeowners monitor the licensing process and watch to ensure that any alterations made to the three homes comply with Palmdale's building codes.

``Your efforts are better served in monitoring what is going on with that process,'' Runner advised the homeowners. ``You have to go down the path that gives you the best chance of success, or at least a chance at success.''

Homeowners are concerned the group homes will lower their property values and bring crime into their neighborhood.

Phone calls to Willie Sherman and The Sherman Group were not returned Monday.

Among those at the meeting with Runner was Joseph Bunevacz, a resident of the neighborhood for six years.

``We have grandparents, 85-year-olds. They have cried the last few days. They want to leave,'' Bunevacz said. ``One person is destroying 100 lives.''

Bunevacz said he is concerned that the homes will be staffed with low-paid workers who are not capable of dealing with angry youths.

Dave Morrow, who moved to the neighborhood three months ago, said he was surprised that state laws consider the group homes a residential use.

``In my mind, the guy is bringing a business to a residential area,'' Morrow said.

Of the 1,700 group homes in California, 1,400 of them have six or fewer residents. State laws also do not define how many group homes can be clustered into one area, said Karen Perkins, spokeswoman for the state's Department of Social Services.

``The law actually encourages these group homes to go into residential communities,'' Perkins said.

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Photo: (color) Assemblyman George Runner, standing right, meets with Palmdale residents alarmed by plans for group homes in their community.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News