Written by Andrew Morris
At the height of Covid-19, San Diego County mandated an eviction ban in light of a rise in unemployment nationwide as a way to support those at risk of homelessness.
Now, over a year after the start of Coronavirus lockdowns, Supervisor Joel Anderson speaks out against an extension of this eviction moratorium which would force owners to continue renting to residents regardless of whether or not they have paid rent. A County Board of Supervisors meeting today which is scheduled to address the topic prompted Anderson’s press conference.
He contends, “This moratorium ordinance is not only unfair, but also completely unnecessary,” … “Our local cities were been given no notice on this restrictive measure, lacking the transparency we should have at local government.”
He further rebukes the bill stating that it harms “landlords who are dependent upon rent revenue to pay their mortgages and retirement, forcing some into very uncomfortable, even hostile, situations with uncooperative tenants.”
He concludes that the ordinance is an unnecessary notion due to $80 million in relief funds built into the County budget to assist residents unable to pay rent.
Richard Bailey and Bill Wells, mayors of Coronado and El Cajon respectively, joined Anderson in opposing the bill, stating that the backhanded “power grab” which none of the cities in San Diego County were notified of abuses local authority and creates issues with enforcing the mandate. Legislating the law on the local and community levels instead of combatting real criminal activity in these areas.
Anderson announced at the conference that 30 local officials signed an opposition to the bill, asserting that it violates the principles of local control among owners and communities.
In addition to the courageous assertions by Anderson and the mayors, Ayesha Anand added to the opposition through a story of her personal struggles. Anand had a tenant in her home become physically and verbally abusive of her, unable to take action, she continued housing the tenant as they not only mistreated her but her property as well.
The ordinance was addressed yesterday by the County Board of Supervisors as Agenda Item #26, and as it goes on, the fate of many landlords and private individuals is hinged on their decision.
Photo via Chris Stone via Times of San Diego
