Tag: Rent Control

By Posted on Posted in Electoral Campaigning, Endorsements, Rent Board Convention

Candidate applications for the Berkeley Rent Board Convention are due Sunday, May 19.  For more information about running in the Convention, please review the candidate packet at bit.ly/2024CandidatePacket.

The Convention Planning Committee thanks candidates and community members for their feedback recommending this extension to make the process more equitable and inclusive.

Help select – or even run for – the progressive, pro-tenant Berkeley Rent Board slate!  This year, there are FOUR seats up for election in November on the Rent Board.  (If current Rent Board Commissioner Soli Alpert wins the May 28 special election for City Council District 4, then there will be FIVE at-large seats on the Board up for election in November.)

Every election year since 1994, the Rent Board Convention has selected the progressive, pro-tenant slate for the open seats on the Berkeley Rent Board. The Berkeley Tenants Union is once again co-sponsoring this year’s Convention; other confirmed sponsors include along with Friends of Adeline, the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America, the Young Democratic Socialists of America – UC Berkeley, Our Revolution East Bay, the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, the Gray Panthers, the Green Party, SEIU 1021, and the Cal Berkeley Democrats.

The 2024 Berkeley Rent Board Convention is will take place in early June (likely June 8 or 9).

Persons interested in running for the pro-tenant slate must complete the candidate questionnaire – located at bit.ly/2024CandidatePacket – by SUNDAY, MAY 19.  You do NOT need to be a tenant to run at the Convention.

Any Berkeley resident at least thirteen years old (including non-citizens) who fully supports tenants’ rights and affordable housing may vote in the Convention.  Each Convention, hundreds of Berkeley residents cast ballots and this year is expected to be no different as the housing affordability crisis continues to loom in Berkeley.

More information about the Convention will be announced via email closer over the next few weeks.  If you have any questions, please visit berkeleytenantsconvention.net or email berkeleytenantsconvention@gmail.com.

Finally, please consider making a donation to help the Convention organizers cover all the costs. To donate, go to www.berkeleytenants.org and click the yellow “Donate” button in the upper right corner of the website’s homepage (please type “Convention” in the “Add a message to BTU” line to help us distinguish these donations from BTU dues). If you would prefer to donate by cash or check, please email berkeleytenantsconvention@gmail.com to coordinate.

By Posted on Posted in Electoral Campaigning, Endorsements, Rent Board Convention

UPDATE: The deadline to submit a candidate application has been extended to Sunday, May 19. For the updated post, please click here. The Convention Planning Committee thanks candidates and community members for their feedback recommending this extension to make the process more equitable and inclusive.

Candidate applications for the Berkeley Rent Board Convention are due Sunday, May 12.  For more information about running in the Convention, please review the candidate packet at bit.ly/2024CandidatePacket.

Help select – or even run for – the progressive, pro-tenant Berkeley Rent Board slate!  This year, there are FOUR seats up for election in November on the Rent Board.  (If current Rent Board Commissioner Soli Alpert wins the May 28 special election for City Council District 4, then there will be FIVE at-large seats on the Board up for election in November.)

Every election year since 1994, the Rent Board Convention has selected the progressive, pro-tenant slate for the open seats on the Berkeley Rent Board. The Berkeley Tenants Union is once again co-sponsoring this year’s Convention; other confirmed sponsors include along with Friends of Adeline, the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America, the Young Democratic Socialists of America – UC Berkeley, Our Revolution East Bay, the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, the Gray Panthers, the Green Party, SEIU 1021, and the Cal Berkeley Democrats.

The 2024 Berkeley Rent Board Convention is will take place in early June (likely June 8 or 9).

Persons interested in running for the pro-tenant slate must complete the candidate questionnaire – located at bit.ly/2024CandidatePacket – by SUNDAY, MAY 12.  You do NOT need to be a tenant to run at the Convention.

Any Berkeley resident at least thirteen years old (including non-citizens) who fully supports tenants’ rights and affordable housing may vote in the Convention.  Each Convention, hundreds of Berkeley residents cast ballots and this year is expected to be no different as the housing affordability crisis continues to loom in Berkeley.

More information about the Convention will be announced via email closer over the next few weeks.  If you have any questions, please visit berkeleytenantsconvention.net or email berkeleytenantsconvention@gmail.com.

Finally, please consider making a donation to help the Convention organizers cover all the costs. To donate, go to www.berkeleytenants.org and click the yellow “Donate” button in the upper right corner of the website’s homepage (please type “Convention” in the “Add a message to BTU” line to help us distinguish these donations from BTU dues). If you would prefer to donate by cash or check, please email berkeleytenantsconvention@gmail.com to coordinate.

By Posted on Posted in Electoral Campaigning

What: Come join BTU, DSA, UAW, and SEIU canvassing to protect Berkeley tenants and elect Cecilia Lunaparra to the City Council
When: Saturday, March 16, 2024, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: UC Berkeley Unit 3 Courtyard (2400 Durant Avenue)
<< RSVP Here >>

This Saturday at 11AM, we’re holding our second canvass for two major BTU campaigns: Campaigning for Cecilia Lunaparra for Berkeley City Council District 7, plus signature gathering for the Berkeley Tenant Protection and Right to Organize Act, a ballot measure to expand rent control and give tenants a legally enforceable right to unionize and collectively bargain with their landlord.

