Overreaching Just Cause & Rent Caps Approved After Nearly 6 Hour Hearing

Despite being agendized as an urgency measure requiring 4 votes, the measure was allowed to pass as a regular ordinance on a 3-2 vote after failing to garner 4 votes in support. This means it will come back for a second reading on May 4, and go into effect 30 days thereafter. We are already exploring possible litigation especially as it relates to conflicts with state law (SB 91), takings, and contract interference. We will also seek legal guidance on the liability created by the dangerous definition for Just Cause. 

Tenants' rights advocates rallied hundreds of speakers in support who called housing providers privileged, selfish, and heartless. They claim property owners are evicting residents left and right and abusing the existing protections. 

We know this is NOT true. There may be some bad actors, but that calls for a targeted approach, not the broad brush approach the ordinance takes. It's unfortunate that some elected leaders have bought into this rhetoric. 

Offers to come to the table with tenant groups to work on solutions were rejected! Yet they called you bullies and chastised you for choosing to provide a roof over their head. 

Thank you to everyone who waited on the lines to call in, wrote emails and called their Supervisors. We will keep up the good fight. If you would like to follow up and share you thoughts on the outcome, here is the final vote tally:

YES (ordinance author) - Supervisor Nora Vargas: 619-531-5511 or District1community@sdcounty.ca.gov

NO - Supervisor Joel Anderson: 619-531-5522 or joel.anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov

YES (however suggested many fair amendments that were rejected by the author) - Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer: 619-531-5533 or terra.lawsonremer@sdcounty.ca.gov

YES - Supervisor Nathan Fletcher: 619-531-5544 or nathan.fletcher@sdcounty.ca.gov

NO - Supervisor Jim Desmond: 619-531-5555 orjim.desmond@sdcounty.ca.gov