Abandoned train tracks turn into a hotspot, and Orange County residents want answers

The Fullerton family is on edge about the tracks

Ever feel safe at home, only for one thing nearby to change and everything to feel different? In Fullerton, a father says the abandoned train tracks behind his fence have become a hangout for trespassers.

The story, he says, is that the situation escalated from repeated nuisance calls to incidents that made the family feel exposed behind their own fence.

He says people stand on the tracks and can look straight into his house. He says the rail line has no meaningful fencing or security nearby, which he believes makes it easier for people to access the area.

Fullerton dad says risks keep piling up

Damon Micalizzi says the tracks have been inactive for years, but the problems haven’t gone away. He describes the area as a “thoroughfare” for shady activity and says his family has changed routines to stay cautious. The headline sums up what they’ve lived through.

He says the elevated tracks give strangers a direct view into windows and yard space. Even simple things like swimming or sitting outside can feel tense when someone can pop up behind your fence.

Fullerton calls add up fast for police

When neighbors call police again and again, it can feel like shouting into the wind. He estimates there have been more than 100 calls or incidents connected to the corridor over the last few years.

He says officers respond to calls, but the bigger issue remains. If the property itself is open and easy to access, the same problems can keep returning, no matter how many times police show up.

Abandoned rail lines can attract trouble

When train tracks go unused, they can become unofficial pathways. People cut through them to avoid traffic, hang out away from main roads, or look for a hidden spot. That can be harmless at times, but it can also create opportunities for risky behavior.

Without clear signs, fencing, or patrols, an abandoned corridor can become a magnet for dumping, fires, and trespassing. Neighbors may feel like they live next to a shortcut that anyone can use. Over time, that steady foot traffic can raise stress and make homes feel less private.

Fun fact: FRA says trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S., and notes that more than 500 trespass fatalities occur each year nationwide

A backyard stops feeling like yours

A home’s backyard is supposed to be the one place you can relax. But when strangers can look over a fence from higher ground, privacy disappears. Micalizzi says the family keeps the blinds down because people on the tracks can see into their home.

That kind of exposure changes daily life in quiet ways. Kids may avoid being outside alone. Parents may stop opening curtains or using the pool. Even if nothing happens that day, the feeling of being watched can be draining and can build fear over time, especially for families with teens.

Small confrontations can escalate

Many neighborhood problems start with “just one person” hanging around. But a single confrontation can turn scary fast, especially when tempers flare. Micalizzi described an incident where someone looked over the fence, then cursed and threw rocks when told to leave.

Moments like that can stick with a family. It’s not only about property damage; it’s the feeling that boundaries aren’t respected. When strangers act aggressively, neighbors may hesitate to speak up next time. That can lead to more police calls and more tension between residents and people using the tracks.

Squatting can happen when homes look empty

Remodels can unintentionally advertise, “No one’s here.” When a family is temporarily away, a yard or patio can look like an easy place to camp. Micalizzi says that during a remodel, officers found a person staying in the backyard for at least a day, while the family was temporarily away.

He claims she used items on the property and treated the yard like a personal space. Whether it’s curiosity, desperation, or opportunity, vacant-looking homes can draw unwanted visitors. That’s why lighting, locked gates, and neighbors watching out for each other often matter most during construction periods.

Fun fact: California law makes it illegal to enter or remain on railroad property without permission (Penal Code 369i).

Who is responsible for the property?

When the trouble sits on land owned by a company, residents often ask, “Who fixes this?” Police can respond to calls, but they don’t own the tracks. Cities can enforce rules, but the property owner controls fencing and long-term access.

Micalizzi says Union Pacific owns the abandoned tracks. He claims he contacted the company after fires and break-ins, but didn’t get the answers he was looking for. That gap between “someone should act” and “who has the power to act” can leave neighborhoods feeling stuck in the middle.

Why repeated calls don’t solve it alone

Police response is important in emergencies, but it’s often reactive. If the location stays open, the same issues can return the next night. Residents can feel frustrated when they keep reporting the same spot, and nothing changes.

That’s why prevention matters: barriers, lighting, clear “no trespassing” signs, and regular checks can reduce repeat problems. When the physical environment makes trespassing easy, law enforcement can end up playing whack-a-mole. Neighbors then feel like they are living next to a permanent problem that drains time and peace.

What neighbors can do right now

Even without big changes, small steps can improve safety. Bright motion lights, trimmed bushes, and secure locks make it harder for someone to linger unnoticed. Cameras can also help document patterns, but they work best when paired with lighting and clear sightlines.

Neighborhood coordination matters too. A simple group text can help families share updates without panic. If someone sees smoke, a break-in attempt, or someone climbing a fence, neighbors can report it quickly and accurately. The goal isn’t to confront trespassers; it’s to reduce opportunity and keep everyone informed.

What property owners often consider

Rail companies and landowners often weigh cost, liability, and access rules. Fencing miles of track can be expensive, and some corridors have easements or complicated boundaries. Still, when a location becomes a repeat safety concern, pressure builds for action.

Common fixes include fencing at key entry points, locking gates, adding surveillance, or working with the city on cleanup and patrols. Some communities push for rails-to-trails conversions, but that takes time and funding. In the short term, closing easy access points can reduce hangouts and reduce the chance of fires or trespassing near homes.

Lawsuits as a last resort

Most neighbors don’t want a legal fight. They want a practical fix: a fence, a patrol, or a clear plan. But when calls and letters don’t lead to change, some residents feel they have no choice but to seek help through the courts.

Micalizzi says he filed a lawsuit after what he describes as years of incidents and limited response from the company. Legal action can force communication and create deadlines, but it can also take time. For families, the hardest part is living with the problem while the process moves slowly.

If you are into forgotten places with surprising backstories, the related story explores why this abandoned Kentucky village was once a thriving Shaker utopia.

Union Pacific responds, community waits

Union Pacific said it is committed to working responsibly in the communities it serves and that safety comes first. The company added that it is reviewing the lawsuit and will respond accordingly. For nearby families, those words are only the beginning.

Neighbors often want to see a timeline, not just a statement. Until something changes on the ground, like fencing, security, or controlled access, the fear can linger. A home should feel like a retreat, not a place where you keep blinds shut and listen for footsteps behind the fence. The next steps will matter most.

If you want a weird but beautiful outdoor detour, the related story explains why this Oregon lake dam was abandoned halfway done, you’re going to love it anyway.

Should the property owner and local leaders secure these abandoned tracks, convert them to public use, or leave them as-is, and why? Share your thoughts and drop a comment.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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