Statewide Organizing Needed to Pass Ellis Act Reform

After Elaine Alquist of San Jose betrayed tenants by flipping her initial support, and Jack Scott of Pasadena said he would only support it if was whittled down to one year, it became clear that SB 464 wasnt going to pass so sponsor Sheila Kuehl delayed the vote until January. This would never have happened in a State Senate run by David Roberti or John Burton, but current Senate President Don Perata never made Ellis Act reform a leadership issue. And although she worked hard in the final days, State Senator Carole Migdens efforts were too little, too late. But advocates did secure the support of a swing vote, Leland Yee , and their efforts with Yee provide a roadmap for passing SB 464 next year.

Its actually incredible that SB 464 got as far as it did eighteen yes votes in the State Senate, which is the more conservative body in the state legislature. Landlord and realtor lobbyists outnumber tenant lobbyists in Sacramento by a 12-1 margin, and they have shown a ruthless willingness to oppose even the most basic and incremental reforms to the Ellis Act. While Democrats control both chambers, most of the moderate legislators will not support a bill that will arise the wrath of the realtors in their districts, especially if Governor Schwarzenegger who owns rental property in Santa Monica will veto it.

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