We’ll meet in the courtyard of UC Berkeley’s Unit 3 dormitory (2400 Durant Avenue) at 11AM before beginning the canvass. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing so that canvassing is as fun as possible!

Can’t make Saturday’s canvass but still want to help collect signatures?  Just fill out the RSVP form and indicate in the last question that you can’t make it.

By Posted on Posted in Electoral Campaigning

What: Come join BTU, DSA, UAW, and SEIU kicking-off canvassing to protect Berkeley tenants and elect Cecilia Lunaparra to the City Council
When: Saturday, March 9, 2024, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: UC Berkeley Unit 1 Courtyard (2650 Durant Avenue)
<< RSVP Here >>

This Saturday at 11AM, we’re launching the field campaign for two major BTU campaigns: Canvassing for Cecilia Lunaparra for Berkeley City Council District 7, as well as signature gathering for the Berkeley Tenant Protection and Right to Organize Act, a ballot measure to expand rent control and give tenants a legally enforceable right to unionize and collectively bargain with their landlord.

We’ll meet in the courtyard of UC Berkeley’s Unit 1 dormitory (2650 Durant Avenue) at 11AM before beginning the canvass. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing so that canvassing is as fun as possible!

Can’t make Saturday’s canvass but still want to help collect signatures?  Just fill out the RSVP form and indicate in the last question that you can’t make it.

By Posted on Posted in Endorsements

We’re excited to announce that the Berkeley Tenants Unions membership has overwhelmingly voted to make the following endorsements:

  • People Powered Progressives Slate (Avery Arbaugh, Alfred Twu, Paola Laverde, Michael Cheng, Carol Coyote Cook, Sadia Khan, and John “Chip” Moore) for Alameda County Democratic Central Committee
  • YES on Berkeley Measure H (parcel tax renewal to fund schools)
  • YES on Alameda County Measure A (civil service)
  • YES on Alameda County Measure B (recalls)
  • OPPOSE recalling District Attorney Pamela Price

Additionally, the BTU membership previously voted to endorse:

  • Cecilia Lunaparra for Berkeley City Council District 7 (special election)
  • Nikki Bas for Alameda County Supervisor District 5
  • Margot Smith for State Assembly District 14
  • Jovanka Beckles for State Senate District 7
  • Barbara Lee for US Senate
  • YES on the Proposed Berkeley Measure to Strengthen the City’s Rent Control Ordinance
  • YES on the ballot measure to repeal Article XXXIV of the California Constitution (November)

A big thank you to everyone who voted on all of our endorsements.

By Posted on Posted in Endorsements

We’re excited to announce that the Berkeley Tenants Unions membership has overwhelmingly voted to make the following endorsements:

  • Cecilia Lunaparra for Berkeley City Council District 7 (special election)
  • Nikki Bas for Alameda County Supervisor District 5
  • Margot Smith for State Assembly District 14
  • YES on the Proposed Berkeley Measure to Strengthen the City’s Rent Control Ordinance

Additionally, the BTU membership previously voted to endorse:

  • Barbara Lee for US Senate
  • Jovanka Beckles for State Senate District 7
  • YES on the ballot measure to repeal Article XXXIV of the California Constitution (November)

A big thank you to everyone who voted in this election. Additionally, members-in-good-standing should be on the look out for another membership ballot that will go out shortly.

By Posted on Posted in Issues

The next meeting will be Saturday, February 13 at 5:00 PM on the Zoom platform, online. Members will be sent an email about the meeting. Agenda items will be sent out soon, but the major topic of this meeting will be the status of the local eviction moratorium.

To become a member, contact Berkeley Tenants Union by email. Dues are on a sliding scale and can be paid in a number of different ways. Members are eligible for our monthly counseling sessions as well as a strong say about what issues the organization chooses for action. Ask to see the BTU by-laws for more information.

These days, BTU communicates about actions via emails and Facebook. Be sure to like the Facebook page you see displayed on the sidebar to the right!

Be sure that you are on the mailing list too.

Also, please share this Facebook link to our meeting, or a link to this post – let’s build our numbers and bring more power to the people!
https://fb.me/e/3KLr3BzA5

Berkeley Tenants Are Organizing!
“The current city moratorium has “weak” penalties for property owners who institute late fees, lock out tenants or threaten renters, according to (a Berkeley Tenants Union leader) Lewis. He said crucial parts of the measure, such as amendments to include renters’ rights on eviction notices, were removed Nov. 17. If the stricter moratorium passes, it will not take effect until February 2021 due to restrictions in a statewide moratorium that prevents property owners from taking tenants to court, according to Lewis.”
https://www.dailycal.org/2020/12/08/berkeley-city-council-votes-on-measure-to-strengthen-eviction-moratorium/

