Housing
San Pablo passes tenant protection ordinance that some say lacks teeth
Thousands of mixed-status California families could lose housing under proposed federal rule
The Weekly Dispatch Community-powered immigration news from the Bay Area. Welcome to El Tímpano’s Weekly Dispatch. I’m Erica Hellerstein, senior immigration, labor, and economics reporter. For the past year, this newsletter has…
Without a rent control ordinance, San Pablo mobile home park residents face unchecked hikes
Lea esta historia en español. Back in May, the family received a “Notice of Rent Increase,” stating that effective September 1, the couple’s rent would be $1,296.80—an $80 increase from what she…
Soaring housing costs make life even more challenging for Oakland’s unaccompanied minors
Amid staggering cost of living and debt, young migrants’ mental health needs take a back seat.
Poisoned pipes and painted walls: Oakland’s pervasive lead problem
Our four-month-long investigation, led by reporters Jasmine Aguilera and Cassandra Garibay, reveals that the city of Oakland’s lead contamination persists despite a multimillion-dollar fund from a 2019 lead paint settlement.
Oakland renters at risk of lead exposure asked, “What are our rights?”
These are eight of the most common renter’s rights questions that came up in El Tímpano’s investigation on lead exposure.
“Making a complaint can feel dangerous.” Oakland’s slow moves on inspections puts the onus on tenants
Despite high rates of dilapidated housing and an ongoing lead crisis, a proactive approach to rental inspections still doesn’t have a launch date.
Officials from around Alameda County call Oakland’s inaction on lead a “dereliction of duty”
County officials urge Oakland to use lead settlement funds to remedy lead contamination in Oakland schools’ water.
Rent control is on the ballot again
Proposition 33 aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act, potentially easing housing burden for immigrant communities.
‘California is expensive and we have to make difficult decisions to survive’
Aging farmworkers in Half Moon Bay want a place to ‘rest with dignity’
Senior farmworker housing is approved after years of advocacy and a singular tragedy.
Half Moon Bay council approves crucial housing project for senior farmworkers
Development moves forward against a backdrop of tragedy and regional housing challenges.
Bay Area sees an immigrant powered-push for rent stabilization
Latino renters are behind ballot initiatives in San Mateo and Contra Costa Counties aimed at combating rising costs and risks of displacement.
Concord’s rent stabilization survives another challenge
After eight years of tenant advocacy, rent stabilization and just cause eviction protections were enacted, but months of challenges ensued.
Concord passes an ordinance to cap rent increases
The ordinance includes a three percent annual rent increase cap on multi-family complexes built before 1995, and also establishes just cause for eviction policies that cover most units.
When crowding up is the only choice for low-income renters in Contra Costa County
Immigrant renters describe the challenges of affording housing—from hazardous conditions to overcrowding and displacement.
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