Music promoter regains access to residence following court actions in San Francisco and Modesto as investigations and legal disputes continue
by Marvin Ramírez
In a dramatic turn of events, César Ascarrunz, the longtime San Francisco music promoter, businessman and cultural figure whose situation has drawn growing concern within the Bay Area Latino community, returned to his home just hours before this edition of El Reportero was being laid out for publication on Friday, June 5, following months of legal disputes, court proceedings and controversy surrounding his care, finances and personal affairs.
According to family members, attorneys and individuals involved in the case, Ascarrunz, 90, regained access to his residence after a series of legal actions in both San Francisco and Modesto, California, where matters concerning his care, legal authority and financial affairs had been under review.
The return marks the latest chapter in a case that has attracted attention since Ascarrunz, who is legally blind, was transferred to a senior care facility in Modesto and became largely inaccessible to friends, relatives and his youngest son, Leonardo Ascarrunz.
The most dramatic moment of the day occurred when Ascarrunz arrived at the residence. According to family members and people present at the scene, he was unable to enter through normal means because the locks had been changed and additional barricades had reportedly been installed inside the home, preventing access even after a locksmith attempted to open the door.
Those present stated that specialized tools ultimately had to be used to force entry into the residence. Family members said police officers were present while access was restored and Ascarrunz re-entered the property.
Sources close to the family stated that one of Ascarrunz’s older sons, Felipe Ascarrunz, was inside the residence during the events surrounding the entry. Family members reported that Felipe later left the property.
Present when access to the residence was restored were a locksmith, a carpenter, two police officers, César Ascarrunz, his youngest son Leonardo, two nieces, his brother Castro and Castro’s wife, and his nephew Julio, according to individuals who participated in the effort.
Following his departure from the senior care facility in Modesto, Ascarrunz temporarily stayed at the home of Marta Rodríguez, the mother of Leonardo. Family members said the residence is located only a short distance from Ascarrunz’s own home and served as a safe place while legal proceedings continued.
By Wednesday evening, Ascarrunz was once again spending the night in his own residence. Remaining with him were Leonardo, his nieces, his brother Castro and other family members who have been assisting him throughout the legal proceedings.
Family members also reported that Carlos Campos, a former longtime employee and trusted associate of Ascarrunz, is traveling from Atlanta and is expected to move into the residence to help care for and accompany him in the coming weeks.
The dispute has involved competing claims regarding legal authority over Ascarrunz’s affairs. Court records filed in connection with the matter have raised questions concerning powers of attorney, trust administration and decisions affecting his care and finances.
According to individuals familiar with the proceedings, actions taken in courts in Modesto addressed issues involving trust administration and persons exercising authority over aspects of Ascarrunz’s affairs. Family members believe those proceedings contributed to the developments that ultimately allowed him to return home.
Supporters of Ascarrunz allege that substantial amounts of money and personal property disappeared during the period in which he was separated from many of his longtime contacts. According to people now assisting him in reviewing financial records, the musician has expressed concern regarding transactions involving bank accounts, debit cards, rental income and other assets. Family members and advisors are examining financial records and related documents to determine the extent of any losses and whether additional legal action may be warranted.
Among the matters now under review are financial transactions that Ascarrunz and his supporters believe require further examination. According to relatives and close associates, Ascarrunz has requested that several individuals be identified and contacted because they may possess information relevant to financial activities currently being reviewed by attorneys and advisors.
The case has also drawn attention because of conflicting claims regarding Ascarrunz’s mental capacity. Family members maintain that recent medical evaluations concluded that he remains mentally competent and capable of managing his affairs. Supporters point to medical findings and court proceedings that they say support that conclusion.
Despite being 90 years old and legally blind, Ascarrunz remained actively involved in efforts to regain control of his affairs. Friends and family members said he spent months making telephone calls, gathering information and maintaining contact with supporters, attorneys and relatives.
According to those close to him, Ascarrunz relied on a specialized telephone system that allows him to record names and numbers and identify callers through voice prompts. Family members and friends frequently assisted by writing down contact information as he rebuilt a network of communication that supporters say had been disrupted during his separation from many longtime associates.
Those who have worked closely with him throughout the ordeal describe his determination as remarkable. Despite severe vision loss, they say Ascarrunz personally directed many of the efforts that ultimately led to court actions, renewed contact with supporters and, eventually, his return home.
A close family friend who has been assisting Ascarrunz throughout the ordeal and requested anonymity described what he considered encouraging signs regarding the musician’s condition.
“Just recently, César was able to see the paper and recognize where to place his signature,” the longtime friend told El Reportero. “He signed documents himself.”
The friend emphasized that Ascarrunz remains legally blind, but said the experience gave family members and supporters renewed hope.
This writer recalls a conversation with Ascarrunz approximately one month ago during which the musician described a brief and unexpected improvement in his vision. At the time, Ascarrunz said he was able to clearly see his fingers for a short moment before the image faded again.
While no medical conclusions have been drawn from those experiences, people close to Ascarrunz say they have observed occasional signs that suggest limited visual perception may still be present despite the severe vision loss documented in previous medical evaluations.
Friends and family members say music is expected to play a central role in Ascarrunz’s recovery and daily life now that he has returned home. Despite losing his eyesight, the veteran promoter and musician has continued to play whenever possible.
Before being moved to the senior care facility, Ascarrunz was frequently seen playing piano at his residence, where he keeps several pianos. Supporters also point to videos recorded while he was living at the care facility that show him playing piano and percussion instruments. Although legally blind, he continued to demonstrate his musical abilities and lifelong connection to music.
Those close to him believe returning home will allow him to reconnect with an important part of his identity. Family members report that a longtime friend and veteran Latin music performer is traveling from Miami to stay with Ascarrunz and assist him in the coming weeks. They hope the two musicians will once again be able to play music together.
For friends and relatives, the prospect of music returning to the house symbolizes more than entertainment. They view it as a source of encouragement, companionship and purpose for a man whose life has been deeply connected to the arts for decades.
Speaking to El Reportero after returning home, Ascarrunz expressed relief and determination as legal proceedings continue.
“Now it is time to finish the investigations and bring criminal charges against all those involved,” Ascarrunz said. “There is a God, and He has rescued me.”
For supporters of the musician, the significance of the day went beyond the legal proceedings. After months of court battles, family conflict and uncertainty, they described the moment as the restoration of both his freedom and his place in the home he built over decades.
El Reportero will continue following developments in this case as additional information becomes available.
