Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Eviction Legislation Reshapes San Francisco Politics
This week’s passage of tough eviction protection legislation was not surprising; what was unexpected was Mayor Newsom’s embracing it and Supervisor Dufty arguing against the use of the Ellis Act to create homeownership. The reason Newsom and Dufty supported this legislation after having opposed weaker measures reflects the dramatic increase in public opposition to speculator evictions that has occurred in the past few months. Ellis evictions have become the talk of the town, and even the Mayor’s Press Secretary was implicated in the practice of buying units vacated by the eviction of vulnerable tenants. Newsom and Supervisor Aaron Peskin were key to the measure’s enactment, but this landmark victory is largely a tribute to grassroots tenant activism.
The past decade has seen two waves of real estate activities that have spawned a sharp counter-reaction even from landlord’s traditional political allies. The first in the late 1990’s led Mayor Willie Brown to support strong restrictions on owner move-in evictions of senior and disabled tenants; the second has now led Mayor Newsom to endorse the imposition of disincentives for Ellis Act evictions of these same groups.
In both cases, a small number of real estate speculators engaged in conduct that was “off the charts” by San Francisco standards. San Franciscans simply will not accept throwing elderly or disabled tenants on the street so that speculators can profit.
Evicting entire buildings of longterm tenants is a great strategy for building grassroots opposition. These tenants often have deep roots in their communities, and in the past year have created a “six degrees of separation” affect whereby thousands of San Franciscans seemed to personally know someone facing eviction under Ellis.
These newly-created tenant activists spoke out at Supervisor hearings, lobbied officials, wrote letters to the editor, and enhanced the climate that something very wrong was going on in San Francisco. That so many of those facing eviction were seniors or longtime residents made a huge difference in building public support for the tenants cause.
Read More
http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=3268#more
In both cases, a small number of real estate speculators engaged in conduct that was “off the charts” by San Francisco standards. San Franciscans simply will not accept throwing elderly or disabled tenants on the street so that speculators can profit.
Evicting entire buildings of longterm tenants is a great strategy for building grassroots opposition. These tenants often have deep roots in their communities, and in the past year have created a “six degrees of separation” affect whereby thousands of San Franciscans seemed to personally know someone facing eviction under Ellis.
These newly-created tenant activists spoke out at Supervisor hearings, lobbied officials, wrote letters to the editor, and enhanced the climate that something very wrong was going on in San Francisco. That so many of those facing eviction were seniors or longtime residents made a huge difference in building public support for the tenants cause.
Read More
http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=3268#more
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
I am one of the six degrees of separation the article spoke of. I'm the rare native San Franciscan, who knows where your pierced-lipped niece from Illinois should go for fun, or where the best dog park is for your particular breed, or where you can buy super cheap fabric. I've seen the crazy hippies and the brazen punks disappear from the landscape I once adorned and adored. I'm being given a total of $7,500 to pack up 16 years of tchochkes & memories, and go peacefully to.....WHERE? The last time I rented a flat, there was no "Craigslist" and you didn't need a credit report or references for your cat. You depended on the six degrees, and a "For Rent" sign in a window. I've been lucky I guess, up until now. The flat we're being Ellis Acted from is old (circa 1910) cold (no heat) and our rat infestation is so predominant that I've named a few. So what. I've grown accustomed to the low-qual accomidations, reassuring perplexed inlaws that this is what you get when you're under rent control and only paying $300 a month rent. Now I'm being forced to act my age, which I detest, and somehow come up with double or triple my rent if I want something similar (without rats) in SF. Right now I already have 3 jobs, yet my life is simple. It has to be. I'm a type 1 insulin needy diabetic, with peripheral neuropathy, which means I can't walk too well, but I can sure ride bike, and can easily peddle to both of my jobs. I have the good fortune to have a loving husband and devoted dog to come home to each night. I'll miss the little things about my home...the shelves and mirrors built into the structure... the tiered trim for displaying collectibles... the separation of toilet and shower... the orange finch that feeds from the bird house outside my window while I sit in the sun at my desk making jewelry...the plush garden (that I'm convinced is fed by an underground stream), and yes, disturbingly enough....even the rats. They keep my border collie on his paws! They say that change is good...if I have spare change it's good. If I could stay in my beloved city without having to sell my soul to make rent...that would be great. Jude Inderrieden 415 503-0913
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$210.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network