Tioga Apartments Update in Merced

In Merced, as everyone knows, we have been working on the Tioga Apartments (a historic hotel turned into low income apartments) campaign for over a year. I am just updating everyone on what has been going on over the last couple of months.

Elevator replacement will take place soon and the only access to apartments will be the stairs for the six story building. We have been working with management and tenants to make sure all of the handicapped people are identified and listed so that none will be missed for relocation during the work. We will be aiding in moving them to other housing and making sure their basic needs will be met.

Also I would like to let all know, that most reports on the roaches, after an aggressive campaign from new management, are that they are seeing as few as a half dozen a week. This is a real improvement over many every day. There is one apartment that says the problem is worse, so some investigation needs to be done, and that will be addressed with management at our next monthly luncheon the last Monday of this month. This is for the new management, BLR, and the tenants and management has promised it will continue and they will pay for it, until all the work is done.

March 2014 Tenant News Roundup

Rising rents, securitization of the rental market, widespread housing speculation in rent-controlled cities, corruption in State government. Tenants in California have had enough and they're fighting back! There was overwhelming turnout at our Day of Action, kicking off a legislative session that we hope will change how tenant issues are treated in Sacramento (which, as tenants and advocates know, is usually not very well).

Notable Renters' Day of Action 2014 coverage:
Rally at State Capitol Ignites Ellis Act Reform
Photos from the day
Even better photos from the day
Tenants Take Field Trip to Sacramento

Local coverage on tenant issues:
LA City Councilmember Wants You to Pay to Make Your Rented Apartment Earthquake Safe
Landlord Forced to Pay Up in Santa Monica
Fresno Tenants Sue Valley's Biggest Slumlord

State and national housing trends:
Statistics on housing affordability make their way to the news.
California's Affordable Rental Housing Crisis
U.S. Becoming a 'Renter Nation' Says Olefson
Center for Housing Policy Report: The Housing Affordability Challenges of America’s Working Households

State politics:
Some of the landlord lobby's favorite politicians are in trouble with the law.
Senator Rod Wright Overplays His Hand
Ron Calderon pleads not guilty to corruption charges

Housing speculation roundup:
Speculators in rental markets beware. The issue is getting more media play and it's not in your favor.
Two California Bills Set Up Battle Over Condo Conversions
Activists Call for Revival of Harvey Milk's Anti-Speculation Proposal
Watch Out, Shady Landlords: Renters Have New Ally in Congress
Evicted San Francisco Seniors File Criminal Complaints Against Landlords
Infographic on globalization of the real-estate industry
Everyone in town (except a few landlords) is supporting Leno’s Ellis Act bill