The California Apartment Association, one of the most powerful landlord lobbying groups in the state, has a long, sordid history of opposing renter protections. For decades, they’ve shown up anywhere and everywhere in California to …
During Pandemic, Landlords Thomas Coates and Jackie Safier Spend Big to Stop Rent Control
As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, slamming middle- and working-class Californians who struggle to pay already sky-high rents, corporate landlords Thomas Coates and Jackie Safier (pictured above) have shelled out major campaign contributions to a committee …
Californians Stand Up to Big Real Estate and Back Rent Control
California’s grassroots movement that aims to expand rent control through a statewide ballot measure has reached a major milestone: the initiative, known as the Rental Affordability Act (RAA), has received more than 1,200 individual campaign …
California Housing Activists See the Street-Level Damage of Coronavirus
Last year, I visited housing activists throughout California, asking them about the street-level impacts of gentrification and unfair, sky-high rents in their cities. We also talked about the powerful influence of the real estate industry …
It’s the First of the Month for California’s 17 Million Renters. Need Help?
It’s the first of the month for California’s 17 million renters. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom and local elected officials have been rolling out tenant protections, but it can get confusing. Luckily, …
Coronavirus Forces Politicians to Address Housing Affordability and Homelessness Crises
For years, activists and experts have been saying, repeatedly, that housing is not only a human right, but also a serious public health issue. That people need stable, affordable housing to maintain good health — …
Los Angeles City Council Meetings Cancelled, Surprising Activists
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez (pictured above) has cancelled council meetings for the rest of March, surprising activists seeking critical relief measures to help vulnerable residents. Activists are …
Coalition Urges Gov. Gavin Newsom To Protect Vulnerable Californians
With the coronavirus pandemic worsening, a statewide coalition of more than 140 organizations urges Gov. Gavin Newsom to implement more protective measures for vulnerable Californians. The coalition sent a letter to Newsom last week, and …
AHF Offers Emergency Facility For COVID-19 Patients; Applauds Newsom’s Response
Following a statewide call to action by Gov. Gavin Newsom, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is offering a building in Los Angeles—a 74-bed motel being repurposed as housing for the homeless—that AHF recently purchased, but has not yet …
Unfair Rents Are Slamming Fresno, Too
If there’s any doubt that middle- and working-class residents all over California need stronger renter protections, one should visit Fresno, and look up Grecia Elenes, the earnest, yet amiable senior policy advocate at the Leadership …