February 2018 Newsletter:

Public Advocates' Newest Chapter: Higher Ed Advocacy!

We've received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that will enable us to expand into higher education advocacy. It's a chance to advance a policy agenda that reflects the needs and voices of community college and college students — especially low-income and first-generation students from immigrant families (including English Learners), students of color, and working adults.

Getting Ready for Our Close-Up

The award-winning public television show, Visionaries, will profile Public Advocates in a 30-minute episode during their upcoming season! Hosted by Sam Watterson of Law & Order fame, the show will look into how our model for movement lawyering is helping build grassroots power across the state.

Trump Administration Rolls Back Fair Housing

Someone's race, skin color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability should not limit where they can live. This fundamental value is now under attack as President Trump suspends critical fair housing regulations.That's why we are co-sponsoring AB 686 (Santiago), which would add requirements for our cities and counties to proactively combat the enduring legacy of segregation and create more equal housing opportunities for all Californians.

How to Stop Skyrocketing Rents? Start with Repealing Costa-Hawkins 

What's the #1 priority for tenants' rights organizations? It's repealing Costa Hawkins–a law that keeps cities from stabilizing rents and preventing unjust evictions.The repeal of Costa-Hawkins will likely be on the statewide ballot in November. We're committed to that effort as well helping allies across the state win local rent stabilization measures. Stay tuned for ways to take action.

We're Hiring!

There are three position openings at Public Advocates: Education Policy Advocate , Digital Communications Specialist , and a Summer 2018 Policy Intern . Also coming soon, an opening for a Transportation Justice Policy Advocate!

In a time when basic civil rights are being threatened, your support is more critical than ever. The Voices of Conscience Fund helps sustain rapid and effective action in defense of the rights of low-income Californians. Special thanks to our Changemaker sponsor, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation. Check out all of the sponsors of the Fund here!

Public Advocates in the News

Deputy Managing Attorney Sam Tepperman-Gelfant was quoted in a WIRED article on California's housing crisis.....A Public Advocates report detailing Wall Street's takeover of the rental market was featured in Truthout , The Intercept , CBS 13 , Inman , Boingboing and the Sacramento News-Review , Managing Attorney John Affeldt was mentioned in an EdSource article on California's efforts to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act..... The Oakland Post mentions Public Advocates in a article about the rent control bill that failed in the Assembly..... The East Bay Times mentioned Public Advocates in an article about grants from the Akonadi Foundation..... The East Bay Express mentioned Managing Attorney John Affeldt in an article about the shift away from textbooks in classrooms..... The Long Beach Press Telegram mentioned Public Advocates in a 2017 wrap-up of Long Beach education..... EdSource mentioned Public Advocates in an article on the standoff between state and federal authorities on how to improve schools in California.