Costa-Hawkins reform delayed for now. But rent gouging protection moves forward!

We just saw our rent control reform bill, AB 36, put on hold for now. It would have reformed Costa Hawkins, the law that restricts a community’s ability to implement rent control. It hurts to see this legislation delayed knowing how much it would have done for 17 million renters. But the fight continues and we were pumped to see AB 1482, a bill that would restrict rent gouging, pass 6 to 1 out of committee. We also have a huge vote on Tuesday that would ensure landlords have "just-cause" whenever they want to evict a tenant.

The fight for renter protections is a marathon and we're grateful to have your support. Thanks to each of you of who made a donation, sent in an email, called your legislator, or shared our messages on social media!
Real possibility that California could enact a Green New Deal!

Cities from LA to Oakland have endorsed the resolution and identified next steps to begin to implement it locally. A Green New Deal bill, AB 1276, has also been introduced in the California Legislature. Learn more in this blog post by Managing Attorney Richard Marcantonio!
The 3Ps: the new consensus on how to solve the housing crisis

Politicians, and even some developers, are realizing that the solution to this crisis is centered on three core values: P ROTECTION of tenants, PRESERVATION of affordable housing, and PRODUCTION of housing that is affordable for those that need it. Check out our 90-second video on the 3Ps!
Remembering Cliff Loo

We are terribly saddened to share the news that our former longtime Public Advocates colleague, Cliff Loo, has passed away. For several decades until 2008, Cliff served as Public Advocates’ front desk receptionist. We remember him fondly for his laughter, and welcoming smile. He was always a cheerful and wise presence who loved to poke good fun at most things. Cliff was ready to help with any questions we had and made us all feel welcome at Public Advocates, an organization that was made better for his work with us. We are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Teachers shouldn't have to beg in über-rich California

Sometimes we forget that California is a very wealthy place. In fact, it's the fifth-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $2.7 trillion. In spite of the abundance, California still ranks 41st in per-pupil spending with fewer adults per classroom than all but two states.
 
In this East Bay Times  op-ed,   Managing Attorney John Affeldt examines our state's vast wealth, and the solutions that are within our reach. Check out his op-ed titled  "Teachers shouldn't have to beg in über-rich California."
The Voices of Conscience Fund: our civil rights war chest

In lieu of hosting a costly annual dinner, Public Advocates has created the Fund to direct 100% of your financial contribution to building the legal firepower necessary to fight for education, housing and environmental rights. It was established to sustain rapid, effective action.

Will you consider joining us as a Voices of Conscience Fund sponsor? You can click here to explore sponsorship levels. We are so grateful for the support of the sponsors who have already stepped up this year!
Public Advocates in the News

Policy Advocate Michelle Pariset was a guest on the CAL Matters "Gimme Shelter" podcast discussing the outlook for 2019 housing legislation.....Deputy Managing Attorney Angelica Jongco was quoted in an EdSource article on a possible budget cut at Oakland Unified School District.....Managing Attorney John Affeldt penned an East Bay Times op-ed spotlighting the state's decades of public education underfunding.
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