Berkeley Landlords Are Organizing Too!
“There are multiple Eviction Moratoriums in effect during this pandemic. Berkeley’s Eviction Moratorium currently prohibits any type of eviction during the local state of emergency and dictates how rent not paid during the pandemic is to be handled. The state’s Eviction Moratorium (AB 3088 effective Sept 1 to Jan 31) is currently being modified at the legislature. We expect the moratorium will be extended through June of 2021, as well as continue to defer the 25% payment of rent until then. BPOA is working to provide guidance as to how the state’s extension will interact with our local Eviction Moratorium.”
https://www.bpoa.org/

City of Berkeley’s COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Factsheet
https://berkeleytenants.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Covid-19-Tenant-Factsheet_4-07-2020-1.pdf

Rent Board Info on Local Protections
https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Rent_Stabilization_Board/Home/Can_t_Pay_Rent_Due_to_COVID-19_.aspx

Apartment Owners’ Thoughts on the Moratorium
https://caanet.org/kb/berkeley-eviction-moratorium-caa-summary/

Your Rights Under the State Law
https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/consumer-law-economic-justice/projects/consumer-protection-guides-covid-19/issue-i-tenants-rights-covid-19/

Weak Federal Protections Extended by Biden
“At President Biden’s direction, the eviction moratorium from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been extended to March 31. But tens of millions of people owing back rent may be forced out of their homes even with the extension. After months of wrangling, Congress allocated $25 billion in rental assistance.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/opinion/eviction-crisis-moratorium.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

July 2020 Summary of Local Law
https://patch.com/california/berkeley/berkeley-eviction-protections-renters-struggling-due-coronavirus-1

Other News
The East Bay Community Law Center is working with City of Berkeley leaders to establish a housing policy called the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. Learn more about TOPA here:
https://ebclc.org/topa/

By Posted on Posted in Issues
Photos of the Candidates
Pro-Tenant Slate

Your Berkeley Tenants Union is getting busy this election season!

Members must pay their dues if you want to vote on endorsements. Dues are a sliding scale. Contact “info at berkeleytenants dot org” to learn more.

These days, BTU communicates about actions via emails and Facebook. Be sure to like the Facebook page you see displayed on the sidebar to the right!

Be sure that you are on the mailing list too!

BTU has monthly clinics for free counseling if you are in trouble. We are also working on several ballot measures, and of course we urge you to support the Pro-Tenant Slate for Rent Board. If you want to volunteer to help get activists from BTU and like-minded organizations elected to the Berkeley Rent Board, you can sign up here to assist the Right2Housing Slate:
https://berkeleytenants.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d3053fd94934e92d237a8b9e8&id=c69a08e63a&e=469b9ffc9e

ABOUT THE TENANT CONVENTION

The Berkeley Tenant Convention is a decades-old biennial event in which all Berkeley residents who fully support rent control are invited to nominate the progressive, pro-tenant slate for the Berkeley Rent Board. The sponsors of the 2020 Convention included the Berkeley Tenants Union, Berkeley Citizens Action, the Berkeley Democrats (NOT the Berkeley Democratic Club), the Cal Berkeley Democrats, the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America, Friends of Adeline, the Gray Panthers, the Green Party, the NAACP, Our Revolution East Bay, SEIU 1021, UAW 2865 (the UC student-workers union), the Young Democratic Socialists of America – UC Berkeley, and Young Democrats for Justice in Palestine – East Bay.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATES

Photo of 2020 Pro-TenantSlate
2020 Pro-Tenant Slate

The candidates chosen at this year’s convention are Dominique Walker, who works at the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment; Mari Mendonca, a lifelong Berkeley resident who was appointed to the Rent Board recently; Xavier Johnson, who is a legal fellow at Centro Legal de la Raza; incumbent attorney Leah Simon-Weisberg, who has worked for San Francisco’s Eviction Defense Collaborative and Tenants Together; and Andy Kelley, Communications Director at the California League of Conservation Voters.

They are calling their campaign the Right2Housing Slate.

You can watch the whole 2020 Tenant Convention on video at BTU’s Facebook page, and keep up with the priorities and activities of our candidates at their website: https://berkeleyrentboard.org

FOR MORE INFO

Tenant Convention Slate for Berkeley Rent Board
“About 615 electronic ballots and 95 paper ballots were cast, this is an unprecedented turnout. Because of the pandemic, most efforts were done online.”
http://berkeleycitizensaction.org/?p=1193

About Mari
“She is City Councilmember Ben Bartlett’s appointee on the city’s Housing Advisory Commission. She is a member of Friends of Adeline, a neighborhood group that is working to stop gentrification in south Berkeley and to help shape the area’s future as it undergoes new planning. She has also been involved with unions.”
https://www.berkeleyside.com/2019/10/29/mari-mendonca-community-activist-appointed-to-fill-rent-board-vacancy#:~:text=Mari%20Mendonca%2C%20a%20Berkeley%20native,17%20to%20appoint%20Mendonca.

About Leah
“As current vice chair of the rent board, Simon-Weisberg’s legal and policymaking experience is part of what makes her an important member of the board, according to Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín.”
https://www.dailycal.org/2020/07/05/a-valued-partner-leah-simon-weisberg-runs-for-reelection-on-berkeley-rent-board/

Help Right2Housing Slate in the Election
https://berkeleyrentboard.org